Rigel Celeste
Writer, artist. Contact me via rigelceleste.com or @rigelceleste on Twitter.
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 16th 2011 5:02PM

The
Alexander McQueen Iris Plexiglas Box Clutch is one of those statement pieces that's sure to garner glances and comments and envy whenever and wherever you carry it. The construction is pretty simple considering its impact: molded plexigas topped with a
Swarovski-embellished gold metal clasp depicting a skull sitting inside a fully opened iris bloom. Very gothic-chic (as the brand does so well) but with a decidedly lighter vibe this time. Features are basic but include a gold metal frame and inside there's white leather trim. $2,295
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 15th 2011 5:02PM

Add a bit of princess-like pink sparkle to your evenings out with this
Marano Glitter-Finish Leather Clutch by
Anya Hindmarch. Easily paired with neutral, gray, white, or black this clutch could be the timeless investment piece that always makes you feel uber feminine and gorgeous, without going overboard into gaudy territory. Glitter-sprayed leather on a gold frame features a designer-stamped push clasp fastener on top and an interior lined in light suede with a single, pink-trimmed pouch pocket. Heads up there's no shoulder strap, detachable or otherwise. $550
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 14th 2011 8:30PM

The subtle sheen on this
Snake-Effect Leather Shoulder Bag by
Milly gives the casual bucket-bag styling a nice "resort glam" upgrade, with just a hint of bohemian energy. Features on this shimmery cutie include a single bamboo top handle (a bit of matte earthy contrast) plus a detachable textured-leather shoulder strap, drawstring closure with bamboo-embellished leather tassels, goldtone hardware, protective feet, and a designer-stamped hanging charm. Inside it's lined in olive green twill (again with the earthiness) and has several pockets. A great summer essential that will go with practically everything. $475
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 13th 2011 5:02PM

Casual meets evening in this
Studded Leather Clutch by
Gucci. Generously sized it's made of perforated tan leather with a subtle degradé finish. There's both fine and heavy stitching details on the trim and small golden studs arranged in a grid pattern throughout.The fold-over flap front secures with a
bamboo-detailed braided wrap-around strap that finishes in a pair of tassels with decorative knots and holds a signature "G" charm. Under the flap it has a zippered top closure and inside it's lined with a combination of brown suede and twill. Great for dressing up day-wear or a casual night on the town. $2,400
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 12th 2011 5:01PM

Frilly western fringe in bright magenta python makes for a little urban boho fun on this
Costa Besace Appliqued Python Bag by
Antik Batik. The shoulder bag base is embellished with long fringe as well as leather appliques in purple, cream, and fuchsia. It features no top handles but a braided double shoulder strap (not detachable), a fold-over flap front that holds the fringe and a concealed magnetic closure, and a zippered pocket on the exterior under the flap. The inside is lined in bright purple with has two more zippered pockets and a designer stamp. $390
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 11th 2011 5:03PM

Easter may be over for this year but this little golden egg is a seasonless one that you can carry all year long. What really makes this
Minaudiere Metal Oval Clutch by
Lanvin so special is its decorative (and detachable) multistranded golden chain shoulder strap -- when you wear the bag cross-body style it acts as an extra embellishment, almost like a large statement necklace of sorts. The bag itself is a gold metal covered oval
miniaudiere with a push lock clasp closure and a fully lined black satin interior. $2,825
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 10th 2011 5:02PM

The pattern is one of those "so ugly it's cool" designs and the zebra part of this
Swash Zebra Scarf Silk Crepe de Chine Bags isn't obvious at first but it's there if you really look. The relaxed shape is uber comfortable in off-white silk crepe de chine with a single, extra wide black leather shoulder strap. Other features include designer stamped tag, an open top, and an interior lined in brown cotton (it's wrinkled a little like a brown paper bag). Proof that statement bags don't have to be just for evening. $505
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 9th 2011 5:02PM

Saying "orange, pink, and mustard" doesn't sound very appealing but looking at orange, pink, and mustard on this
Lucky Chyc Color-Block Tote by
Yves Saint Laurent is another story altogether. Throw in some taupe, dark brown, and off-white and you've got an earthy but very modern take on color blocking. Details include visible black quilt stitch trim, very thin rolled leather double top handles, a "Y" compartment on the front exterior, protective feet, and a taupe twill lining with brown leather interior pouch pockets. In true tote style there's no top closure and no shoulder strap. $1,350
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 8th 2011 5:03PM

The woven look makes me think basket, and baskets make me think summer, green meadows, and picnics, so it's no wonder I like this
Medium Flap Over Woven Print Bag from
Carla Mancini. It's very golden and rich, featuring a slightly slouchy shape to keep all that crazy texture looking relaxed and easy breezy for the season. Features include a single braided leather top handle, detachable shoulder strap, zippered front exterior pocket, and a roomy, fully lined interior. A deeper, more interesting way to accessorize your neutrals this summer. $490
by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — May 7th 2011 5:02PM

Here's one for the girly girls who are tired of bows and lace. A shimmering pink pailette treatment to catch eyes and invoke images of bubbly champagne and dainty lingerie. The
Delray Pailette-Embellished Leather Shoulder bag by
Marc Jacobs is a large shoulder bag made of blush leather covered front and back (the sides are left exposed leather) with perfectly matched oval-shaped pailettes. It has double rolled leather top handles and a heavy golden chain shoulder strap, plus the top closes via a darling push-clasp fastener with a designer stamp. Other features include protective metal feet and an interior fully lined in tan satin with one zippered pocket. Gorgeous. $2,350