Gucci Leather Backpack.

Source: Bergdorf Goodman

This bag is weird and not in the "Wow, what avant-garde design" way...more in the "It resembles a pile of feces" sort of way.

Gucci leather backpack available at Bergdorf Goodman for $2365.

Gucci Perforated Leather Duffle.

Source: Neiman Marcus

I see a cylindrical head -- four eyes, two flappy ears, rouged lip, and baleen plates.

I also saw a human face in the Alexander McQueen Novak.

As one can imagine, I have an overactive imagination, which sadly does not translate into creativity. In elementary school, we had to do our own interpretation of David Hockney, and I chose the cloudless sky as my subject.

Gucci perforated leather duffle available at Neiman Marcus for $2195.

Gucci Silver Leather Belt.

Source: Bergdorf Goodman

A boring person like me would wear a black shirt and black pants with this belt. The good thing is silver can complement bright, cheerful colors so come spring time, you can really outshine, literally, the person next to you.

Gucci silver leather belt available at Bergdorf Goodman for $245.

Gucci Chocolate Guccissima Leather Messenger Bag.

Source: eBay [Seller ID: lernette]

The photo doesn't show it too well, but the chocolate guccissima* leather is gorgeous with its varying dark, rich brown tone and a tinge of burgundy. This bag is ideal for anything casual -- going to Blockbuster to rent Blonde Ambition** or meeting your friends for an all-you-can-drink margarita brunch.

I don't think I've seen this marked down, so if you want a deal, eBay is the place for it.

Gucci chocolate guccissima messenger bag available at eBay. (Current bid $399.99)

* This might be camel and not chocolate. The auction states 'chocolate', and I attributed the apparent lightness in color to the photo and my laptop screen. Consult with seller first.

** Would you really pass up the chance to laugh at the nadir of Jessica Simpson's acting career?

Gucci Fall/Winter 2008.

Did Vera Bradley do a men's collection?



Foul.



I still believe having unnecessary studs makes the bag look cheap.

Photo Credit: Reuters, AFP

Gucci Limited-Edition Luggage - 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Source: FWD

FWD reports that Gucci came out with a line of limited-edition pieces commemorating the 2008 Olympics. Included is the luggage set above made with the signature red guccissima leather.

There's nothing really outstanding about them. They're red, and the Chinese seem to love red, but the shape and design aren't all that different from regular Gucci bags.

The carryall is $2795, and the small messenger bag is $995.



Source: FWD

A $3420 bike from the same collection.

Gucci Sapphire Guccissima Duffle.

Source: Neiman Marcus

Today I did a little digging of the past and found this beauty. Despite the monogram, the Guccissima leather is quite stunning (the picture doesn't do justice), and if you look up close, you can see subtle variations in color. Sapphire is my favorite color of the Guccissima leather, although chocolate comes close.

Gucci sapphire Guccissima duffle was available at Neiman Marcus for $2350. Good luck finding one now.

Gucci Patent Leather Briefcase.

Source: Neiman Marcus

If you have a good idea, fantastic even, and want to make a bold, tacit statement during a meeting, this Gucci patent leather briefcase should do the trick. Just make sure the idea really is phenomenal and not already registered with the U.S. Patent Office, lest you want to be known as the company idiot with a shiny briefcase.

It's a good thing that horrid shoulder strap can be detached. Use it as a dog leash or something.

Gucci patent leather briefcase available at Neiman Marcus for $1950.

EDIT: I mention the U.S. Patent Office because people have been ridiculed for suggesting ideas that are already patented. Pun is not intended.

Gucci Dark Brown Tote.

Source: Bergdorf Goodman

I'm getting sick of trashy Gucci bags and accessories now more than ever. How long do they think their plaster-a-logo-everywhere shtick is going to work? I'm not saying they don't make luxurious bags anymore (e.g. python duffle). However I can find a similar tote bag with a Wegmans logo on it for $5.99.

Gucci tote available at Bergdorf Goodman for $445.

Gucci Nylon Duffle.

Source: Saks

On the one hand, it's cheaper ($495) than what Prada charges for a similar nylon duffle bag. On the other, it's still really plain, and I'll bet American Apparel would have a much cheaper viable alternative. The logo on the front looks like a fake authenticity card that counterfeiters use to fool people on eBay, and the bag is just barely trimmed in leather.

How many do you think you'll see at any given day in a WeHo gym?

Gucci nylon duffle bag available at Saks.

Gucci Rubber Buckle Belts.

Source: Neiman Marcus

Rubber.

They're embossed on rubber.

Not even enamel.

Rubber.

Was an extra rectangular piece of leather cost prohibitive?

Gucci crest belt and interlocking logo belt available at Neiman Marcus for $220 and $320, respectively.

Gucci Leather Belt Bag.

Source: Saks

I considered getting this. Before I get netslapped, here's the reason why.

When I work in the lab, I have to write everything down on a little notepad, lest I forget and screw up my experiment. (I think I might be borderline ADD.) Unfortunately, I don't have a convenient place to put that little notepad because the tissue culture room is very crowded, and I have to assume that most of the surface areas are contaminated by the virus I work with. This belt bag is the perfect size for my little handy notepad, black and blue pens, yellow and pink highlighters, and Blackberry (It vibrates whenever anyone leaves a comment, and it gets me excited).

Then I realized I'm looking for justifications to buy a bag I'll probably never use after ridicule from my labmates.

Gucci belt bag available at Saks for $530.

Gucci Canvas Tote.

Source: Neiman Marcus

This canvas tote is still doable for the fall. The colors are subdued enough that it doesn't scream, "I got this half off at the end of the season sale." It is lightweight and makes for an overall good casual tote bag.

Gucci tote available at Neiman Marcus for $418 (reduced from $835).

Gucci Crest Duffle.

Source: Neiman Marcus

Whose idea was it to stick Boy Scout patches on there? Is there no control mechanism to stop this sort of madness from hitting the store shelves? How did they manage to make simple primary colors look so heinous? So many questions, so little answers.

Gucci duffle available at Neiman Marcus for $2570. That price tag is absolutely ridiculous for that overdecorated garbage bag.

Oliver Kahn's Gucci Clutch.

Source: Who Ate All The Pies

[Click for larger picture]

Oliver Kahn is a German soccer player who plays for Bayern München. He is 38 years olds. He has no business wearing a pink Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt and carrying a Gucci clutch. At least Cristiano Ronaldo looked decent when he conspicuously sported his Louis Vuitton clutch.

[Source]

Gucci S/S 08.

Source: Getty

[Click for larger pictures]

You see, Prada, Gucci's compeer, can do odd things like this because their aim is to be different and a bit peculiar. Gucci accessories, on the other hand, are more predictable and less odd. In fact, the last real renovation was the guccissima leather, which was essentially nothing more than the same old monogram done in leather instead. Gucci can't have stars and circles on bags without looking as though someone brought their six year old daughter to work one day and gave her free reign on the sketchboard.

It takes a lot more than a few simple shapes to hide that ugly mess. What's your plan for next season, Frida? How about something actually half-decent?

Yoox Summer Sale.

Yoox, the leading online purveyor of discounted designer goods, is having a sale, and I picked out a few things that caught my eye (not all in a good way).

[Click picture if you want to buy or get more information]


Costume National Homme blazer ($240)
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Costume National Homme blazer ($264)
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Malo sandals ($89)
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Click To View More Bargains (Please wait until the entire page loads before clicking)

Gucci casual pants ($168)
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Balenciaga t-shirt ($78)
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Raf Simons t-shirt ($48)
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Loro Piana casual pants ($105)
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Gianfranco Ferre sneakers ($152)

Gucci Suede Duffle.

Source: Bluefly

After seeing the python skin duffle, this suede version looks dull and drab in comparison. I still like the braided handles and horsebit detailings, though. It's a very nice travel bag, but once you go python, [insert your own rhyme].

Gucci suede duffle available at Bluefly for $1832.

Taking Advantage Of Sales: Father's Day Gift Guide.

Unlike around Mother's Day when sales aren't as prevalent, Father's Day stress is ameliorated financially by the myriad of sales. Below is a short list of gift-worthy markdowns.
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Source: Saks

You might consider this a gag gift, but he might actually like these Paul Smith checkered socks...in which case you'll regret giving them to him when he wears them with khaki shorts. Available at Saks for $21 (reduced from $30).
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Source: Neiman Marcus

Technically marketed as travel slippers, he can still wear these around the house. Don't let Fido wrap his mouth around these though - it's suede. The pouch can be monogrammed for a reason that escapes me. Available at Neiman Marcus for $55 (reduced from $95).
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Source: Neiman Marcus

Every man needs a decent toiletry case - after hectic days of travel, you want simple tasks like shaving and brushing teeth to be as organized as possible. Leather isn't ideal because really, do you want to clean toothpaste and shaving cream off it? With the Gucci parana, it's easy to wipe off. Available at Neiman Marcus for $177 (reduced from $295).
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Source: Eluxury

For the unconventional dad who's not afraid to blend Alexander McQueen/Puma with retro. Made with washed leather upper, indulgence with a bit of casual luxury never hurt anyone. The three straps give the petrified spine respite from the dreaded bend-over-and-tie-the-laces backpain. Available at Eluxury for $235 (reduced from $330).
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Source: Eluxury

It's easy to individualize an outfit with a silk neck scarf. Solid color isn't what you expect from Roberto Cavalli, and you probably shouldn't expect this scarf to engender a fashion revival for your dad. Still, it's an accessory that might come in handy...at some point...hopefully. Available at Eluxury for $129 (reduced from $215).
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Source: Aloha Rag

Proceed at your own risk and help him channel his inner Christina Aguilera with this leopard-print Martin Margiela belt. Available at Aloha Rag for $237 (reduced from $395).
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Source: Yoox

A keyring is a last resort, but at least you didn't forget to get a gift. This Malo accessory is leather, if that allays at all the fact that you clearly didn't look hard enough for a thoughtful gift. Available at Yoox for $45 (reduced from $64).

Sale: Leather Gucci Belt.

Source: Bergdorf Goodman

When the guccissima leather first came out, I was told by a Gucci SA that it would never ever go on sale. I was naive back then and didn't realize he was probably just trying to get commission. I love the guccissima leather - it's nice and thick, and the feel of the leather is superb. I have the belt with the GG logo buckle, but I like the square buckle better because it makes you look more sharp. (The square buckle belt I got at the Gucci outlet is the same style but is made of pigskin. It also doesn't feel as nice, although the material is more resilient.) For $159 (reduced from $265), I definitely recommend this belt. If you get tired of it, you can get at least half the money back on eBay, assuming you keep it in good condition.

Gucci guccissima belt available at Bergdorf Goodman.