A while back, I was on a bit of a shoes as art kick. I found a gorgeous pair of leather ballet flats printed with a miniaturized version of a work of art by Gustav Klimt. If you’re not familiar with Klimt’s work, I highly recommend you look him up. He created some gorgeous pieces in his lifetime, possibly the most famous of which is a painting called The Kiss. Now, you might think it’s kind of lazy to just slap a work of art onto a pair of shoes or a handbag, rather than using some imagination to create an original design. I disagree. First of all, I can’t draw worth a crap, so if I were to design anything, be it an article of clothing or whatever, using a great piece of art in the design sounds like a pretty good idea to me. But more than that, it’s just one more way to put priceless art in front of tons of people who might not get to see it otherwise, and that’s a very cool concept. So by wearing those shoes, or carrying this Icon Water Serpents Zip Around Wallet, you’re doing your part for the art world, not to mention just looking very chic.
This large zip around wallet is also printed with a work by Gustav Klimt, but this one is called Water Serpents. To be honest, I’m not quite sure why. There are two women in the painting, but they look more like mermaids to me than serpents. Something interesting to note is that Icon altered the image a little. In the original, one of the women’s breasts is exposed. On the wallet, there’s an extra lock of hair that discreetly covers it. Um, it’s just a boob, people, and not even a real one. This isn’t a photo, it’s a painting. We’re not talking porn, here. It’s art! Now, if Playboy comes out with centerfold-printed accessories, then we can talk about artfully covering some bits and pieces. But if you’re going to build a company on using works of art to sell shoes, handbags, wallets, and whatever else, either keep the works intact or choose some that don’t have nudity in them. Or here’s another idea—don’t be so prude! Anyway, the wallet is made entirely of printed leather, with contrasting trim that has a bronze metallic sheen to it. The interior features multiple pockets to hold money, credit cards, ID, and there’s a center zip pocket for change. The wallet zips all the way around, so it’s easy to access what you need. The bronze leather tassel zipper pull adds a nice touch. Carry a work of art around with you for $155 at Zappos.com.
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I like the idea of an artsy, printed wallet for another reason—it’s not a plain, boring black or brown leather wallet that blends into the lining of your handbag. It stands out, becoming as much of an accessory as the handbag, even if it is hidden most of the time. If you’d still rather have a wallet that’s one color and not printed, especially with—gasp!—a covered up boob on it, check out this Cole Haan Voyage Collection travel zip wallet. It’s patent leather, and the color of a juicy Granny Smith apple. If you prefer, it also comes in fuchsia. It also has a ton of little compartments inside for all kinds of cards and money, and a center zip compartment for change. I don’t know about you, but I hardly ever carry cash anymore, so I’d probably use that zipper pocket to hold an extra house or car key. The wallet is also lined with logo jacquard fabric, and has a tiny logo plate on the outside. Like the Icon, it also zips around with a tasseled pull. It’s usually $178.95, but you can get it right now for just $115.83 at Zappos.com.
The more Lucky Brand stuff I see, the more I like it. I’ve run across a really cool laptop sleeve from them, as well as a couple of very pretty keychains that could double as jewelry. This Skiver clutch wallet looks ordinary on the outside, except maybe for the cute pleated accents on the front. But when you open it up, the interior is fully lined with a feminine floral printed fabric. Inside, it has ten card slots, a zip pocket, a long slip pocket for money, and a center zip pocket for change or other small items. There’s a bonus coin purse on the edge of the flap, and a clear ID window. It’s made from 100 percent leather, and has a top snap magnetic closure. I like this dark blue, called ultraviolet, color, but it’s also available in bourbon, which is basically brown, and has a slightly different printed fabric inside. Get both since it’s only $88 at Piperlime.com.
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