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Wishlist: Proenza Schouler’s Valentine’s Day Collection

20 January, 2012 Nelia

Isn’t it just the best when two awesome things combine to create something even better? Like peanut butter and chocolate, or ice-cream and apple pie? Well, the ~~boys~~ men of Proenza Schouler have just released a Valentine’s Day-inspired capsule collection…and it’s glorious! Better than any Reese’s cup you’ve ever tasted.

Gorgeous bags, clutches, and wallets in red leather and chain straps – make my heart explode with WANT. Prices range from $785 for a PS1 wallet on a chain, to a whopping $6,825 for a lizard leather PS11. Pretty pricey, that’s for sure, but still super beautiful.

What do you think of Proenza Schouler’s Valentine’s Day collection? Share in the comments.

Photo Credits: Purse Blog

Wishlist: Prada Spring 2012 Clutch

6 January, 2012 Nelia

How crazy hot is this Prada clutch? The entire Spring 2012 collection was chock-full of ah-mazing shoes and accessories, but if I had to choose just one – it’d be this whimsical clutch. I wonder if it will ever be made in red? You like?

Photo Credits: Fashionista

Shopping: Ela Spring 2012 Collection

16 December, 2011 Nelia

I’ve been a huge fan of Ela Handbags ever since I’d met Ela Kowalewska and Martin Aldorsson at Lainey Gossip’s Smut Soiree earlier this year, and since then have been seeing her gorgeous pieces everywhere I looked. And for good reason – from the stylish (and practical) M.I.L.C.K. Clutch (starts at $280), to the lovely Lady Bag (starts at $480) – all Ela Handbags are designed and made in Canada, using highest quality Italian materials (aka the best of both worlds).

Last month, the ladies (and gentleman) of Ela Handbags stopped by my blog office…errmm…table at Marche, to bring their travelling Spring 2012 trunk show to me (sweet, non?). And though I already liked the gorgeous Ela clutches, after being introduced to the poppy bright colors of the upcoming collection – it was no longer casual…it was love.

Ela Handbags Spring 2012 Collection is full of colors, suede, and happiness. I dare you to pick just one! Double dare you, actually! Right now, I’m hemming and hawing between cobalt blue, fuchsia, red, and yellow. Or maybe orange…or purple. I think I might need help. Which one would you choose?

To see more photos from Ela Handbags’ Spring 2012 Collection Preview, please visit our Facebook Page.

Photo Credits: Kaeru Communications

Tiffany Leather Collection Preview in Toronto

16 October, 2011 Nelia

It’s not every day that we get invited to have Breakfast at Tiffany…like, for real! So when I received an invitation to grab a morning bite and take a look at the Tiffany Leather Collection at the posh Bloor St. location, I pretty much squeeled like a little kid. Can you blame me?

When I arrived, bright and early, I got to meet the men behind the collection – Richard Lambertson and John Truex. As design directors of the Tiffany Leather Collection, Richard and John had a lot to share about the pieces they helped design and develop. And their passion for Tiffany handbags and accessories was definitely contagious!

The Fall 2011 collection is chock full of gorgeous (and seriously well-made) totes, bags, clutches, and small leather accessories. One piece that captured everyone’s attention was definitely the Tiffany Reversible Tote (below), with rock-n-roll metallic (or Tiffany Blue) lining, this tote is literally two purses in one. No need to switch bags, or spend double the money.

My favorite bag from the preview, however, was definitely the Tiffany Avenue Shopper (below) in leopard haircalf with Tiffany Blue leather trim – nice and roomy, with an unexpected pop of color – this is a dream bag for me. Just perfect.

Not surprisingly, Tiffany Blue accents were consistently present throughout the collection. Be it lining, or hardware accents – each bag had Tiffany written all over it (don’t worry, not literally!), and it was a really nice surprise to discover these subtle details.

This was my first introduction to Tiffany Leather Collection, and from what I’ve seen so far, I am really impressed. With prices ranging from $50 to $17,500, anyone can find a piece suited for their taste and budget…especially with the holidays coming up.

What do you think of the Fall 2011 offerings? Let me know in the comments.

More photos after the jump!

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Wishlist: Small Frame Bags

12 July, 2010 Nelia

Some trends literally make me grimace in terror (cough*clogs*cough), while with others I am instantly drawn and…sold. Such is the case with the new non-it-it-bag – The Small Frame Bag. Having watched my Style Fille fave Diane Kruger toting the above Hermès version for a while now, I’ve made a mental note to keep my eye open for a mere mortal affordable option for myself. But once I’ve spotted one at Zara, the flurry of doubts clouded my judgement and I walked away empty handed.

My main concern? Lack of space. In our ever-so-fast-paced world of iPhones, iPads, and other useless-ish crap, I find myself struggling with an idea of a small frame bag. There’s just too much stuff I tote around on a daily basis to be able to minimize it all to fit into a tiny rectangle of leather. So I ask you, stylish Style Blog readers, do you think small frame bags’ chicness outweighs their lack of practicality? Take the poll below!

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Photo Credits: Tommy Ton

Wishlist: Prada BYOB

18 June, 2010 Nelia

After checking out the adorable Lanvin’s “120 years” fabric totes that retail for around $1000 CAD, these Prada BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) nylon cuties seem downright affordable at 200 EUR ($250 CAD). That is, of course, if you can ignore the fact that Forever 21 versions would cost you all of two bucks!

These bags come in a variety of patterns and colors, from the bright yellow “Apebarca”, to the abstract “Rome” motif, there’s a BYOB tote for everyone. The one bag in this collection I really can get behind, and which I think will give you the most bang for your buck is the “Mistolino” cotton and linen tote, which also retails for 200 EUR, but has leather handles and comes in four different colors. These totes are a bit more grown up, but perhaps a bit less fun than their nylon counterparts.

But whether you decide to splurge on a Prada eco-friendly tote, or go grocery shopping with a Forever 21 cheapie, please remember – plastic bags are never in style.

Photo Credits: www.prada.com

Wishlist: Suede Kisses by Sonia Rykiel

3 June, 2010 Nelia

The moment I laid my eyes on this Sonia Rykiel bag, I knew it was love at first Suede Kiss! I am such a sucker for all things red, hearty, lipsy, and kitsch – it’s all so me! I just can’t help it, I am drawn to them like a moth to a flame, and there’s nothing I can do, but give in. This bag comes in three colors: green, black, and dark plum. I like the black and red version, for obvious reasons, but the green one is also super-super cute! All three colors are currently available at The Room (at the Bay), and are on sale!

Now before they are all gone, I need to decide whether I should or shouldn’t give in to this particular temptation. Can you please help me out?

[poll id=”7″]

Friday Faux Pas: Missoni Euge Bag

28 May, 2010 Nelia

Have been a huge fan of Missoni’s iconic prints for ages! Which is why I am so disappointed with Margherita Missoni’s first attempt at designing handbags. She says that she was inspired by her girlfriends – the not-so-girls-next-door Eugenie Niarchos, Tatiana Santo Domingo, Lauren Santo Domingo and Coco Brandolini. Well, if I were Eugenie Niarchos, I don’t think I’d take the new “Euge” bag as a compliment. Is Margherita trying to hint that Eugenie’s style reminds her of a roadkill turtle? Because that’s what it looks like to me.

The rest of the bags don’t entice as many stabby/punchy feelings in me, so I won’t rant about those (though I would never ever buy one). And though Missoni is trying to appeal to a younger audience with this capsule handbag collection, would any of your sane neighbourhood young-ins spend $3,140 on the above-mentioned “Euge” bag? I don’t think so! For that amount, I can easily waltz into my local Chanel store and buy a 2.55…why the hell would I buy THAT thing?

Am I not getting it? Do you hate me for hating this bag? Let me know in the comments!

Chanel Paris – Shanghai Collection

25 March, 2010 Nelia

You might remember last year’s Chanel Paris-Moscow collection, which featured such gems as Matryoshka doll and Fabergé-inspired bags. Well, to honor the Universal Exhibition in Shanghai, Chanel launched a collection inspired by that Chinese city. This limited-edition collection also includes a pretty lacquered doll-clutch, as well as a not-so-PC “Take Away” purse, dragon cuffs, and tacky sequined bags.

Once again, I find myself enthralled by the loveliness of the very kitschy (yet very unattainable) doll clutch, and I even like the Chanel “to go” box-bag. And why the heck not? It’s cute, tongue-in-cheek, and fun to look at. I’d definitely buy one if money wasn’t an issue. What about you? Do you like any of the pieces, or are they too much for you?

Photo Credits: TFS

Organic Style: Balenciaga

19 March, 2010 Nelia

Ahh, Jo! Why must you tempt me with your eagle eye for fashion finds and awesome splurges? Isn’t her new Balenciaga to cry for? The color…ahhh, the color is so bright and brilliant, like a little piece of cobalt sunshine in an otherwise dreary day. The picture does not do it justice. I was going to post a photo of Jo and I side by side, since we both wore striped shirts that day, but I will let you focus on the beautiful bag instead. Supple, supple leather heaven.