Balenciaga Day Bag in Pommier bags

One of my favorite parts of every new handbag season is waiting for the new Balenciaga colors to start hitting stores and websites. They’re my favorite brand and consistently product some of the most vibrant leather colors of any high-end designer. Since their bag shapes are simple and iconic, it lets the ever-changing leather shades take center stage, where some become highly sought-after and collectible.

My favorite from Fall 2009 is Pommier, a beautiful bright green that this photo doesn’t do justice. From what I’ve seen, it’s more of a Kelly shade in real life, and I couldn’t think of anything more beautiful to wear with the blacks and greys of fall. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a green like this from Balenciaga, which is refreshing – they’ve taken to repeating some of their most recent hits in the past few seasons. I’d prefer it with giant silver hardware (since I prefer everything with giant silver hardware), but I’d settle for the regular hardware pictured here if I had to. Maybe if I can save my pennies, I’ll have one of these lovely bags to show you ladies in the future.

Dolce and Gabbana Sequined Sandals

These Dolce & Gabbana sandals ($536 at Luisaviaroma) are my pick for for walking shoe disaster of the week. There are a lot of reasons to pick on this shoe - the over-the-top sequins, the large buckle at the ankle (I have fat ankles), etc. but it’s the arch , or lack thereof, of an arch support which bugs me the most about this sandal. Towering at 4.5 inches, this shoe is already going to tough to walk in, but without the support, it will be tortuous. I can’t even rationalize the lack of arch support because of aesthetics either. Surely Dolce & Gabbana could have added a thin gold sole without impairing the design aspects of the shoe.

What are you thoughts - am I overly rough on this shoe?

Christian Dior Fall 2009 Couture Paris

No one does couture like Christian Dior. He set his show in the Dior Headquarters on Avenue Montaigne. This line was presented very much like the clothes were traditionally presented to press and clients in the 40’s and 50’s. The clothes were reminiscent of 40s and 50s styles only with bright, sophistocated color.

The difference was that the models were “half” dressed.

I would imagine real world clients will combine tops and skirts from these different outfits for real world wear. I can’t wait to see how Charleze Theron wears this look on the Red Carpet.

Here are close ups of the shoes. Note the sparkly hose.

The embelishments, make me think of old girdle connectors. I can’t tell you how many times I watched my mother squeeze into her girdle and hook her stockings with those little dealies.

My favorite pair is below.

I love the hand work detail of couture.

Chanel’s Cutie Boots and Sandals

Chanel isn’t just for matrons or uptight Heidi Montag types. They’ve got some adorable things for younger girls, too. I spied some remainders of the popular Chanel Camellia Jellies at Saks. Unfortunately, they seem to be unavailable on Saks’ or Neiman Marcus’ websites. However, I can affirm that there were pairs in store at Saks. Whether they’ll have them in your size, I’m not sure. Call 212-753-4000 for more information or to see if they’ll check for your size. They supposedly run a tad small, so you’d be wise to check for the size above as well. They were in the low $200 range, as I recall.

The colors they had were clear, green, yellow and pink.

Here’s a better promo shot of them. Aren’t they adorable? I wore jellies a lot as a child, so these bring back memories for me, but are much more fashionable than my netted pairs!

It’s been a VERY rainy summer in New York. Annoyingly rainy, as I’ve mentioned before, bringing out the boots in droves. It’s threatening to rain this morning, in fact. I wish I had a pair of these, which I instantly fell in love with when I saw them at Saks. How have I not seen them before, I wondered. With the black camellia and off-white camellia, as well as the quilted sole, these are too cute! Hurry into Saks to get them, they’re not on the website as far as I can tell!

Balenciaga Arena Giant Envelope bags


My love of Balenciaga continues to grow and I often find myself wondering why is it that I literally do not own one Balenciaga bag? I know, it is some sort of travesty that I do not own a Balenciaga bag. My collection is vast and covers many designers, but for an amount of time I could not see the craze behind the bags. When the giant hardware was added, Balenciaga got me right in the heart. As a self-proclaimed clutch lover, the Balenciaga Arena Giant Envelope is a stunning funky and edgy clutch. Designed with the signature lambskin, the wrinkled flap front with a magnetic closure offers a fun take on a fold over clutch. There is a zipper pocket and silver-toned hardware. I love this clutch and if I could figure out exactly what color to buy, I would (of course if in my small allotted bag budget for the year). Measurements are 7″ x 12″ x 1.75″.

Shoe Showdown: Chanel Spring 2009 Bowtie Bootie

It’s time for another shoe showdown. Who do you think wore these Chanel peep-toe booties, from the Spring 2009 collection, better? The runway model, Diane Kruger, or Alexa Chung?

I’m going to give this one to the Chanel runway model, despite the hairpiece. Alexa looks mismatched in a biege dress with black/white booties. While I typically love what Diane wears, the crossover messenger bag seems off with her outfit. I have come to expect more wow from her.

Lovely and Lacey Louboutins for Fall

Today I just wanted to give our readers some happy Saturday eye-candy.

So, I went straight to Louboutin in search of some drool-worthy choices. What I found were variations on timeless lace.

This first one is my favorite, even if the shape is all wrong for my particular feet. The all-over lace and that peek of red sole are superbly matched.

Christian Louboutin ‘Ronda Dina’ 140 mm platform pumps; $1025 at Net-a-porter.

But, if you are more of an ankle-boot gal, this next style may be more your speed. Cute horizontal lace patterns make this a nice update on a classic allover lace boot.

Christian Louboutin ‘Paola’ 100mm ankle boots; $1155 at Net-a-porter.

(The Paola is also available on pre-order at Saks)

For a more conservative take (using the same lace as the Paola), is this classic pump designed with a lower, sturdy heel. This is a great look that is not likely to go out of style.

Christian Louboutin ‘Ambro’ lace peep-toe pump; $825 at Nieman Marcus.

Finally, for you gals that like to show off a bit of bad-girl vibe, check out this shoe-confection made with lace, studs, and a zipper bow. This is glam-rock for a new generation.

Christian Louboutin ‘Candy Stud’ pumps $965 at Saks.com.

So, this is just one designer’s take on lace. Are you anticipating more fabulous lace creations from other designers this fall?

I know I am.