Recessionista Review: Carlos Falchi for Target

The long anticipated wait for cheap designer chic from my favorite store Target is finally here. I am talking about Carlos Falchi. The famous designer known for his exquisite exotic skin handbags that can cost more than your rent. In my previous blog entry, I promised to post photos of the Carlos Falchi for Target photos, so here you go.

I have been eying the little purple fellow in the center, and so I went and checked it out in person. As I walked towards the accessories department, I saw this huge signage and I headed straight for it. From a distance, the purple cross-body bag looked so enticing!

As I leaned forward to grab the purple bag, I realized that I was actually touching a plastic piece of patchwork. All I can is one word - Disappointment.

Maybe I was expecting too much, secretly hoping that this will be a real investment at a steal price of $24.99. I knew it wasn't going to be real snakeskin, but I guess I didn't expect it to be so glossy and plasticy. In my many years of being a Fashionista, I can now say that when it comes to handbags, you get what you pay for. For $24.99, I believe other Fashionistas out there might appreciate it more than I do. Clothing on the other hand, I can still get by with cheaper options of designer couture. Thank goodness! If not, I don't think I can remain a Recessionista.

Carlos Falchi to Design for Target

Woohoo! That was my first response when I heard the news that Carlos Falchi will be the 8th handbag designer to create a limited edition line for Target. Target never fails to disappoint me in my shopping wishes. I have dreamed of getting a Carlos Falchi handbags for a long long time, and now I can finally get my very own Carlos Falchi handbag at my favorite store - Target at a recessionista-friendly price.

Carlos Falchi Pearlized Python $2675, Crocodile Fringe, Floral Python $2025

Carlos Falchi is well-known for his signature faux and genuine snake skin handbag designs. His SS06 collection was the most luxurious as well as the most expensive to date; utilizing exotic skins like deer, alligator, crocodile, python, and goat hand-dyed in colors ranging from pastels to jewel tones to neutrals. First Ladies and Celebrities alike love Carlos Falchi's designs. In his early career, Jackie O Kennedy, Nancy Regan, Madonna and Cher were some of his biggest fans. His celebrity fan base now includes Sienna Miller, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria.

The Carlos Falchi for Target collection promises the same decadence of luxury but at a fraction of its cost. His 13 faux snakeskin handbags consist of gorgeous juicy jewel tones in reds, purples, greens, along with a couple of collage and patchwork styles. Mark your calendars! This collection will be in Target stores and online from October 11th to December 27th. Target has not released photos of the collection yet, but I will post them on my blog as soon as they do. Stay tuned!

Shop My Closet 5/8/09 - Designer Purses

I Am Recessionista is now on a mission to find a new home for stuff I don't wear anymore or have never worn before. Every Friday, new items will be posted under the Shop My Closet Tag.

• All items are in excellent or good condition; either gently worn or never worn, some with price tags on them.

• All prices are stated in US Dollars. They are bargain prices because my aim is to give these pieces a better home and not to make a profit.

• Description and sizing will be provided as accurate as possible. But do feel free to leave me comments if you still have any questions about sizing, measurements, etc. or email me at iamrecessionista at gmail.com.

• Since these are all one-piece items from my personal closet, I will update my blog with the word [SOLD] in front of the item title once the item is not available.

• Payment is through Paypal and shipping will be USPS.

• Shipping cost: Bags $5, Shoes $5, Clothing $2 to $5, Accessories $1 to $4.
  

I was a Bagaholic (not anymore), so I decided to start off my first Shop My Closet entry with a few of my designer purses up for grabs. Just so you know, I have never bought a fake bag in my life. I am a believer of quality and so I will never buy a fake especially bags. I assure you that every designer purse that you see here are either from the brand name boutique itself or a reputable retailer like Macys, no where else. Each purse you see here has been treated with love and care and stored comfortably in their respective dust bags on a long shelf in my walk-in closet. I am selling them at very reasonable prices because I want to see them in a good home and not make a profit or get back what I originally paid for.

US$380 Gucci Signature Monogram Shoulder Bag

• Bought this at around US$895 from Gucci boutique in New York City several years back. Used it for several months and then it just sat on my closet shelf. This design is very rare. If you are a Gucci lover, you will want this in your collection.

• Condition: 8/10 (Good condition with some signs of wear only at the bottom in the back)
  

• Gucci signature GG monogram on gray and black jacquard fabric, black leather trim and gold hardware.

• Single strap, Gucci signature lock closure with Gucci insignia on lock.

• Inside zipper pocket.

• Dust bag.

• W 11.5" x H 7.5" x D 2.5"

• Made in Italy

US$240 Gucci Green/Red Stripe Shoulder Bag

• My parents bought this as my birthday present at around US$400+ from Gucci boutique in New York City several years back.

• Condition: 8/10 (Good condition with some signs of wear only at the leather trim at zipper area)
  

• Gucci gray jacquard fabric with Gucci Green-Red-Green stripe, black leather trim and silver hardware.

• Single leather strap
  

• Interior lined with Gucci signature fabric, inside zipper pocket.

• Dust bag.

• W 10.5" x H 7.5" x D 2.5"

• Made in Italy

US$280 Coach Signature Poppy Large Hobo

• Bought this at around US$400 from Macys department store in Chicago a couple years ago.
  

• Condition: 10/10 (Excellent condition, used only twice. Bought it because it was rare and unique)

• Coach Signature jacquard fabric, white leather trim with suede and smooth leather poppy flower appliqué.

• Interior brown fabric lining, inside zip pocket, cellphone pocket, and ring to clip a keyfob or accessory.

• Hidden magnetic snap-tab closure with Coach engraved brass hardware.

• Coach cards, hangtag and dustbag.

• W 10.75" x H 11"x D 2"; 18.5" braided strap with an 8.5" drop.