Under Lock & Key

I love how Angelina Jolie added that little something to her usual simple style with the Louis Vuitton Lockit PM Devotion clutch.  The handcuff wrist attachment on the clutch is just genius & in gold, the whole thing is so luxe! 

'Cause I'm Feeling like a Criminal

 

 

While we are on the topic of subversion, look at these gorgeous handcuffs shown on the Louis Vuitton runway show at Fall 2011 Paris Fashion Week.  I know it's suggestive & naughty, but I just love how beautiful they are.  It's so playful & cute in blue.  I can't wait to see them in person!

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!

The Fall collections closed with Marc Jacobs's show for Louis Vuitton in Paris last week.  His provocative show based on fetish and "discipline" was the last of many Fall collections referencing bondage and domination.  His show feature patent leather corsets, French maid outfits and diamond handcuffs.  At Alexander McQueen, harnesses were worn over frothy silk tulle and organza confections. 

Both on and off the runway, harnesses and slave bracelets were worn in broad daylight.  Hermes's Collier de Chien--a luxurious rendition of slave manacles--is one of their top selling items where the black leather with gold hardware combination is the ultimate in elusive finds. 

While this look isn't for everyone, it can be worn with minimal suggestion with the right combination of clothing and accessories.  The amount of skin exposed will dictate the level of provocation and severity (and possibly unwanted looks).  For example, harnesses can be worn over frothy dresses and bold t-shirts.  While the look above is cool, it might not be for everyone.  However, with a t-shirt worn underneath and the right accessories, the Alexander McQueen bustier looks very modern and edgy with a mere suggestion of provocation in the second picture.  Or just a hint of subversion can be made with the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet worn with a regular blazer, t-shirt and jeans.

How far you push the limits or not, it'll always be eye-catching and fun.  Sometimes, less is more and sometimes, more is more.  It's all up to you. 

A Chanel Retirement Fund?

I was back on the west coast over Christmas & I spied this dark red Chanel classic flap 2.55 bag.  I always liked this bag, but I never felt the need to immediately own one until I saw it in this color.  I had it in my mind that it was about $2,400, but was shocked when I was asked me to sign a receipt for $3,400 (not including tax).  Apparently, the price increased at least twice since I last checked the price two years ago!

I did some internet research & learned of a 30% price increase this past August.  First, I wanted to kick myself for not getting one sooner.  Secondly, it made me angry that they raised it by such an obscene amount!  There has been some speculations as to why the increases were made.  Madison Avenue Spy have suggested it was due to the increased demand in China.  However, others counter that that reasoning would not apply here where the economy is still weak.  One sales associate told Madison Avenue Spy that “rising demand & manufacturing difficulties are the cause for the rapid price increase.”  She continued:

“We don’t want Chanel to become like Louis Vuitton.  They are taking more of an Hermés approach where it can take three years to get the bag you like.  We want Chanel to stay a luxe item & not be Main Street.”

By trying to create demand, they may have shot themselves in the foot though because I ended up returning the bag on principle.  It was very hard for me as I LOVE handbags, but I couldn't justify it to myself (& believe me, I'm good at justifying these things to myself!).  The only reason I wanted to keep it was in case they made further increases, but I figured I could put that money toward my dream Hermès Birkin.  The only other reason to keep it (as one blogger put it) was that the Chanel bag appreciated in value more than her 401(k).