BLOG CRUSH: MOVE SLIGHTLY · RUNWAY-INSPIRED NAILS

ph: Move Slightly

Majorly crushing on Elizabeth Monson's blog- MOVE SLIGHTLY ♥
She creates amazing runway-inspired nail designs. Dying to try the Charlotte Olympia kitty nails! Also, super pumped for her new 'Polished' nail segment on LookTV- can't wait to see more!

Royal Watch: The Duchess of Cambridge, Olympics

Nice new hairdo, Duch!

But what is it about updos that somehow seem to age women? :(  Don't get me wrong. I'm a big fan of Catherine, but she seems to look more youthful with her cascading Cambridge curls which she sported as she watched Zara Phillips compete. 

The Duchess wore Givenchy sunnies

One thing I do love about the Duchess? Her being a serial recycler :) I still remember a rather haughty and uncalled- for comment made by someone I know about a known fashion personality who has repeated outfits. So hey, if the Duchess repeats outfits, there is no reason why others shouldn't! :)

And on the subject again of the Duchess, I still keep hoping and hoping and hoping that she would carry bags with bolder styles :) I am one of those women who continue to lobby for her to do it!! :)

x

TheBagHag

EASY WHITE DRESS

ph: An Unknown Quantity

Loving her easy white dress- great for summer + with some added layers,
it's a perfect piece to transition into fall. Get the look...

Bag Review: McQueen's Heroine

Hold on Celine, I think you are about to get some tough competition for bag love this Fall 2012.  The possible object of bag lovers' new affection? 

Ladies, it's time to show some love to the Alexander McQueen Heroine Bag. 

In Oxblood Suede. So beautiful

A closer look at the bag (click photo below for a larger view)

Available for purchase now HERE

In action (click image for larger view)

Perfect size and style

And on celebrity Zoe Saldana

Photo credit: Getty Images

There is very sleek structure to the bag,  and has that nice security feature of a flap which you can either fold over the handle or just tuck back (like a birkin). And the zippered sides which can be unzipped. I think the bag is very chic, very classy and has very strategic hardware placement. It's one of those bags that won't go out of style. And of late I think women have been wanting to spend good money on bags that don't fade into the fashion passé category come the next season. 

I can see myself carrying this bag :) And the price for the bag isn't so bad too, unless you want to go with the luxe python version which would cost you a bit over £4,000

Back view of the python Heroine

or the über luxe croc version for a cool £22,295?

Photo credit: Dan Tobin Smith

If you fancy the Heroine in basic black leather , you can already purchase it HERE .

I can already tell this bag will be very, very successful, just based on its style. I personally love it!

x
TheBagHag

ASYMMETRIC

1. Helmut Lang Asymmetric Net Loose-Knit Sweater
2. Linda Farrow for The Row Leather Cat Eye Sunglasses
3. Courtney Lee Collection Rex Spike Stud Earrings
4. Jason Wu Miss Wu Shoulder Bag
5. Karl Pacey Faux Leather Skinny Pants
6. Lewis Henry Nicholas Small Shelley Cuff Bracelet
7. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in 'Fashion'
8. Dream Mullick Freedom Band
9. Boutique 9 Justine Pumps

Made in China- Proudly?

How interesting that there should be a debate (and outrage) sparked by the US team's Olympic outfits, all designed by Ralph Lauren, an American designer, but manufactured by Dayang Trands, a Chinese company. Some have called it shameful (that Team USA wore clothes made by the Chinese). One US lawmaker had even brought up the idea of making the US team outfits from scratch again, by Americans.

Interesting. I was just passing the Bay Bridge the other day, marveling at the new structure being built parallel to the old bridge that is still in use. After crossing the old bridge into the East Bay, I noticed this sign along the freeway 

Photo Credit: AmericanManufacturing.Org

A lot of the things out in the market today are manufactured in China. A lot of designer clothing and purses are also made in China. Though there remains a good number of design houses that would "finish" their merchandise back in their home countries (like Italy, France, the US), work has perhaps also been quietly subcontracted to firms in China to reduce costs and increase profit margins. But these subcontracted work are not openly reflected in the merchandise. You won't see "partly made in China" labels attached to the bags. Design houses have none of that disclosure.

I however, do admire the other companies who have openly embraced attaching the "Made in China" label to their merchandise. DKNY and Prada are among a few fashion houses who do. The first time I had seen that label on a Prada bag was at the Prada- Space "outlet"-- on one of their signature nylon bags.

Photo credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Yes, I was initially shocked too. But then I realized that they should be commended for being honest enough to put those labels in there too. I must also stress that not all the Prada nylon bags I saw were "Made in China." A lot of them were still Made in Italy. I am merely stating Prada as an example of how a fashion house has embraced the idea of having some of their products made in China and how they have properly disclosed that instead of putting a different label altogether.

China has remained under scrutiny for their supposedly poorer labor conditions, but other than that, what are the reasons why most of us have refused to accept (and at times let's be honest, resented) Chinese- made designer merchandise? This is a valid question by the way, not at all rhetorical. I'd really like to know your positions in this matter.  This is really an important issue worthy of a good debate :) 

x

TheBagHag

BEAUTY BOMB

ph: Vogue Paris

Catherine Mcneil looking bad ass! Yet another reason why I want to add a lil pink to my hair.
Click below for more + to find out how to get the look...





Get the look...

London Olympics Mania!!

Woohoo! Today is the opening ceremonies of the Games of the XXX Olympiad in London.

The torch bearers had finally arrived in London and were met by the young royals!

So I shall pay homage to a British label and to Britannia. The best bag out there for this is without question, the Alexander McQueen Britannia Skull Leather Box Clutch!

Show your colors for the London Olympics! Red, blue, and white!  McQueen nails the Britannia theme best in my opinion. The Alexander McQueen Britannia Box Clutch is available for purchase HERE.

Enjoy the opening ceremonies today, everyone!!!

x

TheBagHag

LEOPARD KICKS

Leopard print sneakers? Yes please!
Dreaming of wearing them with these denim cut-offs + this slouchy white tee.
You can find the sneakers here.

Victoria's Effect

Victoria Beckham is making me want to own one of her expensive bags. Really. The more I see her with her bags, the more I want them. Damn the power of the A list celebrity LOL.

Now THAT is a beautiful bag-- both in color and in style. Loving that python skin on the central line.

She is also wearing a cute little number which I presume is likewise from her clothing line. Not all celebrities become successful as designers but I can say this-- Victoria practices what she preaches. She carries bags from her own line and wears clothes from her collection. Which makes her a very effective brand ambassador. The Kardashians should seriously take lessons from this hot chick.

x
TheBagHag

Gray But Definitely Not Moody

I just saw the latest color from the FW2012- 13 collection of Celine's mini luggage totes.  This very sleek gray color which I think is more graphite gray than the standard gray is very handsome. Yes, handsome-- not beautiful. There was something very strong about the bag, a word which I would not have used to describe the Celine luggage tote if it were in black.

Double click this photo to view a larger image

It is made of smooth box leather as opposed to the usual pebbled and textured one. Funny though, I remember that the smoother leather seemed to cost more than the textured one as well. If this graphite gray luggage tote were made from the pebbled leather, I don't think it would have been as handsome as it is. I think this is a perfect alternative to either navy or black. The gray color on this Celine bag is really so unusual and is a real stunner in my opinion.

Would you have preferred the Cartier red (this was the description which most accurately captures the color) one over this graphite gray? 

Seen here are the Cartier red, croc stamped phantom, and the "Lune" winter white Celine luggage totes

I personally would have still chosen the gray-- simply because the color is really quite unusual.

 

x

TheBagHag

JESSICA HART • DAY + NIGHT

ph: Model Candids |  Zimbio

Jessica Hart is becoming a new favorite!
I always love a good black dress- these are perfect inspiration for day + night looks.

Get the look...

MIXED FLORALS

ph: Be France

Pretty prints! Love these mixed florals.
Click below for more + to find out how to get the look...




Get the look...

TJ Maxx Visit

I can never resist a visit or two to TJ Maxx. Because you never know what you are going to find-- on sale. One has gotten lucky at discount stores like TJ Maxx, so it's always good to pop by with the knowledge that you juuust might get lucky ;) 

Some interesting bags: 

I just like this because it is in a very nice shade of taxicab yellow :)

Rafe bags on the clearance rack. 50% off-- good deal already :)

I like this Franco Sarto tote. The print reminds me of Orla Kiely! :) It's a happy tote!

Perhaps the greatest find of all will have to be this Givenchy Pandora Mini Crossbody bag in washed blue leather.

The bag is originally priced at over US$1000 and is being sold at TJ Maxx for $699 plus CA tax. Not a bad bargain, right? :) 

If you have been to discount designer stores, can you tell me what bag you "scored" and at what price? I'd love to know :)

x

TheBagHag

MUSTARD

1. Equipment Color-Block Shirt
2. Illesteva Lily Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
3. Real Jewels Starburst Stud Earrings
4. Bauble Bar Twitter-Plate Necklace << Personalized twitter necklace!
5. Proenza Schouler PS11 Mini Textured Leather Bag
6. Current/Elliott The Boyfriend Jeans
7. Oasis Metal Bracelet Watch
8. Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish in 'My Old Flame'
9. Aldo Fravel White Pumps

Shoe Confection Alert

Remember I said that Dolce & Gabbana had one of the strongest collections for the AW2012- 13 season? Those new baby Miss Sicily bags I wrote about are way too adorable (I am still lusting for another one, seriously), and now, this pair of shoes remind me of too-good-to-eat petit fours and other sweet confections which could've been served during Marie Antoinette's time at Versailles :)


Dolce & Gabbana's Embellished Crystal, Leather, and Rose Sandals

And then again they also remind me of furniture legs that could conceivably be found inside Marie Antoinette's boudoir in the Petit Trianon at Versailles.  Oh and hmmm... I think they also look very Little Bo Peep-ish :) 

What say you? Yay or Nay? I quite like them, to be honest (although they are pretty expensivo... *wolfwhistle* )  

The shoes are available HERE .

x
TheBagHag

Celebrity Bags: Marion Cotillard and Dior

I was not a very big fan of Dior bags because when it came to their bags, there is that rather staid feel in my opinion-- sorrrryyy :D 

But Marion Cotillard is making me change my mind. The black snakeskin lock clutch is quite a stunner. 

I do wish Dior would come up with something more outstanding. It has been too long since they had something amazing. The Lady Dior bag of course is a classic,

but I think it's about time the brand comes up with another signature bag, don't you think?  


x
TheBagHag

ALL IN THE ACCESSORIES

ph: Le 21ème | Adam Katz Sinding + Wayne Tippetts

Two great takes on the white-top-with-denim-cut-offs combo.
Both have a similar base, but it's their accessories that truly define each of their styles.

Get the look...

Spark Magazine Video!

Editor Kariz Favis sent me the link of this video that they had made during our Spark Magazine cover shoot. Thought I'd share it with you all.

It was such an incredible experience and I am so grateful to have been asked to be part of that magazine cover.  Truly unforgettable to have worked with an amazing team!!  Thank you so much again, Spark Magazine!! This video made me smile :) 

x

TheBagHag

Shopping: Neiman Marcus, Walnut Creek

I went to college in San Francisco. Back then, shopping in my neighborhood of Walnut Creek was relegated to stores like the Gap, Express, Banana Republic, Emporium Capwell, I. Magnin, and Nordstrom. And on a student budget, you can't really get anything from Nordie's or I.Magnin's. Shopping at Banana Republic was already considered a luxury with your student allowance. Haha and I remember there was a Laura Ashley boutique there as well and on occasions I would get my mom to buy me a dress or two (yes, I wore florals to school-- before I went the rock rebel way and went for the loud Versace prints haha oh boy). But it was mostly sweats and hoodies from The Gap or  from our college bookstore that a lot of students "subsisted" on when it came to our day-to- day clothing. 

Oh well that was then. Fast forward to 2012. Gone are I.Magnin, Capwell, and hello to stores like Forever 21, and well well well, to Neiman Marcus at Walnut Creek! Why hello there, friend :) I can't imagine being in college now with Neiman Marcus just a stone's throw away (ok well not literally but it's fairly close by). Of course how could I not swing by and check out NM? 

The store was very well- stocked. We're talking an in-store Gucci and Chanel boutique! Anyway here are the other merchandise (had previously instagrammed them but I'm putting them all here for the benefit of those who don't have instagram :D)  that I saw while inside Neiman Marcus. 

My absolute favorites: McQueen knucklering box clutches!! My fave is the one on the top.

Chanel -- I also saw a new version of "Ling Ling"!! The new Ling Ling is from the Paris- Bombay collection. She was so cute too. Cost: US$ 10,000. *Jaw drop*

The cheaper version of Chanel *haha* is the Stella McCartney Falabella tote. They are a bit heavy but they are really pretty. And there is good reason why they are so popular too. These are Stella's version of "eco- friendly" totes. In faux leather and faux snakeskin.  Featured below is the tweed version.

I didn't get tired of the shopping but how can anyone resist the famous NM popover bread and strawberry butter? Diet? Forget the diet! The NM popover is perhaps the only other piece of bread that could beat my love for an authentic French croissant :)   If you do pop over (haha no pun intended) Neiman Marcus, you have to have the famous popover :)

And at Neiman Marcus Walnut Creek, they had their signature salad specific to my neighborhood, so
I had to give it a shot. For US $16, this is what you get. And I tell you it's worth every cent! Blue cheese crumbs with sliced pears, walnuts, dried cherries, fresh grapes and fresh greens, topped with chicken slices.   It was really refreshing and filling.

The best part of course with this whole NM- Walnut Creek experience is sharing it with my mom :) I am really so happy to have Neiman Marcus in our neighborhood. It's really quite a leg up from the usual shopping choices that we are used to in this area! Welcome to Walnut Creek, NM!!

x

TheBagHag

LILY

ph: Vogue Russia

Oh Lily Donaldson, how I've missed you! Loving these minimal looks + the Prada floral embroidered pieces. Click below for more + to find out how to get the look...



Get the look...

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Loving this gif from We The People ♥

Have a great weekend!

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