Designer Handbags

Finally some high quality stuff to be featured in our novelty section. The poor place has been collecting dust in the past months. But this time, some clever clutches promise to spice things up a notch. Robin Goetz and Joanna Lipman form the dynamic duo behind the New York City based company Femme Sud. They’ve both fancied vintage since early age, and their common passion for bags and jewelry from the early days eventually brought them together. Now, Robin was kind enough to email Megs about their sparking new Ex Libris Clutch Collection, and we just had to feature this new designer duo’s work. Simply fantastic.

Now, the Ex Libris collectible clutches come in six dazzling flavors. Birds & Bees, Datebook, Diary (pictured), Fame & Fortune, Our Wedding and Yearbook. Each of the clutches has their own cute theme to it, all are very girly and playful. The NYC handmade clutches are all made of italian lambskin and feature detailed embroidery that is carefully crafted. Its inside “pages” or pockets are lined in satin and carry a 3×5 inch oval mirror. Each book also features leather corners for inserting a 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 picture, making the clutches perfect as a gift for a special someone. A satin coin purse and lipstick are included as a cute extra on top. All of the clutched are limited to 999 and go for $595 a piece. Like the idea of a book clutch? Head over to Femme Sud and check our Robin’s and Joanna’s work.

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Lookin’ for a floral print bag with a little something extra? Personally, floral pattern is not always my thing- it is very hit or miss for me. Many times a miss, but a few times there has been a hit. Banana Republic’s Floral Geisha Bag is on the brink for me. This bag is part of the new limited edition collection from Banana Republic, made of silk and showing off some dangling tassel knots. Actually, I think if I could just chop off the tassels I might really like this bag. I haven’t seen a silk bag in a while, and this one is pretty cute. Along with the dark purple/blue silk body and floral pattern of the bag is pink rose-motif handles (acrylic handles) which I dig. The rose- motif and the rest of the bag intertwines a little Orient with a little flavor. Other specs on this bag that you might want to know about are: a magnetic flap closure, an inner zip pocket, satin lining, and overall dimensions being 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ x 3″. Nab this flavorful bag just under $50 { $48 via Banana Republic }.

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I remember being in charge of the class pet over the summer between 1st and 2nd grade, it was “Max” the hamster. I was so proud I was chosen to take care of Max. Oddly enough, Max was really a Maxette, who had babies. My mom was a little perturbed. I, of course, was the happiest camper out there! But when my mom began to make me clean the cage and feed them and be the ‘actual’ caregiver of the litter, I got sick of Max. Responsibility was not what I was looking for. Max and his family made it through the summer alive, and although he was the cutest little bugger out there, I was done being his makeshift Mommie.

I’m sure many of you think hamsters are cute. But would you carry a bag that looks just like one? I personally am a little confused by this Swarovski Embroidery and Strass Handbag because to me it looks so much like my hamster Max. This bag is made of 100% light fawn colored fox fur (unlike Max). The bag is made by the oh-so-famous Swarovski crystal company, so the bag definitely shows off some of their beautiful crystals. The bag radiates its Topaz and Dorado crystal embroidered flap, which also features crocodile skin, python and lambskin patchwork. The bag may be made for elegant and extraordinary evening wear, but the resemblance to Max is far too great for me to ever carry it. A bag like this does not come cheap, it’s being sold for 2780.00 Гў‚¬ via Luisaviaroma.

If any of you remember we featured Jal Purses a while back. The lovely Judith Lieber has now launched her site and I can’t help but re-feature her and show all of you reader’s just what a novelty her bags are. Her bags are one of a kind, so if you see one you like, you better buy it right away because if someone else beats you to it- you are out of luck. If any of you remember the movie The Sweetest Thing, the always hot Christina Applegate was carrying one of Judith Lieber’s bags in the club scene.

We featured an array of her bags before that you all should check out, but I also wanted to show you all a few new ones. Keep in mind that these bags are the only one like it you will ever see. Pay attention to the intricate detail Judith implements when crafting each bag and I am sure you will all realize why I am so drawn to these bags

First, I love this Jal Purses Sand Dunes Bag. The bag is made of copper wire lattice, copper-colored ribbon with metallic flecks, formed copper handles, sandstone beads, copper colored satin lining. The color is a silky chocolate and the sandstone beads add such an astonishing finishing touch. This bag would be perfect for a fancy night out or even add a beautiful touch to a casual-chic outfit. The dimensions are width: 5.5 ” & length: 6.5″. This bag costs $250 on JalPurses.

One of my other favorites happens to be the Jal Purses Lace Hankie. This bag caught my attention quickly. Because it is so extraordinarily different that anything you will see out there, how could you not want to carry this posh little clutch out with you? This beauty is made of fine silver wire, Swarovski Crystals, sterling silver chain handles, and grey organza interior and exterior lining. I just love how you can see the smaller inside compartment, from the lace silver wire outside. I wish I were skilled enough to create something like this. This bag’s size is W 7.5 ” and L 6.5″, which means it could fit the small accessories you would need to take out with you. This one is a bit more than the first, but well worth the price. Buy it for $350 also via JalPurses.

Last but not least, how could I ever leave out the Jal Purses Internet Bag? The name first drew me in, because of course, I am on the internet quite a bit. Yes, not the best reason, I know, but the bag will show you why I loved it. You know when you just want to own a fun bag? The kind of bag that shows everyone else that you are ok being fun and flirty, and not always needing to look like the most proper-sophisticated woman with a black suit and black bag? This bag is asking for fun. The bag is made of copper wire, moonstones, selected beads, and has blue/pink iridescent lining. Kind of quirky but also super exciting, you could use this bag to go out for the night (just like Christina Applegate did- but different fun bag) and show the world that you are the life of the party. The bag measures 6.25″x5.5″ and is also, of course, available through JalPurses for $300.

If you are interested hop on over to her site, Jal Purses, and browse all of her bags in her online purse gallery.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. I need all of your help for this one. It is about time I purchase a Chloe Paddington bag for this fall. But what color is the question? I know the bags are practically sold out everywhere, but I will keep my eye out and make some calls to see if I can get one (hopefully I can work some magic). So which color shall it be - blue, red, tan, or black? Let me hear what you all think and why!

I was very contently browsing around the very lux European designer website, luisaviaroma.com until I spotted this. Jigga wha?? Strangely this is under the handbag section. Is this someones idea of a joke? 257 euros (about $310) can get you this Frankie Morello fox stole handbag, hand puppet, something or other. Hmmm. Do you think I need to get on a waitlist?

You know how you can see a bag, and then you can imagine what outfit it would look perfect with? I do it all the time. Somebody needs to tell my brain I am not an heiress to a multi-billion dollar corporation, I can not even afford my own thoughts. But I can share them with you and see if any of you agree or think crazy thoughts like myself. I often find myself looking at a bag that is impractical. A bag that would only match a handful of outfits (that I probably do not even own). But when I get that image in my head, I’m done. It’s embedded in my memory and I want to nab that look. This is where my biggest problems come into play. Which of you do the same thing? (Somebody please speak up and make me think I’m not alone in this world!!)

So when I ran into this Zac Posen Raffia and Leather Studded Clutch my mind immediately began to think of the perfect outfit with it. I have it in my head perfectly. Too bad it’s only about one outfit I can think of. But nevertheless this bag is more practical than one would assume. A classic pair of jeans and a tee could be seen with this bag and all would be good! Made of beautiful blue leather and nude raffia, this curved clutch gives me something to smile about. The bag also shows off a metallic ‘Z’ design and silver studs, who doesn’t show studs now-a-days? Also the bag has red lining with blue stitching and silver studs in cut-out detail on front, plain cut-outs on back and a thin leather strap. The interior is lined in soft beige suede and contains an interior pocket. Just what the doctor ordered! I love a bag that is out of the ordinary, and this bag does it for me. Here comes what the doctor did not order, the rather exorbitant $690 price tag on Net-A-Porter. I guess this leaves me with my perfect mental image of myself with the bag for now…

Spartacus was gorgeous right? The man I mean. I think so. Or maybe that is just how they portrayed him in the movies. But I do know that Brad Pitt looked amazingly gorgeous in Troy. Actually many of my guy friends (including you Vlad!) not only admitted to finding Brad Pitt gorgeous, but also admitted to watching the movie just for him. Yes, you men out there do actually judge other men. We all know it. And it is OK. So when I think of this Yves Saint Laurent Sparte Hobo, I am seriously reminded of Troy or Joan of Ark or Spartacus. I just could never see myself wearing it. The bag looks ancient. I am supposing that was the point, but still, not my style.

The YSL Sparte Hobo features front sided metallic leather fringe with goldtone hardware while the rest of the handbag is made of suede. The shoulder strap has adjustable buckles which you can alter to be as long as short as you like. If you are preparing to run around Troy with the bag, make sure you tighten the straps. The hobo has a hidden magnetic snap closure and is lined in satin and has an inside zip pocket. Sizing in at a burly 11″H X 12″L X 1″W this ancient bag can be yours for $995 at Saks.

How about them apples? This year, many designers take the forbidden fruit and slap it on their summer bags, e.g. Luella did with her Gisele. Others take the trend and turn their bags into the fruit itself. What comes out of this metamorphosis is the Pollini Apple Bag. The italian made handbag is made of all leather with a patent trim. The slim dual top handles are too short for the bag to be carried on the shoulder, but still visually work well with the overall appeal of the cute bag. An inside magnetic snap closure keep the apple closed, while an apple logo print covers its lining. Leather feetsies protect the bag from dirt when set down. Caught on to the taste? Then go ahead and grab the fruit for a sinful $475 via Zappos.

As we reported over a month ago, Takashi Murakami brought his exuberant art to Louis Vuitton with the release of their limited Monogram Panda series. Availability for the US had been very limited thus far, but finally you can get your hands on one of those rather extravagant LV creations. For $585, you can grab the LV Monogram Panda Trotteur, for example (left). The bag features the Monogram Panda canvas with natural cowhide trim and golden metal hardware, and an adjustable leather shoulder/cross-body strap. The leather corners and bottom are reinforced for long life span. A smaller version of the Panda’ized classic Monogram is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Panda Pochette Accessoires for $345 (link). Featuring the same materials, this pochette sports a removable leather strap with 5″ drop which can be linked to the D-ring found in many Louis Vuitton accessories. Both available now through eLuxury.com.