I like this Patent Leather Clutch by Chloé, it's simple, classic, and neutral but thanks to that over-sized dangling bead on the front it also has some personality. It's patent leather but there's a subtle crinkled treatment so it's not as smooth and shiny as you might expect, and it has some small but fun details like a tab belt on the back and subtle ruching on the front. It also features two sections, silvertone hardware, and an open pouch pocket on the interior. This pretty little number can be yours for $1,105.
This Chain Link Shoulder bag by Chloé has a lot going on in all areas of color, texture, and materials. The base is mauve leather, which is then trimmed with darker mauve python, golden hardware, and adventurine stone detailing on the front. It has a flap front with two small pockets on the outside and a hefty 3-chain shoulder strap. Billed as a "mini carry-all" this bag is lined in leather (a nice unexpected touch) and measures 9" x 6". I don't know why but it looks kind of like a big toy bag to me, like something Barbie would use? $3,085
It's the Milton Hobo bag by Chloe in a bright metallic purple that although normally expected around springtime can fit just as easily into a fall ensemble by pairing it with other vibrant jewel tones and rich autumn neutrals. It's fairly structured for a hobo, looking a little like a standard slouchy hobo bag sitting inside a bucket. Created of soft lamb's leather with golden hardware this bag features one of fall's hottest trends in the partial chain shoulder strap. Zips closed at the top and has two front slide pockets, $1,960.
The invitation-only online sample sales run by Gilt Groupe have gotten a major boost in an economy that needs a major booster shot. Launched less than a year ago, the site claims it maintains a "private online community," whether fashion-seekers are invited by existing members or through customer service on the site.
Sample sales are announced via email and generally last 36 hours -- or less, considering prices are 70% off retail. This week alone, I've received messages for sales on Chloé, Derek Lam and Thakoon. (The image above is from today's Marc by Marc Jacobs sale.)
The fledgling startup has recently forged partnerships with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the CFDA. It also appointed last week the former Martha Stewart CEO Susan Lyne in preparation for click-happy recessionistas. The site does civilize the whole sample sale scene -- no Balenciaga tug-of-wars beyond the virtual.
Credited for designing perhaps the mother of all It-bags, the Chloé Paddington, Philo started out as Stella McCartney's assistant at Chloé before McCartney left to design her own eponymous line. And like everything in fashion, Philo's appointment makes whatever happens at fashion week (which starts today in New York) feel like old news. She'll present her first collection for Celine in March 2009.
This Chloé Joan Shoulder bag evokes feelings of both practicality and fun. You've gotta love a top that cinches up like this one does, and the equestrian inspired hardware, plus the colors are nice and neutral for fall without being boring. Opens at the top, of course, but it also has a somewhat hidden compartment on the front with a tasseled leather pull and zipper closure. The cinch-top is fun but since it doesn't close securely I'd have to be especially careful not to let anything spill out when I set it down. $1515
Chloe is debuting a chic tote for fall crafted from "alligator-stamped" (that sounds humane, doesn't it?) calfskin leather. The Cyndi bag above is in a subtle yet chic slate grey that makes fall just one time of year to enjoy carrying it. (The bag is also available in black patent.) As far as pricey totes go, it's hard for me to get enthused about much in this handbag-saturated age we're living in (I'm still carrying the original L.L. Bean boat and tote -- my grandmother would be proud), but this bag does strike me as versatile and classic, a kind of sleeper it-bag you could carry for more than a few seasons. Oversized at 15 x 13 x 7.5 inches with a 6.5 inch handle drop, this tote is currently available exclusively at Net-a-Porter for $2,200.
This Chloé Saskia Patchwork Pouchette is the epitome of summer bags for me because it makes me think of summer smoothies and/or ice cream. And it's so hot as I'm writing this that either of those (or both...) would totally hit the spot right now! Made of leather in shades of white, beige, apricot, and hot pink, it features a large loop handle, logo buckle detail, and a neutral beige lining (bummer, I was hoping for more apricot on the inside) with an interior zip pocket. $1,560
As my colleague Deidre Woollard noted the other day, Istanbul has become something of a hotspot for foriegn brands. In addition to the Christian Dior boutique she wrote about, Marc Jacobs, Chloé, Bottega Veneta and Jimmy Choo have all recently opened shops in the Besiktas district, aka the SoHo of Istanbul. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is undoubtedly Starwood's new W Istanbul (which she mentioned as well). This is the first European outpost for W, the fastest growing luxury hotel brand in the world with 22 properties and 18 more in development. Here's a tour of the hip new hotel which W constructed out of a row of beautiful 1870s townhouses. The W Istanbul features 134 luxurious guest rooms including 26 suites -- many with their own private gardens, terraces and cabanas -- a branch of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's New York hotspot Spice Market, a sexy Sip Lounge bar, and a signature spa. It also boasts spectacular views of the Bosphorus, the renowned waterway between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
The perfect addition to your summer/spring handbag collection has arrived! The Chloe Python Bay Bag is the bag du jour, in demand and stylish it features thick quilted ivory leather giving it a sturdy look and feel. Accents include visible stitching, a plaque on the front, feet on the bottom and over sized zipper pulls all done in gold. I love all the pockets on this bag, and the fact that everything zips tightly shut. Overall a very usable and chic purse that won't go out of style with the rest of the white hand bags. Available on net-a-porter.com, $4,000.
A wide strip of logo-emblazoned metallic blue calf leather adds a bit of pizazz to an otherwise standard looking canvas bag. More shimmery blue leather trims the large exterior zippered pocket and the thick leather straps. Inside, you'll find several more zippered pockets and black lining. It's a pretty bag, but that taupe colored tassel looks out of place. $789.
I am not sure about the color of this bag. They call it 'elephant' and I think it is aptly named, I just can't decide if I like it. I do like the front flap pocket with the signature padlocked chain across it. Shiny gold-tone hardware abounds on this bag, with lots of buckles and studs. The designer knew when to stop with the gold, however, and used leather tabs for the zipper pulls. Inverted gussets on each side make this a roomy bag and the rolled leather handles look sturdy and comfortable. $1780.
Upgrade your everyday summer flip flop to the more stylish, and possibly more comfortable pair of flats. And who wants to make that annoying flip-flop noise all day long as you walk? Summer flats are you answer. There are mass amounts of flats to choose from - whether by designer, price, color, cut, material, embellishments - whatever you are looking for it is bound to be out there. I came across Chloe's Buckled Leather Ballerina Flat and instantly heard comfort screaming my name. The color is bold yet neutral enough to go with any outfit; however, I would have rather done without the black stitching. Some may say it adds character but I find it to cheapen the overall classy look. Also available in black with white stitching (yikes!). Price: $499. For info on how to care for your shoes, check out Shoe and Foot Care for some helpful info.
It's too bad that Net-a-Porter doesn't have a photo of a model posing with the Chloé Aubrey Bracelet Bag because its design is uncommon enough to warrant some sort of illustration to assure it is comfortable. The bag has a circular bracelet, connected to the top of the purse by chains, that can be slipped over a wrist to leave your hands free while still able to tote your things. The purse is made of black leather and is heavily embellished with a mixture of gold and silver hardware, including a gold disc trim on the front. It measures 13"L x 7"H x 3"W. Price: $2,760.
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