Bargain of the Week!

This week's Bargain of the Week is one of Bagaholic Babe's favourite bargains out of all the bargains featured on our blog to date.



This week, we're featuring a satin bow wristlet by BCBG Maxazria. In fuchsia, it is a sure-fire way to make your outfit pop and is perfect for your nights out about town. Also available in black satin, this chic and sexy wristlet is perfect for those of you who like the Valentino bow clutches but are on a budget. A great choice for Recessionistas, don't you agree??

Get this at a discounted price for just $74.90 (usual price $108) via Saks . For satin, it's certainly a bargain!

Note: This bag is also available in BCBG Maxazria boutiques in Malaysia, although not at such a discounted price.

Splurge of the Week!

The Alligator Ricky Bag


One of our most expensive splurges ever, the Alligator Ricky Bag by Polo Ralph Lauren is our choice splurge for the week. Inspired by a vintage Cooper saddle carrier, the Ricky is luxury crafted from exquisite American alligator and finished with custom Italian hardware. For a whopping $16995.00, you'll be glad to know you're paying for top-notch quality with the inclusion of a leather-lined interior together with snap and zip side pockets.

Available via Polo Ralph Lauren

Bargain of the Week!

We're back again with our bargains and today, we're introducing the Trompe l'Oeil Bow Clutch by Felix Rey.

Felix Rey Trompe l'Oeil Bow Clutch


A fabulous pop artist's sculpture satin clutch with contrast piping on the sides and at the bottom, this evening piece comes with an embroidered bow and logo. The satin tassel on the key-ring is used to zip open the bag into a wild interior with a feature patch pocket.




Available now for a price of only $160.00, the Felix Rey l'Oeil Bow Clutch is available for purchase via ShopBop

Pretty in Pink Tote by Tory Burch

Hello again and welcome to Bagfetish Unleashed! Bagaholic Babe shared an interesting find with me recently and we both agreed it's really pretty and we wanna share it with you today.

Tory Burch 'Isa' Patent Trim Nylon Tote

What's a better find than having found a pretty bag in the right color, shape and matching hardware? Not to mention it's hip and happening with its high-shine patent leather. The carryall is none other than Tory Burch's 'Isa' Patent Trim Nylon Tote.

A bag with magnetic snap closure and interior zip, cell phone and PDA pockets, you can choose whether to tote it around or use it as a shoulder bag.




Very pretty, isn't it? And for a price of $325.00 too. Find out more about this tote today via Nordstrom

Video: Manolo Blahnik's Designs & Interview

Dear BagAddicts,

I know that this post isn't bag related, but I couldn't resist posting this video.

The name Manolo Blahnik has almost already become a Buzzword in the fashion industry. Now here's the exclusive video with legendary shoemaker extraordinaire! Enjoy!

Best Spring 2009 Accessories from Milan

As with the roundup for Paris Fashion Week, we give you, today, the roundup for Milan Fashion Week. Indeed, they're the most unbelievable stuff you've ever seen (both in a good and bad way). Tee hee hee. And for the rest of you who missed Fashion Week, well, you'll get to see what caught the eyes of the people right on this post *winks*


The Drum-Shaped Wristlet

Bottega Veneta
Flat round metallic leather zip-top bag

First up is the Bottega zip-top bag which is both cute and funny! It's cute because it DOES look like a cute lil drum haha but heck, how do you go around with one of those?

The Jewelry-Like Bag

Dolce & Gabbana
Coral and sequin-embroidered crocodile bag with necklace shoulder chains

This is so overdone. Not for me, no thank you!

The Canvas Tote

Emilio Pucci
Canvas tote with orange and printed leather trim

Absolutely LOVEEEEEE this one! Love the fact that it's framed, not overdone yet still has a hint of Pucci in it! Three cheers for Emilio Pucci! Hip hip hurray!

The New Exotic

Fendi
Top-handle python bag

Love this one too. It's one of those that have grown on me over the course of these few weeks. I think it has style and character. Not to mention, very unique too!

The Heritage Bag

Gucci
The revamped Jackie shoulder bag

Goodness gracious! The title's definitely fit for it. 'The heritage bag' they call it. And under the Gucci brand? So un-Gucci. Being a huge fan of their's, I'd have to say I give them a 1/10 for this one! Boo!

The Waterproof Bag

Tod's
Neoprene shoulder bag in neon coral

Nice one from Tod's. And in a new color too! How pretty! No reason to not look hip and happening even during the rainy season like we have in the tropical country of Malaysia!

The Metallic Leather Clutch

Valextra
Rectangular mirrorlike metallic leather clutch

Last but not least, this Valextra metallic leather clutch which we've seen over and over again. It's nothing to shout about really. It's been done again and again and what's there to say except... BORING! I don't mean to be a Meanie but don't you think Valextra's a little behind time in their designs? Hehe

Pictures courtesy of Style.com

Best Spring 2009 Accessories from Paris

As always, at the end of every round of Fashion Week, we share with our viewest the best picks for the season. And we're glad to present with you the best selections for Spring 2009 from Paris.


The Space-Age Wristlet

Balenciaga
Metallic crocodile wristlet with chain strap

Looks more suited for the winter season rather than the summer, don't you think? It gives me the icy feeling somehow.

The Logo Bag

Chanel
Leather tote bag

Nothing I'd wanna own. It's makes me feel as if I'm a free walking advertisement for Chanel rather than being a fashion statement. That's SOOOO totally uncool!

The Western Bag

Hermès
Suede top-handle tote with fringe detail

Nice. Kinda reminds me of the Babouska Gucci made a while back. Don't think this bag'll work for me though. Top handles on the flap makes stuff hard to reach for (if you know what I mean)

The Slouchy Tribal Bag

Louis Vuitton
Leather monogram bag with cord and bead detail

What can I say about the slouchy tribal bag, you ask? Just THREE words! Yucks, yucks, yucks!

The Price-Conscious Shopper

Renaud Pellegrino
Nylon tote bag with bead detail

So they've named it the 'Price-Conscious Shopper'. So they're saying it doesn't have a huge price tag to this? Really? Although it's really colorful but somehow it looks kinda dull, don't you think? Colorful yet dull? How odd!

The Patchwork Shoulder Bag

Roger Vivier
Exotic patchwork shoulder bag with metal hardware

This one's simply fantastic. Love how they've made a patchwork bag out of what looks like python and lizard in few but bright colors! Not to mention, it looks very art deco as well :)

The Chain-Mail Wristlet

Yves Saint Laurent
Leather wristlet with chain strap

Last but not least, something that looks very cool. So simple yet so fun! Think it'll go with just about anything, don't you agree? :)


Pictures courtesy of Style.com

3.1 Phillip Lim S/S '09

Fashion Week is on again and we're back with more reviews on the latest in the fashion industry.

First up, we've got 3.1 Phillip Lim with polka dots! As always, expect to see lots of earth tones - whether it's on garments, shoes or even bags. With a weather like that, what could you expect but lots of beiges, greys and browns!






Polka dots seem to "the thing" right now with Phillip Lim and they're coming in shoppers, totes and even slings!






And guess what, they've even got a lil something for the guys!




Looks like they've now blown up the envelope clutch to make it big enough to fit in documents. Thumbs up for the guys!

As for the bags, well, think they aren't anything to shout about. Doesn't have the WOW factor in it but heck, if it's for you, I'd say.. Go for it! But it looks as if you'll have to wait for them to get on the shelf. And while waiting, why not keep an open eye to see what's on tomorrow?

Stay tuned for more updates on Fashion Week!

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/detail/S2009RTW-PLIM?viewall=true

Bejeweled Accessories: A Must Have!

This fall, check out the new 'bling' accessories at stores near you. They're the most hip and hot items this fall. From heels to coats, gloves and watches, you'll see costume jewels piled onto every available surface.

Take a look at a few of 'em bling bags below (selected by Candy Pratts Price herself):


Renaud Pellegrino Bonnie Bag
Price: Available upon Request
Available via Bergdorf Goodman




Malene Birger Divine Safari Safi Clutch
Price: $371
Available via Revolve Clothing




Giambattista Valli Metal Clutch Bag With Gems
Price: Available upon request
Available via Bergdorf Goodman




Jimmy Choo Chandra Satin Clutch
Price: $1,450
Available via Jimmy Choo




Bulgari Aida Clutch
Price: $6,450
Available at Bulgari boutiques nationwide, www.bulgari.com




Betsey Johnson Bebob Tote Bag
Price: $225
Available via Nordstrom




Prada Crystal-Encrusted Satin Top-Handle Bag
Price: Available upon request
Available at Barneys New York, NYC




By now, you'd have a good idea of what to look out for. Am liking the Prada Top-Handle bag as well as the new Jimmy Choo Chandra. Hip yet not over the top. What's your favorite? Write and tell us. We'd love to hear from you!


Pictures courtesy of Style.com

Love It or Hate It: 3.1Phillip Lim Runway Envelope Clutch

It's been a while since envelope clutches became popular among the designers and we're out again with one - direct from the runway - by 3.1 Phillip Lim.
3.1 Phillip Lim Runway Envelope Cutch, Taupe




3.1 Phillip Lim Runway Envelope Clutch, Marine


A smooth grained lambskin with siny finish, both clutches come with contrast topstitching, diagonal seam across the corners (back and front) with a black leather patches and leather covered rhinestone embellishments decorated on one side.

Opened at the top with double zippers, the clutch is definitely top notch when it comes to quality (even right down to the fine textile lining) but the colors are dull, the design proved no flair for art/design/experience was needed to create such a.. Anyway, the use of lambskin, embellishments to create an envelope clutch for the runway was great but when put together, it's all wrong! And I'm pretty sure it had to do with taste!

Available via eLuxury, the Runway Envelope Clutch is priced at $275.00

Bargain of the Week!

A fun bright yellowed leather satchel is this week's choice for our 'Bargain of the Week' column.


Hype 'Costa del Sol' Satchel


For all handbag enthusiasts who are always on the lookout to create a fresh new look, you're looking at a pebbled leather satchel with polished pewtertone hardware. The satchel features a large front flap pocket with magnetic snap closure and a whipstitched buckle. It comes with a rear zip pocket, graphic lining with zip, patch, slit and cell phone pockets. On top of that, there's also removable key ring at the handle. How wonderful!

For a price of $177.00, you'll be pleased to know you're purchasing it at more than 50% discount. What a great buy!

Available via bluefly

Love It or Hate It: Christian Louboutin Assorted Detail Wristlet

Christian Louboutin Assorted Detail Wristlet


Featured on today's 'Love It or Hate It' is an item we picked out from Christian Louboutin. A brand name that's well known for its shoes, Christian Louboutin shows no less attention is paid to the design of its bags.

This time round, we're looking at a very colorful wristlet (red/white/teal/orange) that comes with leather trimming and cutout assorted details with glossy, clear covering. This wristlet with zip around closure opens up to fine leather lining with interior patch and zip pockets for extra storage.

And why's it under our 'Love It or Hate It' column, you say? Well, firstly, it's extremely bright colored.. a bright orange to be exact.. and lots of patches that looked as if it was a no-brainer bag and required no flair for designing whatsoever. No doubt, the use of good materials should receive credit of some sort but if it doesn't appeal to the general public, it will not reap good returns - which I certainly hope isn't the reason why it's on a 28% discount.

The Christian Louboutin Assorted Detail Wristlet is now priced at $499.99 and available via bluefly

Rafe Black Patent 'Lucy'

It's always a pleasure to introduce a new item in the market. Bagaholic Babe and I get extremely excited especially when there's an unusual find. If you've been following our posts, we're very much into gold hardware. So far, I can safely say most of the items look really good with gold hardware and this includes the one below..


Rafe New York Black Leopard Patent 'Lucy' Shoulder Bag


Unlike the usual solid colored leather bag with goldtone hardware, today's is pretty different. Simply because today's goldtone hardware is the accompanying a cool, wild leopard printed patent leather shoulder bag. And to top it off, the bag comes with chain link straps!

But of course, there's one problem to it.. the chain link straps might hurt your shoulders! Ouch! Not such a good idea, is it? Anyway, you'd be glad to know, if you wanted to own the item, it's on a 48% discount of only $188.99 via bluefly

Bargain of the Week!

Instead of one, we'll be featuring two bargains this week. Simply because.. we're featuring one (like we always do) and the other we've featured in the past (but not under the bargain section) and we're delighted to feature it here today! It's one of our favorite pieces. It's part of the wish list of a few people we know and we wanna tell you, if you haven't got it yet, this is your last chance to get it.. and it's a STEAL!

First up.. the new stuff..


Brian Atwood Daphne Clutch


An exclusive item online at Saks Fifth Avenue, the Brian Atwood Daphne is a calf leather clutch that may seem like a rather serious piece to you. Although simple and more suitable for the older generation, you say.. and I agree completely, try and take notice how the gold hardware as well as the oval details have brought back life into this framed clutch. If you look closely, it's no longer for the old but for the young too.

For a fraction of the price, you can now add this piece to your collection. It is highly recommended that every girl's wardrobe stores at least 1, maybe 2, basic bags (preferably one colored and simple) to make use of in case you haven't a matching bag in your closet. They always come in handy. Always!

Original Price: $1,060.00
Sale $317.92


Next up is of course is one of our favorites (as mentioned to you earlier).


Juicy Couture Leather Mini Bag with Charms


For those of you who never got a chance to learn about the bag when I posted it a while back, let me share with you again why we think the bag is simply divine! As the name suggests, the bag is a petite metallic shoulder bag that has plenty of charm ornaments hanging down from small rings. If you look close enough, you'll see the charms are in the shape of a heart, a crown, a horseshoe, a key and a cherry! Pretty, isn't it? And the bag also comes with goldtone hardware, a detachable top handle and canvas logo lining. If all the while, what you're looking for is a hip, trendy piece that's fit for a princess, well, this is it! If you think this is great, wait till you see the price tag *winks*

Previously sold at a retail price of $155.00, you can now own the Juicy Couture Leather Mini Bag with Charms for only $57.67. Yup, you didn't see that wrong! That's more than 60% off the original price. Well, what are you waiting for? Grab your very own Juicy Couture Leather Mini Bag with Charms today!


Only at Saks Fifth Avenue

Bamford Gloucester Bag

With the incoming season, you will find many places are already putting up their 'End of Season Sale' sign. If you've been saving up for it, well, this is it!

There'll be many bargains up - for the next few posts at least - to give you our best picks for this season's bargain.

Today, we've a piece from Bamford. It's really quite simple. Nothing flashy, nothing spectacular. If you look closely, you'll find.. it looks quite like the Birkin. Anyway, back to the simplicity of the bag and why I chose this as today's recommendation.


Bamford Gloucester Bag [Bone]


A bone(white) tote with topstitching, this top handled tote caught my eye because the color is sharp and the tie detail at the front is extremely sweet. But of course, many of you will think.. but the white might turn yellowish in time to come or.. it is difficult to maintain because it gets stained easily. Whatever the reason, I wanna tell you.. there is an alternative. The Bamford Gloucester Bag is also available in black. Take a look..


Bamford Gloucester Bag [Black]

Good news, babes! Neiman Marcus is now taking an extra 1/3 off the sale price of this already reduced item! This means that the Bamford Gloucester Bag which was originally priced at $1,695.00 was brought down to a sale price of $1,271.00. And they're further reducing the price by giving an extra 1/3 off the sale price. Gosh.. that's what a bargain is really all about, isn't it?

FYI, there are other items on an extra 1/3 off the sale price! Make sure you go take a look! Click here to get there now..

Bagging For Attention

By Dzireena Mahadzir


A Thai designer makes unusual and beautiful bags from combining exotic skins with semi-precious stones. But it's all just a hobby to him.

PIROON Wacharamontri is an unlikely bag designer, considering his day job. A lawyer by training and profession, he makes handbags as a hobby.

But his bags, which are made of exotic skins and lambskin and embellished with semi-precious stones, have become so popular, his hobby might just become a full-time career!To date, his bags have been sold in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the United States, with high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Lane Crawford carrying his designs. The latest market is Malaysia with his creations being sold at the new Tang's at Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur.



[Red and green dominate the Fall/Winter 2007 collection]



For now, however, the boyish Piroon, 34, is content to design the bags that do not even carry his name. In KL, they are being sold under the label, Bagatelle.

Piroon started making bags five years ago. His interest was sparked by his love for semi-precious stones. The leather was more like a canvas for him to play with the gems.

"It started when a friend in Hong Kong, who owns a gallery that sells jewellery, asked me to design some pieces. He said why not think up something different, so I ended up putting precious stones on bags. So the concept is more like semi-precious stones on good leather," he says during an interview in Bangkok.

"I have two lines, Seasonal and Classic. The Seasonal's first batch has only 15 bags. If they sell well, I'll make 30. The maximum number for each style is 50, and only two for each country.

However for my Classic line, I won't make more than 30 pieces. I also custom make pieces for my clients in Bangkok who tell me what they want."



[The Ibiza bag, perfect for parties]



Piroon gets his ideas from his travels; this season he was inspired by Spain, so the main colours are red and green.

His collections initially comprised clutch bags because he thinks they are sexy.

"But now I have moved to other bags. This Fall/Winter I'm using onyx, pearls, smoky quartz, tiger eyes and green jade. For Spring 2008, I am looking at corals and turquoise. Gold is the colour this year but silver is also popular, so I have chosen pewter. I like exotic skins, and I like amethysts and smoky quartz."

Piroon doesn't seem concerned with making very practical bags as most designs offer little room to hold things and yet are rather heavy. But there's no mistaking their wow factor. Carry one and you can expect attention. A Bagatelle is so well embellished, it could be the only accessory you need for the evening.



[Piroon Wacharamontri calls his creations jewellery bags]



Not surprisingly, Piroon says his customers are mainly in their 30s and older, as he believes you need to attain a certain level of sophistication to appreciate his bags.

"I don't like the word 'fashion', I prefer 'style'. Why don't you have your own style, be different. I call my bags jewellery bags."

What's interesting about these bags is that the stones are so beautiful that you feel like taking them off the bags and wearing them as jewellery. In fact, Piroon, says he has designed handbags where you can take the "handle" off and wear it as a necklace!

Although his bags are a hobby, Piroon does have his eye on expanding further: "I'm looking forward to distributing the bags in more countries, but in limited pieces. I don't want everyone carrying the same bag. I'd also like to design a home collection, I used to design candles with semi precious stones. Now I'm looking at the business aspect, so one thing I'd like to see is my bags being sold all over the world!"

*Bagatelle's Fall/Winter 2007 range, and Classic line are available at Tang & Co, Tang's, Pavilion, KL. Prices range from RM2,000 to RM3,500.


Courtesy of Clove Two

Comme des Garcons - Louis Vuitton Handbag Collaboration

Press release from Louis Vuitton:

A beguiling and individual vision of luxury will take shape when Louis Vuitton opens an impermanent store inside Comme des Garçons in Tokyo on 4th September 2008.

The idea for the project emerged from the memories of Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo. In 1978, as a young designer, she saw the first Louis Vuitton store to open in Japan and was fascinated by the image of French craftsmanship and art de vivre it projected – a luxury that seemed to her, at the time, unattainable. Three decades on, Rei Kawakubo wanted to revisit her impressions, and so the association between Comme des Garçons and Louis Vuitton was born. Intriguingly, Louis Vuitton is celebrating this year its 30th anniversary in Japan.

Rei Kawakubo has dedicated and re-designed the entire Comme des Garçons store on Kottodori, Omotesando especially for Louis Vuitton for the duration of the project, from 4th September through mid-December, into a space that will be a celebration of the Louis Vuitton Monogram. The fruit of this unprecedented collaboration – an exclusive collection of six one-off bags – will be presented in a minimalist space, at the centre of which will be a display of historic Louis Vuitton trunks. Inspired by her memories, Rei Kawakubo chose the legendary Monogram canvas to create two Party bags, small evening purses with outsized natural leather handles. The designer also customized two classic Louis Vuitton bags, endowing the Papillon with kawaii animal charms and the Mini HL with multiple slender handles. Lastly, Louis Vuitton is reediting two iconic designs from the 1970s – the Petit Marceau and the Sac 2 Poches – which Rei Kawakubo is likely to have seen in the windows of that first Louis Vuitton store.

[Mini HL w/multiple slender handles]


The bags will only be available upon order, which is only to be placed at the “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons store”. No telephone or Internet orders will be taken. In return, customers will receive a certificate inside a special card holder in Louis Vuitton's traditional natural leather, embossed with the Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons signature. Only several months later will their bag be delivered to their chosen Louis Vuitton store. Other iconic Louis Vuitton Monogram bags, such as the Speedy and Alma chosen by Rei Kawakubo, will also be on display and available for immediate sale inside this special “Louis Vuitton at Comme des Garçons” store.

Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton Artistic Director, who has long been an admirer of Comme des Garçons, comments: "It is impossible to overstate Rei Kawakubo's influence on modern fashion. I find it wonderful to think that, thirty years ago, this immense talent, someone who has inspired so many others, was inspired by Louis Vuitton, and now that inspiration has now been realized."

Yves Carcelle, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton, says: "This project not only brings a new meaning to luxury, but also speaks volumes about how the know-how and heritage of Louis Vuitton have always been perceived in Japan, including by its foremost designers. We are very proud to have been able to help Rei Kawakubo relive her memories in such an original and creative way."

Rei Kawakubo, President of Comme des Garçons, says: "These are party bags to celebrate the 30 years of Louis Vuitton in Japan. In designing them, I have kept Louis Vuitton's traditional concept as it is, but sometimes two handles become one, sometimes two handles become eight... It has been a remarkably exciting opportunity for me to have been able to participate in Louis Vuitton's traditional design and heritage."

Photos courtesy of Louis Vuitton

Bargain of the Week!

I am proud to bring to you this week's bargain - the Hello Kitty Straw Basket Bag by Victoria Couture.

[Front]

[Back]


Celebrate this summer with this Hello Kitty Straw Basket Bag with pink accents. It's the perfect item to carry to the beach on a sunny day. The exterior is natural straw with a luxurious leather Hello Kitty patch and handles while the interior is lined in pretty black polka dots printed in pink cotton. A small mirror is also included for last minute touch-ups, should that be necessary.


[Interior]


For a price of only $135.00, the item can now be yours via Sanrio

Note: The Victoria Couture drawstring storage bag is given away with every Hello Kitty Straw Basket Bag purchase.

Love It or Hate It: Be and D Chatterley Satchel

Be and D Chatterley Satchel

This week's pick on our Love It or Hate It column is the Be and D Chatterley Satchel - a black patent leather satchel with lavender patent leather ruffle detail. The bag also comes with stud details which goes down the centre of the ruffles, side pleating, stud detail at the sides, gun metal silver hardware, a detachable chain with patent leather woven through and the list goes on.

By now, you should be able to tell that there's too much going on in the bag. Too many details. From what I've noticed in the past, too much detail can be disasterous. You might not agree with me. Anyhow, the bag is lined in twill and features an inside zippered pocket for storing your things.

The Be and D Chatterley Satchel is priced at $795.00 and may also be used as an oversized satchel.

Available via ShopJake

Bargain of the Week!

Today, for our Bargain, we're bringing not one.. but two cupcakes to you!

Too pretty for words, both cupcakes are from the Che Che New York collection. Both cupcakes comes with a zippered top to keep your coins and small items and have bead/sequin details on them. Check them out below together with how much they cost!

Style No. CO-523-S08 US$63 / HK$490 /RM290

Style No. CO-525-S08 US$60 / HK$470 / RM290

For more info, head on over to Che Che New York today!

For Malaysians out there, you must've noticed the price tag in RM above... that's because it's also available at the Che Che New York boutique at Mid Valley Megamall, Centre Court (opposite MNG).