The New Essentials

I brought up the massive popularity of camel for fall earlier this week, and now it’s time to really take a look at some of the best bets for the season. This week’s homepage is all about “The New Essentials”–these are handbags that, while they may not be brand new, still fit in perfectly with fall’s trends. We’ve curated four sets of bags: Camel, Exotic skins, Black and Red.

Red happens to be one of fall’s strongest colors–check out a couple of pictures from Zac Posen‘s most recent runway show. What do you think about the red velvet?

Lizard Lady

Eva Longoria Parker has been seen all over Hollywood rocking her Adriana Castro “Annie” lizard clutch. I particularly like that she shows us just how versatile the bag is–it looks just as good with jeans and a t-shirt as it does with a structured dress for evening. This goes to show you that exotic skins can often act as a neutral even though they are essentially one big pattern.

Want to try the same look with a lizard clutch? Here are a few of our absolute favorites:

LAMBERTSON TRUEX Brown Lizard Minaudiere with Silver Hardware

JUDITH LEIBER Vintage Spotted Olive & Black Lizard Rock n Roll Studded Clutch Evening Bag

BOTTEGA VENETA Black Lizard & Suede Ruffle Evening Clutch Bag

First image via People.com

All About Camel

According to insiders at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Browns, camel is the new black–what do you think? Check out Style.com’s Fall 2010 Buyers’ Guide for some specifics and then take a look at our favorites for autumn. Are you already investing in camel or is it too neutral for you?

CHANEL Beige Caviar Quilted Classic Flap (above)

CHLOÉ Paraty Shopper Tote

JIMMY CHOO Camel Lohla-Jayne

Friday Favorites: Lovely Leopard

Animal prints may be hot this season, but it’s leopard that’s about to really boil over. Showing up everywhere on the runways (including Dries Van Noten, above left, and Louis Vuitton, right), the cool thing about this year’s leopard is how many different ways you can wear it. Rather than just sticking to the most realistic skin, designers are changing up the color, playing with proportion, and printing it on a wide variety of materials.

Here are our leopard Friday Favorites:

DEREK LAM Pony Hair Leopard Spotted Clutch. Totally chic, and now priced under $500.

JIMMY CHOO Patent Leather Leopard Riki. Take a walk on the wild side with this purple tote.

MANOLO BLAHNIK Leopard Suede Heels sz 39. Did someone say metallic suede leopard? So very sexy.

Monogram Madness

Sometimes all you want is a classic, and that’s why we spent some time collecting Louis Vuitton monogram bags in all shapes and sizes. We amassed quite a collection, and now we’re offering them to you in today’s First Finds.

We have  your basic Speedys, Almas and Keepalls, but we also have limited edition Malletier Messengers, Papillons and Reporters.

The best part about these bags is that they’re pre-owned, so they’re already broken in. That means it’ll look like you’ve owned the bags forever. These are priced to move, so click through and get yours now!

Drew’s Very Vintage

Drew Barrymore is one of my favorite celebs–I so admire her ability to be herself, at all times, even when her look or style may be unpopular. That’s why I love her ensemble at last night’s Nylon + Express August Denim Issue Party in West Hollywood–she chose a $25 vintage dress picked up at an Austin shop.

I’m a sucker for anything sequined, and the slightly slouchy shape is more sophisticated than a skintight mini. Want to check out some of our favorite vintage pieces right now? Here’s our three favorite shimmery accessories:

Ciner Vintage Cognac and Grey Crystal Swirl Pin. This would look great as a hair accessory (pinned next to a chic chignon) or pinned on a simple clutch for evening.

Judith Leiber Rare Vintage Pale Lilac Velvet & Crystal Evening Clutch. Just a touch of sparkle makes this bag extra special.

Vintage Italian Rhinestone Cuff Bracelet. This extra-wide bracelet is the only accessory you need with a little black dress.

Image via CocoPerez

Kanye’s Vintage Hermes

Love him or hate him, Kanye West definitely has strong opinions about style. He’s collaborated with Louis Vuitton on a shoe line, has an apartment full of modern art that has been featured in many magazines, and even loves to talk about his accessories on his Twitter account. His most recent post? The worn leather tote above, complete with a caption reading: “Vintage Hermes travel bags are tight yo!!!”

While everyone might not get the appeal of a bag with obvious years under its belt, there’s something about the aged patina of good leather that feels like luxury. Kanye’s bag, while rough around the edges, is still fully functional and has a lot more character than somethings straight out of the workshop. Plus, I love the initials on the front–doesn’t it make you wonder who used to own the bag and where it’s been?

Want to check out Portero’s pre-owned Hermes? Shop here, and know that every one of these pieces are made so well that you can pass them down to the next generation!

Ultra chic cases

This just-launched Bottega Veneta suitcase is making the blog rounds today, and it’s no surprise that people are interested. Made from soft-finished matte black alligator, priced at $53,000, and named Nero, this is not just your average piece of luggage. Besides just looking really, really pretty, this case has every upgrade you can think of, including locks, black alligator handles, a removable garment bag and burnished metal hardware.

While luxe luggage can be a pricey purchase, these pieces are really made to last. Exotic skins, if treated properly, can outlast any modern materials. Want to peruse some pre-owned options? Try our selection of suitcases, carry-ons and attaches, some in crocodile, ostrich or even alligator. If you’re partial to vintage and like the Bottega Veneta, try either this Hermes black crocodile briefcase or this Gucci brown crocodile briefcase for a similar look.

Bowled Over

Looking for a black bag that is making the rounds on the arms of young Hollywood? The Chanel Bowler is a hot ticket these days. I think stars like Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson and Avril Lavigne are attracted to the bag because it’s roomy enough for all of their necessities and the oversized chain detail feels a little bit rock and roll.

Right now we have the 12″ version in calfskin as well as a huge 17″ patent version with black resin hardware. Wouldn’t the jumbo be perfect as a carry-on bag for your next trip?

Trendworthy?

Style.com’s Fall Shopping Guide is out, and it is definitely packed with accessories you’ll soon be drooling over. This year’s guide was handpicked by 23 fashion insiders–from models to stylists to editors–and makes you (almost) wish for a chill in the air so you can start indulging.

Luckily, you don’t need to have this season’s full-price products to get the hottest looks. Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite forecasted trends and corresponding pieces available (for less!) on Portero.com:

Gold is the new black. Anna Dello Russo, Fashion Director at Large, Vogue Nippon (above). I couldn’t agree more. Metallics are still huge, and you can’t go wrong with a little glam in your wardrobe. Try the Michael Kors Gold Python Beverly for chic shine.

Off-white for winter. Hanelli Mustaparta, model. Forget what they used to say about white after Labor Day–the old rules are totally played out. This fabulous vintage Chanel camera medallion logo bag will work in the colder months when paired with wools or tweeds.

An oversized necklace. Natalie Massanet, founder, Net-a-Porter. Natalie likes to pair hers with a tailored white shirt, colorful shift dress or an elegant evening gown. You can’t really go wrong with a statement piece like this VRBA lapis and baroque pearl necklace.