Emmy Rossum Carlos Falchi Ashley Python

Carlos Falchi is making quite the comeback and I’m so happy for him! I went to a personal appearance he did at Bergdorf Goodman a few months ago and chatted with him for a bit and he seemed so genuinely passionate about his work…pretty impressive when you’ve been in the business for as many decades as he has. Just a month or two after his personal appearance I met the designer again at the Target showroom for a preview they did for his collection and he actually remembered me (or at least did a good job pretending!). Needless to say I’ve been keeping an extra close eye on his work since getting some details on the intricate craftsmanship and carefully picked skins that go into his bags. I’m not a fan of the satchel-shape for the most part (always makes me think of school girls!), but the python skin on Emmy Rossum’s makes up for it. Falchi is definitely hit or miss for me. A number of his pieces are wildly tacky and too colorful for my taste, but he hit the mark with this one (Carlos Falchi Ashley Python Satchel, $2,560. Available at Bergdorf Goodman). It’s simple, versatile, easy-to-wear, and definitely something that will hold its own for many years.Have you picked-up any of Carlos Falchi’s designs this year?

Frugal Snob: Olivia Harris Studded Ball Leather Hobo

I’m not into balls and chains on my bags as a rule but on the Olivia Harris Studded Ball Leather Hobo, it works. Joy Gryson keeps it subtle with tiny studded details instead of heavy hardware, it gives the bag a modern edge but doesn’t overwhelm. And hello, how genius is the hidden chain under the shoulder strap! Just peeks out enough to give the bag an extra oomph but not enough that it could be called a Chanel knock off. Made of washed lambskin and so soft and lightweight; Olivia Harris bags are my favorite under $500 bags– I use them when I’m with my son and they’re great for travel with all the multiple pockets. The size is also a major factor for me, at 14″x12″ they are big without being ridiculous. The tassel with logo is removable, by the way, I take mine off because I don’t like dangling things on my bags. But you, you do what you want with it. I’m not judging! Olivia Harris at Saks for $495.00

I went to the Miu Miu store opening last night at South Coast Plaza. It was full of beautiful accessories and beautiful people. It was a great party and everyone was shopping. Or was it just me? The big trend for bags is sequins, you must get a sequined bag if you haven’t done so already and this clutch from Miu Miu is at the top of my list. It is simple and allows the distressed sequins to do all the shouting. I’m not even sure if that’s a proper description but some of the sequins have been flipped the other way so it has a “distressed” look with varying shades of sparkle. Way more more chic than orderly all over sequins. The price is amazing, $995 for a big clutch (comes with a shoulder strap). Call the manager, Janet at 714 617 6927, this store has an exclusive on this clutch for the opening. There are only a few left!

Make-a-Wish Foundation Spring Fashion Event

Every time I want to swear off studs Be&D goes and comes out with a great staple bag like this Be&D Woodstock Leather Hobo ($995) that Whitney Port was spotted in. I like that they opted for grained leather to give some depth and allow the body of the bag to remain simple, but still interesting. Since the stud details are only around the buckle, the bag isn’t as heavy as some of the other larger Be&D bags and its got a top magnetic snap closure which is always an important feature when shopping for an everyday bag. Its also got an interior zip, cell phone pocket, additional pockets, and an interior key ring. I think the price is spot-on, though I was actually expecting it to be a bit more pricey given that the prices of bags of this size that the brand has come out with recently have tended to retail for over $1,000. The Garbo is still my fave Be&D, but for a slightly less pricey and certainly less heavy alternative, this is a great find!

Fashion, flowers and food! Sounds like a perfect day to me =) If you are in the area, join Make-A-Wish Foundation? of Southern Florida on Friday, May 21, 2010 for the Spring Fling & Flower Fashion Show at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Check out the floral creations as well as a runway show to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation?. Tickets are $40 (includes 2 drinks, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to bid on fabulous auction items). For tickets, click here.

Jil Sander Madame Lizard Shoulder Bag

Jil Sander’s Madame Lizard bag is tricky, an optical illusion if you will. Look at it closely, tell me what you see… don’t go to the site to read the description. First let’s test those pretty eyes of yours. Now, do you see a bag embellished with odd shaped paillettes? Or do you see cut outs on the lovely lizard skin? Jump to read more…….Jil Sander Madame Lizard Shoulder Bag Width 12″ / 30cm $2,445.00If you chose paillettes as I first did, you’d be wrong. The tiny cutouts are so precise and perfectly done that it leads the eyes (at least in photos) to believe that they are sequins of some sort. I was ready to slob this until I took a close look, what a creative way for a brand known for its minimalist values to get fancy with a classic frame bag. And how decadent to cut out expensive lizard skin– I hope they saved the cut outs to put on small leather goods! The more I look at this bag the more I like it, the rosy hued lizard skin is gorgeous with burnished gold hardware. A bag for the modern lady who lunches. What do you think of it? And don’t worry about your precious belonging slipping through the cutouts, the bag comes with its own mini leather coin purse.Jil Sander Madame Lizard Shoulder Bag Width 12″ / 30cm $2,445.00

Versus Mini Shoulder Bag with Safety Pins

Halle Berry is moving on in life and Rebecca Minkoff is moving on from the Morning After bag. Change is good for the soul. For Rebecca Minkoff, change is going to be good for the bank, too. The new bag for Spring, the Easy Rider, is just what a self assured girl needs, a easy hobo that is packed with attitude and personality. This is perfect for a new mom like Halle, the hobo style keeps both hands free and the zipper compartments keeps the mind sane with organization. But what is most important is the timely zipper trims and independent style. The price is easy on the budget for a trendy and fun bag, at Bloomingdales for $550.

I know I am a self professed ’80s freak child and love me lots of chains and studs but I do have my limits and apparently it’s called “Versus”. What the hell is this?!?! Giant, colorful safety pins on a camera bag, so that’s what my bag wardrobe is missing. And do I even need to point out the hideous Medusa heads dangling upside down like little bats?! I detested them in the ’80s, I abhor them now (trying to find different words for ‘hate’, a word I am teaching my child not to use but one I seem to use often). At the risk of being banned from Versace shows forever (would not be so terrible actually)– this is a big huge SLOB. If you are even entertaining this bag, you should seek therapy, asap.Versus Mini Shoulder Bag with Safety Pins for $886.42

Coach x Pierre Le-Tan Collaboration

For a brand that has both mass and niche appeal, I think Coach does a great job of always being innovative–if not kitschy–with such past collaborations with Eugenia Kim, Phillip Lim, Kiki Smith and Lutz & Patmos. To wit, the American leathergoods firm has just launched a beach-themed collection featuring illustrations designed by Pierre Le-Tan (known for his poetic illustrations and use of color) inspired by seaside motifs and details. Limited edition in nature–naturally–the large bucket tote and a sling version have already sold out, but I happen to love the three canvas tote versions as well featuring seahorse, cabana and umbrella motifs. Each features patent leather trim handles (9 1/4″ drop) that accent the tote, while inside there’s one zip pocket, a cell phone pocket and an open turnlock closure to keep your valuables secure. My favorite two are the cabana and umbrella totes because, while they are emblazoned with the Coach name on front, are somewhat more discreet than the seahorse tote. I also love the contrasting tag detail by the straps that feature, for example, a starfish with the beach umbrella. A delightfully whimsical tote for a fun summer outing!$268, available at Coach stores and at Coach Online

Reese Witherspoon in Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle

Ok Bag Snobs, I know some of you are probably already tired of this bag, but it’s nice to see that Kristin Cavallari and her posse of hard-partying twentysomething-year-olds aren’t the only ones suited to carry Alexander Wang’s Rocco mini duffle bag. Reese Witherspoon rocks this stylish holdall as well as those girls 10 years her junior–and why shouldn’t she? Some of you might disagree with me, but I think the Rocco is on its way to becoming, in many ways, the next generation’s equivalent of the Louis Vuitton Speedy. After all, they share a similar barrel shape and both resemble small, but stylish, gym bags. I think Alex did a great thing with his metal grommets; they’ve quickly become his signature motif on his leathergoods without coming across as kitschy. This bag is both stylish, versatile and durable–not a combination you find with such a cult following. Reese is clearly not the type of woman to treat her bags too preciously and I don’t think she could’ve chosen a more youthful everyday bag. I’ve seen my girl friends beat their Rocco bags around and, much like my Jack Purcell sneakers, the more it gets used (and abused), the better it looks! For those wanting a fresh take on the Rocco, try the maple and smoke colors for an instant update! Available at Kirnazabete for $875 – $965.