Bags

FASHION CRUSH – STRATHBERRY BAG

April 29, 2018 By Noemi Leave a Comment

I rarely write about bags so, when it happens, it means I saw a beautiful bag which, for me, should be timeless and practical. Strathberry East/West bag seems to have both these qualities.

I just discovered this Spanish brand, then I found out Meghan Markle carried a Strathberry bag (which she seems to love) a couple of months ago but I’m so uninterested in her style and life that, basically, I skip every article I see about the future Duchess of Sussex.

But let’s go back to East/West bag. It’s available in many colors that are supposed to be restocked soon but among my favorite ones there’s this delicate hue of grey. The bag has two compartments and an interior pocket and it’s lined with a look-alike suede microfiber fabric. The signature golden bar closure is the most interesting detail and makes the bag stand out.

Do you think Strathberry is going to be the next ~~big~~ bag thing?

BETTER THAN IT-BAGS

December 14, 2017 By Noemi Leave a Comment

I’ve already written I don’t particularly like bags and I’m not into it-bags.

It’s not that I don’t like bags, because of course I do. I just wouldn’t describe myself as a “bag enthusiast”, I don’t get crazy about this or that heavy and impractical model, I don’t call my bags babies (some do it, and I’m totally fine with it), and I usually prefer timeless bags and purse, even if I have a soft spot for cute, crazy clutches. They’re so beautiful to see.

Most of all, I usually don’t like most of the bags that have become a status symbols.

For example, I don’t get all the fascination for Hermès Kelly and Birkin. They are beautiful bags, but they look dated, to me. As Coco Chanel said “luxury should be comfortable, otherwise is not luxury”. And those bags both seem to be impractical.

Also, I easily lose interest in a fashion item or trend when it becomes so popular that it’s basically everywhere. When I’m doing shopping and a shop assistant says “oh, we sold this bag/dress/fragrance/whatever item so much”, it doesn’t make me want to buy it, at all. I don’t want to dress and, most of all smell, like thousands of people.

So, I decided to write a post about those bags that I consider underrated. They are less popular and less Instagram and Pinterest friendly. Maybe you don’t even know about them also because they’re not counterfeit! How many times have you seen a person carrying a Louis Vuitton bag that made you wonder if it was real or fake?

BALENCIAGA BLACKOUT CITY LEATHER TOTE. Since the arrival of Demna Gvasalia as creative director, Balenciaga made some hugely successful and talked about bags but the City bags designed by Ghesquière are still very popular among it bags lovers. There was a time when I used to wonder how many girls and women could afford a bag that expensive despite their jobs but I guess many women would rather give up eating in order to have a designer bag. While I find the studded (and heavy) version, available in many different colors, overrated and common, I find Blackout tote much classier. Its color, Gris Cender, is very chic and goes well with everything, the lack of studs and any type of hardware (which I usually love) makes this bag lighter in every sense and the smooth handles are more practical and refined than the whipstitched ones.

Balenciaga “Blackout City” – Photo via Net-à-Porter

GUCCI GG MARMONT. While everybody seems to love Dionysus in its super embellished and Guccified versions, GG Marmont is more refined and timeless. Available in light pink, red and black, every detail of this bag is beautiful, from the matelassé chevron leather to the quilted heart on the back of the bag.

Gucci GG Marmont – Photo via Gucci

HERMÈS VICTORIA II. The French house is famous for two of the ultimate it bags, Kelly and Birkin, the object of desire of many fashion victims, included Samantha Jones. I don’t know about you, but I saw the Birkin carried by so many tacky women that I don’t consider it a stylish bag, anymore. I remember a post on PurseBlog where a woman left a comment saying how the Birkin lost its allure at her eyes after she saw it in the hands of a porn actress. It’s become a status symbol and even if it’s still a great profitable investment, Victoria II is a Hermès bag you should consider if you’re looking for a beautiful and classy bag. It’s available in 16 different colors and, even if I love it in bleu jean and bordeaux, my favorite color is gold. Timeless and chic.

Hermès Victoria II – Photo via Hermès

LOUIS VUITTON PERNELLE and ALMA PM. Louis Vuitton is famous for the monogram and the damier canvas bags and for collaborations with artists like Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons, just to mention a few. The French house makes some beautiful bags and among them I would chose Pernelle, an elegant tote available in three colors, magnolia, black and galet (my favorite one) and Alma PM, available both in textured leather and canvas (my favorite is damier ebène). Alma is a model originally created by Gaston Vuitton, who named it Alma after the Parisian bridge (now also sadly known for the close tunnel where Lady Diana’s car accident happened). Aren’t these two bags better than the more famous Speedy?

Louis Vuitton Alma PM – Photo via Louis Vuitton

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DOLCE&GABBANA LUCIA. While Miss Sicily seems to be the most successful bag designed by Dolce and Gabbana, I find Lucia more refined. It reminds me of the bag carried by one of my grandmothers to go to Mass, but with a modern twist. I like the embellished handle (the bag also has a detachable and adjustable strap) and the metal fastening, not to mention the leopard lining and the compact mirror. Style is in the details, right?

better than it bags dolce and gabbana Lucia

Dolce&Gabbana Lucia Medium Bag – Photo via Dolce&Gabbana

SAINT LAURENT COLLÈGE. If many women love Cabas and Blogger (formerly known as Camera) bag, I find Collège truly classy and timeless. While Cabas has always seemed impractical to me, most of all because of the gusseted side panels, and Blogger too small, I find Collège a bag perfect from day to night, like Chanel flap bag. Available in three sizes and many colors, my favorite version is medium in grey, even if I (obviously) like it in black, too.

better than it bags saint laurent college

Saint Laurent Collège – Photo via Saint Laurent

LOEWE AMAZONA. Do you remember when Loewe launched the Puzzle bag, designed by Jonathan Anderson, and the Elephant bag? Fashion editors went crazy for them. I fell in love with Puzzle in pvc but unfortunately it costed like the leather version (why, oh why?). While I never understood all the fuss about Elephant (unless you’re a child) despite my appreciation for the craftsmanship of who makes it, Amazona is my favorite Loewe bag. Can you believe that it’s forty years old? Forty and fabulous, I would say.

Loewe Amazona – Photo via Loewe

If you’re looking for timeless and chic bags take a look at these and this, too.

FASHION CRUSH – NICO GIANI TUNILLA BAG

October 22, 2017 By Noemi Leave a Comment

As a “not bag” person, 99% of the times I don’t understand the fascination many women have for some bags. But, once in a while, I see a bag and I think “oh, I love it!”. That was happened with Nico Giani’s Tunilla. Round bags are a thing now, and I find them beautiful, kind of timeless. They remind me of hat boxes. Weren’t women so chic when they used to travel with a hat box?

Niccolò Giannini is the winner of the 2017 edition of “Who is on Next”, the project (promoted by Vogue Italia) that aims to discover new Italian fashion designers.

Tunilla is also available in white and yellow, but my favorite version is in tan leather.

A BRAND TO WATCH: LAETITIA

February 7, 2017 By Noemi Leave a Comment

Bag (and not bag) persons, today I’m glad to introduce Laetitia to you.

Laetitia is a young brand of bags and accessories born in 2013 in the heart of Tuscany, a region famous for amazing art and architecture, breathtaking landscapes, great wine and a long tradition of handicraft.

Laetitia, which means joy in latin, aims to create elegant, luxurious and timeless bags for women with a defined sense of style. Even a “not a bag person” like me immediately fell in love with Laetitia’s creations, also because the brand offers a made to measure service so you can create your own bag, choosing among many colors.

The brand has three main models: Sylvia, Tippi and Lavinia.

Sylvia, Laetitia’s first-born bag, is named after Anita Ekberg’s character in the famous film “La Dolce Vita” (1960), directed by Federico Fellini. It has a vintage vibe and its round shape makes it practical and elegant. Sylvia is available as a handbag and as a clutch. It is such a timeless and versatile bag. Its elegance can elevate a casual everyday outfit and perfectly accessorize classy daytime and evening looks. Blue navy and blush pink is my favorite color combo, I find it very classy.

Sylvia handbag in blue navy and blush pink

Sylvia clutch in leather and floral silk

Sylvia clutch in blue navy and blush pink

Anita Ekberg as Sylvia in “La Dolce Vita” – screenshot via Vogue Paris

Tippi, named after actress and model Tippi Hedren (my favorite among all Hitchcock’s muses and for those who are not fond of a certain genre, Dakota Johnson’s grandmother), is a very classy bag with a retro vibe. It looks like the bag of the protagonist of an old thriller, because the protagonists of those films were always so chic! I like its geometric shape and its chain shoulder strap. Tippi is available in two versions, as a flap bag and as a shopper.

Tippi flap bag in blue navy and blush pink

Tippi shopper in blue navy and mango

Tippi Hedren – screenshot via Pinterest

As a huge film lover, I have a thing for brands that take inspiration from films and those iconic characters and actors that are still a source of inspiration when it comes to style and fashion.

Lavinia is Laetitia’s latest born. Inspired by beauty bags, it’s perfect for those women who like small bags and prefer to carry with them only the essentials. Even if I usually go for roomy bags, I admit that going out with a lightweight, compact bag is very comfortable. Sometimes I wish I was minimalist!

Lavinia in blue navy

Lavinia in mango

Lavinia in floral canvas

All Laetitia bags are classy, timeless and youthful. Some say that elegance consists in not being noticed. But sometimes elegance means to make somebody wonder what you are wearing and which bag you’re carrying.

Laetitia bags and accessories are available on Laetitia’s official site and in famous Italian shops like Biffi, Penelope and Vela Shop.

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FALL 2016 TRENDS: TASSELS

October 12, 2016 By Noemi 2 Comments

Tassels, already seen last spring and summer, are still among the most appreciated (and easiest) ways to embellish clothes and accessories.

Few days ago I saw the window of a sewing shop and it was full of tassels, in many colors and sizes. Once a must-have accessory of our grandmas, who tied them at the keys of the shutters or used them to decorate their curtains (well, someone still does it), they are now a very fashionable items.

Tassels add a touch of color and some movement to shoes, bags and jewelry.

I’ve always liked them, I have a chain belt with a tassel pendant and I once bought a pair of jeans just because one of the pocket was embellished with a detachable tassel (of course the jeans were cute, too!). Last year I also bought a cute and super affordable Mango bag because a tassel just added a “certain touch”. So, yes, I’m a big fan of this trend 🙂

Tassel shoes, jewelry, accessories (included a beautiful hair tie), clothes and more. These are 20 items I found for you.

tassels fall 2016 tabitha simmons afton ankle boots

Tabitha Simmons “Afton” available also in gray suede

tassels accessories ben-amun venetian breeze pin

Ben-Amun “Venetian Breeze” pin. This is one of my favorite items of this post

Missoni I like all the charms, most of all the hand/arm-shaped one

tassels fall 2016 cinq a sept skye embelished cardigan

Cinq à Sept “Skye” cardigan

Zara

tassels fall 2016 phylosophy di lorenzo serafini sweater

Phylosophy di Lorenzo Serafini I love this chunky sweater, it looks so warm

Loeffler Randall “Jasper”

Mira Mikati “Don’t Worry” sweater

Forever 21

Topshop

Saint Laurent

Rosantica “Teatro” a nice idea to add an interesting touch to a simple ponytail

H&M

Kenneth Jay Lane

Tory Burch “Thea”

Chloé “Janis”

H&M it’s a scarf for the hair

Rebecca Minkoff “Wendy” belt bag

Eddie Harrop The Voyager weekend bag

tassels accessories laurence dacade marcella booties

Laurence Dacade “Marcella” available also as thigh high boots

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FASHION CRUSH – ALEXANDER MCQUEEN UNICORN CLUTCH

September 18, 2016 By Noemi Leave a Comment

This week Fashion Crush is a dreamy accessory. Alexander McQueen unicorn clutch is beyond beautiful. It could be used as decorative object; as many other McQueen accessories, it would look great displayed on a shelf.

This silk satin clutch, lined with leather, has the signature McQueen knuckle clasp and this time it’s a beautiful unicorn, flying among the moon and the stars, to be featured on it. While the clutch is plain, the clasp is very elaborated and embellished with Swarovski crystals.

I know this clutch, which is really expensive, is a perfect red carpet accessory and not suitable for everyday life, but I really fell in love with it. I mean, who can resist a golden, crystals embellished unicorn? I can’t!

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FASHION CRUSH – DISNEY X COACH MICKEY BAG

July 3, 2016 By Noemi Leave a Comment

I rarely post bags on the blog because I’m not particularly fond of them. I wrote more than once that I usually don’t like seasonal it-bags but I prefer understated and, most of all, practical ones. But once in a while I kind of fall in love with a bag.

That’s what happened with this Disney x Coach Mickey bag. Every time Disney teams up with a brand, the result is fashionable cuteness!

Mickey bag is so cute and looks very practical, too. I like the kisslock closure, the metal chain, the two compartments inside and of course the Mickey Mouse ears. Ok, I like everything about it!

This cute bag is part of a limited edition and it’s available in tanned, red, black and yellow leather.

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FASHION CRUSH – TOPSHOP WEEKEND BAG

June 5, 2016 By Noemi 2 Comments

This Topshop weekender is very cute. I was looking for a weekend bag and I found this. Usually, such colorful accessories are not my cup of tea (I don’t even like tea, to be honest, but I like this saying!) but this bag is lovely.

It’s part of a collection called Key to Freedom (a project started by the Duke of York in 2012) that supports women in India. Every bag (available in other colors) in handcrafted and signed by the woman who made it.

All the proceeds from the sell of this bag go to Women’s Interlink Foundation, so this is another way to buy something and, at the same time, empower women who live in those parts of the world where women don’t have an easy life.

But let’s go back to fashion. This weekend bag is cute, roomy and also perfect if you’re one of those who go to the beach carrying a lot of stuff! I also like the tassel charm detail.

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FASHION CRUSH – BALENCIAGA BUCKET BAG

April 17, 2016 By Noemi Leave a Comment

This Balenciaga bucket bag made me immediately think about summer. The colors remind me of beach umbrellas and cots of beach resorts. Being born in a town by the sea, I can’t help but loving things that remind me of it.

Balenciaga bucket bag is made of ecru canvas and azure leather (but as you can see it’s also available in ecru and black) and it’s a perfect bag for spring and summer.

Even if I usually prefer black clothes and accessories over colored ones, I prefer the ecru and azure version of this bag.

10 DENIM ACCESSORIES

April 4, 2016 By Noemi 2 Comments

Before taking a break from blogging, I wrote a post about denim pieces for Spring 2016, focusing on garments that are not jeans and that can be worn in many occasions.

I promised a post about denim accessories and here it is.

It seems that this year avoiding to wear denim won’t be easy. Usually denim accessories are not particularly popular, but Spring/Summer 2016 collections offer plenty of choice.

Gianvito Rossi made a beautiful collection, with many denim shoes and so did Laurence Dacade, one of my favorite shoe designer. French stylist Camille Seydoux collaborated with the house of Roger Vivier to create Prismick Denim collection, inspired by the ’70s and one of their most famous and stylish icons, Jane Birkin.

Some designers even made a denim version of some of their bags, like Saint Laurent‘s Monogram and Givenchy‘s Nightingale.

I admit that I like denim bags but when it comes to shoes, I don’t find “serge de Nimes” (that’s the origin of the word denim) very practical. If I wore denim shoes I would be afraid of getting them dirty, that someone stepped on them and so on.

But what about you, do you like denim accessories? Which of these would you choose? I love Ralph Lauren’s Tiffin and Givenchy’s Nightingale.