Ahoy Fashionistas! Sail Into The Summer With Nautical Chic Looks

Ahoy mate! I’ve always loved the nautical theme fashion! With spring here and summer is just around the corner, it’s time to break out the nautical theme items! To my opinion, nothing more chic then mixing up the bold color of navy, white & a splash of red mixed in timeless stripes and whimsical gold, silver or clear Lucite jewelries accents ! Here are some looks I think is super chic and a must-have for summer 2010! I’ve picked some styles for our male fashionistas, too! So here we go…

Sonia Rykiel Nautical Sweater Dress

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Peter Som Nautical Bib Necklace

Available @ Henri Bendle

Gucci Henley Dress and Jungle Hobo Bag

Available @ Neiman Marcus

Kenneth Jay Lane Branch Bib Necklace

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Jean Paul Gaultier Sequined Shift Dress

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Prada Saffiano Lux Tote

Available @ Bergdorf Goodman

Call the handbag specialist Jesse Kopischke (212) 872-2519

Chloe Striped Cashmere Cardigan

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Celestina Rainbow Paua Shell Bag

Available @ Net-A-Porter.com

BCBG Maxazria Strapless Draped Silk Dress

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Michele Gramesty Sea Glass Lucite Necklace

Available @ Michele Gramesty Etsy Boutique

Christian Louboutin Chain-Embellished Espadrille

Available @ Neiman Marcus

Vince Striped Flanged Sweater

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Kate Spade Shell Bead Faux Pearl Bib Necklace

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Carmen Marc Valvo Turquoise Beaded Dress

Available @ Bergdorf Goodman

Manolo Blahnik Sneaker Slingback

Available @ Neiman Marcus

Miu Miu Large Deerskin Leather Tote

Available @ Net-A-Porter.com

Sea Charm Necklaces

Available @ Urban Outfitters.com

Alice Olivia Sequin Striped Shirt

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Milly Teardrop Bead Necklace

Available @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Theia Short Mirrored Dress By Donal O’Neill

Available @ Bloomingdales

Giuseppe Zanotti Jeweled Zip-Back Sandal

Available @ Neiman Marcus

Nautical Bandana Available @ Urban Outfitters.com

Alexander McQueen Biker Faithful Satchel

Available @ Matches Fashion.com

Michael Kors Silver Cutout Sandal

Available @ Neiman Marcus

Ok, girls shouldn’t have all the fun right guys?  here are some of the stuff I think it’s totally rad for our male fashionistas! Don’t be shy to mix up stripes with bold colors and accessorize!

BDG Stripe Cardigan Sweater

Available @ Urban Outfitters.com

Anchor Bracelet – Available @ Urban Outfitters.com

byCORPUS Pieced Crew Neck Tee – Available @ Urban Outfitters.com

I hope this posting inspired you to dig up all the nautical theme outfits & accessories you have in the closet and go out shopping to add a couple more new pieces into your wardrobe for this summer!

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Minimalist Elegance – Gucci Sigrid Oversize Clutch

Ever since the fashion genius Tom Ford transformed Gucci from traditional old money chic (sometimes a little boring) to this ultra glam, rock star, trend-setting fashion house; their fashion accessories & handbags has capture our attention season after season.

I just LOVE this clutch from their spring-summer 2010 collection! Minimalist chic, sleek & clean lines also it’s bigger than the usual clutch size ( Gurl! admit it! may of you are like me, we all have some extra “Baggages” mmmkay?! a little pea size clutch ain’t gonna fit all my stuff ! haha)

GUCCI Sigrid Oversize Clutch
(Available @ Saksfifthavenue.com & Gucci.com)

This fabulous clutch comes in glossy white or black patent leather. The shine from the patent leather makes it perfect for going out with the girls for drinks in the city, and the larger size of this bag also makes it a bit casual that can be use during the day! I just LOVE the asymmetrical flap closure with the super chic metal & enamel detailing! The asymmetry of the flap gives just a hint of a geometric feel without being too avan garde.

This oversized clutch measures 15.25″ W x 6.25″ H x 1″ D, it will go with all of the outfits in your closet & adds a touch of “Uptown chic & Downtown cool” look to any looks!

Click on the media player below to see Gucci’s spring summer 2010 fashion show

This bag is now available for pre-order ( should be in stores in april) so fo course I am already on the waiting list for both color of this super fabulous clutch! it’s a must-have girls!

Click here to go to SaksFifthAvenue.com or Gucci.com to pre-order this bag!

Until next time, be well and look fabulous!!

XOXO

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug 🙂

Crazy About Designer Men Clutch! Luxe-Gifts.com Men & Women Spring Summer 2010 Clutch & Purse Review

Spring is just around the corner, as I’m start to put away your heavy winter clothes and accessories & I found myself can’t stop checking out those super chic designer cluthes! Some is in hard metal case, some in soft envelope form leather material, pink one, gold one I want them all! Choosing the right clutches to go with your spring summer look is important! even tho is a small accessories but it says a lot about you! And in spring 2010 Men’s fashion show in Milan, Paris & London, a “Men Clutch Bag” is back in fashion in full force!

Some of you might ask: What is a Clutch? A clutch purse is not seen on an everyday basis as often as it used to be, but these little gems are still around in various forms. They are usually small purses designed to be carried or “clutched” in the hand. Some have a detachable chain or leather strap so they can also be worn hanging from the shoulder.

The history of purses in general dates back to the Babylonian era. Purses were generally used in religious ceremonies then, and the modern wit might quip that they still have a holy significance to a woman. People figured out that they were useful for carrying money and valuables and purses became popular, worn on belts by men and women.

In the early 1800s, women began carrying reticules, the forerunner of the modern handbag, looking very much as some styles of the clutch purse look today. A lady of quality carried her handkerchief and smelling salts in her reticule, along with, perhaps, a packet of rice papers to dull a shiny spot on the face. The clutch purse has been popular ever since.

The clutch purse went out of fashion in the early 19th century, but experienced resurgence in popularity during World War II. With rationing, the smaller clutch required less material for manufacture and fit in well with a wartime mindset.

Until recently, most women would only be carrying a lipstick, compact mirror, Mobile phone, and perhaps a single key or, if it was an evening out with girlfriends, some cash. Nowadays, what with cell phones and wallets and other necessities, it’s much more difficult to go out with a tiny bag. For the nights when you don’t need to carry much, you can still get a charming clutch that holds just what you need and sets off your outfit as well

I’ve been carrying around my Balenciaga, Gucci Sigrid & YSL clutch under my arm for a week, and suddenly, life is easier! I grab everything I need, all at once on my way out the door, which is too much to fit into a pocket-sized wallet.

So I’m particularly delighted with the newest unexpected twist menswear runways – the introduction of clutches to men’s wardrobes.

Balenciaga Covered Giant Envelope Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

(Modeling Photo Courtesy by Kevin @ mymanybags)

Gucci Sigrid Patent Leather Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

Yves Saint Laurent Large Leather Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

Here are some pics of “Men Clutch” that’s showing up at many Men’s Fashion shows

Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2010

Bottega Veneta Fall Winter 2009

Gucci Fall Winter 2009

If you think about it, it’s really not far-fetched. Men carry briefcases and portfolios, which are just as hard to carry as a clutch. So why not switch out an attaché case for a sleek Gucci envelope? Plus, these days, we’re carrying cell phones, wallets, Blackberries, keys and billions of other things! A giant messenger bag isn’t always a convenient, or appropriate, accessory for a night out. Look at Karl Lagerfeld (Design director of CHANEL) carry his own brand KL clutch out for a casual walk, super stylish & practical accessory for both women & Men!

The 21-year-old Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo was spotted walking through busy street in London accessorized his outfit with a man clutch! I think it’s super stylish!

Ok ok, enough about the men! Now let’s look at some of the beautiful clutches for the Ladies!

For a casual look, an oversized clutch that can hold your wallet, sunglasses, lipstick and cell phone will be the perfect choice. Casual clutches are generally made of genuine leather, patent leather, suede or satin in pleasurable colors and designs. For an elegant clutch, a smaller version is preferred, with space for cash, credit cards, ID and a slim cell phone. Clutch bags look best with a pair of high heels. Once you start carrying a clutch bag, you will love its handy character, and will like grab it and go.

If the iconic Union Jack clutch is too patriotic for you, perhaps you’d like to try this Alexander McQueen Patent Leather Knuckle Duster Clutch. We have already seen this type of clutch before, but interesting enough, this new rendition comes in an exciting silhouette.

Alexander McQueen Red Union Jack Skull Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

Instead of coming in the usual square-y box shape of clutch, this clutch is in a rectangular shape, measuring about 9 x 3¼ x 1½ inches. It probably resembles to that of an eye glasses’ box, but of course, in a chicer design. Well actually, this exudes tough-chic appeal, which should not anymore be surprising considering that it has always been a signature for Alexander McQueen.

Alexander McQueen Python Knuckle Dusterl Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

Made from exotic python skin in black, It has black gun metal framing, and the interesting knuckle ring handle also comes in the same tone. This then has an attached jeweled skull and stone knuckle duster, giving this tough-looking clutch a hint of dark goth femme glam! I am already on the waiting list for it.

It is very clear that this Alexander McQueen Faithful Leather Glove Clutch is for the rocker type fashionistas. Well, we can’t deny that most of his creations exude that kind of appeal, but there are some that only shows a hint of such. Seeing this particular clutch obviously shows Alexander McQueen’s main theme and you don’t even have to guess if this is intended to look classic or simply tough.

Mcqueen Faithful Leather Glove Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

This Alexander McQueen clutch measures about 12½ x 6½ x 1½ inches, plus it also has angled zippers on the fold-over flap, and opening the clutch would also show extra zipped pocket. It is made from distressed black leather, which already brings a hint of toughness to it; but what actually makes this even tougher is the snap closure glove design on the flap.I’m not sure if you can slip your hand in it for a unique carrying option, but if it is intended to function as such, then this is without a doubt, exceptionally designed. But if not, this clutch is still fantastic anyway.

No one speaks the “Casual Hamptons Country Chic” better than designer Michael Kors! This clutch is mad with braded rattan with delicious dark chocolate brown leather strap as closure. Measure 4.5” L x 10.5” W x 2.5” D. Perfect size to fit all of our necessities in there and looking so chic without looking like you are trying too hard!

Michael Kors Santorini Rattan Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

When you think of sparkling evening bags who do you think of first? Judith Leiber of course! She is the master of using Swarovski crystals to create unique & elegant patterns on her super exclusive handbag collections! I particularly love this “Marguerite Floral Minaudiere” Clutch, the vibrant floral color just screams spring & summer cheer! It’s measures 3” H x 6.75” W x 2.25” D

Judith Leiber Marguerite Floral Minaudiere Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

How can we mention handbags without showing something from the super luxurious fashion house Louis Vuitton?! I LOVE LOVE this clutch! This slim yet multi compartment clutch & being slightly larger than other clutches, it’s ideal for using day or night!! The picture of elegance in iconic LV monogram canvas. Measure 10.5” L x 6” H x 1.1” D

Louis Vuitton Sofia Coppola Slim Monogram Clutch
(Click on the photo below to see more details)

To end this posting, here is Dolce & Gabbana Mens Spring-Summer 2010 fashion show, look at how handsome they look with the “Men’s Clutch bag” Bellisimo !

I hope this posting inspired you to start to think about & preparing your spring & summer wardrobe as I do and go pick up a fabulous clutch to accessorize your look this spring!

Untill next time, be well & look fabulous !

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Gorgeous men are dime a dozen ….. But ! ! A perfect tote bag is one in a million !

Recently I’ve been in shopping for couple of new designer tote bags for the new season. There are seas of bags out there in the market, but to find the right look, material & price of the tote bag that’s perfect for you it’s not as easy. So let the fun begin! Here are some of the designer tote bags I have spotted and thinks it’s super fabulous!

Balenciaga Covered Weekender – $2245

super soft vintage crafted lambskin with leather covered metal hardware. I just love how big this bag is! perfect for both women or men to use! 21” x 9” x 15” made in Italy. Click on the photo below to see more details.

(Available at Balenciaga.com)

Here to show you the proportion of the bag. Photo courtesy from one of my favorite fashion accessories blog (http://www.luxuryobsessed.com/) it’s a must read blog if you are obsessed about designer bags!

Modern women & men nowdays all have very busy lifestyles and are always in a search of a bag in which they can bring along everything they need wherever they go. When your suitcase is too large or your purse is too small, a designer tote bag always makes the right choice.

Balenciaga Classic Square Tote/Messenger Bag – $1895

I am crazy about this bag! it could be both a tote or messenger bag. Tons of extra compartments to keep all of your “Junk” haha and totally unisex style makes it a perfect gift for a man or woman! or treat yourself! you deserve it! Click on the photo below to see more details.

(Available at Barneys.com)

FENDI “Peek-A-Boo” Zucca Tote – $2380

Dark brown/gold degrade leather, Goldtone and silvertone hardware. Removable shoulder strap. Zucca-print brown leather lining peeking through if you unlock the top of the bag and just let it drape like shown in the photo for that extra pop of color and design detail! so fabulous! Inside; one zip and one open pocket. Made in Italy. Click on the photo below to see more details.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

Here is a photo to show you the porportion of this bag. Roomy yet still has that elegant “Kelly/Birkin Bag” feels to it.

Also available in other color combos! Click on the photo below to see more details of these FENDI bags. I got one of this all black one, it’s big enough for a man to carry and great for going to work in style! Click on the photo below to see more details.

FENDI “Peek-a-boo” Tote – Black
(Available from Nordstrom.com)

If you like the feel of suede, then this one is a must have for you! also the charm of this bag is if you un-hook the top, the red lining peeks out for that pop of color!! so fabulous! Click on the photo below to see more details.

FENDI “Peek-a-boo” Tote Brown Suede
(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

For me, a fabulous tote bag can perfectly boosting your self-confidence (yes, I am a little shallow….. I will meditate on that tonight…OM..) and showing your style & taste in fashion! They are the perfect items to accessorize your looks from Uptown Luxe, Hamptons casual chic to urban downtown edgy looks or just wanna go over the top to impress & “offend” others to make you stand out in a crowd! haha.

Tod’s – Yacht Club Shopping Bag – $1265

If you are looking for a pure luxury subtle understated style bags, Tod’s is the brand for you! This bag is so “Old -Money Chic” it’s a must have for any man or woman as a basic tote bag! 16″H x 14″W x 7″D. Made in Italy. Click on photo below to see more details.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com Men’s Dept)

We know a lot of our readers are very stylish men who seeks pure luxury items that goes with their busy daily lives, so continue with “Subtle Understate Chic” theme from the previous bag here is this totally fabulous

Yves Saint Laurent – Large Embossed Logo Tote – $995

Large YSL logo tote bag in soft leather features contrasting logo patch, interior pockets and nickel hardware. Can be hand carried or worn on the shoulder. 15H x 13W x 5D. Made in Italy. Click on the photo to see more details

(Available at YSL.com)

How can we talk about “Subtle Understate Chic” without mentioning Polo Ralph Lauren? I adore this bag! super soft leather, perfect size for everyday use or going to work and no screaming “Logo” says look at me I spend a lot of money on my bag! haha!

Polo Ralph Lauren – Deerfield Leather Tote Bag $1195

A timeworn vintage quality pervades our handsome leather tote bag, exquisitely crafted in Italy from soft, supple leather for a rugged finish. Two canvas handles at the top are accented with antiqued metal stud hardware and leather reinforcement panels. “Ralph Lauren”-embossed leather proprietor patch accents the front for vintage appeal. 17″ L x 6″ W x 16″ H. Click on photo to see more details.

(Available at RalphLauren.com)

Polo Ralph Lauren – Handle Portfolio Briefcase $350

Sturdy two-handle construction with reinforced bottom. Top-zip closure with pony-embossed side tabs and leather pull. Accompanied by a leather luggage tag with plastic front, adjustable leather strap and our tonal embossed Big Pony at the back. Cotton twill-lined interior with single zip pocket and our signature leather logo tab. Elegantly presented in our signature pouch.
15½” L x 2½” W x 11½” H. Click on photo to see more details

(Available at RalphLauren.com)

Ok we don’t want you to fall asleep from over-dose on “Subtle Chic” haha, now back to Logos and dramas for you Logo loving fashionistas!

FENDI – Zucca Chain-Handle Tote $1180

Iconic ZUCCA print canvas, Chain top handles with woven leather with Enameled Zucca clasp and the Inverted pleat details on center front. 11″H x 18″W x 5″D Made in Italy. Click on photo to see more details.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

I LOVE how tihs bag looks! mixing the uptown preppy plaid chic with downtown edgy look with the golden barbed wire chain. Admit it guys & gals, we all have a little “Duo-personality” once a while haha just kidding 😛

Burberry – Barbed Wire Check Tote $1695

Signature Burberry plaid in dark brown, Inverted pleat on center front. Inside, zip compartment with three open pockets & on top of the bag opening a decorative gold tone barbed wired chain. 17 1/8″H x 22″W x 5 7/8″D Made in Italy. Click on the photo to see more info.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

For all your stylish multi-tasking ladies or moms out there, this multi compartment tote bag is a must have for you!

Prada – Vitello Daino Tote $1595

Black pebbled calf leather. Top handles. Removable shoulder strap. Side pockets. Luggage tag. Made in Italy. Click on photo below to see more details

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

I almost screamed ( yes a little miss drama haha) when I saw this men’s (well it’s pretty unisex) tote bag from Gucci! classic logo print coated canvas with the metail chain and leather braded strap drape down on one side with the key holder at the end to add that downtown edgy looks to this classic shaped tote. It’s a must have!! click on the photo below to see more info

GUCCI – GG Coated Fabric Tote – $1360

Medium tote with double handles, gucci crest trademark, push lock chain with key case and braided detail, studs, and inside zip, cell phone and PDA pockets. 17 1/2″L x 8 7/10″W x 19 3/10″H. Made in Italy.

(Available at GUCCI.com)

This bag is a perfect work bag for any men who is always on the run and need something that’s classy yet still has that designer touch to it.

Salvatore Ferragamo – Manhattan Briefcase $1900

Choose hickory or nero (black) calfskin. Silvertone hardware. Top handles with square rings. Zip top. Front zip pocket. “Manhattan 1” is imported. Click on the photo below to see more details.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com Men’s Dept)

This bag screams “Sex and the city ” to me! classic shape with over the top beading on the front side of the tote. Don’t be shy to use this bag during the day,too! because we all needs sparkles in our lives day and night!

PRADA – Tessuto Ricamo Tote $3695
Black nylon with sequin and floral-embroidered detail. Goldtone hardware. Double handles with rings; detachable shoulder strap. Zip top. Inside zip pocket. 16 1/2″H x 15″W x 7″D. Made in Italy. Click on the photo below to see more details.

(Available at NeimanMarcus.com)

As you might agree with me, finding a perfect white color bag is hard! It needs to have the right details, hardware and shape so it won’t look cheap & tacky! With this fabulous off-white PRADA tote bag, you can never go wrong! I can just imagine myself carrying this bag vacationing at Côte d’Azur in the Riviera or going to some fabulous spas in Bali. Such a perfect summer bag but works perfect with your winter white outfits,too!

PRADA – Daino Large Tote $1220

Soft leather tote with magnetic snap closure, rolled leather handles and removable shoulder strap. Prada jacquard fabric lined interior with leather-trimmed zipper pocket. 14″ x 18″ x 5″. 6″ handle drop. Available in White. Made in Italy.

(Available at Barneys.com)

Of course how can we talking about tote bags without mentioning the ultimate luxury totes “HERMES“? The Birkin & Kelly bag from Hermes is the most sough after bags in the world! Most of the time there will be 2 years waiting list for each bag! since it’s all handmade in limited editions! So most of us can just dream about owning one of these trully fabulous Hermes bag. Here is the newest version of the Birkin bag, the size 50cm Haut à Courroies.

This lucky boy at Soho, NYC is sporting the smaller version of the Hermes 40cm Birkin

Here is a video to show you why the Hermes Birkin bag is so expensive and so hard to get (Even Oprah needs wait in line for it!)

We hope you had as much fun reading this fall 2009 designer tote bag review and inspired you to go out and find the perfect tote bag for yourself! remember…..

Gorgeous men are dime a dozen, But a perfect tote bag is one in a million ! haha

untill next time, be well and come back to visit us again to see what other fabulous items we’ve found!

xoxo

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug

Designer Guns & Chainsaw For Gaudy Campy Tramps

Ok ok! We all have weakness for those fabulous goodies from our favorite designer brands and love treating ourselves with something pretty from their collections. But normal fashionistas like the most of us usually get a latest ” it ” bag, cashmere sweaters, shoes or sunglasses from our favorite designers, but if those items no longer tickle your fancies, then why not pick up these “Gaudy-Fab” items from the artist Peter Gronquist for his art exhibit “The Revolution will be Fabulous” in Los Angeles! So you can be shooting caribou in style! haha…. each weapon looks god-awful. That said, I’m sure they’ll sell like hot cakes. Oh wait, they have.

I think my favorite Gaudy Weapon will be the CHANEL bazooka! haha

xoxo

Alan + Mei-Mei the pug