{ Obsession Du Jour } – YSL Cabas Chyc

It has been a while since I last fell in love with a handbag (the Celine “Boston” bag was the last one). They all just seem so ordinary these days that the excitement of “must-having” it quickly fades away. Perhaps, it’s because my taste has become more “mature” now – I’ve noticed I’m much more attracted to classic, timeless pieces. It’s either a classic or a one-of-a-kind, exclusive quality piece.

Just yesterday, while looking through my “Paris Wish List“, I realized that nearly everything I listed were from the “classic” collections (Christian Louboutins, for example). But then again, maybe it’s not that my taste has matured at all, maybe it’s that I’m a little uncomfortable spending tons of money on something I know will be out of season soon.

That’s why I immediately fell in LOVE with the latest handbag by Yves Saint Laurent – the Cabas Chyc. This handbag is just that – chic – but with a conservative, classic elegance and a modern twist that I can picture being worn to many different occasions by women of different age groups. It has that “timeless” characteristic that I look for now, and just like the Celine Boston bag, it’s structured, well-constructed, and it makes my heart beat faster.

So if I had to invest in a handbag today, it would definitely be this one – in either grey or tan. Take a look:

 

 

How about you, which bag have you been obsessing with lately?

{ Wish List } – Zara’s Sequinned Clutch

On my trip to Zara yesterday, I found this super cute, super hip, super fun and super elegant clutch. It’s a perfect accessory for this season, as you can wear it to dinner, to a cocktail party, to a formal lunch, and even to a wedding! Plus, the price was very, very, very nice! It’s almost impossible not to want it! $60 for a cute handbag? Sign me up!

I’m absolutely loving sequins right now, it gives an instant “umph” to any emsemble. And let’s face it…anything that glitters is just fabulous!

You can find this beauty here.

What do you think?

Love it!!!

{ Bagaholics } – Stella McCartney "Falabella"

To celebrate her upcoming birthday next month, one of my fabulous readers from New York City decided to treat herself to the ultimate birthday gift: a brand new handbag! Yaaaaay! We are such bagaholics (and shoe addicts) here, aren’t we?

And she was so psyched about her new obsession that she just had to share it with us! So last night, Gaby was kind enough to email me a few pictures of her gorgeous new addition (addition because trust me, this girl was got quite a collection!)…the Stella McCartney “Falabella” handbag.

Check it out:

And did you know that since Stella McCartney is a serious vegetarian, she does not use ANY leather or fur in her designs? That’s right! Curious to find out WHAT she uses instead? Here are some FAQ’s I copied from her website:

Q. What are the challenges raised by not using leather in the manufacturing process? 

A. When it comes to shoes, because synthetic or woven materials are thinner and less elastic than leather, the main difficulty is achieving a uniform product in production. This is because many of the industrial techniques and machines used in leather shops are not appropriate for non-leather shoe manufacturing.

As a consequence, this means that most of the steps in the production of both bags and shoes are executed solely by hand by skilled artisans – our bags for example, can only be produced in a couple of factories found in Italy that specialize in non-leather production. About 70% of the work is done by hand, and as a result, it costs us up to 70% more to make a pair of shoes than any other brand – yet we don’t mark it up for the customer.

Q. How do your non-leather shoes and bags look so luxurious? 

A. It’s a painstaking – yet pain-free – process of our design team sourcing, studying and testing a range of textiles that combine different blends of organic and synthetic fibres until they decide upon a fabric that looks stunning, yet versatile enough to undergo a variety of production techniques.

Because of the scientific research that goes into creating these blended fibres and subsequently, their scarcity, innovative materials could be considered a true luxury rather than leather which has become a commodity.

Both bags and shoes require the use of glue, and this too is diligently tested as to ensure the high ethical standards for which Stella McCartney is renown. No fish glue, or any other glues derived from animal parts, are used in the production of our shoes and bags.

Pretty cool, huh?
Celebrities are also LOVING the “Falabella” handbags…

Great purchase Gaby! Please wear it in good health!

And for those who are wondering, Gaby purchased her new handbag at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC