Thursday, 31 March 2011

Loewe "May" Bag: Spanish for Luxe

I just can't get enough of Loewe bags lately! The Spanish design house has been up-and-coming stateside for some time now, mainly thanks to the iconic "Amazona" bag. Those who found the "Amazona" too structured for their taste will love the looser "May" bag. Less boxy and equally versatile, it has inherited Loewe's trademark streamlined design but is much cozier to carry than its harder-shelled counterpart. Simplicity allows you to focus on the achingly supple grained calf leather, with hints of rich metal hardware. The cherry on top? The ostrich strap and front pocket closure offer further luxe appeal. Take your pick between black, green, mink (a taupe brown), and stone (off-white). At Loewe for $1,950.

Pair with: There's little limit to what you can wear the "May" with, but Giles & Brother Braided Hexagon necklace with rows of gold links surrounding a dark blue cord will make the bag's hardware pop.

Jana Feifer Two Toned Leather Totes: Spring time and the toting's easy.

These delightful totes from Jana Feifer will help you glide into the new season in trendy color-block style. They come in a variety of shades and would be the perfect accessory to grab when going to the beach, heading to the grocery store, or going on a shopping date with that one friend you have who always complains that she's hungry, or she needs a tissue, or her feet hurt so she needs to change shoes. This sizeable tote will fit everything you need in it while keeping a cheery presence on your arm. Durable, practical, but much cuter than those re-usable shopping bags or (gasp) that plastic bag you stuff your sunscreen in before you head to the pool (we've all done it, but for goodness sake, make it stop), this bag is your answer to your spring/summer easy toting, no nonsense needs.

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Suede Bag in Grass: It's Easy Being Green

There are few things in life that I will never tire of - red velvet cupcakes, Champagne, the PS1, and the color green. Now two of my favorite things have melded together. And the outcome is much healthier than the equally delicious combination of cupcakes and bubbly (not to mention easier on my hips)! In just a couple of years the PS1 bag has reached iconic status and consequently, has inspired a number of knock-offs, including Target's $35 Mossimo bag. No contest. Proenza Schouler's lush green suede is as soft as utter and the hue is as light as air, so refreshing after months wading through a sea of black bags. The quintessential city bag has been given a splash of subtle color - yes, this green is not intrusive but as neutral as a shade comes. Which gives city girls the go-ahead to work some color into their wardrobes and make their urban jungle shine that much brighter, just in time for spring.

Salvatore Ferragamo "Emidia" Leather Flap Bag With Whipstich Detail: The Summer of Love

Girls, I think I just found my next bag: Ferragamo's brown leather messenger with whipstitch detail and Gancini hardware. The ever-classic Ferragamo tends not to conjure up images of wild youth, but this has the ruggedness of a saddlebag and the easy feel of something the most glamorous girl at Woodstock would have carried. The delicious leather, all wrapped up in whipstitch leather, will age beautifully; I would actually love to see this bag get a little roughed up. I don't understand people who are afraid to get scratches on their bags - when I see some distress, I see a bag well-loved. Clothes are meant to be worn and the same goes for bags. So take a laid-back hippie outlook with the "Emidia" satchel, and this summer, let love for your bag rule. At Ferragamo.com for $1,990 or call 212-759-3822

Pair with: Daisy Knights' 22-karat gold-vermeil feather ring for a whimsical, music festival-worthy sensibility.