Sequoia Yearling Shoulder Bags: The Year of the Yearling

Twenty-two-year old Parisian brand Sequoia is founded on friendship – designer Daniel Sisso met Pierre Hardy shortly after deciding he wanted to change the way women carry bags. It looks like it was meant to be! They both had the desire to create a “fashion handbag” – one functional and useful – and Hardy remains the creative director of the brand.For Fall 2011, they have new line of messenger bag with comfort in mind – and convenience (they all have three interior pockets). The Yearling shoulder bags, one with a flap and one even more paired-down, caught both Kelly’s and my attention immediately. Inspired by horse saddles, the big silver ring punctuates the perfectly minimal bags. Especially in deep plum – so rich-looking with zero logo. Just the signature Sequoia buckle, set off by your choice of soft suede or smooth leather. This is a true everyday bag (I say go for buttery suede – it will end up conforming to your body) that you will use year-round.Yearling Flat Shoulder Tote Bag at Sequoia Paris for $303-$355.Yearling Shoulder Bag at Sequoia Paris for $362-$424.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012 Collection: Take a Walk on the Wild Side

This spring, Oscar’s lady has gotten a little bit…wild. That’s right. Something has gotten in to his proper girl about town, perhaps a new joie de vivre. Whatever it is, it has kinked (even slightly frizzed) her hair, tempted her to layer and keep layering on the beads, and let her gown part in a most explosive fashion. While she took a walk on the adventurous side, Pink Floyd detonated in the background and feathers, silk, and flashes of skin proved to be the focus of the day. And, gasp! She even wears white socks with her high heels!So how did Oscar, always the gentleman, keep his crochet- and ruffling-loving night owl in check? Courtesy of a finely tailored selection of bags by de la Renta’s new design team (with experience at Céline, no less). Petite structured clutches, in precious skins and metal-frames, fit neatly into models’ hands, while voluminous structured top-handles were shoved haphazardly into their hands or dangled casually. Round-meets-rectangular shoulder bags, in luxe leathers and shining crocodile, imbued Oscar’s need for true polish. He has made his point: what’s a lady without a little tramp?Dallas readers are in for a special treat. I’ll be packing these bags and taking them back to Dallas with me for a preview party on September 22nd. Please save the date!

Buttons? Why, yes please. Bright red patent leather? I thought you’d never ask. This bag may not be on everyone’s favorites list, but it sure is on mine. The Milly Sophia Resin-Chain Bag is just plain fun. It comes in crimson (pictured), black and chocolate and has a chain shoulder strap that weaves through the top flap. This bag just reminds me of back to school time. The buttons, the newsie shape, the large flap, even the side pocket makes me want to throw some pencils in it and skip off to my first day of….. class. And when I say class, I mean study hall. This bag would be perfect for those first chilly fall days when you want to be in something snuggly. Grab this fall favorite, throw on some DSQUARED2 soft dark jeans and a Son of John braid sweater, grab a pumpkin spice latte and soak up the season. Bergdorf’s for $395