Fur has made a bit of an uncomfortable comeback on the catwalk lately, so I was delighted to learn that the pelts on display at Chanel's Fall 2010 shows were as fake as fake can be. The fun fur was so realistic that if I hadn't been told up front that no animals were harmed in the making of the fluffy adornments, I'd have been feeling pretty unwell by the end of the show.
While I have to approve of Chanel's decision to forego real fur (according to some commentators, at a cost) I have to admit to not being exactly bowled over by the designs. If you thought that shoulder bag on the left looked uncannily like a hot water bottle cover, by the way, you'd be right: it is exactly that. Clearly Karl and his team expect we're in for another hard winter...
In the non-furry section of the show, however, I loved the 'ice block' clutches, which had a real novelty, Narnia feel about them. A great idea, beautifully executed.
Definitely one to add to your Ebay watch list, this large, pastel green bag by Luella is one of a dying breed of bags by the credit crunched designer. It's a classic style that will work particularly well during the summer in this shade, and judging by the close-up photograph, still seems to have all of its crucial appendages intact.
So far, the bag hasn't attracted too much in the way of Ebay love, and is currently sitting on a bid of just £27. There are 4 more days to go yet, but I suspect this will go for a reasonable price.
See the advert here.
If you're looking for a cool, contemporary small-to-medium sized handbag, you could do a lot worse than to check out the current range at Anya Hindmarch. I particularly like this 'Britt' handbag, which is smooth, stylish and so very 'now' without labouring under too many obviously trendy bells and whistles.
In navy leather with a contrasting neutral strap, the bag the perfect shape and size to be worn comfortably under the arm. A definite newcomer to the wish-list!
£350 at Anya Hindmarch
We LOVE a bit of trompe l'oeil around here, and this clever design by Lulu Guinness is just the sort of thing that gets us going. At first glance, it's your generic, padded Chanel-a-like bag (albeit a very cute one).
But look a little closer (you'll have to click on the image to zoom in) and you'll find that the padding is carefully stitched into the shape of Lulu Guinness's signature 'lips' motif. It's such a lovely subtle touch we can't help but approve. The bag is made from 100% patent leather with a smart black-beige fabric stripe on the inside.
£250 at Lulu Guinness
Peacocks do seem to have the magic formula when it comes to designing bags that are super cheap and trendy without being tacky or overly fussy. This cute nautical-style bag is never going to win any awards for designer imitation, but it's fun, pretty and looks practical too - definitely one to see you through summer.
The stripes, piping and shaping of the canvas bag is spot-on, but it's the addition of the little bow and beads that really makes it.
£12 at Peacocks
I was always a fan of small, zip-around purses - but then I got my trusty Mulberry Somerset continental-style wallet, and I wouldn't look back. It can be a pain to fit into small clutch bags, but that's what spare coin purses are for, n'est-ce pas?
If you don't want to do too much damage your existing wallet by replacing it with a designer one, there are plenty of chic, ultra-long purses on the high street, so I've picked out a few of my favourites today. Above, is Diesel's striped metallic wallet, £48 at ASOS. I love the subtle metallic sheen on the stripes. Below is Mango's fabulous studded wallet: £20 also at ASOS
I usually like a bit of texture on a bag, and honeycomb can look great.Bbut somehow the use of it here really, really doesn't work for me. I think perhaps it's the way they've covered one panel with the funny 'folds', while leaving the others smooth. I think this should really be an all-over pattern or a not-at-all pattern, and I like the result not at all!
What do you think is wrong with this bag - or am I just fussy? Perhaps it's just trying a bit too hard to look designer-esque, and falling flat on its face as a result. Opinions please!
digg this |
del.icio.us this
| 
Stumble It!
