Jumping for the Jimmy Choo Rhea

Another day, another bag and another post. I already routinely lust after shoes -- especially the shoemaker of all shoemakers Jimmy Choo -- so it is no surprise that I would find myself totally smitten with a tote by the famous designer brand extraordinaire. Such is the case with Choo's Rhea tote. I just like it. I can't say that it's the gold hardware, or the structure; the leather or the craftsmanship. I can only say I like and I would happily chuck all of my belongings inside to cart to and fro wherever I choose to roam. The only caveat is the same caveat that has me stuck clicking furiously at keys day in and day out -- moola, as the bag has a steep, but not up to Everest price of $700 to $1300, depending on where you look.

 All I can ask is, where are my lottery winnings?

***image courtesy of nordstrom.com

MCM is my JAM

I love purses. I can freely admit that they sit up there as the number one on my material list of hedonistic pursuits --- they're right beside good food that is bad for me and reading. As such, I am on a constant pursuit to find handbags and their makers that are distinct, luxurious, affordable (ahem, Maiyet), but not mainstream. As is the case with MCM, which used to be (as I have been heartily reminded), but isn't now and that's why I LOVE them. I'm not much for logo's --- outside of my lvoe for Louis Vuitton -- but MCM isn't just about repeating letters or symbols. They also have luscious leather bags. This is what has lead me to the line's First Lady bag (above) and the Boston M satchel (below). Each run about $900 depending on the website and conversions, etc. etc.

The luxury goods line was founded in 1976 and stands for Mode Creation Munich. Since then it has been spotted on celebs and royalty alike. Learn more about the beauty of the bags at MCM's brand story page.

***images courtesy of polyvore.com and mcmblog

Lucky Number Neven

If I thought I loved the Maiyet Small Como satchel, I don't know how to put in words my adoration for the Maiyet Large Neven Satchel. It is gorgeous. It is supple. It is perfect. It is exclusively at Barney's with an exclusive price tag of just under two-thousand clams at $1950:

Exclusively Ours!

Supple grained leather top zip satchel with smooth contrast flat top handles, layered detail at base and gold-tone studded detachable/adjustable smooth contrast shoulder strap. Nubuck lined interior with smooth leather-trimmed zipper and organizational pockets.

• 10.5" height x 19" width x 6" depth
• 5" handle drop
• Made in Italy
• Available in Brown/Black
• Style # 501984724

Sigh. A girl can dream, right ?

Hickoree's Hard Goods

My style savvy has lead me to another website full of cute knickknacks, clothing items and all around miscellany called Hickoree's. Those in Brooklyn, NY are lucky enough to pay in person visits to their brick and mortar store, but for those of us miles, meters and eons away, we'll have to do with their fantastic webstore full of goodies for any and everyone's differing tastes. I absolutely love their selection of bags, especially Heritage Leather Co.'s 16" Canvas Mason Bag with Leather Bottom. Below is a product description from the Hickoree's website:

- Heavy duty 16 oz, #10 cotton canvas
- Top grain natural moccasin leather bottom
- Top grain natural moccasin leather handles and straps
- 9" x 11" interior pocket
- Metal feet on base
- Water resistant fiberboard interior bottom
- 12-gauge rivet secured steel frame mouth
- Dimensions: 16"w x 14"h x 6"d
- Made in USA (Southern California)

At only $90.00, the quality and style of the bag is one to pay attention to and covet for years to come!

*Image courtesy of Hickorees.com

Covet: Maiyet Small Como Satchel

It's been a while since I've waxed poetic about anything. I've been very busy being lazy and haven't returned to my one true love of pining for material items I can do without; however, thanks to a new brand (to me that is), I'm back in my temple of materialism. Maiyet has been branded (by me because I'm so important [insert irony]) as a brand with a conscience. From their website:

Paul van Zyl spent over 20 years working in human rights and transitional justice, first under Archbishop Desmond Tutu as the Executive Secretary of South Africa's Truth Commission and then as the Co-Founder of the International Center for Transitional Justice.  After winning the Skoll award for social entrepreneurship and attending the World Economic Forum at Davos, Paul met Daniel Lubetzky, a pioneer in using business to promote peace.  They decide to co-found a company that would use the power of the market to allocate capital to peace. Their hypothesis was that if they could source from and grow companies that had a stabilizing effect on their communities, they would be on their way.  Paul and Daniel believed that a fashion brand held the greatest opportunity, and the idea for what is now Maiyet was born.

Noble acts aside, I'm in lust for the Maiyet Small Como Satchel, which retails for $1549 out of my budget range at Barney's. The shape of the bag and the craftsmanship make this brand one of mine to covet and moon over on my increasingly long wishlist.

***image courtesy of google images.

Covet: Aspinal of London

My next few posts will most likely be dedicated to my newly discovered love Aspinal of London. The leatherware company was established "on the fundamental premise of offering our customers the most beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and design for home & living, created by our designers and each handmade by genuine craftsmen, to bring to you at an affordable price and great value." A while back I waxed poetic about Smythson of Bond Street and their perfect travel wallets for all of my (hopeful) future jaunts of international intrigue, but at $620-a-pop, I can't even attempt to purchase one of those! Aspinal offers all of the items above for less than half that price at $179. Now I am ALL about Aspinal and am already on hot pursuit for a travel wallet of my own. Did I mention, they personalize?!

J.Crew Jenna!

I'm back finally--I know all four of you readers, if that, missed me! Of course, I'm going to salivate over one of three things: Reed Krakoff, J.Crew or Louis Vuitton. Today is a day all about the Crew and their new essentials! I'm not one for costume jewelry--and as a matter of fact baby Jesus and the disciples were tres good to me in the diamond and fine jewelry department this year--but J.Crew has got me wanting, per their usual. As of now, I'm SALIVATING over the "Jenna" bracelet, a namesake for the creative design tycoon (I mean, I know its fashion, but she is). This lovely gold plated wrist accessory can be yours too, for $88--buckaroos!

Been Gone for a Minute, Now I'm Back with the Krakoff!

I am in love with handbags and while Prada is my numero uno designer choice for all things leather to tote, I am currently infatuated with a guy named Reed: Reed Krakoff, of Coach to boot! Krakoff's gorgeously sculpted "Boxer" tote and "Gym" bag are on my X-Mas/Hanukkah/Kwanza wish list and in a variety of colors, textures and mixtures for any handbag appetite delight! Here's to living luxuriously and coveting for a long time to come (Boxer starts @$990, Gym @ $890).

Want, Need, Have-to-Have: J.Crew Biennial Satchel

I am in love with Prada. I cannot afford Prada. But, I love to look for bags that hold the structure of Prada! I also love J.Crew and the two have now somewhat combined with the new Biennial tote. For $348 you too can own a nice and spacious work tote that doesn't scream expensive, but does represent an understated classic appeal. I'm not a credit card-carrying J.Crew VIP, but I still love to buy anything, especially on sale!

Watching my Wrist

I'm always lusting after something--I've been taking a break from blogging because of this--and have redirected my desires to a new silver timepiece. While I wish I could afford a beautiful and booty-ful (as in lots of money in "pirate speak") Cartier or Rolex instead I have turned my attention to these stylish Freelook watches that have apparently been mentioned everywhere (as seen on their website). I also love the Invicta "Camelot" collection, especially the 9331 style that I cannot seem to find anywhere (wait, found it!)! Either way, I have found my new addition even if it is at full price!

Covet: Cole Haan "Trillby" Loafers

While I love everything about summer, I'm ready for the fall cool down and have found the perfect slide ins for my jaunts across campus: Cole Haan Trillby Driver Loafers in luggage! Now while they may be a tad bit pricey at $119-a pop, they're those classic flats that can go with just about any outfit on the horizon.

A Rosy Heart in Knots

Just a post-ago in a time far, far away, I marveled at the lovely CODE rings from Lulu Frost. Now, my favorite color of gold--rose, that is--is tied up in a knot. For $365 (a dollar per day into 2012!), Avanessi can keep you all tied up with their "Love Knot" ring found at my favorite online jewelry boutique Max and Chloe.

Love by the Numbers

Everyone has a lucky number and now, Lulu Frost has designed the simple, yet expensive, CODE collection of rings with the numbers 1-9 for all of our superstitious or commemorative needs. Now while these rings will run about $440 for the simple gold or $880 for 18K-gold with diamonds I have found a cheaper, yet still lovely personalized ring at online jewelry boutique Max & Chloe for $60 by the line Nashelle.

Want, Need, Have to Have: MESSENGERS!

Greetings from the land of overstuffed tote bags! My arms are growing tired and while I love to look classic and refined, I find that my fave Cabas Mezzo and his friend St. Louie are becoming a little to heavy to handle. That is why I have turned to the land of the satchel and with an array of brands to choose from, I'm sure I can settle on one or maybe all.... of course, this would be brought to you by the department of wishful thinking. Listed above is the Cambridge Satchel from Scotland-based (and online) boutique Bohemia. Below are some other nice sidekicks from brands I have already mentioned and loved to others that I also presently salivate over. As of now, I've kicked Kate Spade to the side in favor of my British pride ($167.57 for 14" -- and they do monogram!)! And if you can't tell, I want it in ORANGE!

Michael Kors "Medium" Messenger Saddle Bag, $228.00 @ Nordstrom.com

Kate Spade Essex Scout, $395.00 @ KateSpade.com

Spotlight: Devi Rao Jewelry

Today, I happened upon a lovely cuff bangle reminiscent of Angelina Jolie-fave Asprey and did a little digging. It is from the brand Devi Rao:

Having literally grown up in the jewelry business, designer Ritu Bontha has a passion for jewelry and style. So after many years of importing and selling jewelry from all over the world, she designed and launched her own line for young and young-at-heart fashion forward women to express their individuality and personal style through jewels. Named for her most precious creations, her three children, Devi Rao Jewelry represents an esoteric style that is at once bohemian and chic.

The Devi Rao line was immediately picked up by numerous high-end boutiques across the country, and even some international ones. And hundreds of Facebook inquiries later, Ritu knew that there was a demand for hip, chic jewelry at affordable prices. Thus, the Devi Rao brand is dedicated to creating jewelry using pure metals, brilliant genuine gemstones, and handcrafted artistry with youthful, cutting edge design and an eye on value. Why own just one piece of Good Karma when you can have a whole collection?

Being a shop-aholic with champagne taste and a beer pocketbook, I appreciate Rao's 18K-Gold dipped sterling silver designs and look forward to purchasing the $125 bracelet pictured above. However, as you know, I NEVER pay full price!

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Buy This, Bye That: Alternative to Hermès

I'm not a slave to the Hermès brand, but I will say I can appreciate the luxe look of the lovely Birkin bag that adorns the arms of celebrities, socialites and rich people. As I am none of the aforementioned beings listed, I will continue to marvel and scout brands and bags that also appreciate the shape of the French-fashion house's fashionable accessory. I have found a similar luxe look for a lot less of a price in the new-Coach, Michael Kors. Kors' Hamilton tote is the perfect go-to when I need to feel understated, yet elegant; classy and refined, yet relaxed and natural. And for $328, its thousands less than it's French friend.

Monsieur Louis is HERE!

I flirted with the Damier Louis Vuitton International wallet (retail $610 at the official site), but I kept returning to my one true necessity, the Monogram Zippe (MSRP $745)! I relented and here are the pics of my perfect new purse accessory! However, let us all remember, I NEVER pay full price!

Style Stalker: Cameron Diaz

While I loathe admitting to finding inspiration from the end of a paparazzi lens, there is no denying that actresses, singers, entertainers and all around fame whores can look decent during their downtime. While not all public figures can dress themselves, I take to the idea that hopefully they are not spoon-fed into what to wear when they're off to wherever they please while not filming, singing, entertaining or loving themselves. My first Style-Stalker post belongs to California blonde and seemingly all around fun loving amigo Cameron Diaz. I appreciate her well-played skinny jeans and t-shirt combinations as she hops in and out of LAX in envy-inducing jaunts to posh and pretty locales.

Diaz seems to work mixing and matching her favorite pieces including some awe-mazing Ray-Ban aviators, Bottega Veneta totes and black and nude cap-toe flats! Just what a RichlyPoor fashion fixator with a knack for penny pinching while still looking perfectly pieced-together touts in her casually cool closet!

Cap Toe Flats!

Where have I been? Chanel cap toe flats have been worn on the feet of society players and social climbers for years that I am behind the times! Either way, today is dedicated to my newfound infatuation with cream and black cap toe flats! Now while I'm not too keen on Chanel's quilted things, I do however love the look of Talbot's version above (which happens to currently not be available) and brand Restricted Chocolate on Piperlime.

Longchamp Planètes

While I am always one to go against the grain, I have fallen beholden to a fad I cannot feign indifference to... the quintessential Longchamp tote! Every college girl and her sorority sister sports the Le Pliage in a bevy of colors or knockoffs, and now, I have too... well, almost. Instead of falling privy to the Le Pliage nylon bag, I have become infatuated with the Planètes tote, a little more classic and refined than its sister. Even better, I discovered it at a small family owned boutique in New York with a killer website featuring loads of options and wonderful coupon benefits (20% of the Planètes $168 MSRP).