 |
|
|
|
The perils of purse addiction
Flitting from one relationship to the next can give a girl a bad reputation. Lara Mai Landa explains why a little promiscuity, although fun, can sometimes prove painful when it comes to handbags.
By Lara Mai Landa
|
|
|
|
Then there is the matter of stark, unrequited longing. I first spotted Rudsak back in March during their fall runway collection at Toronto Fashion Week. Designer Erik Asatoorian's handbag line, specifically two red stunners, (picture to the left and above) left me breathless. Our eyes met across the room, and it was love at first sight. Finally, after months of waiting, those unavailable beauties that teased me for months are finally mine.
And of course, there's the awkwardness that inevitably happens when being involved with various family members at the same time. Unlike the boho-hippie appeal of the Sienna, the Parker (picture to the left), the rakish, upscale cousin in the Kooba clan, waltzed in and stole my heart. Made from super-soft lambskin, the silver hardware lends a graphic, art-deco edge that makes it oh-so modern. Also of note, Kooba has released another version of the Parker for fall that comes in a statement making mirrored silver and gold.
Yet, even with all the purse love I get, I've experienced loss and regret, particularly, Norwegian label Gadino who caused me many sleepless nights. Designed by Magnus Gjøen of Costume National and Vivienne Westwood fame, I instantly fell head over heels in love with the Madison in purple croc (picture below). Dark, sensual and beyond sexy, this perfect year-round bag spoke to my inner vixen while affording me instant, high-chic refinement. Their delicate pink washed version was of an entirely different persona. With the most delicious smelling leather, it gave promise to a ladylike sweetness I've never quite been able to muster on my own. Sadly, these bags from the spring 2007 collection were quickly snapped up. A hard luck tale governed by the simple shopping law of "You snooze, you lose."
Thankfully I'm able to take solace in the Abigail (picture to the left). Boasting a unique calf leather called "poney poudre," this silky new offering for fall feels like the finest white sand beach -- so velvety soft and satisfying to the touch. Offering Gadino's unique trademark silver and leather accents, the Abigail is a loving tribute to the memory of the Madison. Rest in peace.
Sadly, my long, hard battle with gateway bags is ongoing and there have been veiled threats bandied about by concerned friends and family members as to the possibility of an intervention. Yet even though I fight valiantly against moving into the higher-level income brackets of hard-core purse addiction -- the Balenciaga's, Prada's and Chanel's of this world -- I remain vigilant. Thankfully, this next batch of brands makes me feel like I'm already there.
Check out Lara's favourite "gateway bags"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
OR |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
