It's a Fanny Pack, people.

Clare Vivier's new waist bag

I know a fanny pack, ahem...waist bag, is sort of inherently a fashion faux pas. Knowing that I don't hesitate at all to tell you that I own one. It is the most beautiful tan suede with wide leather belt fanny pack you have ever seen; it also happens to be Maison Martin Margiela and is one of my most treasured possessions (Really!) An exception to the no-fanny-pack rule, it might be.

My MMM pride and joy

So perhaps because of owning this special and novel fanny pack, I reacted more positively than the average person to the new "waist bag" by Clare Vivier. It is smaller than the average bum bag, which helps I think. And it is very simple in design. And to be honest, wearing a fanny pack leaves you hands-free, a wholly underrated fashion experience (especially as a parent). I do find that fanny packs only work in the summer though. Jackets just get in the way of it (does it go over or under?) and it looks best when combined with some version of two-piece outfit - shorts or a skirt - and occasionally with the right cute summer dress or romper.

I included this photo of a vintage Chanel fanny pack (for sale yesterday at R29, alas it sold out already) just to prove its validity as a fashion item. I mean, if Karl Lagerfeld thinks it's okay then we are on to something, right?

And not to be outdone, Leandra Medine of Man Repeller (if you are into the underage blogger thing) has a quite covetable diamond-shaped fanny pack in lipstick red. Hers is by Larissa Hadjio, who has an even chic-er one coming out soon, all black with gold hardware, available in two sizes (pictured right).

Clare Vivier in navy

The Clare Vivier waist bag is available at Shopbop for $216. A less pricey version of this trend (trend?) can be had at American Apparel. And because of the bright colors of their version, I think it would be a great accessory for a kid. They have a nylon one for $22, a leather one for $42, and corduroy or denim, both for $22.

Vintage Coach bags

Lately I have been up at all hours trolling ebay for vintage Coach bags, some the same ones I used to covet as a pre-teen. I still remember pouring over the Coach catalog and wondering: why does every style come in British tan? Well, now is the time for them again apparently. I've seen them around on some hipsters but didn't think it was a for-everyone kind of look. Now it seems less vintage hipster and just plain hip '90s throwback. Not to mention the Made-in-the-USA construction and the matte finish leather.

So how funny that A Cup of Jo (one of my favorite blogs, by the way, and a friend of a friend) ran a feature today on how to style a winter hat where the girl is walking around NYC with a tiny vintage Coach bag in none other than British Tan.

It's a sign that I must have one of these in my life! Or at the very least, go through my mother's closet to find the old ones I know she has stashed in there. (Thanks for being a packrat, Mom!)

the binocular bag

the lunchbox bag

End of an era: Ghesquiere leaves Balenciaga

Amidst all the other news of this eventful week, Nicolas Ghesquiere announced he is leaving Balenciaga after 15 years with the brand. Memories spring to mind of a party at the Hudson hotel in NYC, lusting after one of those bags in 2001 and of course the clothes, the clothes, the clothes. I have so many favorite collections: the bubble dresses, the drummer boy hats, the naval collection and have shown a few below. The announcement of his departure this past week coincided with one of his best red carpet looks by far. Just this past weekend, Kristen Stewart wore this pantsuit to the On the Road premiere, which is a piece of fashion art if I've ever seen it.

SS 2010

SS 2008

AW 2006

SS 2005

AW 2004

SS 2003

And the items that will forever be Ghesquiere's Balenciaga:

The Lariat bag, first worn by Kate Moss, then by everyone else.

The shoes:

And of course, the motorcycle jacket:

Steven Alan handbags

it's hard not to lust after these... simple. and affordable. and VERY similar to that Sofia Coppola by LV bag that is so completely not affordable.

The Camilla bag is a doctor-style bag with a strap that is extendable. It is $425 and comes in black, tan and a great olive green with black trim.

The Adelaide bag is sort of like two small clutches together. I don't love the style but in the black/green combo with tan straps, it's nice. it's $395.

 The iPhone sling, as it's called, is only $85 and holds your phone plus some cash, cards and maybe keys. I really like how utilitarian it is.

Jerome Dreyfuss

Jerome Dreyfuss, otherwise known as Isabel Marant's better half, makes some amazing handbags. I have had my eye on them for a while, and have a small dark green makeup bag of his that has a permanent place next to my wallet. The leather is very soft and the details, like the rainbow braid pull are great.  The larger bags even come with a tiny flashlight inside.  I really love his whole aesthetic of a 'designer' bag that doesn't feel like you have to pamper it.

                                                                 The Johan - $820 at their e-shop

The Momo bag - a tiny evening bag in black python and in burgundy leather

The Pedro

The Carlos - available at Metier

And the Carlos also comes in a linen version this summer, "the perfect beach bag" as Jerome explains on his website. And a big linen carryall called Pat.

J.Crew wants

 J.Crew Collection Handbag $350

 Guia la Bruna for J.Crew "sun suit" $215 - 

Liberty prints used on this special collaboration teeny bikini

 Invitation clutch in cork with metallic flecks - $98

 Snakeskin belt - $45 (authentic snakeskin)

Celine homage

( from garance dore )

It's hard not to lust after Celine right now, especially since it seems like a very short moment in time that Phoebe Philo is having there.  In other words, I would love to snap up one of her timeless designs because there's no telling when she will disappear into the abyss again.

Spring 2012 Runway

( from T magazine )

Preppy Sunglasses in honey

Classic Medium Flap Bag in forest

Colorblock Clutch/Pouch in hibiscus

Petite Gourmette in suede jade

Gourmette in suede patchwork

all other pictures from Celine. And unfortunately no prices, since Celine does not sell online. Safe to assume that bags are 1500+ euros.