Designer Handbags

Garnering more and more attention, Tokidoki for LeSportsac has not be in a downer in any way. The designs are quirky, colorful, fun, and practical and the buzz surrounding these bags is getting as loud as a swarm of killer bees (friendly-killer-handbag-obsessed bees, but bees nonetheless). For the gals who want to make a statement, do it with an everyday messenger bag like the Tokidoki for LeSportsac ‘Ciao Ciao Large’ Flap Bag. The materials are simple, including an adjustable strap, zip pockets, and polyester, yet the ‘pirata’ print has got it all. Affordable funk through Nordstrom’s for $160.

*Check out our new Tokidoki for LeSportsac subforum on tPF!!*

There is something about the thick shoulder strap on this bag that really has me fixated. I can vividly picture this handbag fitting perfectly but not too snug under my arm, having the shoulder strap not always feel like it may fall off my arm, and looking classy and sassy for everyday life. The Jimmy Choo Ruse Leather Messenger Bag screams take me to drop off the kids, take me to the grocery store, take me to the bank, take me shopping, take me in jeans; pretty much, just take me everywhere. A worn in appeal is given to the tan leather, along with watersnake trim and rivets around the top with watersnake straps. A subtly perfect combination of laid-back leather meets exotic watersnake to make a stunning combination. People tend to disregard inside lining, but it does play an importance to me. Nothing is better than opening up your stunning handbag to an even more stunning lining. Jimmy Choo, you made a good decision with the lilac trim and suede lining. My heart skipped a mini-beat. Via Net-A-Porter for $1690.

To all of my friends I am a city girl. Truth be told, there is a bit of a country girl in me. My mom grew up around the farm, my grandma grew up on a farm, and I’ve been known to throw on my Stetson cowgirl hat and do a mean line-dance. A little bit of of a Southern touch always soothes my soul and if done right, is perfect for even the biggest city girls out there. The Hayden Harnett Barnard Crossbody Saddle Bag is ideal for anyone who needs to be hands free, prefers a more ergonomically correct bag, or just really loves the crossbody/messenger style. Resting right at the hip, this handbag features a top flap with a simple magnetic closure and equestrian styled stitching. We all worry about the size of a bag; will it fit all of our necessities, which list keeps on growing. This bag has two large inner compartments and a back zip pocket. The dimensions are large but not overpowering. Hayden Harnett is experiencing quite a buzz in the past few months and this bag shows exactly why. Via HH for $395.

White can be beautiful and scary all at once. White reflects clean and sophisticated, but also aggregates dirt and spills. If you are hunting for a practical white handbag but are worried that one of your tots in tote may spill on it or get it dirty, opt for a less expensive bag that is still fun. The DKNY Large Leather Handbag does appeal to a younger crowd with the studs on the shoulder strap and slouchy body but still is fun if you would like a white bag to carry around. The strap is long enough to be worn across body (34.3 Inches) which is a major plus in my book. White Nappa leather is used for the bag which is finished off with contrasting applications. Measurements are Width: 15.6 Inches and Height: 14.4 Inches. The bag appears a bit young for my taste, but could easily be a gift this season for a younger loved one. Buy it through YOOX for $110.

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Vlad and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and enjoyed Black Friday Shopping (or hiding). We went to a wedding which manifested in open bar, nature preserve, and nearly getting stuck in an elevator (don’t ask). After an overly filling Thanksgiving meal, we overly ate (and drank) at the wedding. So right now sweats are my best friend and skirts that have some give are a plus. This is where a big and simple handbag make for the perfect accessory, not attracting too much attention and being able to hide a bit of additional attention my body acquired after this holiday weekend. Perfect to remain an accessory and not a focal piece is the Marni Washed Leather Slouch Bag. This handbag implements simple yet not drab gray plush washed leather, a slouchy style to add a hip touch, and a detachable shoulder strap. A zip top closes the bag and the corners have an added touch of panels and contrasting leather trim. As far as up and coming ‘it’ bag designers, Marni is on the list. Watch this brand transform into shoulder candy of the masses, just give it time. Buy it through Net-A-Porter for $1065.

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October is Beast Cancer Awareness Month. Because breast cancer is near and dear to my heart, you will find many posts this month on how you can support Breast Cancer research. And easy way to do that is by doing what many of us do best: shop. If you purchase the Coach Pink Multi Charm Keyfob 20% of the proceeds from each keyfob sale will support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This cute enamel charm can help a good cause. Buy it through Coach for $58.

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Any anti-animal fur person that reads this site needs to turn their head now. I am just a messenger reporting the handbag news. Luxist spotted this furry number earlier, and for some odd reason I could not not post about it (double negative makes a positive?) The Cynthia Rowley Crossbody Fur Bag has one of the biggest fur covered flaps I’ve seen yet on an across the body bag. For real, the flap does hang low (erhhhm made of coyote fur. CRINGE). There is an adjustable strap and 11″ shoulder drop. Again I am just the messenger, literally. Available via Bloomingdale’s for $675.

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Today I decided it was time to try on boots. We all see boots on the legs of models, celebs, and in the magazines. While I am like every other woman, I still think I am in ok shape (minus the love-handles and UTF - upper thigh fat). One aspect of my body I have always loved is my small hands and feet. Granted my feet are a whopping size 10, but they are petite. Yes, it is an oxymoron, but I swear my feet are petite 10’s. So today I had a total fat calf day. I have never had a fat calf day until today trying on boots. I tried on a pair that was loose on my ankle and upon zipping them closed I caught part of my calf fat in them. Nevertheless today was not a great shopping day for me and I never thought that would happen while shoe shopping. Either way I am head over heels in love with the Dior Cannage Slouch Boot. These sexy boots are made of quilted grained leather with tonal cannage pattern embroidery. I am a huge fan of the round toe (being size 10 makes most shoes look incredibly long and ridiculous- but not round toe!). The details to these boots add a subtle touch: the ankle strap with aged brass D charm and loops at the top. The boots are finished off with leather lining, sole, and insole. Size wise, the heel is a bit tall for me (3.5″ stiletto heel) but I am still in love with these boots. If I find these boots and try them on and they do not fit over my new calf fat, I will tentatively decide on needing calf lipo. Buy these via eLuxury for $995.

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Fringe is in for Prada this coming Spring (which seems so far away right now). From satin scarves on the models’ heads to fringe bags and bold colors, Prada’s Spring 2007 line is reminiscent of the 1970’s. The bold colors took over the Milan runway, showing us that Prada wants the looks from their line to remain forefront in your mind this coming spring. Fringe bags have never been my thing, but Prada’s bags right now are such a hit that these fringe bags may also make their way to the ‘it’ bags of Spring.

Now if only the models would get a little more excited to be part of the Prada Spring 2007 Ready to Wear Runway Show.

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I have been whining about finding a great messenger bag for fall. I will continue to whine until I have a bag slung over my body that I truly love. To help me get on my way, I will continue my hunt and share what I find with you. This season Banana Republic has released its Premium Handbag Shop which boasts elegant bags that are durable and practical. A perfect messenger bag from this line is the Banana Republic Sandhurst Saddle Bag. Banana Republic has made this bag stain and water resistant because they realize that life does happen. The hardware is alloyed aluminum and the shoulder strap has a 15″ drop. On the front there are zippered pockets with leather tassels and on the rear there is a pocket with a magnetic closure. The dimensions are 10″ x 13″ x 5″. Available in whiskey, dark brown, and black, this bag could be perfect for the fall equestrian trend and my love for across body bags. Via Banana Republic for $248.

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