Bag of the month: January is for Balenciaga

 

A new classic, this Balenciaga Le Dix Cartable leather tote is definitely one of the investment pieces to think about. Flawless, chic, perfectly formed in calf leather decorated with subtle gold and silver accents. Even the chocolate brown suede interior is deliciously gorgeous! One of the first beauties celebrating the new era at the fashion house now in capable hands of Alexander Wang. A piece of style history to have and to hold (and show off whatever the occasion).

Available at mytheresa.com (in beige), Barneys (in green or black) and Matches (in cream or black)

 

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Fashioned by Love turns 3

When I think about creating my very first post for Fashioned by Love, I struggle, seriously struggle, to believe that it was three years ago. I still remember that day, I remember coming up with an idea of this blog and its name. I remember the blank page feeling, the nervousness and excitement of starting a new chapter of my life. If only I knew where my little blog would take me…

2013 was a difficult year for me. It started well and then suddenly collapsed in a manner of a card tower because the injury happened and balance was lost. The recovery took several  months and taught me to love flat shoes, maxi dresses and never make too many plans.

So, whilst the year didn’t go exactly as I envisioned, it had its moments of joy, pride and enjoyment, so I want to celebrate them fully (and the same way I did it last year).

In 2013 I wrote 270 posts, shared 52 Monday editorials and 100 stylish quotes.

Was nominated as one of the 10 best UK fashion blogs by Company magazine.

Received an invitation from Harper’s Bazaar for the private opening of the Self-Portraits exhibition created by the magazine and Viva London.

Interviewed gorgeous models Karlina Caune and Alexandra Egorova and British designers Liam Fahy and Kelly Love.

Created Fashioned by Love fashion weeks dedicated to Azzedine Alaia, Donna Karan and Calvin Klein.

Said Good-bye to Marc Jacobs era at Vuitton, Emma Hill – at Mulberry and welcomed back John Galliano.

Continued “5 dresses” with the LWD and lace and started new series of post to share my favourite Bag of the Month and Shoe stories as well as gorgeous collections from the past seasons that could only be described and remembered as Timeless Chic.

Created a few designer-inspired looks for less, from Lanvin and Nina Ricci to Louis Vuitton F/W 2013 and S/S 2005 as well as some random outfits for every occasions, from white jeans (including a budget version), flares and summer ideas to a 1920s evening ensemble…

Talked about spring crops, wearable blooms, leather, safari chic and pattern on pattern trends.

Dreamed of a white summer wardrobe and celebrated Christmas in every shade of blue, pink, white and black.

As the autumn approached, asked some fashion models about their season’s must-haves and showcasted some of the most beautiful grey, pink and camel coats to cocoon in as well as gorgeous leather jackets to be worn by the most stylish among us.

Reviewed some of my favourite fashion reads including The Empress’s New Clothes, Supermodels Diet Secrets (and later wrote about detox 1976-style), The world according to Karl, D.V., Allure and Chloe Attitudes.

And leant, once again, that fashion is such a wonderful, exciting and endlessly inspirational world that I will never be tired of.

Thank you for being with me today and always, for your comments and support! I hope to see you over and over again and give you something to enjoy every day as you stop by Fashioned by Love.

 

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Bag of the month: December is for Desa

Desa 1972 may not exactly be the brand everyone is familiar with, but this Turkey-based family-run company has been the industry's secret for over 40 years. Known for some of the best leathers and an impeccable craftsmanship, Desa worked with the leading Italian and European fashion brands producing some of the most scrumptious handbags before creating their own line of ready-to-wear and accessories where tradition, quality and modernity are the key points.

This Desa 1972 “Four” bag was, in fact, my only choice for the December edit – I instantly fell in love with its sophisticated and minimalistic design, most perfect shade of grey and the elegant finishing touches. I couldn’t (and didn’t want to) think of anything else.

If Santa is real, I would very much love to find this beauty under my Christmas tree…

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Bag of the month: November is for Nina Ricci

Softness, lightness and elegance. Three words that perfectly describe Nina Ricci’s core values and one of the Maison latest creations – the Ballet bag inspired by the functional, streamlined dance bags used by ballerinas.

Feminine and modern, with its slim handles, delicate hardware and finely wrought finishings, this timeless beauty is topping my ultimate wish list. I feel that, with my affection for both Nina Ricci and ballet, we could be friends should our fate ever brought us together…

To mark the launch of this creation, the Paris-based artistic duo “I Could Never Be a Dancer” has choreographed and directed a an electrifying and sensual film about the bag consisting of a single performance during which three dancers from different schools use their art to interpret their emotions about the Ballet.

 

The Ballet bag comes in several colour and material combinations and is available at MyTheresa, Saks Fifth Avenue and Monnier Freres.

Photo souce: ninaricci.com

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Bag of the Month: October is for Oscar de la Renta

 

When we think of Oscar de la Renta, we picture gorgeous clothes, elegant gowns, stunning shoes, sparkling jewellery, scarves and sunglasses.... And yet it's not often that we associate the name with handbags, which are, as it turns out, just beautiful... 

Take the mini Madison handcrafted with textured calfskin, lined in soft rose suede and bejellewed with pink quartz and sodalite. 

Isn't she a darling? 

Available at oscardelarenta.com

 

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Bag of the month: September is for Smythson

Luxurious? Yes. Beautiful? Of course. Timeless? Very much so. And these are just a few reasons for loving this gorgeous Smythson Grosvenor tote made from the soft French calf leather adorned with subtle touches of polished gold. It’s refined, understated, classy, "charming in appearance” and “useful in character". A real gem for fashion connoisseurs from an iconic British brand that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.

Also available in birch, a delicious shade of milk chocolate.

If the bag is out of the question, but you love the style, treat yourself to a Grosvenor passport cover, iPad case, travel wallet or a scented candle presented in a very special leather-covered pot. 

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Bag of the month: August is for A.P.C.

Italian grained caramel leather, goldstone metal chain that smoothly runs through your fingers like a playful pet snake and a beautiful button closure to keep your precious possessions safe. This Parisian beauty is a gorgeous hug-me-hold-me chic shoulder bag by A.P.C. (“Atelier de Production et de Création”), a French brand known for its minimalist and clean style with a feminine touch, the no-logo rule ('A.P.C. rue Madame Paris' is embossed under the flap) as well as being deliberately "anti-elitist" and refusing to be promoted by celebrities. Absolutely perfect in every way.

If you are not a fan of tan leather, the black option is equally charming.

Both girls are available via Monnier Freres.

 

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Bag of the month: July is for Jérôme Dreyfuss

Last month Roxy, a girl whom I hardly know but quietly adore, challenged me to continue with my first letter matching selection for the Bag of the Month feature until 2014. I was only happy to oblige. After all, “what’s the life without whimsy?” as Dr Sheldon Cooper would say.

In July I was tempted with this soft and huggable Alain hobo by Jerome Dreyfuss, a French designer extraordinaire and a husband to la créatrice de mode Isabel Marant (pardon my French, but I just love the sound of it so much!). Also while we are on the Dreyfuss-Marant subject, here are a few photos of their Parisian apartment, in case you feel like visiting.

Back to the bag, though. I think it was the distressed leather that made me fall in love with this sweetheart. I can just imagine squeezing it and touching that grainy surface with my fingertips. And the size of this sac is absolutely perfect, too. Irresistible!

The gorgeousness is available here (in tan), here (in black), here (in emerald) and here (in animal print).

 

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Bag of the Month: June is for Jigsaw

I saw Thelma last week and fell in love with the braided handle, whipstitch details and the colour – a pale shade of grey that would work wonderfully all year around and become a perfect alternative to a white bag that can sometimes be a bit of a high maintenance. The classic look, two colour options, the soft leather and… the high street price tag. Another reason why I adore Jigsaw so much.

 

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Bag of the Month: May is for Marni

I  have just realised that first letter of the brand name of my Bag of the Month so far matched the first letter of the month it was featured in. April was for the Angel Jackson sweetheart and this Marni tote stole the spot in May.

Why, after my long-winded speed on discovering new and unknown, I went for Marni?

I love the brand and its quirky and playful attitude to fashion. I feel this is how everything great is made – the process seems effortless and the result doesn’t need numerous magazine editorials to be appreciated.

This tote, crafted from soft calfskin leather, is a great example of what I call an investment buy. It’s simple, but not boring. It’s eye-catching and memorable, but, unlike some well-known brand bags, isn’t epidemically carried by every “fashionista” and celebrity, so it neither hurts my eye nor causes allergic reaction.

I love this tote.

It’s sophisticated and timeless.

And currently on sale.

Which makes it absolutely, 100%, totally and utterly perfect.

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Bag of the Month: April is for Angel Jackson

When I came up with an idea of the Bag of the Month feature back in March, it was warmly welcomed by pretty much every girl who read the post. The true love of beautiful accessories was certainly taking a form of a worldwide affair.

The process of choosing the first candidate wasn’t easy, but I definitely wanted to avoid anything that may have an “It” attached to it. Although I understand the appeal of Alexander Wang, Chloe, Proenza, Valentino or Celine, I am a little tired of seeing them everywhere. They are, of course, beautiful, but the “It” factor makes them very, how should I put it, predictable…

What interests me is discovering something new, being surprised and sharing these finds and surprises with you – high end, high street – it’s not going to be about the location or trying to be “on trend”. It will always be about the bag.

I saw Samaya a while ago and thought of her as a gorgeous, exotic, vibrant and classic beauty that I would be proud to take with me anywhere. Designed by two young Brits, Katie and Millie, charming and talented siblings and founders of the Angel Jackson brand, the bag is a part of an extensive collection featured on Monnier Frères, one of my most favourite on-line destinations for designer accessories (and yes, they do stock Chloe, Wang as well as Nina Ricci, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Escada, Jitrois, Vanessa Bruno, Kenzo, Sonia Rykiel etc. etc. etc. – every fabulous bag is there, trust me)

According to the website description, Samaya, designed for “the effortlessly stylish and intelligent woman”, has “everything to seduce us” (including a price tag of £178) and I guess, I was an easy target.

What about you? Is your heart beating faster yet?

P.S. There’s still time to vote for Fashioned by Love in the Company’s Style Blogger Awards competition. I know it sounds like a presidential election, but every vote really does count. For more details visit my Monday post.

P.P.S. For your chance to win a beautiful Paul&Joe bracelet, follow the link.

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