Designer Handbags

Simple, creative, and exotic makes an evening clutch modern. The Alexandra Knight Ring Lizard Envelope Clutch meticulously uses only full lizard skins to avoid the cost cutting method of seaming. On the inside, there is lambskin lining and a hidden magnetic snap closure. Inside there is a small flat pocket. Sometimes all we need is simple design with a touch of exotic. Buy it on sale via Vivre for $926.

I love VBH clutches - they’re sleek, classy, and often very shiny. Me likey shiny. As much as I like them, though, I’d never seen one that knocked my socks off. They were getting kind of repetitive, with the same shape over and over again, and goodness knows, sometimes “classy” can be a euphemism for “boring.” Note, though, my use of past tense. Now check out the bitchin’ VBH Karung Poche Clutch. This baby is so bad-ass I wouldn’t blink an eye if an alpha-male rock star hung one from his guitar in concert. It’s made from karung leather - which, by the way, is not a word as far as m-w.com or oed.com are concerned, but is either a special snake or lizard skin - in a stand-out pewter with glitter trim. The sparkly trim comes in the form of fierce whiskers, not unlike the kind you could find on jeans a few years back that made your thighs look fat. This whisker trim will have no such effect. If that isn’t enough edge for your jaded little bag-hag eyes, take a look at the bold visible stitching. Now picture yourself in a tight black top, some pin-thin skinnies, and chili-red stilettos with this clutch in hand. That is hot with like eight t’s. Sex yourself up with this VBH karung poche, $1,590 at net-a-porter.

By nerdphanie, The Shopping Nerd.

I love VBH clutches - they’re sleek, classy, and often very shiny. Me likey shiny. As much as I like them, though, I’d never seen one that knocked my socks off. They were getting kind of repetitive, with the same shape over and over again, and goodness knows, sometimes “classy” can be a euphemism for “boring.” Note, though, my use of past tense. Now check out the bitchin’ VBH Karung Poche Clutch. This baby is so bad-ass I wouldn’t blink an eye if an alpha-male rock star hung one from his guitar in concert. It’s made from karung leather - which, by the way, is not a word as far as m-w.com or oed.com are concerned, but is either a special snake or lizard skin - in a stand-out pewter with glitter trim. The sparkly trim comes in the form of fierce whiskers, not unlike the kind you could find on jeans a few years back that made your thighs look fat. This whisker trim will have no such effect. If that isn’t enough edge for your jaded little bag-hag eyes, take a look at the bold visible stitching. Now picture yourself in a tight black top, some pin-thin skinnies, and chili-red stilettos with this clutch in hand. That is hot with like eight t’s. Sex yourself up with this VBH karung poche, $1,590 at net-a-porter.

By nerdphanie, The Shopping Nerd.

Earlier I mentioned the plain ways of the MJ Wallet, and now I will introduce you to a cheaper clutch that is much more classy and has more of the timeless effect. The Rodo Evelyn Clutch pairs together simplicity with stay power in this olive satin fan shaped clutch. The thin panels show a slight gathering of the material which adds evening class. A rhinestone clasp closes this beauty and there is an optional silver chain handle if you need use of both hands (Holiday parties bring out the drinking in us all). Affordably chic for the Holidays through Net-A-Porter $315.

If this bag were at the $1 store, I would not buy it. Yet this bag is at Saks and costs $1 times 1,350. GASP you say, and I agree. Nancy Gonzalez handbags are known for their exotic skins and typically she puts out some great items. Sometimes designs crash and burn and the Nancy Gonzalez Silver Ring Lizard Clutch is on its downward spiral. Silver lizard skin provides the base for leaf imprint detail on this fug bag. Honestly, at least opt for flower detail. No one wants to look at a aimless wandering leaf pattern on silver lizard skin. Nancy, stick with exotics but please, please, please do not drag yourself down with tacky colors and odd imprints. Pre-order via Saks for $1350.

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Today is the day boundless superfluous handbags, which really leaves you all to be the judge. Separate, fish scale, chain handle, brass dragon brooch, a green stone, and a press stud fastening, would work on a bag of choice. But throw them all together and you have designed a bag that would only work with your birthday suit outfit, if you know what I mean

. The Alexander McQueen Mini Novak Dragon Clasp Bag has so much going on that it has to ability to take away from every outfit you wear. Featuring the long list of materials and accessories mentioned prior, this small bag really packs a lot of bag in its small frame. If you can pull it off, more power to you. I would like to tell McQueen sometimes less is more. Buy it via Net-A-Porter for $1515.

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Granted this clutch can not match every outfit, if you are like most women you will wear a little black dress out on the town. You know that dress, the one that makes you feel super sexy and hits you in all the right spots. Smile and nod; it is ok if you want to go throw it on right now for whatever reason (bad day, just ate a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, boy problems). The Miu Miu Jacquard Clutch could add a spritz of color to that perfect black dress with its green, brown and silver jacquard style body. The corners add shine with gold plaques. Ruching at the top and a press stud fastening closure finishes off the ensemble. Get the party started through Net-A-Porter for $465.

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Taking Vlad shopping is always entertaining. I was experiencing cabin fever quite bad from being home all week with a sinus infection, so Saturday Vlad and I made a quick trip to the mall. You have to understand that Vlad is the typical man, who just so happens to be the webmaster for a Purse Blog and Forum. Being around me forces him to learn about bags and makes him try to decide which bags he likes. It makes me laugh a little, but it also goes to show what a great man I have. Long story short, while shopping we ran into some Botkier handbags with golden horns. The Mr totally dug these bags. Since he is off in Germany for two weeks, I will write about the Botkier Essex Clutch just for him. Sporting the bold and stylish gold horn and gold link chain, this clutch is sexy enough for the bold women who can pull off burgundy leather and gold hardware. Plenty big, the clutch measures 6″ tall by 11″ wide by 3″ deep and has a leather flap closure. On the inside there are three compartments for sexy red lipstick and black eye liner. Can you handle it? Buy it through Intermix for $525.

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Every year the Renaissance fair came to my town and every year I went and ate the largest pesticide infested pickles, watched live Chess, and gnawed on a turkey leg. One year my class took a field trip to the fair and for extra credit we could dress up; of course I dressed up because what kid does not want a 110% in 3rd grade? To top off my outfit I would have needed a perfect bag to carry my coins etc to barter at the market. Perfectly fitting for that era would be the Oscar de la Renta Gilded Suede Clutch which resembles a bag a dame from the Renaissance era would wear. A bit outdated for my taste with its black gathered suede, gold-tone beaded front, and framed top, yet still elegant. Available through Bergdorf Goodman for $995.

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Over the weekend Vlad and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. As the toasts got a bit long, I found myself staring at the women’s bags around me. I know that is probably the last thing I should be thinking of, but let’s face it, I am just that shallow. So I browsed the room and peeked my head over shoulders admiring some bags and gagging at others. But a beautiful diamond in the rough caught my eye. A woman in her mid 40’s was dressed to the 9’s, wearing killer heels and a gorgeous clutch. The clutch looked to be made of mother-of-pearl, very similar to the Celestina Mother of Pearl Clutch. This clutch emanates beauty and refinement with its smooth mother-of-pearl exterior with an oversized brass bracket. Celestina minaudiere bags can be describes as being “meticulously designed by Ms. Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Manila’s fashion icon, entrepreneur and designer, and painstakingly created by hand by the country’s finest craftsmen using age-old techniques and unique materials from different parts of the Philippines.” You all better believe I was dressed to kill (and had the most handsome date), but a clutch like this would have completed my outfit even more perfectly. Via Vivre for $1,115.

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