Gap's Perfect Neon/Neutral Leather Tote: Stylish And Cheaper Than A Baby

$79.95, Gap 

Meet my new baby! No, not the kind of baby that comes from mommy and daddy kissing (or alcohol). Those kinds of babies are LOUD. And expensive! So instead, I picked up Gap's new leather stripe tote, which comes in many cute combinations, but I opted for neon coral because the neon says "HELLO WORLD!! I'M HERE!!," while the beige says "Shhhh... I know. We all know. We heard you." At $79, it's way cheaper than a real baby and not made as well as a baby, but it is made really well for a leather bag that costs less than $100. And it has a zipper -- ever seen a BABY that comes with its own zipper? Sure, it's more of short-term investment of a baby, but a bag won't keep you up at night. Viva la beauty sleep!

There's A Collina Strada New York City Sample Sale, And You Should Go!

Collina Strada (the alter ego of designer Hillary Taymour) has been one of my favorite indie brands for a few years and counting. (I met her at the Of A Kind sample sale last year and pretty much blurted out I LOVE YOU HAVE BABIES WITH ME like she was Lady Gaga or something. Then I scampered away making a derp face, because I'm a dork. REAL COOL, TAMRON! Smooth move, Ex Lax.)

Anyway, Hillary's been crafting mathematically leaning leather and cloth bags with geometrical leather accents and otherworldly canvas, and she recently ventured into understated yet edgy apparel.

I bought this bb from Dear Fieldbinder (could I please live there, by the way? I promise I'll do the dishes!) in 2011, and it's still one of my favorite bags.

Anyway, New Yorkers, go hit up the Collina Strada sample sale from Jan 3 - 6 at Eva New York. Everyone else, check out Of A Kind's Collina Strada stock.

Collina Strada sample sale

Eva

355A Bowery 

NY NY 10003  

212.925.3890  

2013: The Year Of The Liebeskind Berlin Bag

Feliz 2013! Hard to believe FashionBinge (she likes to be personified and referred to in the third person; she told me so herself) is going to be SEVEN years old this year. That's like 123 in blog years. 

Anyway, new year, new bag. 

$248, Liebeskind Capri tote, Nordstrom.com

I've gotten much much better at "shopping with intent" and buying only bags I can invest in and use for years (for ejemplo, my Olivia Harris black leather tote that I bought in 2010, and my lovely neon yellow Cambridge Satchel, and yes, I firmly believe neon bags are still "in,") instead of buying a super trendy, super cheap bag, using it approximately one and a half times, tiring of it, and then donating and/or helping it retire to a wasteful existence in a landfill. (Oddly though, I'm actually an enormous hypocrite, because I bought this $30 canvas striped duffle from Alloy back in July, and I'm still carrying it ever since.)

I'm trying to stick to that thou-shalt-invest-in-fewer-bags credo, but Liebeskind's leather handbags have been singing their sweet siren song to me every time I pass their storefront window on Lafayette Street -- newly opened in the Irregular Choice space this past September -- or come across one of their bags online. The German brand (also, THEIR BOOTS!) does big-girl bags with a fresh take on textures, shapes and colors. These bags have burrowed their way into my brain, and now I'm pretty much imprinting on their Capri tote, Jacob Black-style. (Halp! I'm in love with an inanimate object! Wot! Is that weirder than being in love with an infant? Y/N?) And ohai, those totally reasonable prices: like, Prada/ Proenza at sub-Coach prices. Realness. 

Check out some of Liebskind's leather bags after the jump, and maybe soon I'll stop pretending that I'm not going to pick one up very soon. 

Henri Bendel's Mesh Handbags Really Make Me Wish I Had A Genie So I Could Magically Make It Spring, You Know?

Henri Bendel's spring 2013 handbags are 2 rill 2b ignored, y'all. That excellently '80s mesh and leather asymmetrical situation and two -- TWO! -- neon cork bags make me wish I had a genie so I could ask for these three wishes: 1.) No winter. 2.) These three bags, pronto (get it in the morning like Alonzo), oh, and 3.) An end to diseases and war. I should probably bump that last wish up and make it a bigger priority, right?

 Debutante messenger, $450, available at Henri Bendel in April

The Blair, $298; The Deb wristlet, $128, available at Henri Bendel in March

Alloy Has The CUTEST Bags. I'm Being Completely Serious Here

You guys. I am being completely honest and open, and I'm like, baring a very vulnerable part of my soul here when I tell you that Alloy has some REALLY cute bags (like this studded orange bag). Yes, THAT Alloy. The one for 12-year-olds. I'm practically old enough to HAVE MY OWN 12-YEAR-OLD (okay, not really, but also kind of really), but that didn't stop me from purchasing this nautical striped bag:

$39.90, Alloy.com

The Neon Bag Trend Continues... Plus: A Trend Manifesto

If you're not into the neon bag trend, then that's fine. It's not for everyone. They're definitely a bit noisy, but then again, so am I, so it works! I'm basically a moth to a flame (burned by the fire! My love is blind, can't you see my desire?... Sorry! Janet tangent!) where neon's involved, so the proliferation of neon bags, apparel and accessories has me totally in my zone (don't LET ME get in my zone -- sorry, Kanye/ Jay tangent). 

But if you're too terrified of monochrome neon, a neon and neutral combo is the perfect way of saying "Hey, it's a party over here, but I'm also very much capable of getting down to business.

I saw this Melie Bianco Callie bag in the window of Lee Lee's Valise, so of course I had to stop in for some ogling and groping.

$79, Melie Bianco

 
Only the fact that I already own at least three neon bags (not that that's enough) and the fact that I blew about $500 before breakfast last week kept me from whipping out my dear companion, JPC (also known as my Chase card) and taking her for a quick joyride through LeeLee's credit card reader. But in the words of my darling friends Amber/ Beauty Blogging Junkie and Dina/ Eye4Style, this bag is totally cute for you.

Also, an anecdote regarding the ubiquity of neon bags and "trendy" apparel in general. 

Is It Wrong That I Want This Neon Bag From Charlotte Russe?

$22.50, Charlotte Russe

What does it say about me that as an adult, I'm attracted to a bag from Charlotte Russe? I'm not turning into one of those women who needs someone to pull them aside and tell them to stop shopping at high school places, right? I'm torn between having no fucks to give about possibly being that person and then just being fucked because there's a good chance I probably am... But, this is cute, right? Whatever, I'll just tell everyone it's Opening Ceremony and wait for the understanding coos of approval.

Kanye West Accidentally Left His Mara Hoffman Bag At My House

I just finished writing a StyleUnited piece on beach bags, and I just so happened to happen upon this Mara Hoffman's King Tut beach bag. I kinda feel like Kanye West would carry this bag to the beach. Or have someone carry this bag for him. Also, the Kanye version of this bag would be made of platinum, thread woven from gold and Karl Lagerfeld's own hair, and unbridled ego.

$231, Mara Hoffman, RevolveClothing.com

Honestly, though my affection and affinity for this print is immeasurable. No one bag should have all that power. It's like someone took a photo copy of my soul.

Christian Louboutin's Roxane Handbags Will Hurt You Like In A Christian Grey Way

I like my handbags the opposite of the way I like everything else in my life: DANGEROUS. Which is why I'm answering the siren call of Christian Louboutin's hazardously spiked Roxane handbags. What good is a purse if it doesn't cause a little pain? Wait, WHAT's gotten into me? And am I really admitting to the blog-reading PUBLIC that I actually read the steaming turd that is "Fifty Shades Of Grey"? WHO AM I? WHY, GOD WHY? WHAT HAPPENED TO ME? I USED TO BE COOL AND DISCRIMINATING AND TOO GOOD FOR SHIT LIKE A REAL NEW YORKER!

Anyway, while I deal with my pedestrian tastes, let's get back to the bags -- at $2495, I'm actually in no danger of so much as even encountering one IRL. I'll just submissively admire from afar.

Stuart Weitzman Does Platform Oxfords, Needle Heels For Fall/ Winter 2012

Stuart Weitzman is genetically incapable of disappointing me, but the man truly truly outdid himself with his Fall/ Winter 2012 collection. Here's what I fell in love with at the preview, and I'll save the best for first:

LOOK at this purple-to-teal gradiating iridescent, crystal-heeled carpet stunner. It's the human-sized manifestation of every Barbie shoe I ever wished were real.

Needle heel. NEEDLE, people. Lethal.

I know it's technically a platform wedge Chukka, but I'd like to think this brilliant Stuart Weitzman creation is a creeper on 'roids.

Versace Yellow Diamonds, Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara + More On 10 Things I Love Tuesday!

I'm kind of experiencing a real-life "Emma"/ "Clueless" situation. See, my BFF Laura is a phenomenal writer, mother, and human being. I've been bugging the shit out of her to start a mom blog for AGES, and she finally did it (probably just so I'd STFU). Anyway, speaking of bugs, she was bitten by the blog bug and is burnin' up, Madonna style, with a SERIOUS case of blogging fever over at Look What Mom Made. And I'm so happy because I'm not even a mommy/ kid sort, and her blog is so inspiring. Anyway, it's a classic case of the student becoming the MASTER, where she's Tai, and I'm Cher, because I love her "10 Things I Love Tuesday" list, so I'm promptly stealing it. Thanks, Laura!

Without further ado, here are 10 things (most beauty, I admit) I love on a TUESDAY.

1.) Versace "Yellow Diamond": I'm highly devoted to Versace's "Versace" fragrance, but I want to slather Versace "Yellow Diamond" all over my body (in a reasonable way). It's basically a lighter, brighter version of Versace Versace, with more citrusy notes but all of the sophisticated staying power. Put it on yourself NOW. "Yellow Diamond is $67 at Macy's, but if you like "Yellow Diamond" on Facebook you can get a free sample! HOW 'BOUT THAT, America?

2.) Rimmel Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara: This is kinda Rimmel's answer to Cover Girl's epic Lash Blast mascara. The main difference? Rimmel's has slightly more color payoff. It's best used as a final coat over a mascara that really defines -- like MAC's False Lashes. Rimmel Scandaleyes is like, I don't know. However many dollars. It's not much.

3.) Nars "Shrinagar" lipstick: Perfect wearable berry purple. I know I said all of that stuff about red lipstick, and I do love a good red, but lately purples have been doing it for me They bring out your lips' natural color but in a slightly exaggerated, not at all cartoonish way. "Shrinagar" is $24 and worth every penny.

 

4.) Cover Girl Color Blast Flipstick Lipcolor: Beware. Cover Girl's new two-in-one lipstick will stay on your lips FOREVER. I'm still wearing "Perky," and I put it on like, last Monday.

$7.99, Cover Girl, Target

5.) Soap & Glory Hand Food lotion: File under: British stuff I love, right next to "Downton Abbey." Impulse bought this while waiting in line at Sephora (IT WORKED, Sephora. You're welcome), and this is my new favorite lotion next to MOR. It lasts forEVER, softens, and has a secret ingredient: MARSHMALLOW! Bonus: Adorable packaging.

$5, Soap & Glory, Sephora

Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2012: The Key Pieces

Looks like Michael Kors headed west for his Pre-Fall 2012 collection. Quintessential American designer goes quintessentially American, leaves the mortifying stars and stripes and dusty bandannas behind (remember those Guess ads!?), thankfully. Gratuitous use of animal byproducts, asymmetrical hemlines, SUPER cinched waists, slightly S&M-ish straps and harnesses, rugged rucksacks, and, yes, literally cowboy hats (though thankfully none in like, those wretched pinks or mint or something cowgirl types wear.) It's equine-inspired, elegant cowpoke chic, not mechanical-bull-riding cowgirl.

Because I'm Jewish, I can say with 150% confidence that I will never, ever wear a cowboy/-girl hat, but I'm fully behind Michael Kors' thoroughly modern taken on a classic American look.

Here are the key pieces. Giddyup.

Is it warm in here, or is that just my ginormous fur coat-beard?

Reiss Has Really Good Stuff On Sale

WTF? Why don't I shop at Reiss more often? (It's a British high street that feels like if French Connection  went to a semester or two of grad school, and I mean that so lovingly because I love French Connection. Oh, and Reiss has a REALLY habit-forming handbag selection.) Being way better about shopping at Reiss and using fewer water bottles. There. Those are my perfectly reasonable resolutions for 2012. And now's a perfect time to start. I mean, LOOK at this excellent embellished dress on SUPER sale:

$288, Reiss

This dress vaaaaaaguely reminds me of that epic Alexander McQueen dress Drew Barrymore wore last year. Like, in a perfectly acceptable watered-down-for-my-affordability way.

The Taryn playsuit is sold out online -- BLAST AND DAMN! -- but it's worth looking for in the store. SO Florence Welch.

$51, Reiss

I've been on a serious sheer blouse binge lately, and Reiss' polka dot sheer blouse is PERFECT, because polka dots are WAY in, and I don't like paying more than $51 for anything, really. I mean, who does?

$120, Reiss

$120, Reiss

My name is Tamar, and I approve of these asymmetrical teal platform heels.

Dr. Martens Black Leather Satchel: All I Want For The Second Night Of Chanukkah

$190, Dr Martens

Just look at this gorgeous Doc Martens black leather satchel (it's extremely similar -- too similar, some might say -- to the Cambridge Satchel, speaking of, I haven't taken mine out of the plastic since it came because it's so lovely to look at) and TELL me it wouldn't look like the unstaged photo-documentary-style picture of perfection with a trench coat... and that it wouldn't look perfect wrapped up next to my menorah.

Check out my first night of Chanukkah pick, a sky-high pair of taupe Charles Jourdan stilettos that would look JUST SO much better with your red holiday dress than boring black pumps. Just sayin'.

Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday Sale + Enter To Win A MINI MAC

Rebecca Minkoff's having a Black Friday sale that doesn't even require you putting on pants. Which is great because mine don't fit anymore.

Friday, November 25 at 12am ET through Monday, November 28 at 11:59, free shipping for orders over $100.

Y'all, some of these bags and shoes are around half off. No joke.

After the jump, check out a few of my favorites from the Rebecca Minkoff Black Friday sale, and enter to win a Mini MAC:

Was $295, now $160, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $295, now $165, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $195, now $100, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $395, now $200, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Was $295, now $140, RebeccaMinkoff.com

Enter to win a Mini MAC. 30 people with excellent luck will win!

Enter by November 30. Winners will be randomly selected December 4.

MY NEON CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL IS HERE, Y'ALL!

YOU GUISE! My neon yellow Cambridge Satchel bag is HERE! It's REAL. And IT'S SPECTACULAR. YES, I spotted a couple at Fashion Week, which was around the same time Lucky's Cambridge Satchel piece landed in my inbox. Sadly, those two things combined are all it took for me to deliberate for less than the time it takes for Rachel Zoe to deny food and purchase a neon yellow one.

I had my first name ghost embossed onto the front. (I don't LOVE how that looks, because I'm not that into the kerning, but at least it's subtle -- ALSO, shame on anyone who succeeds in stealing this, because you KNOW their name ain't Tamar.)

My Cambridge Satchel was a little over $200 (would've been less without the embossing, but I figured if I'm spending 2 Benjies on it, it might as well come with my name on it), which is a fairly small price to pay for an "it bag" or whatever. (You can get green and pink satchels at J. Crew). And honestly, IDGAF about "it bags," and I didn't want it because it's an "it bag." I just wanted "this bag," you know? Plus, hi, it's handmade to spec, and it took just a little over a month. OH, and, the best part, IT SMELLS SOOOOOOOOOO leathery! In the good way. I made three people at work smell it, and they all agreed. 

OVERALL, my findings as one who coveted a neon Cambridge Satchel and then pulled the trigger: TOTALLY WORTH IT! OH YEAH, as for the naysayers who are all "OMFG NEON BAGS ARE TOO BRIGHT AND HURT MY EYES"? That's your problem, bro. Not mine.

Coach Spring 2012 Preview

Coach's Spring 2012 forecast: fun, whimsical designs that prove that classic doesn't have to be safe. "I would just NEVAH do a white bag"? You thought that, right? But check out this white woven/ whipstitched carryall. THAT'S how you do an everyday white bag without looking like you belong to a yacht club or you're smuggling Easter eggs. It's all in the texture and hardware. Oh, you're into that terrific teal? Good, because that makes two of us. And those nude patent peep-toe stilettos are exactly what to wear with navy, orange, and every neon ever.

Don't think. Just put on the red, white and blue Coach hi-top sneaker.

Jelly watches? They never get old.

DVF's Blue Bucket Tote = She Is Beautiful

$545, DVF.com

I've been trying to incorporate more color into my wardrobe -- specifically fuschia, burgandy, mustard, orange and aqua (duh not all at the same time). And I've been trying to get out of my kneejerk "just pair it with black" response, instead mixing khaki and camels and other neutrals with bright bolds. Who am I kidding? I'll probably just wear black and shit forever. Regardless, this beautiful Diane Von Furstenberg leather "Drew" tote in Matisse blue is the holy grail of fall blue hues. It's so beautiful, in fact, that only one song properly captures the true essence of its allure. And that song is "She Is Beautiful," and that man is Andrew W.K., obviously.

Bag This: Vegan Alexander Wang-esque Motorcycle Bag

$68, Shopnastygal.com

Let's just go ahead and call this black zippered motorcycle bag Alexander Wang... inspired, okay? At, like, one sixth of the price. Usually fake-leather bags skeeve me -- there are so many affordable leather bags that don't look have that cheap plastic patina -- but maybe this one's an exception. It IS vegan, right? So that means it's healthier.

$725, Alexander Wang, Barneys.com

Meanwhile, on the other side of the economic scale, this real Alexander Wang Brenda shoulder bag. Dreams.

Gryson / Olivia Harris New York Sample Sale: YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!

WATCH yourself. There's a Gryson/ Olivia Harris sample sale, and that's a good thing and a potential financial pitfall as well. Her handbags are LEGIT. (Background: Gryson is designer Joy Gryson's line, and Olivia Harris is named after her daughter. It's her edgier line, which is probably why I EFFING LOVE IT!)

I bought my Olivia Harris black Patch tote at Bloomingdale's last year, and it's one of the soundest investments I've made since I started my effing 401K. I've barely looked at enough bag since. Okay, lie, but it's such a perfect everyday bag -- roomy, well-made, and gorgeous -- that I've barely been tempted by other bags. I call it my motorcycle bag, since it's basically a motorcycle jacket that morphed into a bag.

($545, Olivia Harris, Shopoliviaharris.com)

WHEN: 
Wednesday, June 22  +  Thursday, June 23
11 am - 6pm

WHERE:
180 Varick Street
Suite 916