Punch of Color

If you haven’t seen True Grit, I totally recommend it – even if it is just for the movie’s 14-year-old star Hailee Steinfeld. While I really enjoyed the film as a whole, I fell in love with Hailee and her tough-as-nails portrayal of a young girl trying to avenge her father’s death. An even bigger surprise has been this teen’s performance on the red carpet. She has been one of my favorites at the Globes, SAGs and now at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, above, wearing Alberta Ferretti.

Somehow she always manages to look age appropriate and fashion forward at the same time, and I’m particularly loving her pop of red with a cute (and affordable) clutch from H&M and shoes from Aldo. This is a great way to make a solid white or black dress stand out from the crowd. If you do decide to wear shoes and a bag of the same color, try to mix it up with different textures or materials — stay away from pieces that are too matchy-matchy.

Here are some standouts to get you started:

CHANEL 11C Fuschia Patent Classic Quilted WOC Wallet Chain Purse Bag

DARBY SCOTT

Green Python Champagne Hardware Frame Clutch

 

 

 

BOTTEGA VENETA

 

Vintage Bordeaux Woven Suede & Lizard Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via JustJared

 

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

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.