Did you miss last fall’s documentary on Hermes craftsmanship and the people who make it possible? So did we, but fret not, the Internet is a wondrous place full of second chances. (And cat pictures. Second chances and cat pictures.) If you’d like a chance to peer behind the curtain and see what happens in Hermes workshops and meet the people who make the world’s finest leather goods, Hermes.com now has the documentary, in its entirety, available for streaming. For a little taste of what it offers, check out the teaser above. If you decide to watch it, we guarantee you that this is the only thing you’ll ever get for free from the Hermes website.
With stores everywhere filling up with the finest of Spring 2012′s bright, cheerful offerings, it’s hard not to have a getaway on the brain. When you combine that with unseasonably warm weather in New York this week, I’m feeling more impatient than ever for the arrival of spring, or simply the arrival of my next vacation.
Sadly, that’ll have to wait until at least after Fashion Week, but right now, I’m mentally packing the Kate Spade Japanese Floral Medium Suitcase as my carry-on and jetsetting to, I don’t know, Bali? Bali sounds about right, I think. It’s my imagination, I can go wherever I want.
When I first looked at this suitcase, I thought, “Well, it’s very cute, but who would actually use a hand-carried suitcase anymore for real travel?” I took a close look at the dimensions and got out my measuring tape, though, and then I realized that the case isn’t all that much bigger than my large Proenza Schouler PS1. It would be big enough to fit a 15″ laptop and everything that you want to take on a plane for entertainment during the flight, or perhaps big enough for a short weekend car trip, but not so big that it would be uncomfortable to carry without wheels to aid in the process.
This bag is a luxury item for sure, in that it’s for a particular type of traveler that’s far more interested in style than comfort. Those women do exist, as evidenced by the number of people I see trekking through the airport in sky-high heels, but for anyone else this bag probably seems like a slightly silly purchase. On my imaginary vacation, though, the pretty print and classic shape make perfect sense. Buy through Kate Spade for $828.
Valentine’s Day! If my informal research is any indication, you probably think of it as either your favorite holiday or the worst day of the year, but no matter which you choose, it still comes around once a year, every year. And if you’re in a relationship, that means that you still have to find ways to gently guide your significant other toward the right kind of Valentine’s-appropriate gift. We have a few ideas, obviously, and they’re all shaped like handbags.
This Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is our first of two, and it’s for the partner that wants to hit this Valentine’s Day out of the proverbial park (or who simply has an enviably large discretionary budget and wants to spend it on you). From $270 to $2595, we’ve got plenty of red and pink bags that make great gifts and that will remind you of a very happy V-Day every time you use them.
Valentino Mini VaVaVoom Shoulder Bag, $1695 via Net-a-Porter
Fendi Baguette Shoulder Bag, $1260 via Neiman Marcus
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bob’s Memphis Satchel, $530 via Net-a-Porter
Kate Spade Rosa Tote, $425 via Neiman Marcus
RED Valentino Ombre Chain Clutch, $550 via Saks
Yves Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Linen Tote, $2595 via Net-a-Porter
Jason Wu Kate Python-Embossed Clutch, $895 via Neiman Marcus
Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique, $1190 via Neiman Marcus
MICHAEL Michael Kors Margo Shoulder Bag, $270 via Net-a-Porter
I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Chanel puts out more distinct collections of bags than any other premier designer on the planet. Not only are there the standard four that every brand gives us, but Chanel also has things like Chanel Pre-Collection Spring 2012, which is separate from the actual Spring 2012 collection. That’s just how much the folks at Chanel love us, you guys. They can’t stop giving us bags to ogle.
Not only that, but each Chanel collection is divided into two smaller groups – the regular stuff and the Outstanding Pieces, which are either exotics or some sort of incredibly special embellishment like hand embroidery or strassing. I’ve included both groups in the photos after the jump, mostly because I’m greedy and I like all of my Chanel goodness at once.
The month of Valentine’s Day, Fashion Week, and my anniversary is upon us. This month also holds all February birthday babies, whose birthstone is a gorgeous, deep purple amethyst. Purple is one of my favorite colors, as it works as a deep neutral in place of black or brown.
From the chicest Beats by Dr. Dre headphones that I have ever seen to a luxurious phone case to the best purple bags out there right now, I have nine birthday gift ideas for the February birthday girls in your life.
Bottega Veneta Relaxed Lambskin Satchel | $3,400 via Neiman Marcus
There is something very different about the shape of this bag, but the extremely supple leather is sure to grab your attention from the get-go. Because of its shape, this bag is meant to carry everything and anything one might need.
Fendi Zucca-Flap Baguette | $1,520 via Neiman Marcus
As we said earlier, Fendi is trying to bring their Baguette bags back. I love the ornate versions, but a simple leather Baguette may be just what a February birthday baby needs.
Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Satchel | $1,595 via Net-A-Porter
I apologize to all who are sick of the PS1, but this is not only a fan favorite but one of my favorite bags ever. The cool schoolboy bag is super feminine but still has every bit of pizazz needed to become your go-to bag.
Oscar de la Renta Beats by Dr. Dre | $695 via OscardelaRenta.com
From the moment I heard Oscar was partnering to make the most luxurious Beats by Dr. Dre ever, I decided I most certainly needed a pair. Covered in luxe plum silver fox, this is the perfect gift for the girl who loves listening to music and has everything.
Dolce & Gabbana Sequined Shoulder Bag | $1,375 via Net-A-Porter
I know there are plenty of February birthday girls who love to sparkle and shine, and Dolce & Gabbana has just the bag. This bag also makes a fun Valentine’s day present, hint hint.
Gucci Jackie Medium Hobo | $1,890 via Neiman Marcus
I’ve got a Gucci obsession that I don’t share as much as I should. A classic hobo with a longer shoulder strap and the perfectly sized body makes me crush hard on this iconic bag.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Take Me Tote | $358 via ShopBop
Marc by Marc should be considered for options all the time, including this gift guide. While this tote is simple, it is entirely practical and even looks cute.
Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag | $525 via Rebecca Minkoff
A cult favorite, the Morning After Bag is the bag that started it all for Rebecca Minkoff. In a luscious plum hue, this bag is meant to go from day to night to morning.
Hermes HigHtecH | $420 via Hermes
Hermes knows the ladies want to bring luxurious leather into every aspect of their life, including phone covers. For a very simplistic look and feel but high quality leather, the HigHtechH Blackberry cases from Hermes are timeless.
It’s not hard to see why Jason Wu is one of our favorites; not only is Wu one of America’s greatest young designers, but he manages to do ladylike and feminine without making the entire enterprise feel stodgy and old fashioned. He walks a very fine aesthetic line and he walks it very well and to great effect. I’m sure you’ve noticed the excitement over Wu’s impending Target collection, and that anticipation didn’t come out of nowhere.
We were lucky enough to get our hands on the lookbook for Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012 accessories, and the handbags are exactly what you’d expect – elegant without being too stiff, girlish without being too prim. As you could probably guess, my favorites were the brights. Check out the photos and let us know which designs you like in the comments.
