deal of the day: gustto sample sale

i know at least one of you lovely readers was looking for "the perfect orange bag" for summer. i think this gustto just might be it - great summer size (holds your summer reading, your huge sunglass case, etc), the color is fantastic, and the price ($258) is definitely right if you snag it (or any of its lovely siblings) during the gilt groupe sample sale. it started this morning, so snap to it!

as always, if you need an invite, just email me - shoppingsmycardio at gmail.com - and i'll take care of you!

what i want today: r&y augousti clutch

i am just in love with this bag. i think it's because the designer started with a style that was so popular it's now almost overdone (the foldover clutch), and took it to a new level with the exotic skin and that fabulous deco zipper pull (trimmed in stingray, incidentally).

or maybe i love it because, yet again, augousti has the market cornered on affordable exotics. you can score this beauty for less than $500 - which is downright amazing, if you ask me.

if you're in the market, this clutch will make a fantastic addition to your bag stash - the styling is casual enough for jeans, but the exotic skin dresses it up for evening. pick it up at barneys, and make all of your friends jealous.

or, if you're looking for something a little more classic, barneys just restocked that gorgeous park clutch i've mentioned before. it's a much more traditional clutch option, but stunning nonetheless. and only $395...i honestly have no idea how r&y does it.

what i want today: bloom tote by jessica jensen

lately, i'm really into bags that aren't from the big design houses - i'm craving style a little different from those that everyone else is carrying, and i love the attention to detail that you get from most of the smaller designers that comes without the hefty pricetag.

this ivory appliqued tote by jessica jensen is just what i'm after - the craftsmanship is amazing, i love the pink suede lining, and the lambskin exterior is stunning. this might just be the perfect warm-weather handbag. after all, how excited would you be to bring this out of the closet every spring?

pick it up for $758 from jessica jensen, but through the end of july, there's a lucky magazine code for 25% off. so, with code "luckybreaks7", you can take this beauty home for just under $570, putting it in the price range of a kooba or botkier - but i like this one so much more.

what i want today: giorgio brato pintuck satchel

this pintuck satchel by giorgio brato has absolutely everything i'm looking for in an investment-worthy handbag for fall (which, oddly, is just around the corner). giorgio brato bags are notorious for being impeccably made, so it makes sense to splurge on a style that will stand the test of time.

on this beauty, the styling is classic (the handles remind me of the givenchy nightingale that's been hot for the last year), but it still has plenty of detail to keep it interesting. the pleating is subtle, but oh-so-luxe. and i love that gorgeous grey color. plus, if i decide the grey is too big, there's a lovely cognac version available in a smaller size, which i love.

save your pennies, and nab it at shopbop for $1,197. or pick up its little sister for $400 less.

what i want today: marc jacobs turnlock clutch

this clutch is giving me fond memories of a certain oh-so-beautiful MJ zip clutch i briefly owned. it was the most stunning emerald green color, and i adored it so...and babied it so...and consequently, i was seriously wallet-paranoid, which is an annoying person to be. so, i sold it. but i still miss it every day.

this marc by MJ version would make me much less nervous, at half the price, and i think it has nearly all the style of the original.

probably not the same fabulous suede and satin linings, though...

what i want today: coach ergo tote (no, really!)

i've been relatively anti-coach for a while now. i've just felt like they're trying too hard to be luxury for the masses, or something. and the price points have become ridiculously high in recent years.

so, imagine my surprise when i saw a bag in april's real simple that i just loved...and when i checked the credits, it was by coach! i marched straight down to my friendly neighborhood boutique to check it out, and they had no idea what i was talking about.

more than a month later, the ergo leather convertible tote is finally in stock - and it's as cute as it looked in the magazine, maybe better. the price point is still high, but it compares with the vastly more recognizable (read: over-exposed) anna corinna city tote, and the corinna version is not as well-constructed (the leather they use, in my opinion, just isn't what it should be for a $500 bag).

the coach bag, on the other hand, uses thick-enough leather to double as a work/laptop tote, or a weekend messenger bag when doubled over. plus, it has the added touch (why no one else has thought of this is beyond me) of being able to attach the shoulder strap either at the mid-point or at the top, so you can use the shoulder strap whether you're carrying it folded or tote-style. none of the other incarnations of this bag style have this feature, as far as i've seen.

so, bravo to coach for finally pulling their design team off of sabbatical and showing us some new, updated options. i might actually use the friends & family coupon they send me this year...

(ps...check nordstrom for a color that coach.com isn't offering - a lovely burnt orange that is just perfect for this time of year.)

what i want today: alexandra cassaniti tote bag

i'll admit that i'm starting to tire of the tote bag trend. they're just everywhere right now, so i feel like i could write about a different one every day. and every one seems to be cuter than the last, so i can never choose the one(s) for me. but at the end of the day, they're all just tote bags, suitable for grocery store outings, and maybe the occasional weekend errand-outing.

that's what i love about this version by alexandra cassaniti. it's so much more than just a tote. the leather handles and subtle buckle hardware dress this one up for weekday wear, the high-quality canvas keeps it from looking tired, and the hand-painted detail really makes this tote a show-stopper. plus, after rifling through my tote like a mad woman to find my ringing cell phone every single time, that well-designed zip pocket is feeling like sheer genius.

pick it up for $220 at shopbop, and your summer bag search is at an end.

plus, today only, use code MYDAY08 at checkout to save 20% on regular-price merchandise at shopbop.com.

what i want today: alexis hudson clutch

gorgeous, no? this just screams parisian chic to me. it has that perfect blend of au courant trendiness meets timeless style...and that art deco clasp had me at hello. i can't put my finger on it, but i'm more smitten by this beauty every time i see it. i think that's the sign of a must-buy piece.

and best of all, you can score it for 53% off (aka, a paltry $185). you do have to join ideeli to do it, but the membership is free, and the goods are occasionally fantastic. the site is invite-only, so just drop a comment on this post with your email addy (or just email me at shoppingsmycardio at gmail.com if you're shy), and i'll send you an invite. but hurry...sale starts at 10 AM (pacific time).

deal of the day: 30% off via neiman marcus private sale

(yves saint laurent rive gauche bag, $1,995 less 30%)

sigh...practical is so very overrated.

if you're feeling less practical than i am, don't miss the private sale event at neiman marcus, today only. take 30% off selected spring merchandise - just watch for those little green "private event 30% off" tags as you're looking around, or you're bound to disappoint yourself when you settle on something that isn't included in the sale.

oh, you can only access it through this link. and use code NMMAY for free shipping while you're at it.

can't talk now...off to find someone to whom i can sell my body in exchange for that lovely bit of leather above.

(ps...speaking of sales, new markdowns at eluxury start today, and they include free shipping at any price. not a bad way to start the week.)

what i want today: sample sale goodness

for the local san francisco readers, i'm thrilled that i can finally announce a sample sale in our 'hood. they're few and far between, but this one was definitely worth waiting for - and it's tonight!

melissa joy manning's jewelry (by far one of my faves) and give design's flawless handbags and travel goods are teaming up to offer you one night of pure bliss. 80% off some of my favorite designers' wares, and free champagne?? count me in! oh, and did i mention that 10% of all proceeds from the sale go to girls for a change? so, if you think about it, by shopping, you're doing good things...really, you have to spend more!

check it out for mom's day gift options galore, or just to find yourself a little something - either way, there are deals aplenty to be had.

WHAT: Sample Sale featuring Melissa Joy Manning jewelry and Give
travel accessories and handbags

WHEN: Thurs, May 1st, 5:00-9:00pm

WHERE: 300 Brannan St., Suite 504, San Francisco

WHY: - Enjoy fantastic deals - up to 80% off retail
- Shop for mom, stock up on gifts, splurge for yourself
- Support a great cause, 10% of proceeds will be donated to Girls for a Change

what i want today: martine sitbon handbags (and a shopbop code!)

this only comes around a few times a year, so it's quite an exciting happening (you know, unlike certain retailers who have perpetual 20% off codes floating around, and inflate their prices accordingly....cough). today through thursday only, at shopbop.com, you'll save $25 on $150, $50 on $250, $100 on $500, and $150 on $750 orders, with code TAXBREAKO8.

sure, i hate those codes that try to trick you into spending more, but hey, everyone's got to make a living. i'm pretty sure they're trying to swipe that tax refund you're hopefully getting, you know, before you wise up and put it into an orange account or something.

so, the real question: how to spend all of this extra cash?? well, if it were me (sadly, the self-employed never get those fabulous refunds), i'd shell out for one of these gorgeous handbags by martine sitbon. i've been dying to tell you about these for months, but now's the perfect time.

sitbon has been an icon of french design for decades, but is finally hitting our shores, and what a smash hit it is. the leather on these bags looks silky soft, light, and slouchy. and the styling has that perfect european "effortless chic" thing down to a T.

my top pick is her gorgeous pleated tote (above, $427). i'm in love with the soft, ladylike pleats matched with the big, bold tote style. the combination makes this the mega-bag you can tote without feeling like you're schlepping your life around on your shoulder. and that pale peachy-pink color is just the thing for summer - light and fun, but not too girly.

or, if you're in the market for a clutch, don't miss this quilted foldover version ($249). the style is perfect for toting all of your daily essentials while still keeping your look perfectly polished.

if the bags aren't ringing your bell, never fear...i have a hunch you'll find something to spend that lovely tax refund on.

cheap thrills: gryson for target

wow, lots of bags this week - it's just that time of year, when self-control becomes a major problem.

but i did want to share that the first piece of gryson's collection for target is finally available online. i love this handheld satchel with an optional messenger strap - gryson has done a lovely job of making this piece look much more elegant than many of the other designer collections target has managed. and i love that they've bothered to incorporate their signature woven style in this bag, so that it actually does remind us of the designer.

only the black satchel is available right now, but if you love it, i'd grab it now. otherwise, preview the full line here, and keep your eye on target's website, as they generally release designer collections online a few days before they hit stores.

celeb alert: gerard darel bags

i know, we don't often do the celeb-stalking thing here on SMC, but i couldn't resist today. gerard darel has been a superstar in europe for years, and he's finally catching on stateside. i got a little sneak preview of his latest collections in my in-box this morning, and couldn't resist sharing this mega-size hobo that all of the starlets are carrying around lately.

and it's no wonder: if you're still insisting on toting a bag that will actually carry everything you need all day (instead of sacrificing preparedness for the beauty of that cute little clutch), darel's midday midnight hobo is just about perfect. i love the rich, saturated colors, and the leather is so wonderfully slouchy that it just melts into your torso when you wear it. a nice feature on a huge bag, as it allows you to carry it without looking ridiculous, no matter how stuffed or empty it is.

to snag the bag that katherine heigl, jessica alba, cameron diaz and the like are loving this spring, head to shoprumor.com with your $895 in tow. they'll have to special order it for you, but having tried last year to obtain a darel bag in the US, i can tell you it's all but impossible. i love that gorgeous orange-red that cameron's carrying (duh), but the purple is definitely of-the-moment, and that green is absolutely stunning too. you just can't go wrong.

what i want today: rebecca ciccio handbags

i've been lusting after rebecca ciccio's gorgeous handbag line for the longest time, but can't seem to bring myself to invest in neutral colors for some reason. so when her fabulous octavia bag showed up in burnt orange, and in lusciously soft deerskin to boot, it was love at first sight.

this is one of those bags that's big enough to work as a work tote, but it'll slouch just beautifully when it's less full, so you won't feel like you're carrying around a huge sack. the styling is perfectly chic and timeless, but the color isn't so trendy that the bag will end up in the back of your closet by this time next year. in fact, something tells me this beauty will be the one you can't keep from using day after day.

rebecca was sweet enough to share a preview of her spring colors with me, and they're every bit as divine as her originals (they'll be available online in a few weeks). there's a very yummy butterscotch color (just like it sounds, a fabulous, rich, deep yellow/orange), and a teal that would be just the perfect pop of color all summer long. but, my heart still belongs to that fabulous burnt orange.

not all of rebecca's bags are deerskin - she chooses the hide based on what will work best for the color. but each and every one is handmade, which is music to my ears. i love the octavia best, but the noe is a darling little mini-version that's fantastic (though i wish it were available in more colors). for those of you that are messenger bag addicts, i think you'll find the robertson is absolutely perfect.

most of her bags run about $500-600, but since her styles are so timeless, and her craftsmanship is so impeccable, this is a great way to purchase a bag with the traits of a really high-end piece without the pricetag. order online from rebecca's website or, for my bay area readers, check out the goods in person at dress in san francisco, or number 5 in ross.

what i want today: barbara bui satchel

and, in the category of "things we covet from afar" is this stunning pale-rose satchel by barbara bui. one of the ultimate under-the-radar designers, barbara bui is notorious in europe for her stunning, timeless and elegant pieces. this bag definitely qualifies.


i adore the color - this is probably the only shade of pink i'd dare attempt in a handbag. it's the ultimate secret neutral - it would really be stunning with just about any neutral shade (black, grey, brown, camel, white), and perfect for the warmer months ahead.

the structure and quality of this bag are just so understated and elegant, it has that amazing ability to look expensive but unplaceable. in fact, the leather is so thick and luxurious, it reminds me of styles from a much pricier french design house.

at just over $1,800, this is definitely an investment piece, but a very worthy investment, if you ask me. i'll be looking for any excuse to splurge on this beauty in the coming months.

but what i really want is...

sigh...it's been a looooong time since a wallet really tempted me. but there's a new girl in town, and boy, do i have the hots for her! there's not a single thing about this beauty i don't adore. and, as the bag snobs appropriately point out, it could easily double as a stunning clutch. so really, it's practical too.

a big thanks to the fabulous girls at bag snob for the scoop, and for yet again forcing me to hoard my lunch money for months to come...

what i want today: anya hindmarch spring bags

i've been wanting an anya hindmarch bag for years. there's something about her style that i just love. but i was never really "in love" with any of her designs...until now. her new 'spider' clutch is just about as perfect as perfect gets, i think. that rich tan leather keeps it casual enough for day, but the metallic gold bottom and hardware make it perfect for a night on the town. plus, i love that the size (10x5) is just large enough for it to work as a day clutch, without being so huge that it joins the "mega clutch" trend, which will be out in mere months. and the price ($485) is actually reasonable among her high-end counterparts.

when it rains, it pours. this cooper tote is so lovely, i hardly know where to start. again, i love that metallic bottom, but the shape and color are just so perfect for spring. it's striking without being too "in your face" - really just fantastic. the chloet bag is the same idea, but she's added on those fabulous studs i couldn't get enough of from her aretha bag, but made the style a little more casual. plus, that grey color is so very fantastic. sigh.

you can check out everything for spring at shopbop.com or net-a-porter. i honestly don't know whether i should just snag that stunning clutch now, or save my pennies and hope the chloet bag isn't gone by the time i can actually afford it.

decisions, decisions.

what i want today: marc by marc jacobs spring '08

i am so very, very pleased with the marc by marc jacobs spring '08 line, i had to share. it seems like he's finally shaken the "despondent teenage grunge" vibe, in favor of something a little more retro, a little more colorful, and definitely a little more fun.


take this silk "scarf stripe" dress ($458) for example. an updated but classic silhouette, a fabulously retro print, but the details are still signature marc. this is a look that would be perfect for the office, but you could so easily dress this down with a long cardigan and colorful flats.


this darling silk tank dress is another great example of the new-and-improved marc. the shape is much more tailored than i'm used to seeing from him, and i love the '60s vibe, but those bright enamel buttons make it clear he's sticking to some of his signature style.


i hate shopbop's styling on this piece (i am so not wearing a sweater vest with short shorts), but i love this cropped knit vest ($228). check out the close-up pics for better detail - it's the perfect way to add personality and style to just about any ensemble. this is one of those pieces that you're not sure about, until you get it home, and then you suddenly find you're wearing it with everything. ditto for this gorgeous crocheted cardigan ($348), which i'm pining for in a very serious way.


and once spring officially hits, i'll be dying for this gorgeous silk striped cami ($188). the violet/navy combo is so striking, yet i know it'll be incredibly versatile in my closet.

even this simple silk jersey tee ($158) has me swooning. the color is the ultimate neutral, and the sailor-style tie is so of-the-moment. this would be gorgeous as a layer, or solo when the weather warms up.


i even love his new take on old marc classics. this turnlock teri tote ($428) has become notorious in seasons past for its sinfully soft leather, but this new grass green shade makes it completely irresistible to me.

check out all of the gorgeous options at shopbop.com or net-a-porter.

what i want today: badgley mischka scarlet tote

i am positively head over heels for this stunning tote by badgley mischka. i love the slightly greyish tint to the white color, and i love the contrast black stitching and gold hardware, which make this a white bag you'll definitely turn to year-round.

best of all is the price - it's so reasonable, i almost think saks may have messed something up in their system. the site says the bag is ostrich skin, and it looks to be - but the bag is only $475. i'm honestly not sure if it's just embossed ostrich and they've made an error in the listing, but either way, it's a gorgeous bag that looks twice as pricey as it is. don't miss this one!

designer of the day: brontibay paris

it's not often that a designer sneaks up on me these days. so when i stumbled across brontibay paris, i was so giddy, it was a little scary, actually. my poor hubs had to endure at least an hour of "oh my god, this is so cute!" squeals as i went through their website at least 10 times. what can i say...he's very tolerant (or just selectively deaf).

anyway. brontibay is a leather goods designer based in france. their designs are remarkably fashion forward and fun, but also incredibly functional. the first piece i saw that made me fall head over heels was this darling venise tote ($175). i love that it can serve the same basic function as the longchamp totes that i think just about everyone owns by now (seriously, i saw a homeless person carrying one recently...it was distressing), but it's much more unique. plus, the colors are fantastic, and i love the contrasting handles! and you can pick this one up stateside at delfino, one of my favorite online bag sites.

when i couldn't find any more of their bags anywhere, i started digging a little deeper. turns out brontibay will ship to us poor americans straight from their website - yay! the good news: no VAT, so the prices shown on the website are cheaper once you get to the checkout & tell the site you're stateside (roughly 20%). the bad news: heinous shipping fees. i've decided they just about balance each other out, but just be aware - i don't want anyone suffering a stroke when they see the $40 shipping cost.

so, i figure, as long as i'm ordering, i should really order! i mean, if i'm going to pay that much for shipping, there should be a lot of stuff in that box, right?

i've been looking for a new makeup bag for my purse for months now, and brontibay's rebecca bag (about $80 when you take off VAT) is exactly what i've been wanting. bonus is that it's big enough (11"x5") to double as a clutch. the only problem is picking a color.

and i love the shape of this sonny tote as well - it almost looks like origami. the silhouette reminds me of a certain designer's classic silhouette, but the colors and casual styling are unique enough to set this bag apart.

i'm loving this nylon "tutu" tote, which is just about as girly as can be. it comes in a whole rainbow of colors, and would be just fabulous as a spring/summer bag.

and really, when i saw this caracas passport case, i thought "well, that's cute enough. until i saw the inside.

totally squeal-inducing. i may have actually gotten a little shrill.

have loads of fun browsing their site, and don't forget to let me know what you picked up!

tip: shopbop.comdoes stock a few of brontibay's pieces, but at a pretty dramatic mark-up (like $100+ per bag). makes those international shipping charges seem pretty reasonable, doesn't it?