Jimmy Choo Will Make You Good Girls Want to be Bad

There are times when I think I’ve missed my calling as a stylist. Ya, ok, maybe not. But, I have to say, as much time as I spend looking at and loving handbags, I spend almost as much time imagining which friend or celeb would be best suited for a particular bag. But today, when I came across this beyond fabulous Jimmy Choo clutch I thought of so many different people who would look beyond fabulous with this clutch in their hand. In fact, I can see some of my friends who tend to go for an edgy look carry this as often as my friends who are a bit more feminine. I love when a bag can do that!

I think the best way to describe this clutch is by quoting a real life stylist, Rachel Zoe, when she sees something she likes: I DIE! This clutch is nothing short of edgy, chic and fabulous.
Yes, the Jimmy Choo Metallic Perforated Nappa Leather Clutch is very distinct and the hardware is in your face, but I don’t see anything wrong with it at all. I love the buckle detailing and removable chain shoulder strap. The leather is textured and works with the buckle detailing and shoulder strap nicely. While I usually don’t use shoulder straps with my clutches, this is an instance in where I just might. Shocker, right?! And I can’t help but notice how this bag could be carried all year around – always a plus in my book. Buy through Nordstrom for $1150.

The Jimmy Choo Nica isn’t bad, but I’m not convinced

It’s always a bit disappointing to be able to look at a bag and know immediately how it could have been better. I can understand that after a certain point, design teams are unable to be objective about their products and less-than-perfect bags get made by every brand, ever season, but I still get a little frustrated when I see one.
The Jimmy Choo Nica Tote would be a part of that group. I like nearly everything about it – the rough, tough finish of the leather, the chaotic tangle of chains that forms the handle attachments, the slightly unfinished feel of the design. All that stuff is great, but the proportion is totally throwing me off – if only the body of the bag had been a bit bigger and a bit wider, I would absolutely love this tote.

But the bag isn’t bigger or wider, so I’m a bit disappointed. I don’t know if it’s enough to ruin it for me, but I still notice the disproportionate handle no matter how long I look at pictures of the design. Perhaps I’m being too picky – it wouldn’t be the first time. I love the size and scale of the handle, however, and the fact that it’s not attached to a bag that does it total justice is really too bad. The price isn’t terrible, though, so if you don’t see the same problem that I see this would be a great bag for fall. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1695.

Jimmy Choo impresses for the first time in a long time

Things from Jimmy Choo have been a bit “blah” lately. They’ve continued to make a lot of popular styles from previous seasons in new materials and finishes, which should make the brand’s devotees happy, but I always prefer to see something new alongside old favorites.
The Jimmy Choo Rosa Satchel maybe not seem all that striking or innovative to the casual observer, but for Choo, it’s something a bit different. Many of the brand’s bags have been a bit over-designed in recent seasons, and with that in mind, the restraint and editing that went into this design are admirable, not to mention very attractive.

Many brands have been looking to pare down their offerings into sleeker, more subdued shapes that will appeal to today’s recession-addled consumers, and this is the right way to do it. This bag doesn’t lack in glamour or sophistication, but its lines are a bit less aggressive than what we might have seen in 2006, for example. The embossed lizard gives the bag texture on top of the already shiny leather, and the way the light hits the finish of the bag creates a sophisticated shine that you just can’t get by dunking a bag in a vat of sequins or glitter. Well played, Tamara Mellon. Buy through Nordstrom for $1750.