Designer Handbags

Granted this evening bag is quite pricey for the size, but it is also a work of art and a total masterpiece. A Judith Leiber piece nearly guarantees that you have bought an intricately designed bag that will have nearly every gawking. The Judith Leiber Limited Edition Venus Miniaudiere touts a picturesque sea-shell frame with an array of champagne, pink, and clear Austrian crystal detailing which are all meticulously placed in a stunning wave like pattern. Gold-tone hardware and a lock closure finish the simple clutch which dabbles into pure extravagance because of the crystal detailing. The price is not cheap, pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3995, but the craftsmanship and detailing makes the price justifiable.

To make life fair, I must now post a picture of Jessica Simpson and talk about her handbag style since I did about her sister (ok that is not how the world works typically). But I could not pass up this gorgeous green clutch that Miss Jessica has been seen sporting around the world with. Jessica Simpson’s Christian Louboutin Satin Evening Bag manifests its beauty and grace in a delightful color that stands out perfectly with her new chocolaty brown locks. One of the hit colors for spring, this emerald green satin clutch features a feminine bow detail and a fold over closure. Thumbs up Jessica!

Via Christian Louboutin

** Edit: Jessica is carrying the Patent Leather version not Silk **

A native New Yorker, I am quite used to having the best brands abundantly available at better prices than anywhere else. As the joke goes, “Someone’s got to pay retail!” Having spent a great deal of time in London, I have discovered some exclusive British luxury brands that should not be overlooked. Tanner Krolle was founded in 1856 to produce bespoke (i.e. custom-made) luxury travel bags and accessories for the wealthy landed classes of London. In the 1990’s the house was owned by Chanel, but was reacquired by British owners who were determined to bring the brand the attention of the luxury goods market. Tanner Krolle uses absolutely top quality leather and exotic skins that are treated and finished to exacting specifications. Tanner Krolle has a limited distribution network and therefore limited production of bags and shoes. The result is TRUE exclusivity and an attention to detail and workmanship not found in more well-known lines.

I am mad about the Sam Brown line, which is produced in different leathers every season. The three-button version rivals Mulberry’s Bayswater as the choice of satchel-swinging sweater gals of London. The Sam Browns all feature a classic shape with shiny button hardware concealing magnetic closures, a fold-over top and handles that can easily slip over the shoulder. The Tanner Krolle Mini Sam Brown Handbag in silver Scratch Leather has a trouble-free surface and a lady-like appearance. It’s $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, about to be marked down 30%. Contact your nearest Saks or order via Tanner Krolle online.

The Tanner Krolle Big Ben Evening Handbag (right), a limited edition piece, is an homage to the big clock on the Thames. The cognac colored Karung snakeskin has a smaller scale than more common python, and give a sleeker appearance. The rose gold hardware and chains and a white silk satin lining add to the subtle glamour of this prize. At ВЈ550 ($1000) via Tanner Krolle, it’s quite reasonable for such a beautifully crafted exotic-skin bag. You know I’ll be waiting in line at the door for the post-Christmas sale on this. I have python Tanner Krolle sandals, and the skins are the best I have ever owned. You won’t find lots of Tanner Krolle in the United States, but if you are in London, do visit one of the stores - Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, or Burlington Place just off Bond Street - and learn about this very exclusive and luxurious line. And don’t miss their sales - devastating!

Written by guest blogger: Pointie.

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Greek mythology was never my thing. There were a few stories I always remembered, but other than that I could never tell all the different God’s and Goddesses apart. However, a slight few stuck in my mind and memory. Pegasus is one of them. Pegasus is known as the “Thundering Horse of Jove” and was a winged horse that was fathered by Poseidon with Medusa. Lesson in Greek mythology ends here! The Blush B-Lush Evening Pegasus Handbag sports Pegasus detail on the front flap on top of the topaz leather body. There is a woven handle and an interior zip compartment. Overall, the bag measures 10″L x 5″H and is on sale at ShopBop for $171.50.

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I am well aware of the fact that my evening bag collection is lacking big time. Come to think of it, I am here in NYC with only small clutches and wristlets, or big big everyday bags, but no evening bag or bag for going out on the town. That *has* to change. Tonight I may be using my Wapity, but there are some chic clutches that could make do also. The Lulu Guinness Pearls of Wisdom Frame Purse is a black satin clutch handbag with detailed embroidery and beading detail. The pro is the beading is a bit cheaper because it is merely beads and not pearls, the con is you are not getting pearls. The embroidery reads ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ is available through Lulu Guinness for approximately $175.28.

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On the search for a perfectly flashy evening bag I stumbled across the Ripani Jeweled Black Evening Bag. In my opinion, the style resembles Versace with its extraordinary glamorous accent in form of a goldtone metal front, adorned with Swarowski crystals. The handle is detachable and features a magnetic snap for easy access. For a mere $179, this clutch is a real steal.

To start off Metallic Friday with a shiny bang, let me introduce you to the Dolce & Gabbana Watersnake Mini Bag. This bag is totally in your face, quite possibly a bit too much in your face for many of us (including myself). But what I do know is whether the sun is shining or not, this D&G bag will be gleaming. Made from metallic watersnake, this mini bag shows off logo charms, has an adjustable strap, and has four card slots on the inside. mini bag with zip-around closure that opens up to center divider and four card slots, perfect for keeping your belongings organized. This little bag is not for me, but I knew it was a good way to start off the glitz and gold of yet another grey day. Sizing up at 4″H X 5″L X 1″W this bag is a whole lotta bang for such a compact little mini. Buy it via Saks for $395.

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Well, it is quite nice for me to see that I am not the only person who has technical difficulties when it comes to technology. Apparently, so do the fine people behind BergdorfGoodman.com. While doing my daily search for bags, I ran into a beautiful evening bag. Catching, swanky, and showy I knew I had to write about it. But the picture for the bag is… nothing. It’s a half of a half. Damnit my hopes are down. Doesn’t mean I can’t write about this evening bag- the info stays the same and the picture is from the main page with some writing- but it will suffice.

The Toos Fringed Evening Bag is quite boisterous. I’m not sure if I could wear this bag, but I would sure love to try. Made of olive green silk satin with allover long fringe and a sequined body, this evening bag will make you the eye-candy of the night. The bag also shows off golden hardware and features a top handle with rings (7 4/5″ drop). Also, the framed top style adds a beautiful structured shape along with the faux-jeweled top clasp. On the inside you will find an inside pocket and full silk lining. Hopefully Bergdorf gets this picture straight before the bag comes in stock, which is estimated to be 11/07/2005. You can pre-order the bag if you’d like (luckily there is a picture to go off on the main page), or wait to see some better specs. This outlandish evening bag can be yours via Bergdorf Goodman for $1,475.

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I think it’s perfectly fine to be attention whoring once in a while. Steal that attention from other gals and put yourself in the spotlight… go ahead, make them jealous. I know you ladies just love to stand out of the crowd, some more, some less, some often, some occasionally, but deep down inside, you all have the primal drive to outrun the fellow female Homo sapiens in the race for the prime male flesh. Denial is futile. In order to make your game a little easier, I’d personally suggest the Felix Rey Mini Metal Mesh Ruffle Bag. This small evening number stood out enough to catch our attention at the Bendel store, with its twinkling mesh exterior, reflecting the light beams like it was its only purpose. This bag would do great with a long black evening dress, and with its shine, you are guaranteed to attract everyone’s looks in the room that you bless with your attendance. For $195, available in gold, silver, bronze, or black.

You know something that really grinds my gears… when a store advertises a bag a certain way, and then you later realize there are various parts you have to buy to make it look that way. I know it is all about presentation. But even online? You mean to tell me that online they do that too? Well they do. I ran into this Prada Leather Envelope Bag and thought it was so tastefully done. But read the specs a little further to see that the butterfly trick is sold separately. Is that not false advertisement?? (Ok it’s not since they mention that it is sold separately but still the picture really got my hopes up high) The rest of the bag is really quite cute. It is made of gold leather, with a detachable silver chain strap, and silver metal hardware. The dimensions of this little one are 5″H x 7 4/5″W. The leather bag is actually quite reasonably priced for Prada, $334 via Neiman Marcus, and the butterfly trick (which adds such a beautiful touch to the bag) is of course a whopping $138 also through Neiman Marcus.