Splurge of the Week!

This week's Splurge of the Week comes directly off the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer '09 runways!





Under-flap view


Interior view

If you're a follower of our blog, you'll notice that this bag looks familiar to you. Yes, this bag was seen in our Fashion Week Coverage. This "Amazon Shoulder Bag" by Marc Jacobs definitely seems inspired by a Jungle-esque theme that was all the rage with all MJ designs this season, including those for Louis Vuitton.

This bag definitely exudes a native-like character with its contrasting textures and colours. This metallic leather multi-flapped bag is made of Zebra-print pony hair, snakeskin and suede with leather tassel, padlock and key details. The colourful woven guitar strap inspired sling strap also takes the whole tribal-ethnic vibe to another more 'authentic' level.

Pre-Order this bag from MJ's S/S 09 runway collection for a price of $2,950 via eLuxury today!

Stella McCartney Linen Clutch

This Spring/Summer season, Stella McCartney gets inspired by nature. Like many clothing designers, bugs serve as an inspiration this Spring and Stella McCartney is no exception. This structured stripey metallic linen clutch with a flap top and patent coral trimmings is embellished with a bug brooch. Linen has never looked so classy! Get this for £383.83 via Net-a-Porter .

Cute New Gucci Tote!

Gucci's New Cruise Collection sports a Pug on one of their bags!

This medium 'Guccioli' tote with signature beige/brown monogram with off-white patent leather trims comes with a detachable heart tag charm with leather bow detail. Cut-outs of signature monogram canvas, coated monogram canvas, metallic gold and black leather are stitched together to create a pug on the bag. Gold gucci logo stamped charm hangs from the dog's collar.

Bagaholic Babe never used to be a Gucci fan, but with the dogs on the bags, I'm starting to like these designs! We saw first saw a dog on Gucci bags -  chihuahua in a Santa suit, complete with a Santa hat (Limited Edition) from the Christmas collection - and now a Pug from their Cruise 2009 Collection. Will Gucci start a whole collection of doggie bags? If so, I'm definitely a fan!

Like it? Purchase this bag via  Gucci for $730.

PS: For those residing in Malaysia, Gucci brought in the Limited Edition Chihuahua from the Christmas collection, only 2 pieces are available - one at Pavilion and one at StarHill Gallery. Bagaholic Babe got the one from Pavilion so, if you're really keen, get the only piece left at StarHill Gallery.

New Prada Spring/Summer Collection In Stores Now!

Dear BagAddicts, feast your eyes as we unleash Prada's new Spring/Summer Collection, and yes, select models are available in Malaysia too!

Bring on the bling, cos' that's what The new Spring/Summer 2009 collection from Prada is all about! Be it shoppers, clutches, shoulder bags, or totes, in nylon, gaberdine, or exotic-printed leather, the new S/S collection has all its bags symmetrically covered in plastic jewels. If you need something to glam up your end-of-year parties, then selections from this collection should do the trick.


£290


£385


£655


£540


£480


£755


£830


£635

The Verdict: Followers of our blog would already know by now that Prada is one of Bagaholic Babe's favourite brands. Bagaholic Babe is sitting on the fence with this collection. Let's start with what Bagaholic Babe dislikes about the collection. Firstly, I'm not really a fan of huge gem embellishments on my stuff, be they clothing, shoes or bags. Although there may be some exceptions, this collection doesn't really have me raving. Secondly, the oversized gem detailing on bags has been done before --> if you remember, Marc Jacobs did oversized gem encrusted bags about 2 years or so ago for his runway collection. If you can't remember this, then the ad campaigns featuring Dakota Fanning, should remind you of this.

Now, on with what I Like about this collection. I love the wristlet and the tote in fuschia! So girly, so me. =)

Please note that not the entire collection is featured here. For more shapes and designs, hop on over to your nearest Prada boutique to check it out. Gem embellished Wallets are also available in stores.

Marc Jacobs Heart Clutch

Today's pick is from Marc Jacobs' Cruise/Resort Collection 2009. I must say that it's definitely different from his usual bags which are quilted, structured and sturdy-looking. This MJ creation is totally feminine, fun, flirty, playful and youthful! What's more, its something that can be used for either day or night! ;)


Marc Jacobs Collection
Big Heart Zip Clutch
$795.0

In different shades of Fuschia, this Heart Zip clutch is made of cut-out hearts of varying sizes and textured leathers ranging from slightly glossed leather, to lizard-printed embossed leather that are attached appliqué-style on both the front and the back of the clutch. Definitely bringing out the girly girl in all of us, this clutch retails for $795 at eLuxury . I hope that Marc Jacobs continues heading in this more youthful direction in his future collections!

Note: if pink isn't your colour, this clutch is also available in Metallic Silver (Pre-Order) at Saks

Presenting: Selections from Prada Resort Collection 2009

Here are some of Bagaholic Babe's favourite picks from Prada's Resort 2009 Collection

Some of the key trends such as lace and ruffles from Prada's F/W 2008 collection has been carried over into the Resort 2009 Collection, as you'll notice below.


Cervo Lux Print Bowler - $2350

Lace has spilled over from F/W into Resort 2009. Choose between pink pebbled leather with black lace (shown above) or white pebbled leather with black lace. In Bagaholic Babe's opinion, the pink looks sweeter and less granny-ish. Generally not my style as it looks rather mature.



Tessuto Weave Tote - $1350

This is one of Bagaholic Babe's favourites from this Resort 2009 Collection. From the photo above, it may look woven ala Bottega Veneta, but after looking at it in the store, it is actually pleated to create a weave effect. Very interesting. If you're not a Tessuto (that's nylon, in Prada speak), you might prefer the metallic leather one below. The patent handles give the bag just the right touch of luxe. And if you're wondering where the Prada logo is, it's at the opening of the bag, facing inwards.




Vitello Mordore'A Hobo - $2490

Here's yet another woven bag, but in metallic leather this time.


Vernice One Bowler -$1360

Remember the multicoloured leather stripes from Prada's S/S 2008 collection earlier this year? Yes, those very bags that I commented on their jesterly look. We saw a few striped bags with stripes of different textures like alternating mix of patent and leather in F/W 2008, and now, it makes another appearance in the Resort 2009 Collection. This one fully patent bowler is much more classy, and no longer jesterly, imho.


Ruffled Chain-Strap Tote - $1295

The same ruffled leather look that we saw in this year's Fall/Winter collection has been carried over into next year's Resort collection. I was not a fan of the ruffled leather bowler from F/W but this is quite pleasant to the eye! Love the plastic chain-strap handles, but because of the chain straps, we can expect that it would be quite heavy.



These are only some of the bags from Prada's Resort Collection 2009. To view the entire collection, or ti Pre-Order them, head on over to Neiman Marcus today!

Also, Neiman Marcus is offering a FREE handbag hook* with any purchase of a regular-priced Premier Designer Handbag.

Presenting: Louis Vuitton S/S' 09 Collection

Presenting: Louis Vuitton's S/S '09 Collection

This coming Spring-Summer, we see lots of metallics, iridescent fabrics, embossed monograms and African-esque detailing from the House of Vuitton.

The Verdict:  The handbag shape of the season for Vuitton seems to be the Hobo and the oversized clutch. We also see the denim range taking on a new multicoloured monogram created by coloured threads that are embroidered on the monogram. Perhaps LV is adding a new multicolour denim line to their ever-expanding collections? Hmm...

Lots of iridescent fabrics in metallic shades are used with the monogram - the monogram is often iridescent too! The African-esque vibe is obvious in the bead and tassle detailing on ALL the bags. The animal print, too adds to this African tribal feel.

Bagaholic Babe isn't really a fan of this collection, though she likes the interesting colour combination of colours on the oversized clutches with embroidered monogram embossed.

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

Bargain of the Week!

Gustto Estiva Shopper

This week's Bargain of the Week is the Estiva Shopper from Gustto. Made of canvas with metallic leather trims and studded details on the flap, Bagaholic Babe just loves the colour combination of this bag! I also love the top bit of the bag where one is supposed to put their arm through. Such a unique shape! Usually when people mention shoppers, there's usually a standard look - a rectangular tote with long-ish shoulder straps so that your arm rests comfortably. This Gustto shopper is rather unorthodox looking. The studded details add just the right amount of the chic factor to the bag. Get this shopper now, at a discounted price of $180 (original price was $360). If you're not loving it in canvas, it's also available in leather. Hop on over to ShopBop today before the sale ends!

Prada F/W '08

This season, Miuccia Prada has got the entire Switzerland working on couture lace. This handmade fabric has taken over almost the entire Fall/Winter 2008 collection simply because Miuccia wanted "something simple", she says.. although I think it's FAR from simple. She continued by saying "the surface is important. I wanted to do minimal, something that was feminine and strong - but in the end, not so sexy."

The collection resembles the early nineties Prada and I'm sure must've been a hit among their clients. You'll also notice that the bags have been implanted with strange upstanding frills. They appear throughout the entire collection on the lace pieces as well as the leather ones. Take a look..












BagObsessed is particularly liking the last leather shoulder bag that comes with a plastic chain strap as it's not only slick but also easy to match with although it would look better without the (bat wing) frills. The lace looks pretty in champagne color although I must say it's really delicate and will be difficult to maintain. The frills are definitely over the top and looks especially ugly on the totes.

To read a review of the collection on Style.com, click here