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patent leather

Lanvin Patent Leather Wedges

Filed under: Shoes

Lanvin Patent Leather Wedges
Perhaps it's the excitement and Oscar buzz over Black Swan, but Lanvin's Patent Wedges ($1280) completely reminds me of the movie. I can just imagine Natalie Portman's character wearing these to show her femme fatale side. They are seductively gorgeous and have an air of powerfulness with shimmering patent leather, a nude colored silk ribbon ankle tie which beautifully breaks up all the black, and 1 1/2" platform that instantly forces you to take notice. A subtle detail that speaks volumes is the angled detail on Lanvin's 5 1/2" wooden wedge heels. Wear with wide leg pants for a conservative look or with a body hugging dress to show off your femme fatale side.

Marc Jacobs Carnaby Patent Leather Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Marc Jacobs Carnaby Patent Leather BagThe Marc Jacobs Carnaby Patent Leather Bag is a spirited offering from the house of MJ, featuring a whimsical floral adornment which makes for a bold statement.

Surely inspired by London's cooler than cool Carnaby Street area, this bag mixes classical style with cheeky flair, achieving a deliberate and stylish look. The bag is small (8¾"W X 6¼"H X 2"D), which ensures that the flower doesn't look vulgar, and we love the mixed leather and goldtone chain link strap, which gives this bag just a hint of expensive-looking color.

The bag is lined in an unassuming beige cotton and has several interior pockets. The Italian patent leather is flawless. We'd love to see this paired with black -- or white! -- patent shoes and a great colorblock dress.

The Marc Jacobs Carnaby Patent Leather Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

Versace Patent-Leather Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Versace Patent Leather Handbag
There's certainly no missing this bag, especially if you carry it against a little black dress. Versace does metallic in bright jewel-toned blue and highly polished patent leather on this Patent-Leather Small Shoulder Bag. The bag boasts a chunky silvertone chain shoulder strap, turn-lock closure on the fold-over front, double patch pockets on the back, and (the best part) a functional over-sized hinge for a top. The interior is lined in brown suede, which is pretty and always luxe to the touch, but I'm not crazy about the color choice. Nevertheless this bag is a gorgeous alternative to carrying a clutch. $1,895

Casadei Ankle Boots

Filed under: Shoes


Cobalt blue may not be the first color that comes to mind when searching for Fall boots. Black, browns and greys are safe, versatile and compliment all of our Fall outfits; while cobalt blue is definitely more adventurous. Featured above are Casadei's candy colored ankle boots ($920). The Italian fashion brand has taken a risk by infusing such a vibrant color for the Fall, but I think it actually works. Casadei mixes suede and patent leather throughout the body of the shoe, with a 1" platform sole and super funky sculptured 5 1/2" heel.

Miu Miu Patent-Leather Ruffle Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Miu Miu Patent Leather Ruffle Bag
Not a bag that can be described as basic, simple, or even classic, this Patent-Leather Ruffle Bag by Miu Miu is shiny and girly and not at all for a wallflower. Glossy patent leather abounds in smooth black and double rows of fuchsia and lilac ruffles. It has both a single rolled top handle and a detachable leather shoulder strap for versatile carrying options, turn-lock closure on the front flap, designer stamp on the back, and an interior lined in black twill with a single pouch pocket. A lovely statement bag for expressing your inner diva. $1,050

Valentino Lacca, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino LaccaThe Valentino Lacca is a classy bag for a dame of extraordinary style.

The traditional shape of this fabulous bag is turned on its head with a masterful gathering of the black patent leather creating an effect similar to expert-level napkin folding. We love the generous handles and the deep, roomy top-zip body, as well as the classic Valentino logo plate on the side, of course.

This 15"H x 19"W x 6 1/2"D bag is lined in satin and includes a zipper pocket for a little extra organization. This is one of the finest, most sophisticated bags large enough for work we've ever seen, carried off with a supremely feminine flair. It's one of those bags which announces itself with a stately, "I'm important" presence. We could see Audrey Hepburn carrying this just out of frame in one of her iconic black-and-white photos -- it's that glamorous.

The Valentino Lacca is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,195.00, and also comes in a pink so bright it will burn your eyeballs.

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Patent, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily PatentThe Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Patent is pretty and bold in its distinctive shade of bright, but unusually warm, pink.

Pink and gold would have sounded out of season to us, but this shade makes the whole look new. We love this bag -- the sturdy framing at the top, the gold hardware and logo plate, and the way the handle is positioned so as not to allow gravity to disrupt the shape of the bag.

At 8"H x 10 1/2"W x 6 1/4"D, this is not the bag to lug all your things to work -- the size insists that you only use this for play (but it's still roomy enough for all your makeup and even your camera). And we like that.

The Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Patent is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,750.00.

Gucci Icon Bit Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Gucci Icon Bit ToteIn case black patent leather isn't shiny enough for you: enter the Gucci Icon Bit Tote.

This patent leather shines in rainbow colors, for a glamorous, oil-tycoonista-rich effect. What's the "Bit" thing about? Check out the handles -- horsebit detail. We also love the additional D-shaped ruthenium hardware, adding complexity to the look.

The tote is 12"H x 14 1/5"W x 4 7/10"D and includes bottom feet, in case you'd like to place it on a shelf as a way to reflect light throughout your living room.

The Gucci Icon Bit Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $1,190.00. It will ship no later than November 9, so you can be sure to blind all adversaries at the holiday parties.

L.A.M.B Rouse Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Bright colors and summer fashion seem to go hand in hand. Perhaps it's due to how easily color adds instant excitement and a refreshing sense of newness to virtually any outfit. Take for example L.A.M.B's neon candy colored Rouse Clutch. It's eye-popping orange yet hot pink with a mix of tangerine is certainly eye catching and would make any outfit feel renewed. You could even pair the Rouse Clutch with a simple and understated outfit like skinny jeans, a slouchy white tank and flats and it would add the right amount of punch with seemingly no effort. The Rouse Clutch is made with patent leather accented with pebble leather along the top and features pleating throughout, studded fob in the front, enamel inlaid studs at the sides and top zipper closure. Dimensions: 7"H x 15"L x 3"D.

Chloé Patent Leather Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


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.

Alexander McQueen's Take on Western, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


I've mentioned Zappos Luxe Life before. Now and then I browse the store to see what's new in the Couture section, and recently I found a bag that I really like for fall. Usually Alexander McQueen is too way out for me, but I think this Western-inspired patent bag is great for the days when you break out the jeans and boots but want a nice bag to polish the look. The burgundy and gold bag is made of of patent leather. It's 14" wide across the bottom, 9.5" wide across the top, 5.5" deep and 10" high, enough room for wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology. The handle drop is 5". Other features: a front exterior slip pocket, platform bottom, top zip closure and a luxurious interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. Comes with a protective dust bag. $2,569; free shipping and returns from Zappos.

Bally Women's Arkel Tennis Tote

Filed under: Handbags, Sports

Tennis season's not over yet! Why not help the economy and get yourself a fresh, new bag for the fall? Bally's bright pearl orange Arkel bag is made of patent calf with a patent leather-trimmed twill lining. It measures 15.5" H x 18" W x 4.5" D and has a 6.75" shoulder drop. The top is open for ease of putting in and taking out your tennis wear and accessories, and the zippered exterior pocket holds your tennis racket. Made in Italy, dust bag included: $1,095. (But you can get it at Endless for just $492.75, with free overnight shipping.)

Lady Dior Patent Cannage Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

This Lady Dior Patent Cannage Bag is so glossy and the color looks so deep I really wish I could reach out and touch it. It also strikes me as a little dated looking and I'm not sure why, but maybe with the right outfit it could be classy and stylish. It's made of quilted patent calfskin leather with cannage pattern embroidery and features large rounded patent handles attached with silver metal rings, dangling silver "dior" letter charms, and a detachable shoulder strap. It also has a flat base with metal feet and a zip-top closure. $1,800

Goldenbleu Rebecca Patent Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

This bag is great for those who want shine without going the route of crystal designs or extreme structure from a lot of metal hardware. Made of crinkled patent leather (which lends it a definite slouchy softness) the Rebecca Patent Bag by Goldenbleu can dress up or dress down, plus it comes in a neutral shade of charcoal grey that will go with almost anything. It has a flat patent base with metal feet, a rolled patent handle with an 8" drop, contoured seams, tonal topstitching, and zip top closure. 13 3/4" x 6 1/2" x 7 1/2", $710.

Etro Patent Top Handle Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


Etro's Spring/Summer 2007 leather collection is big on the buckles and this bag is no exception. Against the black patent leather, these over-sized buckles will be obvious from across the room. Think of them as conversation pieces for your body. The bag is large at nearly 11 inches square, has double handles and a zip top. $1300.

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