…I just didn’t manage to get there with them.

Feathers and satin and chain sound like a recipe for a whimsical evening bag, but the actual end product of the Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Clutch isn’t as fantastical as it may sound. When carried on the shoulder, the feathers hang down the front of the body in sort of a sad, limp way, and the promise that they can be removed to make a necklace or belt doesn’t make me feel much better about how this bag was executed.

 I can see where it would be a fun, if slightly gimmicky, design challenge to make a bag whose strap had multiple other functions when not in use as part of the clutch, but I think the end result would have been better if the designers at Lanvin had focused more intently on making sure it looked better as a strap. If I want a necklace or a belt, I’ll buy one – when I want a bag, I want one that doesn’t sacrifice its aesthetic value to transform into a bunch of stuff that I didn’t want in the first place. I adore the color of this bag, but the feathers seem poorly conceived at best (and I’m usually a lover of fabulous little bits like feathers).

    In a perfect world no one would go hungry or wage war and I would have a closet dedicated to handbags. And in that closet would repose this Lanvin Happy Satin Shoulder bag. The glossy smooth satin is so shiny that if I were a little girl I would want to rub my face on it (I still kind of do anyway). In no way is a hot pink satin shoulder bag practical for daily use, but in my perfect world I would take it out on a occasion and wear it with a stealthy LBD and patent Louboutins and we would all go get cocktails together.

   Your low cut dress won’t be complete without this fine addition from Lanvin. This satin and glass pearl choker necklace is designed specially for those who want to get that instant exquisite look. Available in beige or black, they both are equally elegant and would complement your evening impression.

    Lanvin keeps whispering to me, pulling me in by dazzling me with pretty little bags. Lanvin handbags speak of sophistication and romance. With Lanvin’s Mini Pop metallic red leather shoulder bag, you also get a sense of excitement.

The Lanvin Mini Pop is one of those special pieces you must see in person, feel the leather and quality of the construction. It’s not your basic everyday bag. The touches and flourishes of jewelry grade goldtone chain that is entwined with the black grosgrain ribbon romance you with the flirtiness and sophistication of the styling. The fold-over flap is accented with a beautiful black and goldtone metal twist lock on the front provide an interesting geometric element to the design of the bag. The deep red color is warm and inviting and definitely stands out in a crowd!

   As far as I can tell, Lanvin no longer produces the Lanvin Cabas Satin Logo Tote. For some of you that’s not exactly a problem, but if you wanted one and now find yourself without the opportunity to buy one, Kate Spade is here to help. And by “here to help,” I mean “here to make a very similar bag.”

The Kate Spade Seraphine Nylon Bow Tote is made of a different material and doesn’t have the slouchy charm of the Lanvin version, but for a much lower price and a brand with a very structured aesthetic, that’s to be expected. The main points of the bags remain the same – they’re both brightly colored, leather-free totes with black, bow-adorned handles. Lanvin has been a very popular source of “inspiration” for less expensive brands over the past year or two, so it should come as no surprise that such a close approximation of its satin totes is readily available.

   I can’t think of many brands with more disparate accessory aesthetics than Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, but that doesn’t mean that the two luxury giants won’t intersect from time to time. While flipping through looks from the recent Resort 2011 presentations in Paris, I was surprised to see that the two brands seem to be on the same page in at least one noticeable way. Larger pictures after the jump.

The Louis Vuitton and Lanvin clutches have different feels, but the way that each one goes about achieving the finished product is markedly similar. Thin strips of multicolored mother of pearl (plus a little metal for good measure) make up both bags; one feels a little 70s, the other, a little 20s. That the results are clearly different demonstrates the creativity of both brands.

   Made in France, this one of the kind silky necklace from Lanvin is totally perfect for your love date. Adorned with glass pearls and brass chain, captivate everyone’s attention as you walk into the room. We absolutely adore those silk pompoms. They look playful and stylish at the same time.

   Pom Pom always brings me cheer, fun, and happy thoughts. I guess that’s what it’s created for. So when I found this Lanvin’s Cabas tote, I was totally mesmerized! Not only the Cherise Red color adds more style to it, but the fact that it is accented with multi pom pom detail makes this US$1,435 beauty one of a kind.

Made of nylon with grosgrain ribbon-wrapped chain-link handles, shake your pompom ladies! ; )

  ‘Tis the season of totes! Tote your beach stuff, tote your travel stuff, even tote your work stuff. Oversized bags are just a necessity when the weather turns nice, and thie Lanvin Flower Printed Tote immediately caught my eye. (Hello, how could it not with all that pink?!) This bag is brimming with personality, but I like that it’s not a crazy conglomeration of colors. The pattern is bold, but not overwhelming and the grey background mellows it a bit. The fabric flower on the strap adds a bit of fun, and as far as functionality, this capacious bag has an interior zippered pocket.

  Now that we’ve seen one example today of metallic gone egregiously wrong, I though it might be nice to give some props to a brand that has managed to get it oh so right – Lanvin.

I don’t love all of the brand’s handbags, but given an opportunity to see them in person, the quality of materials and attention to detail really shine. I haven’t seen the Lanvin Amalia Cabas Metallic Tote yet, but I have seen the matte leather version, and the subtle glimmer effect of this leather only makes me love it more.

 Since subtle metallics are about as common as subtle heart attacks, it’s nice to see that Lanvin used an appreciable amount of restraint in selecting the finish for this tote. If they hadn’t, the bag would have been an utter eyesore because of its large size; as it is, it’s beautiful and neutral with just the right amount of glamor. Lanvin’s bags are also known for being unbearably soft, so if you get the chance, I certainly recommend fondling one of these beauties.