Louis Vuitton may be known for their monogram but their logo free designs lure in many LV lovers worldwide. Between the Epi Line and the Suhali Line, Louis Vuitton is able to reach out to those who yearn for a designer bag from a top house without the logo being splashed on. The Louis Vuitton Epi line has an array of bags under the $1,000 mark. but the goat leather of the Suhali line makes the prices jump a bit. But if you are looking for a stunning handbag from Louis Vuitton, the Suhali line is it. For a more entry level item (and lower price), the Louis Vuitton Suhali Clutch is a great start. This is not the clutch to take to the college town bar, though you can, rather it is the timeless elegant clutch that can be used year after year. The Suhali goat leather is hand selected and used in this clutch to resemble the curved shape of the well-known LV Lockit. The leather is soft yet sturdy and offset with golden brass hardware. There is a removable and adjustable wrist strap, which is always a major plus. Dimensions are great, measuring 9.4″x 5.1″x 1.8″. This is a clutch that I would recommend to anyone looking for a leather clutch that works for nearly all occasions and all clothing options.

Finally a new Louis Vuitton line that men can get really excited about. I know I am. Vuitton debuts the Damier Graphite line of accessories in the attempt to revive, redo and revisit the traditional, checkered Damier design. Discreet, yet wonderfully masculine, the new canvas spans across classics, such as the Keepall 55, the Grimaud or the Cabas. Adding to the fine range of travel bags, LV reveals the new Roadster, a 24h-sport bag with a wide zippered flap for easy access. Even a Damier Graphite Motorcycle Helmet is available for enthusiasts who insist on sporting the ultimate in chic whilst cruising cross Roma on their Vespas.

LOUIS VUITTON AUTHENTIC DAMIER GRAPHITE IPHONE CASE US $499.00 End Date: Sunday Aug-31-2008 2:00:31 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

LOUIS VUITTON DAMIER GRAPHITE KEEPALL 55 US $910.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Sunday Aug-31-2008 7:31:16 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Louis Vuitton Keepall in new Damier Graphite Canvas 55 US $1,190.67 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-31-2008 11:09:05 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

I’ve been a casual watcher (although, admittedly, not buyer) of Louis Vuitton jewelry for several years now. My thoughts are normally mixed; they have some very chic, very wearable designs, but I’m not entirely sure that I’d want to buy a piece of obviously branded jewelry (this goes, as well, for Chanel’s beautiful but logo-clad costume jewelry line). I particularly like their resin bracelets as a cute pick-me-up to an otherwise basic casual outfit without piling on an inappropriate amount of bling.

Logos always present a sort of mental block for me - no matter how much I would like something otherwise, I always manage to talk myself out of it if it’s got an obviously displayed brand name. Perhaps it’s because it makes me feel like I’m being somewhat of a bad consumer; if a brand name is obviously displayed, are the odds higher that I’m paying extra for only the name? And as a serious fashion watcher, shouldn’t I be more conscious of such ploys for my extra cash?

More importantly, am I in the financial position to pay $400 for a resin bracelet? Heavens, no. But if I were, I think I’d get over my logo phobia and get the Louis Vuitton Farandole bracelet. I like the lack of sparkle, and I also like that it’s in the colors of their recent camo collection, which don’t often show up in high-end jewelry. This would be wearable during the daytime with jeans and a cute black top (or any similar variation on that theme). Is it subtle? Not particularly, but Louis Vuitton devotees (at least the ones I know) are not subtle people, and if I’m paying that much for something that’s not jeweled, I wouldn’t mind if a few people noticed it, logos and all.

I always try to be on top of the latest release and the newest bags. But I must say, the members of the Purse Forum are always a step ahead when it comes to Louis Vuitton. If there is a super secret bag about to be released, they know before Marc Jacobs even designs it. My level of exaggeration is only small. When I first saw a sneak peak of the Louis Vuitton Watercolor Speedy I knew I had to have it!!

But there was this problem, called a wait list. A long a tiresome wait list. A time line that was uncertain about when the bag would arrive and who would be able to get their hands on it. Luckily, I know the best staff of Louis Vuitton sale associates from LV Bal Harbour, who secured me a spot and had my Watercolor Speedy ready for me with the first shipment. Can I tell you that I love this bag? I am in LVOE with it! I am now back in South Florida and this bag could not be more perfect even if I asked it to be. The colors are perfection; light and whimsical.

And if you kept waiting and are not near and LV store and thought you would never gets your hands on this bag, I have good news. eLuxury is now carrying the Louis Vuitton Aquarelle Speedy 35 (as we call it the Watercolor). I assure you that the bag will not be there very long, in fact I would not be surprised if by the time I publish this post it is gone. But it is worth a shot to check it out.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Watercolor Aquarelle Speedy 35 US $1,025.00 (33 Bids) End Date: Friday Aug-29-2008 16:58:16 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

AUTH VUITTON WHITE WATERCOLOR AQUARELLE SPEEDY 35 NEW US $1,789.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Aug-30-2008 18:04:17 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

AUTHENTIC LOUIS VUITTON WATERCOLOR AQUARELLE SPEEDY 35 US $1,557.03 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Aug-30-2008 23:37:21 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

The allure and tradition of Louis Vuitton has not faded, but with the counterfeit market the curbside appeal of the Monogram canvas has wavered. The major problem for a brand like Louis Vuitton is the blatant knock-offs that are sold for a mere Andrew Jackson, $20, all over the world. But there are positive steps forward for the company, like the recent case where eBay had to pay LVMH $61 million in damages. As the crack down on counterfeit goods tightens, we can slowly start to love the monogram canvas from brands like Louis Vuitton, which is one of the most replicated patterns in the world.

When I go for a LV monogram, I try to find something that adds a tad different touch so as not to be the #1 copied pattern from the company (like the monogram Speedy which is counterfeited incessantly). Between my clutch obsession and the colorful mini monogram pattern, the Louis Vuitton Mini Monogram Multicolore Kate Clutch breaks out of the easily copied mold and works perfectly for my summer nights out. The long, east/west clutch sports the Mini Monogram Multicolore canvas, one of my favorites from the house because it ties together the LV logo with pizazz. The clutch is trimmed with metallic calf leather and accented with shiny golden brass hardware. There is a flat golden leather wristlet with a clasp attachment, which makes the wristlet removable if you would just like the clutch handheld. But I find the wrist strap a selling point, being able to offer a little better grip and really offer you both hands on the dance floor, when getting drinks, or just walking around. The inside is lined with red microfiber and there is an interior patch pocket. The more lush lining is precisely what I want in all of my LV bags, and I adore that this chic little clutch has this. Measurements are 9.4″x 3.7″x 1″. Now, this may be a selling point (or buzz kill for some), the clutch is named after supermodel Kate Moss. She is, after all, one of the most recognizable faces today.

I continue to find myself checking out the most elegant evening bags, despite the fact that I typically have no where to wear them. But I keep craving a new structured evening bag. Why? I have no idea. I must subconsciously be telling myself to let my hair down, put on a long dress, and go out somewhere fancy (meaning that the casual appeal of Florida has completely set in and thus far I am living a casual chic life). But coming back from Key West, where no shirt and no shoes really is no problem, opting for a new classy clutch is like night and day.

The new clutch on the red carpets is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch, being carried by tall, lean, model types and all other lovers of Louis Vuitton. This is one of the ideal clutches that calls to me; structured, elegant, and classic. The outside is designed with monogram-embroidered silk satin, which is perfect for those of you who are not super keen on the LV monogram. The structured frame-top body is designed with shiny golden brass hardware. There are two other major perks, including the removable long link chain shoulder strap and golden lambskin lining. Small clutches transformed into shoulder bags do not look great on everyone (unless you are super tall and super lean, I am talking about myself too), but it is a great plus. And the luxurious leather lining really is a nice finishing touch, seeing that many LV bags are lined with canvas.

Two high fashion labels, with seemingly polar opposite aesthetics, are going to be seen collaborating this coming fall – Louis Vuitton and Commes de Garcons. Rei Kawakubo of Commes de Garcons will be opening a joint store with Louis Vuitton in Tokyo this September.

The guerilla-style store will be open just three months, until late December, and will continue with a theme seen throughout Marc’s tenure at Louis Vuitton - guest artists designing bags for the brand. The store will consist of just six limited edition Louis Vuitton bags, designed by Kawakubo, which are also available to order.

Rei Kawakubo has revamped the look of the CdG storefront on Kottodori, Omotesando especially for the collaboration. Yves Carcelle, chairman and CEO of LV has announced that the brand is investing in the store, and all profits made will be split between both parties.
Perhaps this collaborative effort was inspired by Marc Jacobs’ love of Japanese culture and repeated references to both Japanese aesthetics and Kawakubo’s work?

I have never denied or hidden the fact that I am a huge fan of Louis Vuitton. While the monogram line does not always tickle my fancy, I find Louis Vuitton to be one of the longstanding luxury brands left designing bags. Not every bag is a homerun, but there are plenty of great options every season. But if you do not want the glitz and glam, opt for the Louis Vuitton Epi Line. I have brought up the Epi line often, speaking of its ease of cleaning, lack of logos, and overall likability. The Alma comes in a classic shape, is light-weight, and available in an array of colors from the Epi line. Cassis, Ivoire, Black, Red, and Grenade are the colors available in the Louis Vuitton Epi Alma, the textured hand-held carryall which is a staple of the house. The bag is named after the Place de l’Alma, the grand Paris square at the end of Avenue Montaigne. The Alma features textured leather and is trimmed with smooth leather. The inside is lined with Alcantara lining (which is precisely what Vlad goes gaga over in his favorite luxury cars).

LOUIS VUITTON EPI ALMA BLACK HANDBAG AUTHENTIC REG$1290 US $360.00 (22 Bids) End Date: Saturday Aug-30-2008 9:47:06 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

$1240 Auth LOUIS VUITTON Black Epi Alma Bag Purse US $315.99 (15 Bids) End Date: Sunday Aug-31-2008 18:33:00 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

LOUIS VUITTON Epi Shoulder Strap Alma, Speedy Black US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Sep-02-2008 18:33:23 PDT Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

Tentative release date of this baby is September 22, 2008!!

Louis Vuitton Desk Paper Block Cube US $25.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Aug-30-2008 8:53:08 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Louis Vuitton Hair Cubes Clear with Original Receipt US $36.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Saturday Aug-30-2008 8:57:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

AUTHENTIC LOUIS VUITTON HAIR CUBES & ACCESSORY POUCH US $85.00 End Date: Thursday Sep-04-2008 18:30:29 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list

I found one of my favorite Louis Vuitton Clutches in the exact colors that I adore. We loved the Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Montaigne Clutch when we first saw it in black and white, and have fallen in love with it all over again in purple and pink. The sleek and clean lines of the textured Epi leather, smooth leather trim, and stunning shiny palladium hardware combine to make this bag a show stopper. The flap top is closed with a stunning large logo-engraved push-lock closure. I loved this bag so much that I bought one for my mom at Louis Vuitton Bal Harbour. Somehow I decided not to get one for myself, and now I know why. It is because these two colors have my heart! The only issue is deciding which color to go for. The more wearable hue of purple or the girly pink? Sure, this has not gotten me far in my wedding planning, but the side-tracks in life always end in stunning shopping purchases.

NEW Louis Vuitton Epi Bowling Montaigne PM Retail $1500 US $1,350.00 End Date: Wednesday Sep-03-2008 15:47:55 PDT Buy it now | Add to watch list