Christmas Gift Suggestions for your GF

Longchamp Le Pliage Tote USD 145

Chef Tonio left a comment in one of my earlier posts. He was asking for possible Christmas gift suggestions for his significant other.

Here are his requirements:

a) Bag must be only between 8-10 thousand.
b) GF is not sporty.
c) She likes brands, she doesn't like big bags.
d) Bag must have a touch of simplicity and class.

Thanks for writing in, Chef Tonio! I have to apologize for the slightly delayed response. My injured ankle has severely hampered extended window-shopping expeditions so I've just started going around lately.

Anyway, here are my initial suggestions. I promise to post some more in the coming weeks. So you have plenty of time to come up with your choice that is guaranteed to make you the "star" BF with the best Christmas gift.

Marc Jacobs Cats and Dogs Handbag

Marc by Marc Jacobs Cats and Dogs Handbag
Marc Jacobs has designed some of the most beautiful handbags I have ever seen. Timeless, classic, elegant, and functional. For many people, he is a creative genius. But he is a creative genius that also has a huge sense of humor, especially when it comes to handbags. Meet the Marc by Marc Jacobs Cats and Dogs Handbag. This little bag is covered in cute doodles of cats and dogs. And this isn’t the first time Marc has taken a virtual marker to a handbag. Doodle-inspired designs have been featured in almost every season, including the very famous Miss Marc handbags. So how does everyone feel about this handbag? Are the cats and dogs cute? Personally, I think they are cute. I love the silver metallic images against the bright orange background. But this bag would be extremely hard for someone to wear. It would definitely be appealing, however, to the younger generation. And since it is from a few seasons ago, the price is actually affordable for the more youthful customer. What a fun little bag to brighten up an outfit.. if you’re 12.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Cats and Dogs handbag is available in Poppy (shown) or White. It measures 9″ x 6.5″ x 0.75″. Originally retailing for $148, it is now available at Bluefly for only $103.

The perfect handbags

For some reason I started doodling my perfect handbag. Since I got my new camera, I'm struggling to get everything in my old Marks & Spencer one. I did get a big patent leather one from Next, but it is a bit too heavy to carry around if I'm in Edinburgh or Glasgow for the day.

Carlos Hobo Pouch

Carlos Falchi Slim Proof Hobo Pouch

Vlad and I are headed back to Florida today after a great stint in NYC. Our favorite part has been meeting all of the designers. We will be bringing you many designer interviews shortly. And one of those interviews will be with Carlos Falchi. His story is amazing, and I will leave it at that until we share more. And his handbags are amazing as well. While Carlos Falchi is known for exotics, he still has some microfiber bags and other materials that look astounding and have a much more affordable price point. One of my favorite snake-embossed microfiber bag is the Carlos Falchi Slim Proof Hobo Pouch. This bag is designed with Barbarella, the textured snake-embossed microfiber, which I mentioned earlier. This material brings volume to the bag and looks like snakeskin, without the cost. The hobo shape of this bag I adore. I saw it and tried it on in the showroom (in CROCODILE, drool) and have been hooked since. There is a detachable shoulder strap with a 25″ drop and double handles with a 5″ drop. The drawstring and slide closure is something I am drawn to; simple, hardware free, and casual-chic. On the inside you will not feel disappointed, as there is a zip pocket, cell phone pocket, money clip and key holder. Dimensions are 10½”W X 11″H X 5″D. Buy through Saks for $370.

must have this handbags

The latest must have guilt free handbag comes from Pibiones by Antonello.

“Pibiones pay tribute to the best of Italian eco luxury fabric choices. Trialling authentic Sardinian hand weaving methods in ethically managed factories, the collection of accessories are handcrafted by a handpicked group of leading handbag manufacturers in villages in mainland Italy.

Shedding light on Italian textiles and putting localised Italian handiwork and the importance of its preservation back on the map, Pibiones designer Antonello Tedde prides himself on only working with experts in accessories production and ultimately bringing Sardinian production methods back into the global consciousness.” London Fashion Week, BFC