7.06.2009

Pretty in Prep

The first fifteen-years of my life revolved around prep schools. No, I didn’t actually attend one myself; I was simply obsessed with the uniforms. Call it the Rory Gilmore Syndrome. I believed that the uniforms donned by precocious private school students were hands down the most divine bit of fashion to ever grace the earth, and actually shopped around for items that resembled such style for my own everyday use. Sure, I’ve since come around, and realized that dressing like a schoolgirl isn’t the greatest way to spend your growing years; but I haven’t yet trained myself to ignore the deep, vibrant maroon, navy, teal, and berry colors associated with the haute hallowed halls. And now, Kooba has made it so that I don’t have to, thanks to the release of their NYC Prep inspired quartet of exclusive handbags that make it possible for anyone to join the jet set – at least in terms of accessories!

Jessie Bag In one of the very first episodes of Gossip Girl I fell in love with a gorgeous floppy hat perched upon Serena’s head that was a mix of red wine, maroon, eggplant, and plum colors. It was such a standout accessory that I have never forgotten it. Thus, when I laid eyes on the aubergine-toned Jessie Bag, I couldn’t help but dream of it once more; and covet its look-alike tote. The sassy suede is decked out in gold buckled hardware, and fully lined with a sensational, shimmery satin which makes this bucket bag take on an even more elegant appearance – both inside and out. Just like Jessie, in fact; the character she was specifically created for, whose dedication to throwing decadent parties to show off her designer duds, or raise money for good causes such as Operation Smile work to display a mix of beauty via outwards appearances, and good-nature from within. My fall/autumn wardrobe? If you must know, it’s simply desperate to be accessorized with this beauty.

Camille Bag Camille and her drama-filled, boy-loving, college-obsessing, lacrosse-playing, fast-talking, SAT-taking ways are the Upper West Side ’s answer to the snarky yet sensational Blair Waldorf; and this Camille Bag, what with its gold-toned bar detail, luxurious navy leather color, and hobo-influenced one shoulder strap is the answer to all of your handbag issues. The slight gathered bow-like appearance in the front adds an extra oomph of volume to the shape, making it a bit pear-like in appearance; while the many pockets hiding out inside make it functional, in addition to being flashy and fabulous, of course! When you’re headed off to an interview, it makes you look professional and classy; but for those nights when you’re looking to let off a little steam at nightclubs (an activity that Camille partakes in quite often), it proves to be a low-key yet luscious way to tote your essentials from here to there. It’s a naughty slice of navy that’s so very, very nice!

Taylor Bag Darlings, you know just as well as I do that finding an appropriate bag that can work wonders with a cocktail dress or a pair of frayed denim jeans is quite a tough predicament. Taylor is an expert on the subject. After all, she’s a student at a public, fast-paced magnet school, but the Upper West Side precious has no qualms about partying with the Upper East Side pals she’s managed to become one with. Hence, a bag that works in any social situation or with any set is a must. Not just for her, of course; but for the rest of us, as well! Luckily, the Taylor Bag exudes this ability. The teal leather tote sporting a double shoulder strap comes across as subdued, but once you lay eyes on the gold studding and hardware, in addition to the bronze-hued satin lining, it’s quite obvious that yes, this is a gilded gift for purse-loving fashionistas to shield and protect from the dirt and grime of the outside world forever and ever. Which, oddly enough, is the same impression that came to mind when I was first introduced to Taylor – on the small screen, that is.

Kelli Bag A bold, vibrant berry color looks lovely when seen on the shores of the Hamptons , or when flitting along Park Avenue . It’s also a showstopping shade that draws all eyes to you without a moment’s hesitation. Perhaps that’s why the Kelli Bag was made with the independent, aspiring songstress Kelli in mind. The berry leather bag, like Kelli, is anything but ordinary. The unique shape puts it in a class of its own thanks to the grainy, almost snakeskin-like body, which is reminiscent of the lush chairs found within the privileged offices of prominent doctors and lawyers alike; while the gold accents bring about a lavish splash of class that will make your jaw drop (exactly the reaction I myself had when I saw the inside of Kelli’s Hamptons hideaway). It’s impossible not to feel starstruck when gazing upon this beauty!

Which prep do you want; or should I say, which prep do you want to be?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shop By Bravo for the pictures.
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36 comments

Couture Carrie said...

These are fabulous~ Especially loving the Kelli bag!

xoxox,
CC

Nicole Marie said...

camille bag please!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Oh, Camille. Don't you want to come home with me? You just have to sweet talk the hubs.

cherry_melancholic said...

Those are gorgeous bags! I have a bit of a preppy obsession myself...My school uniform isn't like that at all unfortunately, but I would love to go out all dressed Gossip Girl-esque to school! xx

Princess Liberty said...

These bags are lovely

Unknown said...

I think a school uniform obsession is totally acceptable, I have one myself and I *wore* a school uniform (It was hideous - bottle green!) as it's pretty normal in the UK at state schools and private.

The bags are gorgeous too, The Camille is heavenly!

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

I was just reading about these bags the other day! All of them are amazing.

Although, I was never one to be into uniforms. I remember when I was in elementary school, the board of education wanted to make us wear uniforms. I hated the idea, lol. Fortunately for me, I've never had to wear one.

Angela said...

i like the first tote. it reminds me of the ysl downtown.

www.janetteria.com said...

I adore you rounded wrote these models. Jessie and Kelli are my sack. Haha!

XoXo

E said...

I haven't wanted a bag for a while now but these might make me change my mind. That second bag is lovely.

DaisyChain said...

Oh, utter bag heaven!

Anonymous said...

Kelli bag, please! I love the color and the structure is ladylike but still fun.

ana said...

I want the first one :)
xoxo

Nikolett said...

Sign me up for the Camille one, please! And having grown up in a Catholic high school with uniforms, it's not all it's cracked up to be, except nobody judged you for your clothing haha. I'd love to be in an NYC prep school with weekends in the Hamptons, though!

Unknown said...

I go to a private prep school, and actually love my uniform. I like to pretend I live a gossip girl lifestyle, but I don't quite. Though we do all wear a lot of expensive shoes and Blair headbands, these bags wuld be perfect!
XOXOXO
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

fashiongrail said...

I'll take the Camille bag!

Momisodes said...

I LOVE the Jessie bag. I could definitely see myself toting that everywhere.

Posh Peach said...

I love the Camille bag! Oh how I miss Gilmore Girls. Love that you wrote Rory Gilmore syndrome - that so made me smile!

Keith said...

These are cool. I had a buddy who attended Catholic school when we were growing up. I always loved his school uniform. I was so jealous of it.

Leia said...

Divine bags! Sigh, I wish they hadn't cancelled Gilmore Girls - I think I need to get the DVD set and watch them all; there were so many episodes I missed! She was definitely my favorite TV persona growing up :)

Stephanie said...

Gilmore Girls, hands down one of the best shows ever. And I'm in love with the Jessie Bag

♥ Marta ♥ said...

I love uniforms my entire life up to university and it is not fun...but everyone always found a million ways to personalize it and make it individual.

These bags are amazing :)

Arushi Khosla said...

I go to private school and we have uniforms but in India, provate schools are VERY common. In fact, public schools barely exist. So it's not a big deal at all. Also, all schools have uniforms. We have these blue skirts with paler blue shirts, blue and black ties and socks, black shoes,and cerulean sweaters/blazers and socks in the winter.
Anyhow,I love these! If not the show NYC Prep itself, so much :P
The kids are a bit too dumb and I think I'll stick with Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, The OC (YES I still watch it),Sex &the City( yeah yeah) and The Hills.
However, the bags are a different story. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Jessie bag and you're right! I noticed S's hate too :P
And I also adore Kelli's. The color is literally calling out to me. Camille's is gorgeous but I'm not such a fan of the color.
XO
A*
www.FabBlab.blogspot.com

h said...

thank you!


oh, i want all those bags ;)

yiqin; said...

The first bag is awesome! I love the color.

Meream said...

I had a bit of a "Rory Gilmore in a preppy uniform" obsession, too. :)

Mademoiselle ♥♥ said...

I agree with you fully. These bags are all so lustingly beautiful! (I think I may have made up a new word to show how gorgeous they are! lustingly.. is that a new word?)

xx

Marian said...

The funny thing is those in Prep school usually cant wait to stop wearing their prep uniform. I have always thought they were super cute.
yummy bags, the first I would defo wear!
muah x
marian

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Finally am updating our blog roll. You're making an appearance!!

The Anthology said...

Hmmmm. I love the Camille, but I'm more of a Taylor. What a pickle.

Eda said...

I'm the Taylor :)

Damsels said...

ohwow i tohught they would be ugly but i like them all .hmm perhaps i will think about me and camille!

love NYC prep tonight is another new episode :)

miriam said...

fabulous buys, i'm so a jessie! xx.

jess said...

I like the Kelli bag it has such a great shape.

Haute World said...

I never really had a school uniform obsession when I was younger - my cousin had to wear one, my school didn't have any rules, and I was always glad about it. Then again, a lot of the uniforms I saw weren't all that preppy - I think the Gossip Girl versions (and those from more elite schools) are way nicer, so I can understand where the love is coming from :) The Jessie Bag is definitely my favorite - love the colors and the shape!

Little Bow Prep said...

I like them! They are all quite fab!

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