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by The Backseat Stylers | April 24th, 2013 
London-based accessories designers Charlotte Olympia and Tom Binns have collaborated on a punk-inspired collection of shoes and bags, in honour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute’s “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibition opening this May.
The limited edition line-up will feature punked up versions of Charlotte Olympia classics, including the Dolly Riot, Anarchy Kitty, and Punk Pandora. The offerings will be sold exclusively at Charlotte Olympia’s flagship stores in London and New York, as well as through charlotteolympia.com starting on May 2.
The last time Charlotte Olympia collaborated with another designer, it was Olympia Le-Tan and the result was S’s adorable Charlotte’s Web book clutch. I have the distinct feeling her CO collection is about to grow yet again.
 
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by The Backseat Stylers | April 4th, 2013 
If I read my horoscope today, I’m certain it would be predicting a fabulous new bag or shoe acquisition in my immediate future, and it would be right. Charlotte Olympia‘s just-launched Cosmic collection is irresistible to astrology and accessories fans alike, and I’m both.
“I’ve always had a thing for all things mystical,” says designer Charlotte Dellal. “I don’t live by astrology but I do love to know other people’s signs; I’m quite good at guessing.”
Dubbed “Birthday Shoes” and “Zodiac Pandora,” the line-up features 12 crystal-embellished loafer designs and 12 matching handpainted Perspex box clutches. Each star sign is represented, from a bull against a black setting for Taurus to a set of scales against a soft blue background for Libra (my sign!).
“I’m a Gemini and they’re supposed to be youthful and witty which is something I try to apply to my work—I enjoy a good giggle! However I much relate to the indecisiveness, and I’m often of two minds about something,” she says. “Usually I like my own sign best, but this collection makes it really hard to pick favorites.”
I’d have to agree. The entire line, which retails at USD$695 for the shoes and USD$995 for the clutches on Net-a-Porter and will be arriving at The Room at The Bay‘s online shop in May, is completely swoon-worthy. Will you be repping your horoscope sign with a new Charlotte Olympia accessory this spring? Take a gander at the gallery below for the complete collection.
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by The Backseat Stylers | January 31st, 2013 
Back in September, mere days before Fashion’s Night Out, news of a collaboration between accessories designers Charlotte Olympia and Olympia Le-Tan broke. The two had teamed up on a Charlotte’s Web-themed collection that included shoes and a clutch. Having been a huge fan of the book as a child, I knew I had to get my hands on the limited edition, hand-stitched book clutch.
This would turn out to be a feat easier said than done, since the mini collection was being sold exclusively at the Charlotte Olympia boutiques in New York and London. Yours truly was nowhere near either of those cities, though I refused to let that fact get in the way of me getting my hands on that clutch.
Because some shopping secrets are better left unshared, suffice to say that with a little determination and luck the mission was accomplished. The whimsical clutch arrived on my doorstep shortly after the collection launched, and I became the owner of #8 out of only 16 created. I daresay that Charlotte and Wilbur would be proud.
  
xx, S
by The Backseat Stylers | September 4th, 2012 
News of freshly-hatched collaborations arrive in my inbox weekly it seems, but I have never been as excited as I am for the one announced today: Charlotte Olympia x Olympia Le-Tan. Charlotte Olympia is my favourite shoe designer right now, hands down. Olympia Le-Tan currently has no presence in my closet, but I’ve been waiting patiently for the book clutch designer to choose a book cover that would have special meaning to me. It took teaming up with Charlotte Dellal, but it’s finally happened.
The two designers have created a limited edition mini collection inspired by my most beloved childhood book and one that I’ve been reading to my son of late, E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. In addition to an embroidered book clutch, Charlotte Olympia’s signature ‘Dolly’ shoe has been produced with Charlotte’s Web-themed inscriptions like ‘Terrific’ and ‘Radiant’ and dubbed the ‘Miracle Dolly’. My 6-year old self is overjoyed and, quite frankly, so is the slightly older present-day version.
The designs will be sold exclusively at the Charlotte Olympia boutiques in New York and London on Fashion’s Night Out on September 6, with 10% of the proceeds being donated to FNO’s official charity, Refuge. I won’t be anywhere near either of those cities, but I will find a way to get my hands on my very own Charlotte’s Web book clutch if it’s the last thing I do!
xx, S
Images via L’Officiel
by The Backseat Stylers | July 3rd, 2012 
Alexander McQueen makes clutches like no other design house. A McQueen knuckleduster has been on my wish list for quite some time now, but with so many stunning styles, I haven’t been able to settle on just one to date.
This particular version, from the Pre-Fall 2012 accessories collection, is the latest I’m coveting. Whimsical unicorns, a chilling skull and colourful floral embroidery combine for a breathtaking piece.
In short, it’s art as a handbag, and it’s available at Neiman Marcus for $2,455.
xx, S
Image Credit: Neiman Marcus
by The Backseat Stylers | October 22nd, 2011 
I’ve been eyeing Charlotte Olympia‘s ”Pandora” clutch ever since I spied Caroline Sieber sporting one. Made of transparent plexiglass and topped with a spider clasp - Charlotte Dellal‘s signature reference to Charlotte’s Web - the clutch is a chic and cheeky piece that the designer has made even more special for Spring 2012. With beautifully placed feathers in the plexiglass frame, the “Pandora” feather clutch is downright stunning. I already have a Charlotte Olympia shoe obsession, and now it seems Dellal is making a play for my bag budget as well.
The “Pandora” feather clutch will retail for $995.
xx, S
Image via Fashionologie
by The Backseat Stylers | September 14th, 2011 
I’m colour shy. My closet is full of neutral tones, save for a recent green skirt purchase that was a giant leap forward in my ongoing endeavour to add a little colour to my sartorial life. Fuchsia tops and orange bottoms aren’t likely to land a spot in my closet anytime soon, so I’ve been making room for some vibrant accessories instead.
Currently at the top of my ever-evolving Fall wish list is this Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch. It’s a classic little bag wrapped in an eye-catching purple, snake-embossed package with gold hardware. The size is just right for day-to-night essentials and the price, $350, isn’t too shabby either.
One of my most stylish girlfriends owns this bag in a stunning teal, and I’ve been eyeing it for ages. It’s time I stop coveting hers and get one of my own, don’t you think?
xx, S
Image Credit: Shopbop
by The Backseat Stylers | June 30th, 2011 
Caroline Sieber‘s look at the Burberry Serpentine Summer Party this week takes my breath away. The stylist and Chanel ambassador donned the loveliest ruffled gown from Valentino‘s Spring 2011 haute couture collection, managing to blow the original runway styling completely out of the water with an unassuming ponytail and fabulous bag.
While the shoes may be an odd choice, no one’s noticing (other than me), since Sieber’s also toting around the Charlotte Olympia Pandora box clutch. Made of transparent plexiglass, the clutch leaves nothing to the imagination. It’s not a good storage spot for your gum wrappers, but definitely a chic conversation piece. The combination of the gorgeous gown, cheeky purse and simple hair and make-up made for one stunning Caroline Sieber.
xx, S
Images via Vogue UK, Zimbio, Style.com
by The Backseat Stylers | June 28th, 2011 
I don’t lead a clutch life. When I’m out and about, I’m usually juggling my son, a camera and a purse, so a bag without shoulder straps is just plain impractical. I once owned a Chanel timeless clutch, but sold it when I realized that it rarely made it into the bag rotation for this very reason, and was much too expensive to sit untouched in my closet. I’d sworn off clutches the day I sent my Chanel to a new home, but I’ve been feeling lately that I might be emotionally ready to let a new clutch into my life again.
Enter Diane Von Furstenberg‘s Lytton and Tonday bags. Offered in a variety of colours and textures each season, these clutches come with DVF’s signature gold twig clasp and a detachable chain strap. They’re chic, practical and won’t break the bank – not like the Chanel, anyway, unless you buy one in each colour. Which, with all of the gorgeous options, is a rather tempting idea.
   
xx, S
Images via tooklookbook
by The Backseat Stylers | March 8th, 2011 
If you’ve been following The Backseat Stylers for even a minute, you’ll know that I’m always toting a Chanel bag around with me (the evidence is all here), so the appearance of a banana clutch on the blog may come to a surprise to you. The fact is, had I not spotted it on the designer herself, Charlotte Dellal, over and over again, I would never have seen the immense potential this unexpectedly versatile bag has. Done in a bright yellow python and complete with a thin brown strap, green interior and leather strawberry charm, this quirky clutch adds humour to any outfit, day or night.
It’s been a long time since I added the Charlotte Olympia Baker bag to my Spring wish list, and now it’s finally available at Matches for $882.90. I’m completely enamoured with it, so the only remaining question is, can I rock the banana clutch?
EDIT: Matches sold out of the bag shortly after I posted – I’d like to think it was at least partially due to this post…*wink* My fellow Canadians need not fret though – The Room‘s Creative Director Nicholas Mellamphy has confirmed via Twitter that the clutch will be arriving at The Bay this Spring!
xx, S
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THE BACKSEAT STYLERS BY T & S
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