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Dec 7, 2007

Choosing A Perfect Designer Handbag

Article by Angle Tingen


There are of course many different kinds of handbag on the market, and choosing the perfect designer handbag is rarely an easy or a quick decision. Finding the right bag, however, is vital to achieving the look you are aiming for, and the right purse can make virtually any outfit look great.

Every woman of course understands the value of a great designer handbag, and a purse is much more than just a safe place to stash money and other valuables. The right designer handbag is as much a fashion statement as any other part of the outfit, and a great designer bag has a lot to say about the taste, style and sophistication of the wearer.

Of course when it comes to shopping for the perfect designer handbags it is important to exercise plenty of caution. The very fact that designer handbags are enjoying such popularity has also meant an increase in the number of fakes, and popular and expensive name brands like Brighton, Coach, Fendi and XOXO are among the most frequently copied.

Buying one of these cheap designer knockoffs is far more than just a waste of money, and it is all too easy to get taken. The materials used in the manufacture of cheap designer copies are usually substandard, and that means that the purse you buy will not be able to stand up to repeated use. A genuine designer handbag, on the other hand, should be able to last for many years of use, and this can make the genuine article a far better value in the long run.

There are a number of important things to look for when it comes to buying a fine designer purse or handbag. One of the most important things to look at is the quality of the fine details. Looking at these small details can tell you a lot about the quality and workmanship that went into the manufacture of the purse, so it pays to look beyond the designer name on the front of the bag.

For instance, the stitching around the seams of the handbag can tell you a great deal about whether or not it is the genuine article. While a genuine product from a fine company like Fendi or Coach will be of obviously high quality, stitching that appears to be uneven or inferior is often the first sign of a fake product. Likewise, the interior detailing will be elegant and classic on a genuine designer purse, but it may appear shoddy on a knockoff. It pays to look at these details carefully in order to make sure you are truly getting the best product for your money.

After all, there are many different designers of handbags these days, and each designer bag will have its own unique set of features. It is important to choose a bag that is not only stunning and beautiful, but practical and affordable as well. There are designer purses and handbags perfect for virtually any taste and budget, ranging from bags that cost only about $100 to ones so expensive only the wealthiest can afford them. It is important to shop carefully and to make sure the bag you want suits your budget as well as your unique taste.

Source: articlecity.com

Shop online at LuisaViaRoma

LuisaViaRoma is an italian on-line store selling luxury items. Here in Europe we don't have that many online designer stores shipping between different countries. That is why we looove LuisaViaRoma! Not only do they ship within Europe, they also ship to most other countries in North America, South America, Asia and so on. 

Spring/Summer 2008 collection is already available at 
Luisaviaroma, so I suggest that you all go and check it out. They have many brands such as Chloé, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabanna, Dsquared, Juicy Couture, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Cavalli, Christian Louboutin and many many more!

I know it's kind of bold by I really like this pink patent coat from Chloé's spring 2008 collection!  Get the coat from louisaviaroma.com for €1318.

Dec 6, 2007

Christmas Gift Ideas: for Him

With Christmas just around the corner I decided to do a post about gifts.
So, here are christmas gift ideas for the special man in your life, be it a husband, boyfriend, father or brother.

This Juicy Couture Jucquard Skull & Stars wallet is "hip" and "cool" and would be perfect for a younger gentleman.
Buy this at Neiman Marcus for $125.


This next wallet by Salvatore Ferragamo is a very classy and elegant one. Also available at Neiman Marcus, $230.


This last wallet is by Gucci and would be greatly appreciated by someone who loves to show off the designer brands. Neiman Marcus, $225.




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Dec 3, 2007

More shoe trends


I am really obsessed with shoes lately and another shoe trend that I have spotted (and it's been around for quite some time now) is nude colored shoes. Hillary Duff, Jessica Simpson and many others have been seen wearing them. And I simply love them. The best thing about nude colored shoes is that you can match them with virtually anything you want!

Buy these gorgeous Christian Louboutin slingbacks at Saks.com for $685


Nov 30, 2007

Shoe trend: Mary-Jane Pumps

One of the hottest fashion trends of the fall are Mary Janes. Such a great classic that I absolutely love. Some of the trendiest celebrities (Kate Moss, Lauren Conrad) have been seen wearing them. 

Here are a few that I've picked out:


Pedro Garcia Ninette Leather Pumps €220 at net-a-porter.com


Rupert Sanderson Regal Pumps €485 at net-a-porter.com
Emilio Pucci Mary Jane Pump $357 on sale at eLuxury.com

Nov 28, 2007

Trends we love - the leopard print

The leopard-print seems to be the trend that never really goes away. If you wear it with style it always looks classy and sophisticated. Over the past year it has really been a popular trend amongs the celebrities. I myself picked up on the trend by buying a pair of leopard-print ballet flats (that a basically wore to death during the summer!).

The most important thing here however is to not overdo it and be able to match it with other stylish items. Here is how celebrities choose to wear their leopard-prints:

Kate Walsh

Mischa Barton

Sienna Miller


Nov 27, 2007

Where are our fashion icons?



I don't understand what is happening to this world. Wherever I look, whether its the printed press or the Internet I see trashy-looking Britney or Amy Winehouse. Some time ago they were showing at least some more of those young celebrities, like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie or Sienna Miller. Now it's only these two. Each day looking trashier than the day before. 
Where are we supposed to get our inspiration and fashion sense? Yes, of course, we have Vogue and Cosmopolitan and all the others. But I used to love staring at the less classy magazines with the overflow of pictures of the extremely skinny Nicole Richie. Yes, she looked horrible, but her clothes.. oh, her outfits where just sooo perfect. And whenever they weren't showing Paris dirty dancing at some club, they published pictures of her in very well put together outfits. 
So, when is this - as Perezhilton.com calls them - Unfitney and Wino era going to end? 

Nov 26, 2007

Britney Spears vs. Louis Vuitton

Britney was sued by Louis Vuitton and apparently she lost the lawsuit! Britney herself, however, wasn't found guilty, while Sony BMG and MTV online were.
Read the full story here

I feel sorry for her, it seems that nothing is going right in her life right now. 
Hope someone will help her get out of this mess she created.

I don't know why, but I just don't like the already-not-so-new Chloé Paddingtons with the chain. They are simply not pretty. If I were to buy a Chloé bag right now, I would choose either the classical Paddington or a Bay tote. But maybe it's just me. I think that a Paddy is still one of the "it" bags even though it's been on the market for so long. 
Picture taken from www.netaporter.com. You can buy this bag there for €1 342..

Nov 20, 2007

Sienna Miller grey dress


I've been looking everywhere for a cheaper lookalike of this Sienna Miller dress. My budget doesn't really allow me to buy the real thing. So, if you don't have anything to wear to New Years Eve or some other great event - go and get this dress immediately!

Available at ASOS.com for $515.50.

Nov 18, 2007

The (Style) Bible


Ever wondered how celebrities always (okay, not always, but often) look so put-together? Perfect outfits, perfect hair, perfect nails.. Everything matches. Well, most of them have personal stylists. We - ordinary folks - don't. But don't worry, because there is a book that can help you learn all you need to learn about style!

I am talking about "The Pocket Stylist" by Kendall Farr. Believe me - if you want to learn about style and fashion and how to put together the perfect wardrobe - this is the only book you will have to read. Yes, it's THAT good! Kendall Farr is a former fashion editor and she has worked with many big fashion magazines.

So, all you fashion savvy girls, get out there and get a copy of this book if you haven't done that already.

Marc Jacobs - Christina

I just love love LOVE this Marc Jacobs bag! It is called Christina and comes in different colors: black and beige (as far as I know). The hardware is gold and there is a padlock in the front.
Net-a-porter is selling it for €1090.
Picture taken from Net-a-porter.

Stella McCartney - Knit Jumpsuit


I just don't know how I feel about this jumpsuit by Stella McCartney.
She has made some very good-looking jumpsuits before, but this one I'm not too sure about.
I just can't picture anyone being able to pull this look off. But feel free to prove me wrong!

This jumpsuit can be yours for just €995 (at net-a-porter.com)
Picture is also taken from net-a-porter.com

Nov 9, 2007

Shoe of the day

Sometimes I regret looking at shoes.. I wish I never saw this. Just makes me drool...
But for those of you who can easily splurge on a pair of Jimmy Choos and lead the life style where you can show off a pair like this one - I strongly advise you to get these peep toe shoes in exotic elaphe snake! Mmmm, gorgeous!!!


LYNNE
ELAPHE SNAKE AND PATENT PEEP TOE SHOE, (€495, jimmychoo.com):

Nov 8, 2007

Christian Louboutin pumps


There is nothing more gorgeous than a pair of black pumps from Christian Louboutin. M-mmmm! Gorgeous!
The red sole seems to be driving most women completely crazy. I don't think that without this whole Sex and the City mania women would have been as crazy about shoes as they are right now. Well, I guess it doesn't really matter any more. The shoes are here and they are here to stay! And while we are at it we can observe some of the celebrities really enjoying their Louboutins.

Angelina Jolie


Christina Aguilera



Nicole Richie


Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Nov 7, 2007

Chanel Coco Cabas

Chanel Coco Cabas was the IT bag of spring-summer 2007. And is still going pretty strong.
As per usual, we have seen celebrities sporting them, one of them being Kate Moss.
The bag comes in different sizes and colours and seems to fit quite a lot. Even the "baby" Cabas is a quite large bag.
So is it still one of the "it" bags. Or has it lost it's charm?

I myself am not so fond of it. Yes, it is a good-looking bag, but I just don't get the "wow" feeling. You know?

So, once again I am continuing my search for the "it" bag of the "it" bags;)


Kate Moss:

Oct 21, 2007

Louis Vuitton Neverfull



Recently Louis Vuitton added a new bag to their monogram collection, and that's Neverfull. It comes in three different sizes and is very flexible, because the size of the bag can be adjusted using special straps.

In Octobers issue of the Oprah magazine where they tested a number of different bags, the Neverfull was listed as one of the bags that are good for your back! Which I suppose is understandable since it is so light-weight and has very convenient handles.

The price of the Neverfull is also pretty good. My guess is that Louis Vuitton was aiming at creating a bag that would be at the "entry level" as is the Speedy. It's a good looking bag, it comes in three sizes, it has the traditional monogram canvas - that is pretty much what Louis Vuitton newbees look for!

So, if you are new to Louis Vuitton and desperatelly want a bag of theirs - this is a good opportunity! However, the Neverfull is selling so great, that one can't help to wonder if LV will increase the price. I suggest you get up now and get yourself to the nearest LV store!

Good luck! :)

Oct 20, 2007

Leggings - in or out?


Leggings have been popular among fashionistas for quite a while now. We love them, celebrities love them.. so what's next?

With winter comming up I think that leggings will definitelly stay "in" for a few more months. Although many people will be now choosing leggings with feet, which really isn't anything new - it's the good old tights! For me it's just strange to say "leggings with feet" when it's really tights we're talking about. So, if the winter calls for tights then when comes spring - will leggings still be in? Aren't we all a little too tired of them? I know I am, though I am still a big fan of leggings. I was one of the first ones to start wearing them. In my area anyways..

So, leggings - in or out? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

Apr 22, 2007

Damier Azur

Louis Vuitton has recently updated their collection with a new line of Damier Azur items. The classical speedy that now comes in a gorgeous summer version is really hard to resist. It is just so summery-gorgeous. But then again I was so surprised looking through the collection to find this gorgeous and even more summery badminton set. Wow, this is just a little odd, but so absolutely fabulous. Me like!

Mar 31, 2007

Louis Vuitton Kirsten


The new Louis Vuitton Dentelle collection includes a beautiful small bag named Kirsten. This purse pays homage to the adorable actress Kirsten Dunst. Just as soon as the bag appeared in stores it was quickly sold out. So if you are thinking of getting one, you should keep a close look on your local Louis Vuitton boutique and if possible put yourself on the waiting list.

Mar 15, 2007

High-Waist Jeans - yay or nay?

Over the past year a few celebrities have been spotted wearing hight-waist jeans and many people are wondering if this trend is here to stay. Right now when skinny and low-waist jeans are still very much in it is very hard to imagine liking the high-waist, but who knows, fashion is funny that way - you might first hate it but then you fall in love with it.

Here are the pictures of the celebrities wearing the high-waist jeans.

Sienna Miller:

Geri Halliwell:

Kate Moss:

Mar 14, 2007

The Beauty of Gucci Handbags

by: Angle Tingen

While there are of course many unique and stylish handbags and purses on the market, for many buyers Gucci handbags remain the gold standard, and the standard by which all other handbags are judged. Indeed, in survey after survey shoppers have picked Gucci as the bag they would most like to carry, and for many of us being able to afford one of these fine handbags is a sign that we have truly arrived.

The very popularity and quality of Gucci handbags has of course meant that there are a number of knockoffs and fake Gucci products that have sprung up to take advantage of unwary buyers. While these fakes can be very authentic looking to the casual observer, what they lack is the truly exceptional style and quality that has given Gucci its well deserved reputation.

When shopping for genuine Gucci handbags it is important to remember that genuine Gucci handbags, be they hobo bags, clutches, purses, shoulder bags or other styles, will typically sell for several hundred dollars. While there are of course a number of deals to be had, the fact is that if a retailer offers to sell you a Gucci purse for a fraction of that retail price chances are the product is a fake, and if it is fake chances are good that it is not even worth that heavily discounted price.

There are a number of things to look for to help determine if a Gucci handbag is the real deal or a cheap knockoff. One thing to look closely at is the stitching around the edges of the purse. A genuine Gucci bag will have high quality, fine stitching throughout the bag, while a cheap fake will likely have stitching that is poorly done or uneven. It is also important to look at the quality of the leather, canvas and other materials used in the construction of the handbag. Gucci has long been the highest quality handbag on the market, and as such the company uses only the highest quality, leather, canvas and other materials.

If the material looks cheap or shoddy, chances are good you are looking at a fake. While a fake may be able to fool some people, it is far better to spend a little more and enjoy the truly exceptional quality and style only genuine Gucci handbags can deliver.

There are of course many choices when it comes to which handbag to carry, but there is something about the quality and style of Gucci that is sure to make a statement no matter where you go. For many women the purse she carries is much more than just a place to hold their money. Indeed a purse is a fashion statement, and a genuine Gucci purse makes a statement no other brand name can match. These great handbags, purses, wallets and other accessories may not be the cheapest on the market, but they are certainly among the best and highest quality on the market.
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Source: ArticleCity.com

Mar 7, 2007

Lanvin flats replica?


No, I don't mean the illegal terrorist-supporting and child labor using replicas. I just mean a really well inspired Lanvin look-alikes from... Gap! They are being sold for $30-$40 and I have to admit that it is pretty cheap comaring to the actual Lanvin flats. Yes, they quality may not be as great, but hey, you might get tired of them sooner than they start to break and rip. And the beauty of it is that you won't feel guilty throwing the old ones out and getting yourself a new pair. Maybe even in some new funky color!
They are rather pleasent to wear and the leather is pretty soft, too. Definitelly a great replacement for those who don't wanna splurge on the real deal.



If Gap isn't really cool enough for you, try out the NINE WEST flats. These are also very comfortable and isn't the ostrich-like pattern looking cute? Those are sold for the dubble of what the Gap flats cost, but that is still so much less than the Lanvins. I really think that is a great and a very much cheaper way to get the desired look if you aren't the kind of person to spend several hundreds of dollars on a pair of summer shoes.

All of these can be bought online at the official Gap and Nine West websites.
Pictures were also taken from the official Gap and Nine West websits.

LA and Vegas shopping for Balenciaga

If you are in the Los Angeles area (be it Hollywood or Beverly Hills) or Las Vegas and are eager to buy a new Balenciaga - this is for you.
So, where can you find it?
The usual stores that carry Balenciaga bags in the United States are Neiman Marcus, Barney's New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. But not all of them carry the purses. However, here is some info on which stores do.
If you are in Vegas: Neiman Marcus at the Fashion Show Mall has a rather good collection of "Bbags".
If you are in LA: Don't bother going in Neiman Marcus or Saks by the Rodeo Drive (Wilshire boulevard). Go straight to Barney's. That's where you'll find you dream purse. And while you are in the area, swing by the gorgeous LV boutique just around the block. LV handbags are such an eye-candy. Always and forever.

Feb 12, 2007

A must have for the spring/summer...


... are Christian Louboutin wedges! The rainbow-like colors just scream "summer". And they are comfortable, too!

Handbags: The Power of the Purse

Handbags: The Power of the Purse by Anna Johnsson is a must have for the designer bag collectors. In the book you can find gorgeous seducing pictures of handbags plus some interesting facts about how they are made, when and why. Highly recommend!

Feb 11, 2007

Chanel Coco Cabas


One of the "It" bags this year seems to be Chanel's Coco Cabas. The bag comes in different sizes, colors and materials. All of it's sizes are quite large, so even if you ask for a Baby Cabas, which is a small Cabas, you will still get a big handbag.

Feb 4, 2007

Coach handbags


Coach handbags seem to be very popular these days. Everyone from kids to adults are carrying them these days. Teenagers are saving up lunch money to be able to get a Coach purse!

These bags come in many different styles and colors. The prices vary a great deal also, which is good, because not everyone wants to splurge a large sum of money on a handbag.

The hottest Coach bag this season seems to be the Carly (pictured above). Of course, it also comes in a variety of colors and materials. Black, brown, leather, canvas - choose what suits you most. The style is very classic, simple and elegant. AND it has all the Coach signature features.

Coach doesn't just make handbags. They make shoes and other accessories such as charms. Aren't these ballet flats adorable?


Chloé shoes to match those Chloé bags?

I decided to continue the Chloé topic and move on to the shoes.
So, if you are a lucky owner of Chloé bags, you might want to match those with a gorgeous pair of Chloé shoes. Here are a few pairs of shoes that I think are absolutely fabulous!


These gorgeous silver flats would, of course, look great with a silver Paddington. Ah, what the heck, they would look great with anything, really. Throw on a simple top, dark blue jeans and these flats and you will look as if you just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Ah, wouldn't these boots look absolutely stunning with a classic black Paddington? Black tights and a jumper dress? Or skinny jeans and a simple cashmere sweater? Mmm...

And if you are daring enough you can try to pull of the Kate-Moss-Cat-Deeley-Sienna-Miller-Kimberley-Steward-Olson-twins look with these high Mary Janes. These wedges are absolutely gorgeous and I envy people who wear those. Unfortunately, this type of shoes doesn't look good on me.

Feb 3, 2007

Paddingtons - in or out?

The Chloé Paddington bag has been in the top list of designer handbags for quite a while now. Although, now I am starting to wonder, is it slowly loosing it's charm? As I see it, Balenciaga Motorcycle bags and Paddingtons are sort of like competitors. They are approximately of the same size and can be used in similar situations. And, of course, both bags come in all sorts of colors! Just makes you want to get more and more. However, are these bags slowly fading away? Or maybe one is way ahead the other? The way I see it is that, yes, these bags are not as "hot" as they were a year or so ago, but I think they are becoming a classic. Something that will always be admired and appreciated by fashion/handbag/luxury "lovers".
I love the Paddington, no matter what other people think. It is so elegant and gorgeous. It is also very practical, can hold quite a lot. For some people the weight can be a problem, but you get used to it. And it's always good with a little bit of a workout along the way.

Jan 31, 2007

Price increase

Luxury designer handbags already do have pretty high prices, but it somehow that is not enough. The rumor is going around that Louis Vuitton and Chanel are increasing prices on some of their products starting February 1st. Which is, of course, tomorrow. I don't know the exact numbers, but from what I've hear LV can increase prices by up to 15% and Chanel by 25%. Oh well, another thing we bag-maniacs just have to deal with.

Jan 20, 2007

Furla Handbags

Recently I discovered Furla handbags. Oh my, they are b-e-a-utiful! They look very luxurious (to me, anyways) but don't have the price tags of the high-end designer handbags. For example, this gorgeous Greta in Nuvola Croco is just $266 (on sale), but it looks almost as good as any Birkin bag. Okay, I might be over exaggerating but you get the point, don't you? So, for those of you who want the feel of the high-end designer bag, but can't afford to spend $1000 on a purse, Furla handbags might just be a way out!

If you are in the US, you can buy Furla online at www.furlausa.com.

Jan 15, 2007

Louis Vuitton - Pomme d'Amour


Louis Vuitton has released a new color of the Vernis leather. It's called Pomme d'Amour, which can be translated as the "love apple". The color is a gorgeous red with a hint of pink.

Jan 11, 2007

Lanvin - Ballet flats and boots


Lanvin ballet flats and boots seem to be quite popular these days. Even though the flats were last years collection they are still the most sought out item. And why wouldn't they be? They are comfortable, they are colorful, they are absolutely gorgeous! The boots are also pretty great, I just love the simple but stylish look. And since they are flat - they are also very comfortable!

Look for Lanvins at