Archive for November, 2009

Our Big Giveaway–Revealed!

November 30, 2009

We crafted a teaser poem last week to get you excited, and then left you for a week to stew. Our partners over at FabSugar and PurseBlog also dropped some hints, and many of them guessed correctly: We’re giving away a gorgeous, coveted, pristine pre-owned Hermès Birkin!

Pictured above, this ultimate handbag (30 centimeters, black evergrain leather) is timeless, elegant and totally chic. Besides being guaranteed authentic (this is Portero Luxury, after all) this particular bag is pre-owned and in pristine condition, which means it has never been worn. Valued at $8,350, this is really the giveaway of a lifetime for a lucky handbag lover.

You might know that the Hermès Birkin is referred to as the Rolls Royce of bags–you’ve probably seen it slung over the arm of celebrities ranging from Victoria Beckham to Mary-Kate Olsen, and from Martha Stewart to Marc Jacobs. But do you know why?

Always hand-built by expert craftsmen, a Birkin’s high price tag comes from the materials and labor. Each takes weeks to create, and when they are distributed to Hermès boutiques, it is on an intentionally unpredictable schedule in low quantity. This particular model has palladium hardware (lock, keys, buckle and feet) which, unlike silver, won’t tarnish. Because of the high demand for Birkins, fakes are everywhere. Want to know some factors in determining authenticity? Here are some key markings:

–Even, consistent stitching

–“Hermès Paris, Made in France” should be gilt or blind stamped in the front face under the tap

–Craftsman’s marks and letter year of manufacture stamped in a square underside of right belt

–Interior leather zipper tag parallel with zipper hardware, not perpendicular

We are THRILLED to be bringing you this fantastic holiday giveaway, so be sure to enter now to secure your spot. Enter your email address here and you’ll automatically be signed up for the contest*. Good luck and happy holidays!

*Read the contest rules right here.

VINTAGE is here!

November 24, 2009

We’re pretty excited to bring you a pet project of ours–a dedicated Vintage category to shop all the time! We’ve always carried a selection of vintage bags, watches, jewelry and accessories, but this launch means we’ve upgraded to a better selection, even better prices and easier shopping.

You’ll see a ton of great pieces in the category now, but make sure you check back daily to see all of the new treasures that will be posted in the coming weeks. This will be an ever-evolving, always-growing group of vintage items with an emphasis on the rare, unique and hard-to-find.

(Shop now to find standouts like the Lana Marks Vintage Cognac Crocodile Shoulder Bag or the Rolex Vintage 1930s Nickel Tank Stainless Steel Men’s Manual Winding Watch pictured above.)

 

Our Big Bag Giveaway!

November 23, 2009

This holiday season, Portero is teaming up with PopSugar and The Purse Blog to bring you a bag giveaway that will really jingle your bells. Not just any old satchel, our big prize is the most iconic bag available – the kind of tote that makes a serious statement. (How many bags can you see being worn by Victoria Beckham, Martha Stewart AND Marc Jacobs?)

We’re not spilling everything just yet, so keep your eyes peeled for next Monday’s contest announcement for all the details you’ll need to enter and win.

Want a few more hints? Check out “An Ode to a Handbag” and see if you can guess what all the fuss is about. Here’s to getting lucky this holiday season!

Love,

Portero, FabSugar & The Purse Blog

Very VINTAGE!

November 19, 2009

We are more than excited to announce that our new Vintage category is launching soon! You might have noticed that we already have cool vintage pieces spread out on our site, but now you’ll have a dedicated place to find all of our ‘oldie but goodies’.

Looking for ’80s Chanel jewelry? Check. How about mid-century Patek Phillipe? Done. Diamond Art Deco jewels? Yes and Yes. Stay tuned to this space and Portero.com for more information.

Recently Reduced!

November 17, 2009

Looking for a spot to find items that have had price reductions? Check out our Recently Reduced section, linked from a dedicated homepage tile. Right now we have a great selection of jewelry, handbags and shoes at prices down 20% from our already reduced Portero prices. Here are a few of our favorites listed right now:

Caroline Carlisle 18k Rose Gold Diamond Green Tourmaline Drop Earrings

Alexander McQueen Chocolate Brown Patent Leather Medium Elvie Bag

Martin Margiela Tall Cork Knee Boots sz 36 / 6

Monday Eye Candy: Roger Vivier

November 16, 2009

3758-156--roger-vivier-geometric-hobo-shoulder-bag

I’m pretty excited to see this amazing Roger Vivier Geometric Shoulder bag just listed–it was released earlier this year and became an instant favorite with the fashion crowd. There’s something so chic and so simple about the shape; it looks a little ’70s vintage but also has a bit of a futuristic vibe. Bag Snob gave it a rave when it was launched in stores.

I’ve noticed a lot of geometric motifs in the news recently. How about Beyoncé’s Atelier Versace dress at the MTV Europe VMAs last month? That’s another winner in my book–I really liked the silver details on the mermaid dress, it took a girly gown and made it fierce.

Neon soles

November 12, 2009

Screen shot 2009-11-12 at 3.30.54 PM

If you haven’t had a chance to scroll through Candy Pratts Price’s Spring Trends slideshow on Style.com yet, definitely give yourself a few minutes to check out some must-have items for 2010. I, personally, am a shoe person, and sometimes I think those little accessories can tell you a lot of what you need to know about trends as a whole.

Take, for example, the brand new bold leather shoes by Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga and Nicholas Kirkwood (above, left-right). Just a little punch of neon definitely goes a long way — imagine any of these peep-toes paired with basic black, and guess which will stand out more. This really continues to make the case for neon accents for spring, so make sure to include a pop of ultra-bright color in your upcoming buys!

Biker Chic

November 10, 2009

EXCLUSIVE: Christina Aguilera Showing Off Her New Haircut At Mozza

First of all, I’m really digging Christina Aguilera‘s new bob–it’s a great update on her! Second, I really like the biker chic look she wore to dinner on Monday night in LA. This has been a super hot trend for fall, and she nails it with a great leather jacket, black bag and fabulous Louboutins with a sparkly blue toe. (Oh, how I am coveting those shoes…)

Want to put together something similar? Check out my biker chic pics:

Bottega Veneta Black Lizard & Suede Ruffle Evening Clutch Bag

Celine Black Suede and Swarovski Crystal Bag

Sold Out Fall 2009 Christian Louboutin Black Suede Thigh High Boots sz 37

Lagos Sterling Silver 18k Yellow Gold 0.94 ctw Diamond Bracelet

Image via JustJared

Get the Look: Emily Blunt

November 9, 2009

Screen shot 2009-11-09 at 2.12.03 PM

I’m really liking this mix of rusty red and vintage-looking sterling and gemstone jewelry on actress Emily Blunt. The dress might be a little busy for some, but I particularly love the draped asymmetrical neckline — so flattering. Want to accessorize like Emily? Here are my choices:

Sterling Silver & Gold 8.50 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Red Coral Drop Earrings. These vintage-looking, Indian-inspired earrings are showstoppers.

Handcrafted Sterling Silver & Gold 7.00 ctw Rose-Cut Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet. Emily’s bracelet is in the shape of a snake, but this bangle mixes perfectly with the earrings without ‘matching’.

Judith Leiber Red Lizard Embroidered Clutch Shoulder Bag. Honestly, a vibrant clutch is a must-have in any woman’s closet. Pair this with a simple black dress and your outfit is made!

Color Theory

November 6, 2009

slideshow-colors090823_560

I loved how the Fall runways showed so much texture, but I particularly loved how color was embraced. This NY magazine slideshow will show you exactly what I mean. These are jewel tones that make a statement and will really stand out even in the dead of winter.

I personally love to do bold color with a beautiful handbag. Here are just a few of my favorite investment pieces that can make any basic outfit seem like it’s worth a million bucks:

Hermès Very Rare Rouge Vif Ostrich 32cm Kelly Rigide Bag

Chanel Blue Stitched Lambskin Leather Shoulder Single Flap Bag

Gianfranco Ferre Large Mustard Yellow Suede Horn Rope Handbag

Lamberston Truex Bright Pink Ostrich Classic Tote Bag