I have nothing but fabulous things to say about Kate Moss‘ Yves St. Laurent Downtown Bag in gray ostrich, and I love that she’s looking uncharacteristically chipper strolling Amsterdam with her BF Jamie Hince (believe me, Amsterdam will do that to you ;o) ) but… what’s with the Cruella De Vil coverup? Kate’s style has always been off-kilter and fabulous but this particular ensemble is just off-kilter, sans fab. I would venture to say it’s almost offensive. I suppose if Kate were getting points for originality……

BVLGARI
CELINE
Givenchy gee von
Max Mara
Aquascutum
Pierre Balmain
BYBLOS
Chopard
Claude Montana
Emanuel Ungaro
Giorgio Armani
Gomme
HUGO BOSS
LANVIN
Les Copains
LeSportsac
LOEWE
Martine Sitbon
Missoni miss
NINA RICCI
pucci puchee
Romeo Gigli
Valentino
YSL
TIFFANY
MULBERRY
Kooba
THOMASWYLDE
Guess
BARBARABUI
Bally

Looks like Penelope Cruz has arrived in LA to support her man (Javier Bardem) at the Oscars, and she’s brought one very chic Chanel quilted purse with her. Although I’m not digging the pairing of the black and white handbag with the navy houndstooth coat (though both are great individually), Penelope never looks bad. We’ve seen plenty of celebs carry quilted Chanels this season, but Penelope’s stands out thanks to its white trim and double C logo. Then again, when doesn’t Penelope Cruz stand out?

Out and about before her show returns to the tube, Courtney Cox looks laid back and relaxed in her black lace top, denim, flats and the requisite posh handbag: a Chanel tote. Lacking the proper pictures, I can’t identify whether Courtney’s bag is the older Cerf or the newer version, the Executive. Both have the same shape, a removable middle compartment that doubles as a zip bag, and come with either gold or silver hardware on the front (very discreet interlocking C’s or the Mademoiselle toggle) depending on the season, but the older Cerf snaps close while the newer Executive has a flap closure on the inside. In a world gone mad with logos and monograms, this very discreet looking Chanel refreshingly goes against the grain. Of course, it comes in two accommodating sizes to fit your needs and style.the large was $1,995.

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There’s nothing better than a classic Chanel purse to see you through a dressy occasion. The new Satin Evening Pochette is especially fitting, since it essentially defines the perfect big-night-out bag with its sleek black exterior and delicate bronze bow detail. It’s sweet, feminine and functional all at once, and you can’t ask for more than that when you’re wearing a gorgeous gown and killer heels. What a great way to complete the picture.

With a little manipulation, even a plain metallic purse can suddenly spring back to life. Trust Chanel to accomplish that with ease. Just look to the new Perforated Metallic Calfskin Handbag for proof. It boasts a cool, delicate texture that’s ultra-smooth to the touch. Sparkling straps add a showoff gleam to this already bold purse, but it’s entirely appropriate here. It’s a great purse for nearly any evening occasion, from clubbing to dinner to art gallery openings…you get the picture. Fortunately, Chanel hadbags are so timeless that you can guarantee this will seem new and fresh for years.

My thermometer barely reached 45 degrees here in NYC yesterday so needless to say, I am jealous that Lauren Conrad was spotted running errands in nothing but a sleeveless cotton dress in LA. I’m even more jealous that the tube starlet totes her Chanel Classic Flap Jumbo on such errands. In my world, Chanel is reserved for brunches with girlfriends and lunches with clients. Still, I’m glad to see the arm candy nonetheless. Her version seems to be the more rugged caviar leather (’rugged’, of course, is relative), which retails for about $1,700, rather than the more scratch-prone lambskin, which runs about $1,800. Certainly a steep price, but one that is well spent considering the years and years of wear to be had from it. Call the Chanel boutiques for more information.

Assouline was the first luxury brand that used its publications as medium by creating luxury illustrated books dedicated to fashion, photography, art and design. The Assouline Chanel Luxe Edition has been produced exclusively for Assouline and features the signature black quilted Chanel leather on the slipcase with three volumes on the inside. Also, the silver metal Chanel logo is found on the outside. The three books focus on Gabrielle Chanel’s revolutionary style which has affected the fashion world that we know today immensely. The focus of each volume is integral parts of the Chanel brand, including Chanel, Fine Jewelry, and Perfume. This piece is not just a coffee table piece, it is a luxurious mixture of fashion and books which will be a conversation starter and a collectors piece. The Chanel Edition is a luxury edition which can ultimately be seen in the black quilted leather outside, red leather inside, and high price tag. This is a perfect Valentine’s Day gift, birthday gift, holiday gift, etc. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $550.

We recently learned from Chanel that Christy Turlington will be the face for their Spring handbag campaign of the “East-West Bag”, as photographed by none other than Karl Lagerfeld. Christy became famous in the late 80s as a model for Calvin Klein, still pulls off gorgeous looks twenty years later. Very well done, I love it - beautiful woman in a beautiful shoot.

The new Chanel handbags come in two styles with white metal. The available colors include white with black, black with white, burgundy with ivory and brown with ivory. You certainly can not complain about lack of variety. Available around March of this year in Chanel boutiques nationwide.

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Ever wonder what looks best with your silver-tone or gold-tone hardware designer bag… 

Gold metals:
> Beige and olive-toned complexions.
> Hair colors range widely, from dark brunettes through pale blondes, but tend toward honeyed and red tones - from rich chocolate browns to pale honey blondes.
> The eyes may be any color, but are most often darker shades and tend toward shades of brown and hazel.
> Looks best in rich, warm colors of clothing and accessories. Yellows, oranges, browns, reds, even warmer shades of purple can look good. If lighter shades of color are desired, it’s best to go with bright shades as opposed to pastels.

Silver metals:
> Ivory and cream-toned complexions.
> Hair colors tend to be cooler, ash tones, although the hair can range from dark (blue-black) to very pale blondes (platinum or bright yellow blonde).
> Eye colors can, of course, vary through the normal spectrum, but do tend toward pale blue and green.
> Look best in cooler colors of clothing and accessories. Blues, greens, soft grays, and cool violets. Light shades - pastels and muted colors - are especially flattering, although deep jewel-tones of Emerald green and Amethyst violet are great choices for festive occasions.

What looks best with Chanel’s new Metallic Gilt Leather Bag? Everything! I don’t know about you guys but I never mix gold and silver jewelry together – like a gold hardware bag and silver jewelry, I could not do. Which is why I am so in-love with this bag, it features not just silver but gold as well. Price: $2,700