Beauty & Fashion Tips - Rags & Rouges Style Tips

If you are looking for an ultra-chic handbag, there’s a new waiting list in town, and no, it’s not a Birken. Yes, we have finally come to the day when a Birken is just so yesterday…..The new waiting list that has now hit epic proportions is the new line of Louis Vuitton handbags that have been designed by Richard Prince under the creative direction of the handbag god, Marc Jacobs. That’s right, if there is a man that knows bags, it’s our Marc and he really pulled out all the stops for Richard Prince’s line. The collection will hit the stores February 1st, but the anticipation is already at its limit. The collection was unveiled at the Guggenheim Museum the other night, which is precisely where Richard Prince’s latest collection of paintings and photographs was wrapping up. Bags range from traditional LV totes to bowlers made of laser-cut pony and all bags are adorned with spray paint, logos, and text out of Prince’s “Jokes” series. Not sure what that means, but he’s an artist, and so he does, and his bags are going for an absolute bomb, so guess that’s all that matters. Here you are seeing Marc Jacobs at the show, sans blue hair, and says the inspiration for the color selection came from good ol’ Sponge Bob. Man, I wish he hadn’t said that as I will never be able to erase that now. But he did:

“I’m a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants—and for all I know, so is Rei Kawakubo, because that’s where our color came from!” explained Marc Jacobs.

(take it back, take it back!!)

Let’s look at a few pieces. I am limiting this selection as personally, not a huge LV fan, but definitely a fan of Marc so am picking my faves….

This one is a Richard Prince for Louis Vuitton Cabas Joke bag. Kinda cute, huh? For the low low price of $2265. And yes, when you see the rest, you will consider this a basement bargain.

Here’s my favorite. The laser-cut pony bag with the cutesy little text from Richard Prince’s 1986 art work. Don’t really care what it says, but I do like the effect of the texty monogrammed old world feel. This one is the Richard prince for Louis Vuitton Monogram Matisse bag, and is…..price available upon request. You know what that means. To us commoners, that translates into, ‘you can’t f*&%ing afford it’.

Here’s another. I am okay with this one, could see this at the beach, Sunday afternoon at the country club (I actually laughed writing that by the way), or perhaps for summering in the Hamptons? Lol Sorry, I just can’t help myself today. The Richard Prince for Louis Vuitton Motarde Frame bag comes at the low low retail price of $4,080. Wow, now I’m really wondering. If they will publish a $4,080 price tag, how high could the pony bag be??

So, while the waiting list is rivaling that of the Birken, the price tag not so much (suggested pricing on a new reserved Birken is in the $15 k mark, but noone REALLY knows for sure)

These are really big right now, aren’t they? I have to say, I don’t quite understand the head scarf phenomenon, but they really are a phenomenon. And there are about a hundred different ways you can wear a scarf, on your head alone. As an additional accessory, really your choices are endless. But this particular way seems to be a popular trend right now. Call it a babushka, turban, headwrap, whatever….don’t matter what you call it, it’s big big big. This is one of those looks you can try on the weekend when you are trying all those things you may never be caught in public with. Wear it around the house and get comfy with it, you may find this trend really works for you. And hey, who doesn’t need saving from a bad hair day once in a while?

What’s the trick? There’s a few actually.

Step 1 – Fold a large square scarf into a triangle, so, from from one corner of the scarf to the opposite corner. I like this one by Emilio Pucci. Mostly because I am really not sold on the look (for myself) but using a designer accessory makes it at least worth a try. Don’t let ME scare you though, this look is HOT and if you can swing it, go for it.

Step 2 – Drape it across your head ensuring the long edge lies across your forehead.

Step 3 – Tie the ends into a knot behind your head. You can secure with bobby pins if you want, I do recommend if you are like me wear anything that goes on the head immediately falls off.

Here are some tricks:

Beauty Trick 1 – If you can, put your hair in a ponytail first. It will make it easier for you to tie the knot, and will also help you find the best place for the scarf. Take the pony out once you have placed the scarf and let your hair go loose like Christina.

Beauty Trick 2 – no secret here, I give this one all the time. Spray your bobby pins with extra hold spray before securing, super tight traction and that baby will stay in place.

Beauty Trick 3 – This look seems to work best worn right on the forehead like Christina. Pushing it back any farther, and you may as well be walking to the well for the day’s supplies.

Beauty TIP – Go big on the eyes here just like Christina when you are thinking about makeup. You can see these are nice and dramatic and yet not too overdone. It’s okay to do the same, the scarf will draw attention to your eyes, and since you aren’t really doing much with your hair, you can spend the time on your beauty. Show those babies off!

For those of you that enjoy designer pieces at bargain prices, we have another one just out. Jessie Randall for Loeffler Randall will be releasing her first line of accessories for Target. Such cute pieces too, what do you think?

Jessie, on working with Target:

It was something we wanted to do, but only with the right partner. Target has pioneered the concept of design for less and worked with such an amazing roster of designers. I was honored to be asked to do a collection for them.

This tote, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. You can’t beat the price at $39.99 and just look at all the stuff you can cram in that baby! I love it, super cute and super chic.

Jessie, on what her line is about:

Both lines are sophisticated with a touch of femininity - for the chic, modern girl. For my Target collection, it was important to include the ultimate flats that could be worn everywhere and the perfect functional tote. I was so impressed with the quality we were able to achieve for such an affordable price point.

Chic and modern is what these clutches are all about. I am thinking Sex and the City meets the 2007 girl, what do you think? So cute!! These can be either a day or a night piece, EASY. And where else can you get a Loeffler Randall clutch for $24.99? Duh, nowhere, that’s the point!

Jessie, on her favorite piece from the line:

The rosette ballet flat in rose gold is my favorite. I’ll be wearing them everywhere with jeans and my army jacket on the weekends and with cute dresses for work during the week.

I have to say, these shoes also could not be more versatile. Again, wear ‘em out dressed up a bit, or as Jessie prefers, with some jeans and a chic coat. Love love!!

Great job, Jessie, and best of luck!

Doncha just love it when you can buy something snappy for yourself AND support a worthy cause at the same time? You all know how fond we are here at Rags and Rouges of helping others, and so when I ran across this I was very impressed. Here you are seeing the American Eagle Better World Scarf. Ten dollars, that’s 50% of every purchased, will go towards one of three charities. Whatever color of scarf you purchase will determine where your purchase dollars are going. If you buy Berry Red, your funds are supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. If you purchase fuschia pink, you are supporting Jumpstart. And if you go with the polar navy, then you are supporting the Student Conservation Association. These super long scarves are not only cute, they are cozy too and are stamped with the American Eagle logo. The drive is a part of their year-round Better World Program, a convergence of both charity and fashion, and you KNOW how much we love that! Cheap too, girls for only $19.95. Pick it up at American Eagle.