RIONI Blog

I actually across Prada’s Spring 2010 Collection from an email that Neiman Marcus sent me. I had to say this bag did catch my attention.

This bag is called the “Saffiano Print Tote”. In comes in either the begonia (which is the pink) or in a cuoio (brown color) with the multicolor paisley-print on saffiano leather. It is trimmed in silver hardware with a top handles with rings. The dimensions are about 7”Hx12 1/2”Wx2 3/10”D with the interior lined in their signature jacquard.

I personally think that this a little too much of the 70’s for me; however I am a fan of the totes and can find practical uses for it…however the paisley print is just not doing it for me. If you are interested in this bag, it retails for $2,250 and is available for purchase at neimanmarcus.com.

Net-A-Porter is having a clearance sale. Save additional 20% off on many items. Supply is limited so hurry before they run out! Sale ends January 10th.

Agnes B. is a French designer whose designs are very proper, simple and sophisticated. Her designs are not so well known in this country, but seem to have gained popularity in Asia in the more recent years. I have always liked her designs mainly because I like simplicity. Her clothing line is very French styled and her handbag line is very simplistic. To match with the simplicity of her bags, she has created a line of accessories that aren’t over the top, but just right to offset the bags.

Her career started at a young age, soon after she graduated from an arts school. She was discovered by ELLE magazine staffers at a Paris flea market. Even though Agnes dressed for affordable reasons rather than fashion ones, the magazine was impressed and hired her as a junior editor. From there, she expanded to designing and opened her first store in France. Six years later, she opened a store in New York and later expanded to Los Angeles and San Francisco. However the Los Angeles store has recently been closed down and soon the San Francisco store will too. With the American economy going down the slopes and the American fashion style being completely different than the French, Agnes now wants to focus on the Asian market since it seems to be doing much better. I was very upset to learn that her store has closed in Los Angeles and now if feels as though I have no access to her designs. Better luck to Agnes in Asia!!

Christian Louboutin has done it once again. If I look back at my previous entries, it appears as though I have a liking for Louboutin handbags. I must admit that his handbag line didn’t do much for me when it first came out. Since then, he has really upped his game. I haven’t found a piece I wouldn’t carry. This sequined pouch can be used as everyday bags, evening bags, and occasional bags and dressing up any outfit. It comes in either red/silver and black/silver with a shoe kiss lock closure. You can buy it through Bergdorf for $995.

Vera Bradley, a designer known to make colorful floral like pattern bags, that are lightwieght and soft, is offering thier Super Tote in Caffe Latte at $34 – 10% off coupon code “winsale09″ = $30.60. Shipping starts at $8.

Vera Bradley Super Tote

Happy New Year everyone! To ensure it is definitely a happy New Year bluefly.com is offering an additional 25% off all sale items for two days only! That‘s a total of up to 80% off! Items include all designer women’s apparel, handbags and accessories, women’s shoes, men, and house. The sale ends 01/05/10 at 530am EST. All prices are as marked. In case you’re not familiar with bluefly.com, they were made famous by the movie, “Confessions of a Shopaholic”.

Happy Shopping Ladies!

Lose Weight – Every handbag deserves a weight loss plan. Ladies, you need to give your bags a break! Ease up this year on the junk in the trunk.

Look Fashionable – Stick to a handbag that is year-round (something preferably in brown or black). A year-round handbag is great because you will always look fashionable no matter what season it is. Save yourself a ticket from the fashion police and purchase a classic year-round handbag.

Keep Organized – Don’t just throw everything into your handbag; instead, organize! A helpful tip is to purchase accessories that fit into your purse such as: wallets, coin purses, cosmetic pouches, cell phone holders, business card holders, key holders, etc. These little gadgets will help keep your purse neat and organized!

Shop Smart – Don’t throw thousands of dollars on a handbag that you don’t expect to use. Try investing in a handbag that is durable, well-made, and affordable. Shopping smart in this economical crisis is an ideal New Year’s resolution.

Now that Christmas is over, there’s nothing left to look forward to but the New Year. Santa’s gone, the Christmas carols are gone, the gifts have been opened, the holiday spirit is gone. What do we do now? Shop some more! At least retail stores are trying to keep the spirit alive by having bigger “after Christmas” discounts. Big sales always make me happy. Like the one Nordstrom is having. Nordstrom has an online winter sale for up to 40% off only for selected women items. Sorry men, but at least you guys have the half yearly sale at Nordstrom at the moment. Enjoy the rest of your holidays with happy shopping!

Ever since clutches made a comeback, designers have brought style to a whole different level. This is an usual turn for the team at Bottega, considering most of their designs are very conservative. The combination of the signature weave and grommets is a great addition to the casual and chic everyday look. Yet, it does manage to keep its subtleness. Also, the interior divider definitely makes it easier to find everything you need. The bag measures 10” x 6.5” x 3” and can be found at Barneys for $1,390.

While some of us have probably heard of Stella McCartney, maybe others of us don’t know as much as we could. Stella McCartney is known for being the daughter of Paul and Lind McCartney and known for her clothing designs. She was already working with Christian Lacroix in her teens. She went to study fashion design in London and employing her friends such as Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to be her models.

After launching her own line, she worked as the chief designer at Chloe, but then left in 2001 to develop her own label as part of the Gucci Group. Her designs are consider delicate and feminine, but of course adding her own touch that makes her stand out.

While I may hesitate to try on some of her clothing pieces, I would say her handbags designs are rather simple and elegant and caters to a wide audience. Her bags range from about $95 (this is if you’re buying part of her Adidas line) to about $1,395(if you’re purchasing her high end lines made of faux leather). I’m definitely going to have to keep an eye out for a piece that is to die for by her.