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Discount Rules While Luxury Flounders

More bad news for Saks Fifth Avenue. As our sister blog Daily Finance reported, Saks has released its second quarter results beating analysts' expectations by posting a loss of $54.5 million, or 39 cents per share on sales of $561.7 million. Same store sales were down 15.5 percent. None of this is too surprising, luxury shopping has been taking a huge hit in this economy. But what is compelling is that Saks saving grace may end up being its discount outlets. An AP story said that the less-expensive Off 5th stores are doing better than Saks' full-price stores. This news comes as Nordstrom, which has also been having a rough time in this market has announced that is expanding its discount chain, Nordstrom Rack. The question I have is with the boom of outlet stores and the success of discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, who will be left to buy the items at their original prices? The discount market relies on the fact that department stores exist and that some buyers are willing to pay the premium to have their choice of designer goods. If the luxury brand buyers switch to buying the brands only at discounted rates it remains to be seen how the structure of shopping will change. I suppose the good news in this for luxury retailers is that the shopping impulse is alive and well in U.S. consumers, they just aren't willing to spend the big bucks currently.

Designer Baby Satchels at Saks

Filed under: Handbags, Children

diaper bagEven mothers want to make a stylish statement when pushing their prams and if they're going to be lugging around all of that baby gear it might as well be in a designer bag. I knew that more affordable designers like JP Lizzy and Vera Bradley made diaper bags but honestly until today I didn't realize such iconic names like Prada, Juicy Couture and Burberry were brandished on baby totes.

Saks Fifth Avenue has a large collection of designer baby satchels for the fashion forward mama ranging from $158 to $1,100. These bags don't look like any ordinary diaper bag and they definitely don't portray any pastel colored or yellow ducky themes. They are sophisticated yet functional and will blend into everyday life without shouting 'Baby on Board'! Peruse the gallery to select a fantastic baby bag for some lucky mom you know.

Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lockheart Bargello Jada HoboThe Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo is an unexpectedly luxurious and practical find!

The practicality is achieved not only by its 14"W x 13"H x 5"D size, but this bag has a detachable 17"-24" drop shoulder strap, rayon lining, six inside pockets, and three large outside pockets. The permanent strap, a 10" drop, fits over the shoulder as well, but we love the intricately woven detail on the detachable strap. If not for the wear those pesky TSA machines could have on this polished leather, we'd call this the perfect carry on bag!

As for luxury, the soft black polished leather and artful exterior panels give the bag a natural elegance and no-nonsense style with universal appeal. We love the portly, retro shape.

The Lockheart Bargello Jada Hobo is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.00.

Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

 Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible ToteThe Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote is an eye catching, fashion forward bag for spring and summer.

Both charcoal grey and tye dye are going to be "in" this summer, but who wants to walk around in tie dye -- or charcoal grey in summer for that matter?

The solution, as always, is to keep your accessories on-trend and wear whatever you want. This bag would be terrific with just about any bright color, and at 11"W X 12"H x 3½"D with a detachable shoulder strap, it's even suitable for the office.

It's hard to see from the picture, but this tie dying is actually done on rich, white leather, which keeps this fun bag remarkably sophisticated.

The Foley & Corinna Tie-Dye Convertible Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $444.

Emilio Pucci Frame Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Emilio Pucci Frame BagThe Emilio Pucci Frame Bag is an exceptionally elegant evening bag.

Nearly a simple clutch, the plexi bangle wristlet gives this purse an edge -- and makes it easier to carry! Fear not, the bangle is detachable if you're a purist (or if it doesn't match your outfit).

The ruched white silk exudes the same pristine glamour as a spotless white glove. The bag is 8"W X 8"H X 1"D and includes a full silk lining. The classic kiss-in-lock closure makes it timeless.

We recommend pairing this with your loveliest pale or white dress this spring.

The Emilio Pucci Frame Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $950.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy BagThe Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is a smart, luxury bag which gives the illusion of "no frills."

This purse might look plain to you, but you haven't touched it. The soft, pliable, pebble-toned leather gently encases this bag, which includes two turnlock front pockets and a generous, 23" strap.

The Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is lined with a bold signature print in black and white cotton, and its pebble color is versatile enough for day or night. You could even remove the strap and carry it to dinner as a clutch -- but why would you, with long straps being so fashionable this season?

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $198.00.

Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lockheart Zip It Alana HoboThe Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo is secretly one of the trendiest bags we've seen this season, and yet it conveys effortless elegance. How did they manage this?

This purse follows not only the boxy, sturdy shape trend, the metallic trend, and the gathered leather trend, but it even has a rosette that doesn't appear too overly "springy." The secret to this mastery of style is balance -- the metallic hue and zipper trim keep the rosette looking utilitarian, and the sturdiness of the shape make the gathered leather appear natural and even graceful.

This modest,13½"W X 7"H X 5½"D hobo is adorned with a "twisted and knotted" shoulder strap, making it an easy purse to carry on a busy day -- but clearly this is a purse worthy of an cocktail dress or even a dance floor.

The Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $540.

BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BCBGMAXAZRIA Origami Shoulder BagThe BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag is the perfect bag to compliment the chunky jewelry trend this season.

This plump little purse is crafted from soft, imported cowhide. The first things we noticed (and liked) about this bag were the heavy-handed, deliberate ruching on the strap and the origami-like folds on the body of the bag.

The Origami Shoulder Bag is just large enough to carry all the essentials, but modest enough to avoid that "duffel bag" look. We love the flower turnlock closure; it looks vintage and dainty -- very much in keeping with the style of the bag.

We recommend pairing this with vintage gloves, whether you're carrying it with a casual or dressy outfit, to maximize its well-to-do feel.

The The BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $398.

Botkier Violet Runway Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Botkier Violet Runway HoboThe Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is a classy addition to a casual outfit. We particularly see this paired with denim, and if you're feeling matchy-matchy, some sweet silver shoes.

The dark, shimmery steel-silver leather is molded into a slouchy, yet structured silhouette. Don't be fooled by this photo; the bag is actually only 4" wide if you look at it from the side. Its clever, roomy shape is our favorite thing about this slim bag. You know, besides the awesome silver.

The 11" drop strap is large enough to fling over a shoulder, and the purse itself is large enough (at 15½"W X 9"H) to hold all the less-essential things you might need on a day out -- a book, a camera, even a bottle of water would fit.

The inside lining is ivory-colored cotton. We don't know what the "violet" is all about.

The Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is available from Saks for $695.

Valentino Catch Signature Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Catch Signature BagThe Valentino Catch Signature Bag takes simple, classic cowboy-western details to the next level of chic.

This lovely, warm biscotti colored Italian leather purse is carefully stitched with the classic loops and swoops you'd see on a saddle. The Valentino signature "V" logo is encrusted in Swarovski crystals, which are balanced and enhanced by the gleam of the black patent leather handles -- perfect with jeans and black patent shoes.

The patent handles have a longer-than-usual drop of 7.5", and the whole purse has a generous size. While the purse does have an inside zip pocket, the magnetic closure (beneath the logo accent) is surprisingly all that holds it closed. The lack of a top zipper keeps the western style cohesive and clean.

The black cotton canvas lined Valentino Catch Signature Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,995.

Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile ToteThe Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote is the perfect bag for carrying everything you need for work or school in style.

The bag is striking and unusual, not only because of its pinky-lavender, wide crocodile exterior, but because of the unusual pleated shape and clever black crocodile piping and handle contrasts.

The Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote is lined in a soft but spicy hot pink suede, and has several pockets, including one for your cell phone. The purse has a magnetic closure, but the low-rising handles ensure that whatever you put inside will be tightly held there.

You can purchase this gorgeous tote from Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,350.

Kooba Talia Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Kooba Talia Shoulder BagThe Kooba Talia Shoulder Bag has an unusual shape and the perfect bright marigold color for this season!

The bag has double shoulder straps and magnetic closure pieces. We love the unique rounded triangle hardware and saddle-style front pockets.

This Italian leather bag is lined completely in black cotton, and if you don't like the yellow, it also comes in a brilliant, beet-soaked magenta you haven't seen since Barbie's Corvette.

This is a perfect bag for dinner out, and it's also roomy enough for your regular daytime activities. Its sturdy shape and durable build make it practical, while the color keeps it fun and fashionable.

Saks Fifth Avenue sells the Kooba Talia Shoulder Bag for $625.

L.A.M.B. Orissa Tri-Color Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

L.A.M.B. Orissa Tri-Color ClutchThe L.A.M.B. Orissa Tri-Color Clutch is the perfect, understated, luxuriously soft purse for those with a vintage or boho flair.

The "buttery soft" imported leather is boldly dyed in a dark brick red, mustard yellow, dirty sky blue, and black to create a simple, yet interesting color palate reminiscent of the 1960s, but with a structured, neat design that brings the look into the new millennium. In a different combination of colors, this might look like an art deco piece, but as it draws from many different decades past, its look is completely modern and perfect for carrying with jeans and cowboy boots or a full fur coat.

The L.A.M.B. Orissa Tri-Color Clutch is lined in cotton, and, like most similar clutches, has a magnetic closure on the flap.

Available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $275.00.

Prada Pitone Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Prada Pitone ToteThe Prada Pitone Tote is one seriously hot new handbag.

Posted on the Saks Fifth Avenue website:

"Due to popular demand, a customer may order no more than three units of this item every 30 days."

Good heavens! We also noticed that they are refusing to ship to California. And why is that? Python.

Pitone, for the uninitiated, means python in English, and it is unlawful to sell or ship python skin in California.

This python tote has a snakeskin side bow, leather lining, inside zip pocket and drawstring closure. Pretty fancy, but we'd imagine that the signature gold Prada logo is why it's selling quite so well.

The Prada Pitone Tote is available from Saks Fifth Avenue (unless you're in California) for $2,990.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout Satchel, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout SatchelThe Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout Satchel makes us think instantly of spring -- flowing dresses in delicate pastels, espresso in outdoor cafes, shopping up and down 5th Avenue, and lightweight vintage gloves on a casual, cool evening.

The intricately cut crocodile layered over a finely woven fabric creates the illusion of lace, but with a grander, more opulent feel. We thought we couldn't like this purse any more, but then we discovered its velvety, soft, pale yellow suede lining.

The Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout Satchel has three inside pockets (one with a zipper), plus a cellphone pocket has a magnetic closure and protective "feet" on the bottom. The purse is 15"W X 12"H X 5"D.

This luxurious handbag of the day is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,700.


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