Whole Foods and Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not a Plastic Bag": July 18th Launch

So I met a friend for lunch yesterday at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods...where I was reminded about the Anya Hindmarch stateside launch of her "I'm not a plastic bag" bags through the Whole Foods Market. Like other things (Facebook) I was trying to avoid the "INAPB" tote trend. I think these were released and sold out the same day at AH's NYC store locations a month ago (I wasn't in the city, nor was I terribly interested) and, while I believe this is a lovely sentiment and I'm happy that people are getting hip to being environmentally responsible...I somehow doubt that if this really were an awakened consciousness to responsible behaviour that it would really necessitate near-rioting for ONE PARTICULAR BAG. Why not any cool canvas bag, take your pick, the MET, Museum of Natural History, Bloomies, the plain Blick art tote or crafters version, or my favourite the LL Bean tote (with your initials, ohhhh) heck why not just the Whole Foods canvas bag that already exists. Obviously like any good cult trend, its the bag more than the sentiment. Fine, if it gets you doing the right thing than that's right by me.

In any case, I am happy to provide the following information for you as per Whole Foods (well at the Columbus Circle location anyway)....so get your alarm clocks set, I'm sure it will be a madhouse in there....I mean there's huge lines on any given day just to get sushi!!!

*Bag Rules* (their words not mine!)

• Limit 3 bags per purchase; first come, first served. We will have 3,000 bags to sell; when they're gone, they're gone.
• Bags will be available for purchase at MAIN REGISTERS ONLY not at ECO (whatever that is) or the COFFEE BAR.
• We will have several registers dedicated solely to bag purchases in order to expedite your visit.
• If you are doing other shopping, we recommend you buy your bag first.
• If you are not familiar with our store, please follow the bag signs; there will be a Team Member holding an "End of Line" sign indicating where you should line up. His name is Gabriel. Say "good morning"!
• Due to overwhelming response to this promotion, we thank you in advance for your patience.
• Remember when you reuse this bag, we'll give you 5 cents off your purchase (yeah as if that is the incentive getting all you girls out there, but I like how they stuck it in at the end anyway, it sort of has some dark humour to it)!
  

And if you want to pay 200$ for one on Ebay (don't be ridiculous) you can just click here.

Oh and when you decide that this is all a little silly, let me know and I'll tell you where to hit up for some equally cool totes that do the job just the same (and hey not everyone will be carrying one)...cuz you just know this is going to start a whole cascade of copy-cat bags with deep eco-messages. Be real, get a canvas bag at your local health food store!!! When we go grocery shopping we pull out our assortment of canvas bags from health food stores around the world instead of using 6 or 7 plastic bags.

****
FYI:

From July 18th I'm Not A Plastic bag will be available to buy from the following East Coast Whole Foods Market stores.

Purchases will be limited to three bags per customer at Whole Foods Market stores

95 Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
250 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001
The Shops at Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle, Suite SC101, New York, NY 10019
905 River Road, Edgewater, NJ, 07020
90 e. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830
429 North Broadway, Jericho, NY 11753
222 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940
2101 Northern Boulevard, Munsey Park, NY 11030
471 Rte. 35 North, Red Bank, NJ 07701
187 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041
701 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042
44 Godwin Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
4 Union Square South, New York, NY 10003
110 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605
235 Prospect Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

Love it: Valentino Pin-tucked Shopper Bag

Still love it, now in faded Gray. Even Better than before!!!! I posted this bag in the red and off-white awhile back , and now its available for pre-order ONLY at Bergdorf Goodman. Loooooooooooove gray, you know I keep saying its really the new black. Seriously coveting this bag. Amazing.

Get it here.

• Maison Style.
• Aged silver leather.
• Silver-tone hardware.
• Shoulder straps with rings; zip top.
• Pintucked body.
• 11 1/2"H x 13"W x 4"D.
• Made in Italy.

Enjoy!

Love it: Valentino Pleated Knot Bag!

Pleated knot bag. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.

• Black satin with tonal embossed leather trim.
• Top handles; framed top.
• Pleated body with knot detail.
• 11 1/2"H x 13 1/2"W x 8 1/2"D.
• Made in Italy.

Olsen 'Pic' of the Day: Mary-Kate in LA with Beau Max...Rocking the Long Scarf and Prada Fringe Bag

Mary-Kate in LA yesterday with beau Max.

Love the long scarf look. Adore the faded black skinnies..I think they have zippers, which is doubly cool (and also makes them possible to get on, while still giving you the max thinness at the ankle!). Love aviator Ray-Bans (these are the smaller frame version) but not such a fan of the blue/purple tinted lens... and speaking of I have a few pairs of Ray Ban Wayfarers to feature on Steal my Clothes! Also, personally, have never been a huge fan of the upper arm cuff...I just think its uncomfortable and looks weird. She's still working the strappy sandal/heels and Prada fringe purse. Me: not so much buying into the fringe trend...its never been much my style, looks cute on her though.

Meet Joy Gryson, the Creator Behind Gryson Handbags

If you have the chance Friday afternoon (maybe on your lunch-break?), run over to Bloomies and meet Joy Gryson. Joy, who used to work as Director of Design for Marc Jacobs Handbag and Accessorises division, is the fantabulous creator behind Gryson bags, they are newish on the scene, but not shabby at all, beautifully constructed from high quality leather and suede made in Italy. Very covetable indeed. Check out my post that covered Gryson bags from last month.

A fave below:
The 'Heidi' Leather Tote. Available at Bergdorf Goodman.


Meet Joy Gryson
Friday: 11am-2pm
Bloomingdale's-59th Street
1st Floor-Handbags

Olsen 'Pic' of the Day: Ashley in Beverly Hills

Ashley yesterday in Beverley Hills. Cute sandal/heels.


Great shot of the new heels.

Still sporting the Givenchy 'Nightingale' Bag. Gotta love Ashley for that consistency, she has said that she finds a bag she loves and wears it to death, then moves on to a new one...doing that a few times a year.

I have lots of beautiful bags but it seems most of the time I go out the door with my LV Speedy 40, its huge (yes I picked the enormous size that some people don't even know exists, as I said before, for me: bigger=better), water resistant, practical and beautiful, plus I figure it has the least chance of getting stolen, with all the fakes in NYC, I assume those not really in the know would figure it was fake anyway and not bother!

Tell me do you use the same bag daily or switch it up often?

My Morabito Bag!

After much anticipation and waiting (on my part).

The unveiling of my new vintage Morabito alligator bag! I'm in love!!

Morabito is an established French luxury leather purveyor that was established on The Place Vendome in 1905. They are famous for high quality handbags.

It has been said of Morabito:

"LV is ubiquitous, Hermès extravagantly expensive, and Goyard (for now) is smartly and selectively distributed, but Paris has a number of purveyors of fine leather goods that don't have the international recognition of the big three. Ducas, in a small store on Rue d'Argenteuil, sells finely crafted bags and accessories with a resolutely masculine bent (from business card holders to cigar humidors and shoe bags) in exotic skins but at relatively reduced prices — one of the perks of not having an advertising budget. Where Avenue George-V meets Rue Francois-1er, Morabito, a luxury leather goods seller since 1905, operates a large store. Here, amid sensible ladylike ostrich bags with gold closures that bear a certain resemblance to one or two of Hermès' best-sellers, is a wealth of luggage and covetable (and blessedly unrecognizable) totes. A large grained calf travel bag is on offer for €950 and a chocolate-colored cabas of plain and grained calf with ostrich handles is €790. Of course there are plenty of expensive reptile skins available too, but one of the most beautiful offerings amid a line of glossy pastel stingray bags is the Palomar, a pearl gray box of the same skin that has heirloom written all over it (€2500)."

Frommers:
This glamorous leather purveyor was originally established by an Italian entrepreneur on the place Vendôme in 1905. In the 1990s, it was partially acquired by an organization in Tokyo. Today, from a site on the very glamorous rue François Ier, it sells chicer-than-thou handbags that begin at a bare minimum of 200€ ($260) and quickly climb to 9,120€ ($11,856) and more. Morabito also has suitcases -- some of the best in Paris -- for men and women. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 6:45pm; Saturday 11am to 6:30pm.

Transportation: Métro: George-V

P.S. Sorry for the quality of the photos, I couldn't seem to remove the glare, no matter which angle I photographed from.

Olsen 'Pic's of the day: Mary Kate in LA

The return of the plaid shirt. Different Plaid shirt, same theme. Love this look.

MK last week in LA. Funny I just bought a great pair of red leopard-print vintage 80's skinny jeans just like the pattern she's holding (a scarf I believe...). Love, love the shoes, tho I couldn't wear them myself without falling over!!

The Scoop on a New Boutique Set to Open May 1st on the LES: Clarabella

Hey gals,

Just got the scoop on a new boutique set to open this Tuesday, May 1st. Erin Whelan who founded Clarabella, left a career in the music industry to unveil the store named in honour of her grandmother. "My hope is to create a space that draws as much attention to the designer as the product," says Whelan, who, through classes in book-binding, shoe-making, and jewelry
design, has become fascinated with process and design. The store will feature jewelry, accessories, and shoes in a gallery setting.

Keeping with the gallery theme, Clarabella will feature different
designers throughout the year. Some of the store's initial offerings will include:

Jewelry: Angelica Bergamini, Beth Lauren, By Boe, BB Designs, Carla Caruso, Devon Driscoll, Gypsy Born Designs, Judith Haas, Leoworks, Tamaura, and Zoe Chicco

Accessories: Andrea Brueckner, Brave Leather, Carla Beeby London, Crystalyn Kae, Kristin Aronsson, Modus/Basically Brazil, Nam Kim, and Tracy Tanner

Shoes: Mariana, Marcello Toshi Creazioni, and Tashkent by Cheyenne.

The store will also have space to highlight works by up-and-coming photographers and painters. The debut art exhibit features works by New York City poet and artist Seldon Yuan (showing through May 14). For the Grand Opening in late May, Clarabella will feature photographs and drawings highlighting projects by Oisin Clancy and Marc Ackerson, the architects who worked closely with Whelan to design the store's interior.

From the photos it looks like she's got some pretty cool jewelry offerings. Definitely worth checking out!

Clarabella - 279 East Houston Street, between Clinton and Suffolk -
(212) 979-0270
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-8pm; Sunday, 12pm-7pm. Closed Monday.

Muted Shades...Bags in Assorted Shades of Neutrals

A nice selection of the muted theme in handbags. I especially love the new collection from Gryson (who was formerly a bag designer at MJ).
Miu Miu Coffer Frame Bag in Sand, available at Net-A-Porter.

Chloe Edith Leather Shoulder bag in Nutmeg. Available at Net-A-Porter.Miu Miu Leather Coffer Bag, available at Net-A-Porter.


Gryson "Sophie", Seamed Satchel in Burgundy, available at Bergdorf Goodman.


Gryson "Rachel", Pocket Shoulder bag, available at Bergdorf Goodman.


Gryson "Olivia", Leather shoulder bag, available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Horrible Experience at Artbag, NYC

So, I'm not usually Ms. Negativity, and I prefer to keep this blog light and upbeat, but I have to share my tres terrible experience at Artbag yesterday/the last 3 months. I won't get into the gory details but needless to say my overall experience was stressful, harrowing and overwhelmingly negative. As you've heard me ramble on about over the last few months, I have this great vintage Morabito Alligator bag, which I dropped off at Artbag to have repaired, treated and generally made ready to conquer the world. I paid quite a bit to have this work done, but I was O.K. with that, assuming that I was going to get quality work and be happy with my experience (duh, right?). I mean if you have a quality item, you have to take care of it, otherwise what's the point; it has upkeep and you want to keep it at it's best and not let it deteriorate.

So, anyway, I put the deposit down and wait the max 4 weeks that I am assured it will take for the work to be completed. A month comes and goes, still no word....I'm like O.K., not a huge deal as long as its worth it in the end. A few weeks later though, I am a bit worried so I call, and I'm told, "actually its ready"...(they had assured me they would call, so I had been patiently waiting). Next day, I trek up there (a bit of an ordeal for me, they close at 5pm, so I have to move my schedule around and make time in the middle of the day), and...it's not ready. What? "come back in 2 days", so I do, and guess what? still not ready! By this point I am getting more than a little annoyed, after-all who has time to be foolishly running around like this for no purpose, still I think it will be worth it in the end. Third times a charm right? Wrong. They call me a week later to tell me its ready--AGAIN, I go back, and lo and behold this time they produce the bag from the depths of the back room supposedly ready to go. However, upon closer inspection, at least 2 parts that were supposed to be fixed are not, I have to remind them about other additions and the workmanship looks shoddy and unfinished in places. I am so upset. You have to understand the cost of these repairs would have bought me a new Balenciaga. I definitely had high expectations. They tell me, "sorry, we will work on it some more, we will call you when it's ready' AGAIN. At this point, I have become really wary, but still I think and explain to them "Okay--I would rather you take it back in and the work come out well", I am O.K. with waiting longer as long as the end product is beautiful workmanship and complete. The story is almost over (and hey, I left out most of the details!). Bare with me, Ugh.

So....a few more weeks pass by and this Monday I get a call, "it's ready". So, I trek up again and at first they can't even find the bag. One guy asks me "is it under a different name?", he reeks of vodka, at this point I am becoming frightened, "a different name?", nope same one it was under the last 3 times, OY! Finally the bag is produced, and the drama begins. In brief, rude behaviour, disagreements about what was included in the cost, and general unhappiness...ugh...It was soooo unpleasant.

A couple of things I learned from this experience: especially with higher value items, take pictures before you get work done, otherwise it's just your word, and make sure you have a detailed version of any repairs being made, very detailed. In my case, when we originally went over all the repairs to be made, he listed them all on one piece of paper by incremental cost then transferred that to a receipt with only the grand total and not a complete list of all that we had discussed..BIG MISTAKE. Make sure you keep that breakdown of costs....since I didn't have that (nor was it offered to me), I was really at a disadvantage. Usually I am bit smarter, and I definitely had some gut reservations initially, but honestly, I naively wanted to trust him; this is a well-established store and I guess more than anything, I wanted it to be a positive experience. I didn't want to start questioning his methodology for calculating cost and 'stir up trouble' so to speak. Lesson learned: don't be afraid to ask for all the detailed info you are entitled to, look out for yourself!!!

P.S. This Chris Moore guy (at least that's what the card he gave me said) that I dealt with throughout almost the whole process (I might add not the vodka-tainted one, no slander here!) was mostly very rude and unpleasant always. Why, oh why? You'd think for that kind of money he'd be just a touch sweeter. I am hoping this whole thing doesn't taint my love for the new bag, it is most definitely absolutely beautiful.

P.P.S. I would also say, if you can, go straight to the manufacturer to fix high-end items (e.g., Louis Vuitton--I have always had great luck and experiences with their 5th ave flagship store's repair department). Unfortunately in this case the manufacturer was in Paris, but let it be known, next time I will fly to Paris to get Morabito fixed before I return to ARTBAG.

The things people can get away with these days.

oh and P.P.P.S. I will post pictures of the bag on Monday.

Til then,
BG

Oscar De La Renta Fall Collection: Available Now at Bergdorf Goodman!

The Oscar De La Renta Fall 2007 Trunk show has arrived at BG.
My favorite picks below. This is a fantastic collection.
It is SO SO beautiful.
Enjoy.

Pleated Sleeveless Dress
OMG. This is stunning. 100% silk, with pockets...Eeeee! Those components add up to practical and comfort too!



Enamel Beaded Embellished Dress
You have to see this up close to fully appreciate it.


Silk Blouse and Wool Trousers
The high waist trouser trend that I covered last month, so fresh and feminine.


Pleated Ruffle top and Silk Twill Pants.
This is actually from SS07, but I couldn't resist. Stunning details. Look: navy and black again!


Drop-Waist Dress
With Bishops sleeves, this dress has the most Amazing symmetry.


Double-Faced Coat
Love this cut in a coat. I have several vintage ones that I have collected with mink collars!


Lacquered Jacket and Flannel Pant
Love the skinny pant too!! Cigarette silhouettes are always flattering and sexy.



Basketweave Dress
Capped Sleeves and a front pleat, what more could a girl want?


Printed Wedge Slingback
Love the patent, love the half-bow.


Straw and Patent Slingbacks
These are just so cool!


Satin Clutch
Also comes in a Nude color. Perfect complement to most of these outfits. Adore the crystal hardware.


Gilded Suede Clutch
This is to die for. Perfect with a dress or jeans, dress it up or down. Love, love , love the gold accents (I know, I am always referencing the gold!!)

Olsen 'Pic' of the day: Ashley in L.A.

Ashley in LA yesterday.

Ahhh, that bag. We love how Ash finds a bag she adores and sticks with it. That's definitely wise advice for those of us on a budget. Much better to splurge on one beautiful thing (an investment) and use it often than many cheap pieces which will be trashed and out of style in a few months. And speaking of great investment pieces, my Morabito is officially, really and truly actually ready. Mr. Artbag called this morning to tell me she was ready to come home. I will post pics soon.

P.S. love the skirt.

Ta girls...off to the Upper East Side.

Love it! Chloe Bow Clutch

Speaking of Gold touches....look at this wonderful find!

Chloe Gold Bow Clutch

• Magnetic flap fastening
  
• Detachable thin leather strap,
  
• Visible stitching on bow
  
• Zip fastening internal pocket.

Available at Net-A-Porter.

Love it: Valentino Pintucked Shopper

in Bone, also comes in a luscious Red.



I have been admiring this bag for quite some time. Elegant, beautiful leather, and so soft and delicately stitched. Perfect for carrying it all.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman.