Designer Handbags

Image via Forbes

First we have the least costly of them all, the Leiber Dandelion Suede Gator Handbag. Coming in at $15,000, this yellow gator bag with 18 carat gold is very limited (only four made) and very chic. I love the yellow but I guarantee you that I would not carry this bag much. Just for some very special occasions on special nights. Hard to think this is nearly the price of two Birkins!

I will be the first to admit that my collection of handbags lacks a croc bag. It makes me sad at times, like I am doing exotic bags an injustice. Don’t get me wrong, I want a croc bag but I just have to find the perfect one. And right now, as much as a croc Birkin would be amazing, it is not on the ‘I can afford this or even get my hands on it’ realistic list. I am fairy certain that I will add a Nancy Gonzalez croc bag to my collection soon, but there can still be contenders. It is time to check out a bag and say Yay or Nay! The Henry Cuir Crocodile Eucaliptus Bag is a large frame bag made with a softer looking croc skin and chunky stitching. I am not really drawn to it. It looks like the croc piece starts over after the middle break in the bag, which is a major turn off to me. Even the coloring looks different, while I would want a mirror image when split down the middle. And it is still pricey; a whopping $6200 via Barneys.

So what do you say? Yay or Nay?

Sleek sophistication at its finest, the Lanvin Metallic Montrogueil Handbag features a sheer metallic gold leather on a stunning structured bag. Lanvin has hit big in the past year, with simple bags that show style and class. As we all know, metallic is still in for spring/summer and this light gold metallic is a stunning rendition of the trend. There is a turnlock closure and a structured zippered bottom compartment to store the not so readily available necessities (perfect spot for medicine you must travel with, epi pen, and anything else ugly or not chic!). Double leather handles or the removable gold chain shoulder strap finish this stunner off. The understated beautiful bag measures 12.5″x16″x6.5″. Buy it through Barneys for $2105.

Image via Forbes

Ralph Lauren must have either been in the dog house or is the best husband ever when he decided to name his chic and luxurious handbag after his wife, Ricky. The Ralph Lauren Ricky Handbag is an exclusive bag said to be made of exotic croc (although there is also a gator version that hit the runway). Silver crocodile gives a metallic shine or you can opt for a shocking orange version, only available at the RL Japanese flagship store. The price of a bag like this is not cheap, $14,000 via exclusive Ralph Lauren boutiques.

Via Forbes

If you had $36,000 spare dollars, which would you buy?

The hoopla behind the Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dresses has yet to die down. It may have taken a small itsty-bitsy step down, but it is far from falling. To me, this is still what DVF is known for, her wrap dresses and sultry apparel line. Who would have known she makes accessories, and enormously pricey ones at that. I am all for thinking outside of the box and following your heart, and DVF does just that, follows her heart full of gold to design the Diane von Furstenberg Heart Bag. Now I am pretty sure Diane herself is not slaving for two months over creating this bag, but this piece of art is created by a master goldsmith over a two month time period. The amount of gold is astronomical for a handbag, or just to own. Merely half a foot in diameter, the gold heart bag is lined with lush black suede and features a silk black strap. Some of you thought the Judith Leiber Bag was only to be looked at, well now what do you think of this? Personally, give me $36k to spare and I’d much rather opt for a stunning BMW 328i Coupe and still have $700 to spare. If you are high rolling, buy this masterpiece of gold art through DVF for $36,000.

What would you buy with $36,000?

{Thanks Caitlin!}

Although I have what I consider an amazing handbag collection, a luxe croc piece is still missing (but will soon be purchased, I am sure

). In my dream world (come on, get your feet wet and step into it with me), my first croc purchase would be a Hermes Croc Kelly Clutch, which is so unbelievably drool worthy you can not even imagine. But that is merely my dream world, and right now we need to step back into reality. The reality world that tells me my bank account would seriously turn its back on me if I were to buy that bag. But to find a luxe piece does not mean you need to spend thousands upon thousands. We have talked about the stunning colors and beauty behind Nancy Gonzalez exotics before and now we will talk about the beauty behind Henry Beguelin. Admire the Henry Beguelin Crocodile Doctor Handbag with me. Luscious brown crocodile offset with cream stitching combine to make this doctor bag an impeccable option. There is a shoulder strap along with top handles, a zip top closure, and the Henry Beguelin signature stick figure on the front. While not super cheap, it is quite affordable as far as exotics go: Pre-order via Neiman Marcus for $1438.

Sick of blue yet? Well here’s another blue beauty for you. Hope you can handle it. I am loving this Anya Hindmarch Pipa Leather Frame Handbag. The ladylike structure and the understated hardware make for a gorgeous classic, and the textured leather, white stitching, and tiny little bow details add a little whimsical fun and femininity. I would love this bag with jeans or a sleek all-white outfit for spring. Nab it now for $925 at Net-A-Porter.

by Nerdphanie!

There was a day when Alexander McQueen handbags went from “Who?” to “Hot” overnight. It was with the birth of the coveted design the Novak, which was soon seen being sported on everyone who knew the hot ‘it’ bags of the moment. Some loved the bag because of the people who wore it, some loved the design, but what really mattered is that the bag was loved. Since then, the Novak has been re-designed with knit, made as an evening clutch, but none of the designs caught my eye as much as the original. Now I have a reason to fall in love all over again. Hear my heart beat while I gaze at this perfectly detailed masterpiece, the Alexander McQueen Floral Leather Novak Handbag. I hold a special place in my heart for works of art, and I consider this petrol floral laser-cut bag with butterfly appliqu detailing to be magnificent. Gold hardware and a navy leather frame body offset the dainty detailing, along with double top handles, feet on the base, and a turn clasp front fastening. Can you even take in all the intricate beauty? Take in the price and you can take home the bag: through Net-A-Porter for $2085.

Recognize her? No? Look a little closer. Isn’t there something just a teeny bit familiar? That boxy shape, those front pockets…ah, you get it now. Yes, our girl Roxanne has gone punk. I almost said goth, but those studs are definitely punk rock. What happened to her, you ask? Well, Ms. Mulberry here has been hanging out with Giles Deacon, who decided to give her a little makeover. He got his hands on some of her friends too, and come springtime, there will be a whole gaggle of Giles-influenced Mulberry girls. Now, do we like Roxy’s new look? Let’s see. The initial shock is none too pleasant, I suppose. Is that patent leather the Mulberry Roxanne by Giles is wearing all over her body? And studs placed right on the nipples? And gold AND silver hardware? Why this is madness, I say, what were her parents doing? But then the shock dies down. Okay, she certainly isn’t her old self and this look is anything but classic - but it’s a phase! Can’t she go through a rebellious phase? It’s even a little refreshing to see her dressed up like this, even a little…cute. This Roxanne can play with a whole new crowd of girls, a crowd that will be almost entirely distinct from the crowd she used to play with. But maybe some of her old friends will stay royal. After all, blue jeans and a simple tee don’t clash with her new style at all. Sure she’s over the top, but let the girl have some fun! Pre-order her to take for a spin at Luisaviaroma for 1150 Euros. She may not be your BFF, but hanging out with her will make you feel dangerous - and for us four-figure-purse-toting gals, that feeling sure is fun.

By nerdphanie, the Shopping Nerd!

“The Zac Posen woman is an intelligent woman who loves rare and exceptional things. She’s adventurous and extremely sexy. … Personal style is part of her way of thinking, of shopping and buying,” Zac Posen said. On his quest to establish a fashion empire, the 25 year old designer has recently started a line of handbags that are already seen being carried by A-list celebs. Not that what the celebs carry is what makes or brakes a designer, but many people do follow the footsteps and trends of Hollywood. Perfectly sexy, the Zac Posen Aurora Leather Handbag can bring out the sophisticated woman in any of us. Out of the color palette, this is the mos sultry and luscious red leather I have seen. The divine red leather is offset by silver hardware and brown panel trim. A chunky silver chain falls across the body of the bag and has a mirror on the end which can be tucked in a pocket near the base of the bag. That mirror is perfect for the compulsive ‘do I have anything in my teeth’ checkers. Brown suede lining finishing off this beautiful handbag. Most people at 23 are trying to find their way after college, through long vacations and any other means to put off the real world. Zac Posen is on his quest to take over the world, which he may just do. Available via Net-A-Porter for $1400.