Designer Handbags

Disclaimer: I hate the new naked bag trend. I know these clear plastic and PVC bags are waterproof, and Chanel’s doing it, and blah blah blah, but I don’t need anyone to know what I’m keeping in my bag. Yeah, you can line it with a scarf, but the scarf might slip, revealing your tampons, your soggy half-eaten sandwich, your weed pipe, your knife fetish. I carry my life in my purse, and people are judgmental enough without these little details at their disposal. So there’s the disclaimer.

Here’s the blog. I love this S/S 07 Dolce & Gabbana Miss Blade Handbag. I don’t know if I would buy it for the reasons stated above, but it’s freakin’ cool. Check this out: it’s two bags in one without any of that cop-out reversible business. From one side, it’s this funky clear bag - and to its credit, it’s not entirely transparent - with a bit of a fortune-cookie to its shape, fun handle placement, and sweet side flaps. Now put your hands to those side flaps and compress the hell out of this thing, and you have a classy little patent bag with a gold chain. Very now without risking a big faux pas. You could take this more demure version to a nice dinner, and no one would know that you’re one transformation away from showcasing your flavored condoms or whatever else you have stashed in there, you naughty, naughty girl, you. Pre-order this changeling purse for 995 euros, around $1,307.13 at Luisaviaroma. Expected to ship in March.

By nerdphanie, The Shopping Nerd.

Is this a winter wonderland must or a winter wonderland bust? This blond haired babe is decked in D&G snow white from head to toe. Do you dig the D&G Dolce & Gabbana Winter Outfit?

Speak to us people!! Post your thoughts on the forum or in the comments!

So we all know the Muse is hot, white is hot, and python is hot. Pair them all together and you have a potential on fire hot handbag. This is true of many bags, but when I turn over the price tag- it all becomes not worth it. I begin to think of Hermes Kelly’s, half Birkin’s, trips to Paris, and I am brought back to my own little reality (if that is even *that* bad). If you were super nice this year, Santa may place the Yves Saint Laurent Large Python Muse Handbag under your tree (that is, of course, if you are into hot handbags, white, and python). Embodying the usual Muse handbag we all know YSL so well for, this rendition is done for the Resort 2007 Collection. Offset by goldtone hardware, this handbag features satin lining and measures 11″H X 17″L X 3″W. Nice or not, the price tag of of $3295 via Saks is not justifiable for what you get here in my opinion, even if it comes from Santa.

A Lanvin handbag is an easy way to say, “I’m a classy chick.” This Lanvin bag says, “I’m a classy chick but I can rock a giant silver chain.” I love this bag. I wish it were mine. The subtly textured inky blue is such a rich color. It makes me think of royal satins and watercolors and midnight. The hardware is absolutely perfect. Not only is the silver right on, I wouldn’t change a thing about the design of the hardware. The plate with the turnlock closure is just the right size, the detail on the handles extending down like sleek suspenders is so cute, and the zipper compartment actually adds to the bag. I have seen too many fine bags ruined by superfluous zipper compartments and I am thrilled to see that this pragmatic option can exist without damaging the visual effect of a bag. That chain, on the other hand, can’t be very practical. It’ll leave chain-loop welts on any shoulder to be sure, especially if the carrier is taking advantage of the multiple compartments of this delicious bag and thus making it heavy. It would look lovely handheld, though, with the just-short-of-blingy chain hanging nicely to the side. Perhaps, though, the chain would be useful in heated social situations when one is compelled to choke a bitch. In which case this bag relays the sweet message, “I’m a classy chick but I will f*** you up.” Now that is something I’ve always wanted in a handbag. Get it at luisaviaroma.com for 1198 Euros, which is somewhere in the ballpark of $1587.59.

By nerdphanie, The Shopping Nerd.

Up and coming Marni is at it again with another handbag that is sure to make quite a splash. The Marni Large Patent Bowling Bag intermixes ebony patent leather alongside gathered material and a structured top. Consuela Castiglioni has headed this Italian label since its birth in 1994 and and the designs can be described as ‘artsy, out of the ordinary; funky fashion student-with a trust fund.” Upon first inspection of this handbag, the gathered sections, sleek patent leather, and mod appeal jumps out. Not over the top and not looking like Castiglioni had to try to hard, the bag flows perfectly into trendy perfection with a sharpened sense of style. The size is large but not overpowering, with a width of 55cm x length of 38cm x depth of 23cm. Via Browns for $1209.

Gwen Stefani is sexy, has a hot hubby, adorable baby, amazing voice, her own clothing and accessory line, and can pull of red lipstick. Really, what more could you ask for? Her recent release of the L.A.M.B Love Handbags are sure to be a big hit with their grown up appearance which reflects this Hollywood babe’s ever maturing and changing life. Top left we have the L.A.M.B. Love Capri Satchel which features leather and logo velvet and is finished with gold-plated hardware. The satchel has a zip top closure, logo stripe lining, and an interior zip pocket. Buy it through Nordstrom for $550. My personal favorite is the L.A.M.B. Love Venezia Satchel which I adore in white with its gold plated hardware and gold detailing on the handle. Logo velvet inset is paired with this chic leather satchel and sports a hinged frame closure. Buy it via Nordstrom for $725. Last but not least we have the L.A.M.B. Love Catania Large Clutch which rivals for a spot in your hand for a night on the town. Like the other accessories from the Love collection, this clutch features logo velvet insets around the leather clutch and gold-plated hardware. There is a magnetic snap closure and the clutch is available in black, stone (brown), and white via Nordstrom for $375. Wind it up and grab some L.A.M.B goodies!!

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The first time I saw the Liberty of London Frame Carriage Shoppers was when I flipped through POP magazine. I saw this ad and mesmerized by the look and design of the bags, the quality of the bags captured well there. But my knowledge about this bag or brand was very limited, so a great fellow PFer who lives in UK helps me find out about this great bag.

The design represents everything I’m looking for in a bag, vintage frame purse style, great materials (leather and velvet), and it’s BIG! These bags are available in various color and styles including:

plain leather in black or in brown

embossed leather in black (as seen on the ad)

embossed velvet in taupe (gold) and in black (as seen on the ad)

The Liberty of London Frame Carriage Shoppers’ size is 65 x 30 cm and they are available for 695ВЈ at Liberty of London flagship store in UK or by mail order at for international inquiries.

Written by guest blogger: seahorseinstripes.

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Typically if you are going to attempt to sell an expensive handbag, you will also attempt to take a decent picture. This way the potential buyer will understand and be able to visualize the bag more. Barney’s, I love you, but this picture is that of deplorable quality. The Thomas Wylde Oxford Circus Handbag may very well be rocker-chick meets sophisticated chic but we will never know because of the picture. Thomas Wylde handbags are a growing hit with their skull detailing and rebellious touch, yet a picture truly is worth 1,000 words. Whether or not this was Barney’s idea or Wylde’s herself (doubtable), this is a major bag turn-off. Either way the Thomas Wylde Oxford Circus Bag is designed with Oxford Circus supple leather, skull rivet and zipper pull details, and thick grungy chain double handles. Measuring 14″x9″x12.5″, the size is great, the materials seem great, and the bag unbeknownst to all may truly be great- but the attempt at an artistic touch with shadowing and a bag hanger needs to go when advertising an expensive hot bag to an online crowd. Via Barney’s for $2,360.

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My lovely organic lunch just nearly came out of my mouth. Karl Lagerfeld made a blunder when he designed the all metallic gold or silver Fendi Metallic Mini B Bag from the Cruise Collection. This bag is so deliriously hideous that I am positive the brain fart Mr. Lagerfeld had while designing this was ginormous. This fug bag features floral embroidered buckles and velvet piping along with either awful gold or silver luminous snake embossed metallic leather. The chain link handles are removable. All 51вЃ„2″H X 8″L X 11вЃ„4″W inches of this bag makes me gag. I can’t decide which is worst- the silver or gold. Gag me for $1390 via Saks.

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We have a new category called “Introducing…”. This category is where I can post all new designers that I have heard of and are trying to break into the world of handbags. I recently received an email from Oovoo who create handbags that have a unique blend of Asian and Western influences which makes them handcrafted works of art. The name of the company is so much fun and the bag of my choice is the Oovoo Bella Handbag which is ‘flirty, feminine and fun!’ This bag is a clamshell zipper bag with black leather pleats and handles. The hand-embroidered accents add the Asian and Western feel Oovoo focuses on and gives the bag something extra. Measurements are 14″W X 14″H X 2″D and this bag is available via Oovoo for $175.

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