The Chic in Chicago

designersocial:

THE ERA OF CONSIDERED CONSUMPTION- RETURN OF THE “IT” BAG

The politicians say it is an age of austerity, yet sales of It Bags are booming. Welcome to the era of considered consumption where we spend more on better-quality pieces, but buy fewer of them.

Meet Marcie, Alexa and Rocco. Not three hot young things, but three hot new bags. All of them retailing for over $1,000- they are fashion’s latest “must-have” items and almost impossible to get hold of. Because, believe it or not, the It bag is back. Sales are up — up at Selfridges (60% in the past year in designer handbags alone); up at Harvey Nichols (you’d better hotfoot it to get your hands on Chloe’s Marcie bag there, as it keeps selling out); up at Mulberry — with an online waiting list of 9,000 for its Alexa — and up at LVMH, which has posted a 13% increase in comparable first-quarter profits. You could be forgiven for thinking you’d fallen asleep in 2010 and woken up in the Wirral circa 2005.

[Via Times Online (UK)]

Posted by: FDB

Say what you will about “it bags” and conspicuous consumption but I think its a good sign.  The economy restarting and all that.  

Plus, let’s be honest, a lot of these bags are just plain beautiful.  I really like the Chloe and the Mulberry.  Not that I’m in the market for a 1000 bag.  But I would take on if someone gave one to me!

stylelistsays:

5 Biggest Nail Trends for Summer

The buzz on nails is bold blues and greens, sizzling metallics and chip-free manicures. Read on to discover the latest nail polish trends of the season.

Full story on StyleList after the jump.

Orly, Essie and OPI’s takes on the vivid green trend. Courtesy Photo

stylelistsays:

Beauty Trends: Greetings from Cleveland!

In our new column, Beauty Trends, women around the country write to us about the biggest beauty influences in their city. Our first letter is from Sylvie Branch in Cleveland, Ohio, who tells us what’s hot in lips, eyes, hair and nails. 

Full story on StyleList after the jump.

[Victoria Beckham’s razor-cut bob, photo: Toby Canham | Getty Images & “Ombre” manicure, photo courtesy of AllLacqueredUp.com]

Which city would you like to see profiled next?

I’m clearly love to see Chicago next, and I’d love to be the one to write it.  I mean isn’t that what we’re all blogging for?

stylelistsays:

Testing the Over-the-Top Hat Trend in New York 

Remember our brave StyleList corespondent Lindsey who tested the pantless trend in New York City for us? Well, she is at it again- this time field testing wacky hats.

Full story on StyleList here.

[Two ladies can’t get enough of the Philip Treacy headpiece. Photo: Jolie Novak]

What do you think about this trend?

I’m not even going to lie.  I make hats and I want hats to make a comeback. I wore a cocktail hat I made to a charity event this year and its amazing how strongly people reacted.  Some people loved it, some people stared but you know what, I didn’t care, because I loved it.  

designersocial:

SHINE ON: CHANEL DOES SEQUINS

From quite possibly the most copied brand on the planet comes.. a copy? Not sure how I feel about the new sparkly flap bag. If I’m going to drop $3k on a handbag leather’s just a safer bet. Plus, where have I seen sequins before? Um.. everywhere??

Posted by: Francine Davis Ballard

Photo: Bergdorf Fall

I tend to agree with the assessment by DS.  That said, its a good reminder that in today’s wacky internet driven fast fashion world the trends flow both ways.  

If I were going to do this bag over for Chanel (are you listening Karl?) I would have either done it in patten leather in that color or, if I wanted to stick with sequins, I would have done amazing oversized ones.  That’s just my two cents.  Not likely Chanel will come knocking on my door for advice.

designersocial:

And Speaking of CHANEL..

Cliffs Notes from their fall couture show- MUST get some serious cuffs and some ruched boots.. STAT!

Posted by: Francine Davis Ballard

Photos: WWD

I have to admit, its really nice to see a collection with some luxury this season.  Sometimes fashion needs to NOT cave to what’s sad in the world and have a bit of fun.  Actually this it more than fun its the sort of out and out luxury that people were saying was no longer in vogue.  Luxury always comes back people.  It might hide but it never dies