What is it about gold hardware on a black bag with a chain double-strap that makes you think luxe? Chanel. End of sentence. It's easy to evoke a luxury feel with these hardware details, thanks to Chanel who did it so singly and strongly.

Let's take Marc Jacobs, for example. He had his own signature bag style in 2004. It was wonderful. And then he abandoned it to make Chanel-look bags with quilted leather and chain straps. Why? I really do want to know why.

But anyway, the bag my subject was carrying in Midtown is likely luxe, given the proportions and the nice quality of leather. Does anyone want to venture a guess as to the brand?

Or at least I want you to want this.

Ann Taylor Loft 3" wide braided leather belt -- brand new 
(was $39.50; now $16.98) on my Ebay shop!
http://ebay.to/1qOItG7

How about now?
Yes, you want this.

And who doesn't like bamboo-esque? I esque you. Sorry.

But yes, you want these.
On my ebay shop.
http://ebay.to/12iHvMI

Well this is a first. In Hot Pursuit of a Handbag, Brooklyn Edition. I saw this excellent bag with oddly placed handle this past weekend on Franklin Street in Greenpoint. Normally, the best place to catch a glimpse of a luxury bag I'd want to own is in Midtown Manhattan at lunchtime. And in the past, Greenpoint was the neighborhood of ironic totes. But not so much any more.

Can you name the designer of this great pebbled leather bag?

After pursuing my subject for two blocks on Third Avenue today, she turned into a lunch spot and I got the shot. Perfect. This black leather crossbody satchel is an ideal compact size (approx. 9" x 7" x 3") with minimalist black-on-black details. A classic.

In Hot Pursuit of a Handbag, one of my signature columns on my blog, is back! And newly archived on my Pinterest page too, for your at-a-glance viewing pleasure. Get caught up on the archives, and then stay tuned. There will be many more posts on this topic where I chase down a bag I love, photograph it for all to see, and try to figure out where we can all get one too. Because if you ask me, the streets of New York are optimum for chasing down a trend. Don't you agree?

The Satin Karate Belts are back online! I need to break these out into a few separate listings. Else, how do you buy two or three? Etsy has a few funny quirks. But I still love it.

From our archives! Only a few left in dark denim. This Geisha Hairstyle Denim Pocket Bag (available on Etsy) is one of our signature pieces. The bag can be worn around your waist, as a shoulder bag or across the body. The straps are adjustable. Super-cool statement piece. People will ask you one or more of these questions. "What is that?" "Is it sushi?" "Is it a shrimp?" And you can say, "No! It's a geisha hairstyle!" And they will be your friend.

Ah, the good ole Boston days. Even my label says Boston. I remember this dude named Gary who rode a skateboard and a single speed bike silk screened them for me.

I love these shoes! And I found them for the rock-bottomest price online after trying them on at a shoe store next door to my work, and finding them actually comfortable. But still. Buy or not buy? I love the color combination. But will they suit me? Do I have more than one outfit that will go with them? I tend to say YES BUY THEM! But I can't click the checkout button just yet. Help?

 

I got my weird-cool pin from Etsy the other day. It came from Korea! I'm adding the ribbon below. Still deciding on the configuration. There are so many good ideas when you do an image search for "award ribbon." #colormeexcited

Thank you Bead Center for 1) existing and 2) for being only three blocks from my work building. It's my one-stop shop for repairing any of my sparkle barrettes. They have every type of rhinestone -- flat back, pointed back -- in seemingly every color and size. I finally bought proper glue and tweezers so I can set the stones accurately without the Crazy Glue residue. #colormeexcited

Bead Center NY
989 Sixth Avenue (36th/37th Streets)
Garment District
212.279.2323

An oldie but a goodie. Wearing my butterfly necklace today.

Look at how cool this bag is! Would it disintegrate in a rain storm? (It's crocheted out of paper twine.)

New Skirts are live on elaineperlov.com! Use code DECEMBER to save 20%.

NOTE: code also good for 20% off t-shirts and all jewelry including flower pins and bamboo bangles.

*Gold Loop Chains* ready for delivery :-)

Saturday Morning. Making Satin Karate Belts for a customer in Denmark. He ordered 5 in gold. All done and ready to ship!

Here's some news! A special jewelry sale starts tomorrow on elaineperlov.com. There will be other fun things on sale too. For the entire month of December. I just made this piece yesterday. It's a one-of-a-kind glass bubble and Sterling silver 21" necklace. Only one! It will go LIVE on the site tonight.


***
Update 7:48pm
It's LIVE! Click to view the Glass Bubble Necklace.

Costume National sandals, available on Yoox

How cool are these sandals from Costume National? Comfortable. Stylish. Designer. Within the realm of affordable. The only catch is you have to be a size 8. Which I am not. Have at it someone!

Yes! I can repair all my sparkle barrettes! I found a store on 6th Avenue near the Garment District that will sell me 1 rhinestone for 25 cents. And they have all colors and sizes. Faceted and flat. All shades of brown. That will certainly come in handy. Bead Nation, was it called? Bead Universe? Darn, what was it called? I'll tell you later.

Leather Flower Belt, Ann Taylor Loft, $34.50

I got this belt, because I'm a sucker for flower belts. How many do I have? Well, three now. Not that many. And it will complement my new Miz Mooz shooz. Now I just need some clothes in the middle to round out the outfit.