Saturday, April 19, 2008

Exception-al



Not often that a bag comes around that pretty much works for most anyone, regardless of personal style. Even better when that bag is not a huge designer label that you're sure to see coming and going.
The Exception Grand Basket tote from Lamarthe is that bag.

It is casual enough for knocking around all day, but substantial enough to also be used as a work tote. At once soft and structured, it has just enough detail like the small antiqued buttons down the side, to make the trendy crowd take notice, but nothing so obvious or garish to deter the more staid classic customer. The top flap slides through a loop to close it, and gets softly folded in the process adding a very un-industrial look to the bag. It reminds me of some Carlos Falchi or Henry Beguelin styles which also have that hand crafted quality (regardless of how they are made). Like those bags, this one is stylishly simple without being too common looking.
Though it looks like it might collapse when picked up, the photos I have seen all show the bag retaining it's flat bottom.
In addition to the flap, the bag has a magnetic closure, and several interior pockets to keep you organized.
At $495, it is very well priced, especially compared to both the bags I think it echoes. You can grab an Exception for yourself from Kloie NYC.


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