Splurge of the Week!

I've always been a fan of Chloe bags as the brand's designs never fail to disappoint, or perhaps cos' they're just so me!. This season, the 'Paraty' (below) is the new addition to the line of Chloe's ever-expanding icons. Today's Splurge of the Week is the Python version of the Paraty...






You might recognise this bag from one of Chloe's Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaigns (shown above). As we all know, some bags that we see in stores are not sold online. I was searching high and low for this bag so that I can share it with all you BagAddicts out there. Alas, I finally managed to locate this Python leather version. The lambskin versions are imho, a tad boring. This version, on the other hand, is so chic and stylish, perhaps due to the embossed python leather that gives the bag added texture and an edgy appeal. It's black so you can wear it with practically anything! Plus, like most bags out there nowadays, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap for carrying on the shoulder.

I'm a firm believer in having only ONE black bag that you can wear to death, so at £1,873.83 / $3820, it's definitely worth the investment! Get this via Net-a-Porter or Saks today!

Chloe S/S '09

If in the past, you've had your eyes on the Paddington as well as the other wonderful designs they've come up with, you'll be glad to know we're posting on Chloe today.

In the coming springtime, expect color-blocked bags with gilt frames and chains. Hannah MacGibbon aims to "cleanse the palate" and de-complicate fashion for young women in her very first collection this Spring.

Expect to see a new Chloe very soon as the designer is at work in realigning the Chloe brand identity.








Like what you see? Am definitely liking the shape of the tote in the second picture. Gives me lots of space to store my stuff so I'll never leave anything behind when I'm out. Although.. I'd really think it over before purchasing something like that as it's nothing really to shout about. As for the aubergine shoulder bag with chain straps.. It reminds me of what grandma would carry in the olden days!


Courtesy of Style.com

The Perfect Bag For A City Girl

Babes, you're in luck!

I found the Chloe Calfskin 'Bay' Shopper and it's on sale right now!


Chloe Camel Calfskin 'Bay' Large Shopper Tote


The perfect bag for a city girl, this bag is beautiful and roomy! The slightly distressed calfskin and goldtone hardware makes the bag looks just right without looking over the top. The bag is stylish yet functional with front and back pockets to accomodate more storage space. And for a discount of more than 25%, the bag can now be yours for only $1,338.99

Visit bluefly today for more information.

Splurge of the Week!

Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel

On our spotlight this week's splurge is the Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel.

An extremely rare find, this blue and gray python satchel is pleated at the front and comes with brass hardware. The shoulder straps are braided and has ring insets throughout the strap. Open up the bag with the double zips to a roomy interior that'll cater to your everyday needs.

Suitable for almost every occasion, the bag matches most outfits. However, the gray looks like patches of dirt from a far, the sides of the satchel don't look appealing and the bag simply doesn't go well with brass/gold-looking hardware. And if you were to look more closely, again, we're looking at details.. and lots of 'em. Pleats, folded sides, braided shoulder straps, brass hardware. Too elements contained in one bag alone. But of course, after having reviewed many bags this fall, it looks as if it's a trend among the designers this season.

Anyhow, if you'd like to find out more about this Italian-made satchel, click here

The Chloe Heloise Python East-West Satchel is available for the price of $4,495.00 via Neiman Marcus

Please note: Python is not available in California.

New Chloe 'Cyndi' Tote

I've been a fan of Chloe ever since the Paddington and let's just say the House of Chloe hasn't disappointed me yet (unlike yesterday's Prada from the F/W 08 Runway Collection). I've loved every single one of their bags since the Paddington, especially last season's 'Saskia' is kinda on my wishlist right now. Anyway, from this Fall/Winter 2008 collection is the new 'Cyndi' tote. This bag is unique because it looks like a bag within a bag. Everything about this 'Cyndi' tote spells CONTRAST. From the contrasting textures and colours to the hardware, this is exactly the element that makes the 'Cyndi' so interesting. The 'exterior' is made of grey croc-embossed leather while the 'interior', or rather, the top section of the bag is made of bright contrasted turquoise/teal calfskin leather. Even the hardware is contrasted, as both silver and gold hardware are used together - the silver on most parts of the bag, while the gold only appears on the turnlock closure (on the turquoise bits of the bag) that secures this stunning tote. Get this 'Cyndi' tote by Chloe for $2,020 from Nordstrom

Chloe F/W '08

On Chloe, this season, we notice - clutches.. lots of clutches. They come in an assortment of colors, designs and material. From what I notice, the only thing that ties most of the pieces together are the double strips that appear in most bags. But I must say, compared to most of the collections, I've seen.. I can say that this brand carries the nicer few. Take a look..





And on the top of my list..



And this piece.. a view of the front and back..




Ultra cool! To see other pieces of the collection on Style.Com, click here

Presenting: Fashion Week: Chloe S/S '08

Presenting: Paris Fashion Week: Chloe Spring/Summer Collection 2008

Oohh, a very different sort of collection from the usual Chloe look - less bulky, less structured, and much smaller in comparison to Chloe bags (Paddington, Edith, Bay) of seasons past. Bagaholic Babe has always been a fan of Chloe bags (with the exception of the 'Silverado' and the 'Edith'), but this collection totally blew me away! Instead of that signature, rugged, urban look that Chloe bags usually exude, this collection is totally feminine and sweet!! This season also sees a lot of bright shades as well as the use of Exotic skins (Croc). The designer really broke the Chloe mould for sure!






The Verdict: Bagaholic Babe is absolutely loving this collection! One thing's for sure, I can't wait for Spring/Summer 2008!! I just love the new and unique shapes of the first 2 bags, sorta like a folded napkin. Besides that, I love the sweet pastel shades - shades that you never expected to complement each other, but yet they totally worked! My favourites are the last 2 bags.

(Images from Style)

Fake Britain: The Rise of the Imitation Industry

By Susie Rushton
August 2007


These days, according to the latest research, [two-thirds of Brits are actively loving] fakes. [They] are buying them while on holiday in Europe but also in online auctions and in markets here in the UK. Research shows that [they] perceive it to be a victimless crime and that perception isn't changed by the fact that very little seems to be being done to stop it.

Even celebrities, those privileged beings who are routinely loaned hot-off-the-catwalk looks for free by fashion houses, are now admitting to buying fake designer accessories. The actress Renée Zellwegger has said that she bought a counterfeit bag in Hong Kong. She may not be the pinnacle of chic but when multi-millionairess Britney Spears carries a pale-pink fake Chanel bag, tweens everywhere get the message that cheating the luxury goods houses is cool.


Britney Spears spotted carrying another fake Chanel purse and lovin' it


This is a potentially disastrous turn of events for companies that trade on their aura of exclusivity and carefully nurtured relationships with Hollywood stars. No wonder that brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel (which, with Burberry, are the most copied) are fighting back on the A-list front. When Courtney Love was photographed at a party earlier this year wearing a fake Chanel dress, the fashion house was said to be incensed. In this month's US Harper's Bazaar, Love does penance, posing with jewellery just covering her nipples over the headline, "I'd rather go naked than wear fake". Love claims she wore the copycat Chanel "inadvertently" . If so, she would be rather more gullible than the rest of us.

The reason Chanel et al have a problem with forgeries is that there is such a huge demand for them. More than ever, [the Brits] are buying fake goods, knowing that they are fake – and not giving a damn. They are put off neither by the loss to those brands' businesses nor – apparently – by any thought of the organised crime that inevitably props up a global trade worth as much as $200bn each year. And as the standard of those fakes improves, no longer is poor quality such a big issue for buyers.

While a minority will always prefer to know that they own and carry the real thing, there is a growing group who will buy both fake and authentic luxury goods. It's a misconception these days to think that the woman who carries an ersatz Louis Vuitton Monogram or Chloé Paddington bag is a young, low-income consumer who can't afford authentic goods. According to a new study by the law firm Davenport Lyons, two thirds of those who buy counterfeit watches, handbags and clothes also buy genuine designer goods. In demographic terms, there is very little to distinguish the fake-buyer from the genuine-only buyer.

And increasingly, [the Brits] are openly confessing that [their] Gucci watch or Mulberry bag isn't the real thing. Researchers say that up to two thirds of [them] are happy to admit they buy fake goods – an increase of 20 per cent on last year. As the global trade booms, an even wider range of spurious items gets shipped across borders, with piracy affecting not just luxury goods but even everyday items such as toothpaste, toys and batteries.

Is fakery losing its stigma and, particularly in the realms of image and self-presentation, even becoming a kind of status symbol? And if authenticity has become strictly optional, into which other realms of culture will that attitude spread?

For a full report on the 'Fake Britain: The Rise of the Imitation Industry' story, click here

Chloe Katie Embroidered Bag

Hmm, doesn't this 'Katie' Embroidered Bag from Chloe's Fall Collection 2007 remind you of something that is all to familiar to us, even to the non-BagAddict? Have a look...


Embroidered 'Katie'


Embroidered 'Katie' - Side View


I don't know about ya'll but to me, this looks like one of the 'fleurs' or flowers on Louis Vuitton's Monogrammed bags. Apart from that, The shape of the bag and the general style of the bag also reminded me of Chanel pieces. Pastiche of LV and Chanel = this Chloe bag. Don't you think? Could've fooled me! When I first saw the bag, without thinking, I immediately recognised and registered in my head that it definitely had to be an LV creation...until I saw the word 'Chloe' on it. Anyway, this bag is a great way to fool others, as I'm sure it ain't just me, but the bag will register in everyone's minds that it's an LV piece. Made of Faded black embroidered wool and leather with a double link chain, this bag will definitely have people baffled. Get this 'Katie' Embroidered bag by Chloe for £772.34 from Net-a-Porter

Chloe Paddington Capsule Satchel

Chloe Paddington Capsule Satchel


Well, well, well. Who said the Paddington was on its way out? True, there may no longer be a waitlist for a Paddington Satchel, but nevertheless, the Paddington is here to stay! Why am I saying this? Since the release of the original Paddington of seasons past, we're still seeing it in newer shapes and sizes. Oh yes, and the huge padlock, the most distinctive feature of any Paddington bag, seems to be shrinking each season. Hmm, could this be due to the sheer weight of the big padlock on the original first generation Paddingtons? Hmm, anyway, I still love the first gen Paddington with the huge lock (in the smallest size). Anyhoo, if this new Chloe Paddington Capsule Satchel tickles your fancy, then it's Pre-Order it for $1780 via
Neiman Marcus