This bag is made of Lurex, so no great heavy leather here. But there are some extremely subtle details that are worth noting: the twisted rope handles and the interesting clover-shaped turn-lock closure. So yes, it looks cool and classic and all that, but I think something is missing here. There’s a hint of blahness that is just not going away for me. I’d say, pair it with an amazing outfit to distract from that. Otherwise, I’m not sure this bag is worth its high price of more than a grand. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,250.

I really think color plays out a huge part in this handbag. The color, brick, is so rich that it really blends well with the gold hardware featured on the handbag. Together the color and hardware make this handbag look stunning and unique.

Personally, I would love it if this handbag came in black. I wear a lot of black, and it’s so much easier to match a handbag with my outfit if it’s either black or has a lot of colors featured on it.

In my opinion, this handbag can be worn day or night. The color is so vibrant, that whatever you choose to wear it with, is going to be hidden by the bag. In other words, all eyes will be on the bag when you walk in a room not your outfit.

If you live in a state that has Summer-like weather all year round, this would be the perfect handbag to add to any collection.

The Chloé Heloise Large Tote can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,670. High price, but oh so gorgeous.

See the Chloé Heloise Large Tote Here: Chloe Room @ Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: Chloé Heloise!

(average: 5.00)
]]> http://blog.ladyreplica.com/article.asp?id=3659 service@ladyreplica.com(monica) Mon,20 Jul 2009 23:22:30 +0800 http://blog.ladyreplica.com/index.asp?id=3659 I’ve said it before and I’ll happily say it again: Chloe uses some of the most drool-worthy leather of any brand on the market. It’s thick, it’s soft, and it manages to convey both of those characteristics both in person and in photos. It is often also arm-achingly heavy, but sometimes we have to suffer for fashion, ok? I know my Stam has given me a sore shoulder once or twice…

Anyway! So we’re talking about the Chloe Marlow Top Handle, right? Right. And it’s great, I love it. The grey leather looks so supple that I want to reach through the computer, yank it out, and rub it against my face. But that’s not even my favorite part. What makes the whole thing is the unexpected brown belt that circles the top, giving the bag a vintage, New England sort of look. It looks like the bag that your college TA would carry, if your college TA was the most fashionable person in the history of grad students. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $1558.

I would absolutely love this handbag in black. Saks Fifth Avenue currently only has the large tote available in brown to be pre-ordered. The medium size does come in black though, so I’m sure that the large tote is made in black also.

What really caught my eye about this bag was the rope signature detail featured on the front of the bag. For some reason, the rope detail with the gold hardware really sticks out on the bag. I believe if those two features were missing from this bag, this would look like any ordinary tote.

To me this handbag is very versatile, which is always a “pro.” This is a handbag I would wear day or night and during any season. I do live in the heat, therefore fashion trends aren’t really followed when you are in 100 degree year round. This handbag would look perfect with: a pair of jeans, a simple stylish shirt, and some boots. I do consider it a “simple” handbag, so it deserves to be worn with a classic outfit.

The Chloé Paraty Large Tote can be pre-ordered at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995. I believe this price is a little too high for this handbag, but I won’t deny that this handbag is stunning.

See the Chloé Paraty Large Tote at: Saks Fifth Avenue or Net-a-Porter

The Chat: Chloé Paraty!

(average: 4.00)
]]> http://blog.ladyreplica.com/article.asp?id=3613 service@ladyreplica.com(monica) Mon,22 Jun 2009 09:39:34 +0800 http://blog.ladyreplica.com/index.asp?id=3613 In all honesty, the Chloe Paddington is probably why I’m here today. It was the first designer handbag to totally capture my attention when I started to become interested in bags circa 2005, and although I never had the funds to buy one back then, I searched eBay daily, hoping for a good deal on my elusive cream-colored Paddy. And I wasn’t the only one that caught the Paddington fever - fashion magazines dubbed it the fastest-selling bag in history and our Purse Forum, then in its infancy, talked non-stop of ways to acquire one.

And now, approximately four years later, I saw a Paddington on Nordstrom’s website today and it got me thinking - how does the purse world feel about this historic handbag a few years down the road from its peak popularity?

When I look at it, I feel mostly nostalgia - it reminds me of the period in fashion where an It-Bag was the most important thing in the world and waitlists were a mile long for almost anything worth buying. Bags are certainly more available now in general and the Paddington, once impossible to find, is now fairly common. Does the bag stand the test of time? I think so, although looking back, I like some of the other variations better than the original (the ginormous Paddington Tote comes to mind). The big lock is still really cool, the colors and the leather that they use are still great, and the bag is still fairly functional, if notoriously weighty. And even if you’re not a fan, or just not a fan anymore, you’ve still got to admit that it holds a fairly unique place in modern handbag history. The biggest difference between the Paddington of yore and that of today, though? The price.Buy through Nordstrom for $1875.

Now, on the bad side: there’s something off about the flaps (pleats?) on the front of the hobo, and the bottom of the bag also has flaps that make it look too heavy. Also, the cream and blue color options are just not quite right- it’s like Chloe was a shade off. Even though I like a few details, the fact that the color and overall shape are wrong just makes the whole bag seem icky. Next time, Chloe, keep the good deets but get your colors right. Buy through Saks for $995.

All the hype over colorful wallets starts off with the ‘azure’ Gabby continental by no other than Hype. Besides the glazed blue leather, the oversized zipper pulls are fun and the many interior compartments are also great. You can find this wallet at an amazing price of $51!

Balenciaga fans, how does a mandarin orange wallet marked down 20% sound? Giant silver hardware adorns this beauty and the interior features are truly satisfying. You just can’t beat luscious Italian leather sporting one of the season’s hottest colors.

Yves Saint Laurent’s Y-Mail continental wallet has been a favorite amongst many Bagista’s and that’s really no surprise. YSL delivers a really unique and way cool design, especially in pretty fuchsia/gold. Available in shiny patent leather for $476.

If you’re digging the darker berry colors instead, Chloe’s ‘Paraty’ wallet in dark purple looks like a winner. With distressed leather like that and shiny gold hardware, I give this piece a two thumbs up!

Whichever wallet catches your attention the most, you simply can’t go wrong either one. These are just a few of the many beauties you can find on sale right now. Discover many more fun and bold wallets via: Bluefly

The Chat: Bold and Colorful Wallets

(average: 5.00)
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