Designer Handbags

I’m sitting here in yet another airport ready for another vacation and I just realized that I need a more colorful handbag. I know, it is shocking that this is what comes to mind at the airport, but it is clear as day. The lady across from me is wearing a striking green shirt that keeps catching my attention from my peripheral. And next to her, another young chic gal in a light green cardigan. So green it is. A new favorite among many, Gryson creates ‘timeless, modern bags with that unique combination of luxury and attitude.’ Perfect description right there of what Gryson bags entail. The Gryson Buckled Shoulder Bag from the Saddle Group is named the Jessie and is available in the green that I lust for. Not lime green, not forest green, but a stunning color that appeases my need for color yearning. The leather is supple and paired with brass hardware. Your attention is drawn to the buckled shoulder strap, which is adjustable, and wrapped handle. Suede lining finishing off the inside, along with a zip and slide pocket. Dimensions are 8″H x 11″W x 7″D. Get gorgeous green at Neiman Marcus for $725.

I think that people tend to forget that Coach is not the only alternative to dropping G’s on a high-end designer bag. One of my favorite mid-range handbag designers is Goldenbleu, a San Francisco-based company launched in 2004. I own a few of their styles, and can personally attest to their flawless workmanship and the smoothe smooshy quality of their leather. The Goldenbleu Natasha Saddle Bag is one of their newer bags, and I am enchanted. The milk chocolate color is such a bright brown that it even goes with black, and the luscious auburn trim provides the perfect dose of contrast. While I do question the need for purse feet on such a slouchy bag, I can’t help but coo at the way the leather appears to mold to the model’s body. I’m starting to fantasize about what I could stuff into this practical beauty. Let’s have some more details to liven up the fantasy, shall we? Natasha has polished gold buckles and a discrete gold name plate on one side with “Goldenbleu” written in tiny letters. We have the gold purse feet I mentioned earlier as well as lush tan suede lining. You can grab this rich caramel chocolate darling at Active Endeavors for $630. For an extra 20% off, use code “toutie.”

Written by guest blogger: Nerdphanie.

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Labor day has passed, but white is still completely hot and completely perfect for winter. For your winter wonderland bag, take a look at the Salvatore Ferragamo Ganci Leather Shoulder Bag which combines silky magnolia cream kidskin, black edging, and a pleated body. The shoulder straps are what catch my attention because of their wooden ring insets. Granted I have not seen this bag in person, but the belted gussets with wooden Gancini buckles take away from the wooden ring shoulder strap. One or the other would be a better option. Ferragamo has designed a bag that is worthy of consideration: via Neiman Marcus for $1150.

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Michael Kors is biting and witty on Project Runway and practical and funky in his designs. The Michael Kors Venus Shopper

offers three supple and creamy colors (chocolate, black, or luggage (shown)) and all the amenities needed for this handbag. The additions that separate this bag from the rest are the braided top handles with rings, tabbed corners, and a drawstring closure that features Michael Kors charms. Kors himself may be a tough judge, but for this bag I don’t feel the need to judge his sense of style. For the typical person, it flows amazingly. Sizing up at 10″H x 12 1/2″W x 6″D, buy this shopper via Michael Kors for $428.

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A handbag is a handbag, so any extra touch can differentiate a handbag from ordinary. Ways to get the job done would include exotic materials or updating the usual parts (like handles). Perfectly distinguishing itself from the rest, the Devi Kroell Nile Perch Shoulder Bag uses both exotic fish skin along with a shoulder strap that threads through holes and hangs in place with gold slim cylinders that act like toggle closures. Toggle closures are seen on jewelry all the time, but I have never seen this on a bag. The bag closes with a magnetic fastening and the inside has two four pockets. This is arm candy via Brown’s for $2,250.88.

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Louis Vuitton is going back to the basics. The Lockit Louis Vuitton Handbags line brings back the 1958 design, which paves the way for the classic lines and durable leather. One of my personal favorites is the Louis Vuitton Suhali Lockit MM which is designed with natural grain no chemical goat leather. At the LV store in Bal Harbour I fell in love with this bag and its smooth leather yet durable shape. The hardware is a shiny golden brass that flows perfectly with the sienne, blanc, or black colored leather. Rolled leather handles with shiny brass links lead to the zip top closure that shows the lockit line signature leather key clochette and LV padlock. On the inside there is micro monogram textile lining along with a flat and cell phone pocket. Measurements of this bag are 16.3″ x 11.8″ x 7.9″. DROOL. Available at your nearest LV boutique or eLuxury for $2470.

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For fall subtle colors are making their mark throughout the world of handbags. Greens, blues, and reds are being seen implemented by many designers in a matte or darker finish. The Hogan Waxed Leather Shopper Bag uses blue petrolio leather with golden hardware and studs to make a simple fall bag. There are double top handles with rings. Easy to wear under the arm, this bag is on sale via Bergdorf Goodman for $1050.

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‘Polka dots checks and stripes’ is a children’s song that I specifically remember watching on TV when I was young. Someone else please tell me that you too have heard this song! At the time I did not realize that polka dots were sometimes a very big fashion hit or miss. For this fall, they are a fashion do, that is if you do it right. An easy way to pull off polka dots is with a cute clutch. The Brit fashion designer Paul Smith has been around since 1970 with his unique designs and funky swirl pattern. To take on the polka dot pattern and add a personal flair, Paul Smith released the Paul Smith Polka Dot Leather Clutch. Black background gives way to the off-white polka dots on this frame top clutch. There is also a leather strap with buckle detail on the front and an interior pocket. Paul made this clutch sassy and perfect to be handheld, measuring 10.5″ x 5.5″ x 1.5″. For an affordable fall clutch will all the style needed, buy this via eLuxury for $540.

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You may be allergic to horses, but like them or not Equestrian is ‘in’ for fall. While shopping today I saw a plethora of horsebits, buckles, ‘riding’ boots, and horseshoes. While I never rode in shows, I did ride from time to time. I like to remember myself being great- but what I truly remember is when my horse spoofed and subsequently my sister got bucked off her horse. It is not funny, but it makes me chuckle. Banana Republic wants in on the horsing around with its addition of the Banana Republic Chatham Large Saddle Bag. This saddle bag can be worn across the body with its adjustable strap and 14″ drop. The saddle bag stands out with contrast stitching and brass hardware. The equestrian chic ladies can not go without thick bridle leather, twill lining, and lots of pockets (inside and out). The dimensions are 11″ x 13″ x 3″. Over the years I have witnessed Banana Republic bags transform from ordinary to extraordinary. Nab this bag while it is still affordable, because I assure you it is a sure hit for fall. Via Banana Republic for $278.

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While the man has been holding down the Purse Blog fort, I have been holding down a completely different fort. Tropical Storm Ernesto passed by us like a typical South Florida Thunderstorm and nothing much worse. For that we are super thankful. Now while Ernesto makes his way to the Carolina Shore, we have to keep those folks in mind. To ease my nerves I always eat or shop. Both are not the best way to handle stress, but at least the latter does not make my pant shopping experience less pleasurable. It seems like summer has flown by and we are already back to Autumn. One thing that keeps repeating itself for this Fall is ruffles. For a perfect ruched/ruffled bag, Be & D has released a beautiful number. The Be & D Ruffled Bag with Chains combines laced chain link detail with soft ruffled calfskin leather and the signature Be & D studs. The shoulder strap has an 11″ drop which should fit perfectly under your Fall coat and there are inside pockets along with suede lining. The chocolately expresso gets my pick. Measuring 101вЃ„2″H X 18″L X 6″W this bag is available via Saks for $1280.

And to our folks in Ernesto’s path- I hope he is as weak and kind to you as he was to us.

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