WWD recently published their top 12 picks for 2007, and I am so disappointed. I mean who did they interview? Label whores? When I think of last years best sellers, or even memorable bags that could have been found on the lists of thousands of handbag fans, I wouldn’t pick a bag by some of the designers below. Coach number 1? How can that be. And Ralph Lauren? The only bag that comes to mind is the birkin-looking Ricky bag. I have nothing against the brands below, I’m a fan of a couple, but I don’t think this list is very accurate.

The Paddington craze has simmered, but if you recall, in its prime, the quest to find a Chloe Paddington was as hard as finding treasures from the sunken Titanic. Good news for those of you who still love the Paddington;

I have not been super impressed with any of the Chloe handbags released as of late. They look the same as all the others, they are ridiculously heavy, and really just not that appealing to the eye. It would be one thing if they looked great and were heavy to lug around, but that is not quite the case. Now Chloe has geared up and is ready for Spring and Summer. With the new season comes new handbags, and Chloe has released the Chloe Maya Bags which come in fresh bursts of color, turquoise and violet. The look on these bags are different than most of the Chloe bags I have seen; sporting a modern vibe with quirky accents and additions. First, we have the turquoise Chloe Maya Large Shoulder Bag which is true to its name, in that its dimensions are ridiculously large (Width 15.5″, Handle Drop 10.5″, Height 15.5″, Depth 6.5″). Chloe leather is known to be thick and heavy and they did not seem to change that for these handbags. There is an adjustable canvas strap across the top and two front zip fastenings. Then we have the Chloe Maya Shoulder Bag which is also very large (meaning also very heavy). This bag sports an east/west style, with a width of 18″, and there is a zipped pocket on the front and open pouch at the back. The east/west version is a tad more expensive than the large version.

As seen on the runway, this Black quilted motorcycle bag is gorgeous! Casual enough for day, and classy enough for a night on the town, this bag has it all. With a zip-top closure to ensure the security of your belongings, and an attached matching wallet, you be set for any event that comes your way. The bag has two leather handles for comfortable carrying.

“They started as pure function - tinted lenses to protect eyes made weary by the sun.” - Style.com I don’t know about you but my first thought of sunglasses is “pretty sweet accessory.” And what more of a perfect time to talk about sunglasses than right now in the h.o.t summertime. From aviators for piolets to wraparound shades with bling… there are just so many options. This is the time when we can really take advantage of using accessories in our outfits. Not only with a couple jewelry items, but with some nice sunglasses. To me it seems that having a nice pair of sunglasses is becoming more and more popular. They are becoming more of a fashion statement than for what they were first intended for, eye protection. And that is just fine with me. Of course we do need some shade from the sun, but why not look good while being protected. Right?
        

Some of the trends and styles that we currently see have been brought out from the past, while others are simply a new twist on an old idea. But I would have to say, big continues to be in. Just take a look at Balenciaga this summer season. Its all about how much can cover the face.

This is truly the season to have fun with accessories. So, stay safe and of course stylish with some sweet shades!

These upcoming Fall 2007 Balenciaga shoes recently caused quite a bit of a stir when they were debuted and with good reason. However the model rocking the slacks and wool socks really didn’t give this shoe a chance. Regardless, it is safe to say this shoe can definitely be considered cutting edge!

One very commonly asked question on our Chanel Forum is on the difference between the Chanel Classic Flap and the Chanel Reissue 2.55 bags. I’ve scoured the forums this morning to educate myself, and our readers about the differences between the two. Let me start with a few historical facts on the Reissue.

HISTORY:

The lock on the Reissue is the original lock, it is called the Mademoiselle Lock as Ms Coco Chanel never married, the ‘CC’ lock was introduced to the Classic Flap Bags only in the 1980s by designer Karl Lagerfeld. The 2.55 in its name refers to the first release of the 2.55 bag in February of 1955. Coco Chanel grew up in an orphanage/convent, therefore, the double chain shoulder strap comes from when the children’s’ caretakers in the orphanage would dangle keys from their waists with the same type of chains as on the Reissue. Also, the zippered compartment on the inside of the front flap of the Reissue is where Coco sequestered her love letters, as she was having an affair at that time. The brownish red color of the inside represents the color of Coco and the rest of the children’s uniforms (the nuns’ were black with white trim: thus, the packaging on Chanel Parfum/Eau de Parfum/Eau de Toilette). The back outside flap of the Reissue actually marks where Coco would stash extra money!

Blasphemy. If I were truly a good American, I would have spent my Wednesday night watching Paris Hilton’s interview with Larry King. Or does it make me a good American that I do not have a care in the world about it? My succulent oven-roast chicken with sautéed spinach, red potatoes, and roasted radishes, really made my night much more enjoyable (and the key lime pie and bread pudding for dessert did not hurt either  ). But if you caught yourself looking at the pictures of Paris Hilton leaving Larry King all smiles, you may have also noticed she was carrying a White Chanel Timeless Clutch. I will admit that we have seen Paris with this clutch before, but I think right now she is really trying to play into it all. Chanel equals timeless beauty and that is exactly what Paris needs to go for. The days of ultra mini skirts and shorts with no underwear are over, for a week or two at least. And now I will unfortunately say this, her outfit is actually beautiful. I adore the dress and the clutch is the perfect accessory.

Not two months ago, Megs came crying to me, complaining about the lack of a bigger handbag collection. According to her, Miss Purse Blog Herself should own more bags than almost every imaginable ‘it’ bag there is (including: Chloe Paddington, Fendi Spy, Damier Speedy 30, the list goes on…), so she decided to follow up on deals that were posted in the forum’s Marketplaza - and voila - scored two gorgeous new Chanel bags in excellent condition. One Chanel Classic Flap with gold hardware (pictured above) and another ‘04 Chanel in white/navy. Detailed pictures will follow once the bags reach her in NYC. Fortunately, Megs won’t have much room to complain soon. Or will she?

The trend for spring 2007 handbags will be sleek and streamlined. Karl Lagerfeld combines this spring trend with perfect charm decoration in this Chanel Charm 2.55 Handbag. On top of classic Chanel quilting are charms ranging from the word Paris to a butterfly to the classic Chanel CC. Sexy and sleek are perfect for spring.