Designer Handbags

Call the Dr, I think I have an addiction! So I told you all I would not be posting while on vacation (other than saved posts I did before the trip), but here I am in my hotel in Barcelona posting. Whoops. I felt the need to check in and have downtime right now waiting for my friend to get to the hotel. After my lovely $45 USD cab ride (which was 25 Euros, and then some, but I had to give American dollars because I ran out of Euros… LONG story!), I got to check into my hotel early, THANKFULLY, and already napped! So thoughts keep coming back in my head of all the travelers and Spaniards I have met so far that have told me to keep my handbag near by. Will someone really want to steal from me, an American tourist??

Of course I am a prime suspect. But please don’t pick pocket me or take from me, because I have found a clutch that I just have to have. I am having a strong premonition that I will not leave Bottega Veneta empty handed while in Italy. For a small piece of Bottega Veneta heaven, there is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Black Leather Clutch. Simplicity at its finest, the signature woven leather forms a triangular clutch that has a fold over top with a magnetic closure. I wish the inside were lined in supple suede, but canvas will do when the clutch merely costs $560 via Net-A-Porter. Depending on the exchange rate etc, I may have to pick this baby up in the next few days will in Italy.

Adios all from Barcelona!!

Hey guys, it’s Nerdphanie, aka the Shopping Nerd. I’ll be holding house until Megs is back from gallivanting about Europe, so be good to me! Anyway, feast your eyes on this Bottega Veneta Old Petra anaconda tote bag! I’ve actually seen this beauty with my own eyes, held it with my own hands, and let me tell you, it is a knock-out bag. The anaconda is perfectly soft and the bag is supple and delicious. The warm dark pink Old Petra is my favorite Bottega color this season. It reminds me of my favorite ice cream bar, a perfect little swirl of purple-brown red bean and milk. I love the clasp, too. According to the SA I talked to, Bottega only does these exquisite clasps for exotic bags, and this clasp really cinches the bag for me. The shape is also just perfect, with a little bit of slouch and a pinch of masculinity to balance the extravagance of anaconda. My only complaint would be that it doesn’t fit on the shoulder, but looking at the model carrying it, I would say it looks pretty cool handheld (if you’re stunning and six feet tall). I’ve also held it in front of a mirror and I’m a measly 5′5, so really, it works. The one thing I don’t like? The $4,540 price tag. If that doesn’t hinder you, get thee to your local Bottega and start asking away. To see more styles, check out Bottega Veneta’s website.

Bottega Veneta is automatically associated with lush and buttery soft leather. If you have not felt one of the gloriously designed Bottega bags, you need to do so immediately, you will just melt. Yet Bottega Veneta also is making an impact on the exotic world. Using fine croc skin, this Bottega Veneta Croc Messenger Bag is designed to be easy to carry and look stunning. There are two front pockets, one large and one small, and gold plaque detailing on the front. A zip top closure finishes this exotic off to a bag that is taller than it is wide. I am sure it costs a pretty penny. More info via Bottega Veneta online or your local BV retailer.

image via style.com

There is nothing wrong with being feminine. Wearing pink, sporting a bow, twirling your hair around your finger, embracing your curves, wearing heels, enjoying chick flicks, etc. The spring/summer 2007 line from Bottega Veneta embraces femininity by implementing pink and purple hues on many of their supple leather bags. All of these bags are love at first sight. Another stunner is the Bottega Veneta Chain Handle Bag which shows a slight tint of powder pink woven leather which is offset with pink patent woven trim. An elegant brass chain handle and brass lock close the bag. Sophistication at its finest with a touch of elegant femininity. Go girly at Net-A-Porter for $2760.

Personally, the thought of buying luxury luggage makes no sense. Even if the bag is just a carry on, you are looking to have it exposed to dirt, residue, spills, scuffs, tears, and stains. I am not sure it makes me a hypocrite, but I do travel with my designer bag as my ‘purse’ carry on, and many times my bag ends up sitting on my lap. But to roll on an extravagant piece of travel gear, the kind of extravagance that people only dream can be on their handbag, is absurd. Right? Must be wrong, because the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Trolley is being sold to the rich and famous and BV obsessed. Measuring approximately 20″ x 14″ x 9″, this trolley adheres to BV’s signature woven Nappa leather. The size is a perfect carry on, but if you have a commuter flight beware; your precious bag will get thrown under the plane with the rest of them, and undoubtedly will not be treated any kinder than the plain black luggage from Target next to it. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this piece, but until I am flying private plane only, this will not be on my list. Buy it through Bottega Veneta for $3960.

Next month, Europe better prepare itself for me; especially Barcelona, Monaco, Milan, and Venice, because I am on my way. While in Italy especially, I plan on visiting designer stores and have a special fund set aside for some purchases. While in Venice, Bottega Veneta will attain utmost attention from my eyes and bank account. Not sure about my next BV purchase, but for a perfect color and starter bag, the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Veneta Handbag in putty woven leather is delightful. A stunning lilac suede lining is on the inside with a zip pocket. Simplicity embarks a beautiful journey in this bag, similar to the one I plan on taking throughout Europe. Bag through Net-A-Porter for $1630.

When I am on the run, my wallet is used as a clutch. I run into the store with it and without the hassle of my handbag getting in the way (never leave your handbag in your car in any sort of plain view, it will be snatched!). Lucky for my I have a stunning black Dior Wallet that has held up amazingly well for 2.5 years now. But I am on the look for another wallet, a wallet that is simply irresistible such as the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Wallet. Signature weaving takes part in this brown leather wallet with exquisite and ornate gold chain detailing. There is a press stud closure and a zip fastening section for coins (which my current wallet is lacking) and a section for your coveted credit cards and notes. Seeing that this is Bottega Veneta, you will have no speculations that this bag is anything less than the best. Via Net-A-Porter for $720.

via FabSugar

Sunday night was a huge night for Ellen and all of the attendee’s and winners at the Oscars. Genuine, witty, and cool, Ellen DeGeneress hosted the hottest event said to be viewed by 1 billion people world wide. Now that is something huge. Of course the red carpet is the place to go if you are a fashion minded person and enjoy laughing and swooning within a matter of seconds. From the heinous to the gorgeous, celebs walked the carpet in designer ensembles hoping to catch the attention of viewers. Nicole Kidman who is a down to Earth gal with a stunning body, beautiful face, adorable accent, and acting career to kill for (oh yea, a hunky hubby with a great voice), showed up on the red carpet with a stunning red Balenciaga dress and a Bottega Veneta Clutch. The cream colored clutch perfectly accented the bold red dress. Loved her outfit and the clutch was the perfect addition. Check out a similar clutch via Net-A-Porter.

Check out FABSUGAR for more Oscar’s pictures!

I loved the Bottega Veneta show. Beautiful dresses, beautiful dresses, and beautiful bags! Bottega is known for its classic designs, and the house tends to reinterpret and reproduce their simple, perfect bags every season. If they weren’t so gorgeous, I might gripe, but look at these. The soft crocodile clutch in red might be even more beautiful than the Ebano version I blogged about a few weeks back. The fold over clutch has now been lacquered with a superb but understated sheen. The ball bag has been redone with charming studs for a younger, funkier look. Finally, the exotic shoulder bag in that warm apricot color! I don’t know that I’ve seen this design before, but I am in love! Sigh…fashion week is such torture. It’ll be months before we get to see more pictures of these wonderful bags!

Pictures via Style.com and blog post via The Shopping Nerd!

Growing up my parents had a hard time understanding where I developed my handbag loving roots from. My mom and dad were both the practical parents, stating that a bag is merely something that holds things. WHAT on Earth were they talking about?! All bags are not the same I thought to myself. I vowed to change their views on handbags, one designer bag at a time. I started small and worked my way up. Three years ago I stepped foot into Bottega Veneta Munich, and it was over. If you are looking for supple, you go to BV. I am on the hunt for a divine summer bag to be worn often and to make a statement. I have decided it will be a Bottega Veneta handbag, it is time I add another to my list. All of my attention is given to the simple putty leather that is delicately woven together and accented with gold hardware on the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Shopper Handbag. Trust me, if you have not seen any of Bottega’s Spring/Summer 2007 line yet, you need to check it out. From blush pinks, ivory, white, and a huge array of colors, there is so much to offer. I love this shopper because of the adjustable straps (looks as if it may be long enough to wear cross body) and the size, W16.5, H10, D6. There is also a small padlock fastening and a woven tab closure. My mom doesn’t know it yet, but she will be head over heels for this bag and we will just refrain from showing my practical mother the price tag; $2650 via Net A Porter.