The “Dentelle” floral lacing on Louis Vuitton’s new Speedy is kind of beautiful, until it’s embroidered onto the busy LV monogram pattern both the company and fans are addicted to.

Do I like it? As a fan, but not an obsesser, I can be fair. And personally, I say put it on a light canvas, like the designer’s Damier Azur, and it could really rock. Of course, putting it on a more “blank” canvas, like a black suede - would truly make it art.

A lot of Vuitton’s monogram embellishments are things crafty and creative fans can do themselves. (And they even come up with their own ideas and post photos online.) And well, I think I could seriously make this with the embroidery machine I just purchased on eBay (I’m ecstatic). Still, I’d rather put it onto my own print, which I can make myself as well with either screening or printable fabric I also purchased and my new ink jet printer (needed a fax upgrade - finally!). Yes, I am awesome.

OK back to the ponderment at hand. LV’s Dentelle MC Speedy 30, is it a classic made elegant or an overpriced exploitation by Marc Jacobs of the house? Fabulous or … trashtastic?

The Spice Girls are back for a (teeny tiny: read very few cities) “world” tour and I’m excited. Or I was until I came to this thought: the Spice Girls were interesting partly because of their individuality and fun looks. Sure, it was all so fashionably criminal to the capitol extent, but somehow deliciously appealing. (Or well hey, I was about 15, so what can I say.)

Here is what the “girls” look like now: UPGRADE = absolutely (except for Posh, absolute reversal in the wrong direction, so sad… Get the brunette dye on your head PRONTO!)

And here is an example of Original Spice:

Although the women now look more beautiful and stylish, their old costumes showed off lots of color, pizazz and personality. And I feel the way they differentiated themselves added tremendously to their success. Fans got to know and love them more, and audiences could tell the members apart. Plus a stage show is more interesting with wild looks.

On the other hand, we’re in a more grown up time, so would the old schtick work? Well, I feel fans want to recapture the old magic.

So can there be SPICE without FLAVOR?