Designer Handbags

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The spring finally knocked on our door and we certainly won’t let it stand outside in the cold for long! And what do we associate with spring time, beside lovy dovy butterflies in your tum tum and makin’ babies? That’s right, flowers.

Burberry proves to us that they are capable of more than just plaid canvas. Their very own Floral Wristlet sports a swank white base leather with a pretty emerald flower print. The flap holds the wristlet’s contents with the help of a shiny steel buckle. A matching emerald-colored wrist strap completes the package. For $395 at Burberry.

It is no secret that we love de luxe, we love the glam, we love the pomptuous, fancy and expensive here at our precious blog. Although many of the featured handbags are out of many people’s league and least of you loyal readers would actually really ever pay, not to mention being able to afford many of our listed bags, it is always a real pleasure to present just those bags to you. I like to draw the parallels to high-end sports cars. Why is it that popular mainstream media channels love to feature vehicles that only selected few souls will ever be able to drive? Because it attracts, it makes one dream about the seemingly unreachable, it may even motivate some to shoot for something extraordinary. If you consider yourself one of those just mentioned and you happen to love bags as much as we do, I got just the right bag to fuel your eager compassion.

Following up on my previous post on Tod’s VenghГѓ© Pochette, I wanted to take the time to point out another extraordinary bag that stuck out among the many on our trip to Paris. The Tod’s Charlotte Piccola was a shoulder bag that almost went unnoticed. Hidden in a corner near the store’s entrance, this treasure was hanging innocently, and nearly fell subject to our ignorance. However, fortunately we did spot out this futuristic piece of nobility.

What a fine bag that is. Sumptuous textured leather exterior infused with an elegant saddle-style topstitching. 13″ x 7″ x 6″ inches of raging elegance and delicate sportiness. The hemispherical exterior zip pockets on each side add a very unique touch that insure that the hangbag will never turn into an antiquity on you. Available in either acqua alce or plain black alce for a hefty $925.00 at our beloved ELuxury online store.

Continuing our report on Parisian fashion, we turn to one of our more elegant, less in-your-face designers, Tod’s. The Tod’s two story store was conviently located right across from HermГѓВЁs plex and impressed with a clean, white store front. The two large windows immediately gave us a good idea on what there was to be expected inside the store: tons of chic bags.

Hung on a filigree brushed steel holder, Tod’s Venghe Pochette in silver seemed to stand out above all other handbags. The clutch’s fancy name already suggests a plethora of elegance, but its live appearance revealed some very nice features that rank it right up there among our favorites. The pochette screams of attitude and is the perfect companion for a dazzling night out. The Venghe Pochette is made from exotic karung reptile leather that shimmers like a disco ball when the spotlight hits it. It may have actually just been the sparkling from the fluorescent tubes in the store that drew us over to the bag, now that I think about it.

However, the clever feature about this clutch was revealed upon taking a peak inside: the fold-over top is enhanced with discreetly hidden magnets that smoothly snap the flaps in place. It was so nifty in fact, that I couldn’t stop playing with it. Its inside is made of fine satin-finished textile lining while a beveled bottom allows bag to sit upright at times it’s not in action. The silver bag went for EUR 780. In the US, it is available from ELuxury in gold for only $745. It’s all relative afterall.

For tonight we’ve saved up a delicate snack that is so high in calories you may want to cut back on the Tostitos and salsa for the next few days. Further reading may also cause high amounts of stress and as a result thereof, hightened blood pressure, sudden queasiness and uncontrolable sweating. In addition, you may start drooling like a Pavolian dog at ring bell and tears may roll down your cheeks for no apparent reason.

Actually the reason is very apparent, because the purse blog duo had worked its way into the lion’s den, the molten, glowing hot core of the Big Momma of all handbags - the Hermes Headquarters in Paris. Being nearly paralyzed of awe, we stood in front of the wide store front and stared for literally 20 minutes at the carefully selected exclusive goodies resting in the display cases. Jealous eyes scanned those that came out of the enormous store with one of those highly sought after orange shopping bags, being proof of obvious financial wealth or willingness to dive into debt. Eventually, reality settled in and we figured that it was still yet another store that was offering goods, and that there was nothing to really be afraid of. Another reality settled in rather quickly once the heavy black doors swung open, we stepped in and the aura of perfection slapped us in our faces like a soft velvet glove.

Yes, perfection. The layout of the store, the incredible variety of items, outstanding in both price and quality, the overall flair of the three story store all just added additional weight to the already lowered jaw, like Mr. Universe was fishhooking you personally. Absolutely breathtaking. Did we mention variety? From watches, card games, to towels, jewelry, perfumes, pen holders, from tables to evening sweaters, Hermes seemed to have it all. It was quite the task to even find a handful of items, no matter how seemingly insignificant, whose prices went under the 3-digit Euro mark. There is no use to talk about the upper boundary, since there really didn’t seem to be one. And then the bags… sigh.

Strategically placed right around its main entrance, a great selection of handbags, small clutches or large totes, were presented to us in a wonderful fashion. Our eyes ran across the glass vitrines, unknowing which bag to look at first, because they all seemed so pretty, so perfect. The green tote below was one of our favorites (if any of our readers know its name, please let us know), and fortunately it happened to be showcased to the outside world. We also took a snapshot of two barrel bags that just looked plain delicious, too. At a price of over EUR 4,600, the deliciousness wore off a notch though. We ended up spending almost a good hour in the store, leaving it behind with a really sad heart, and a motivation to work harder and earn more money to buy us some Hermes goodies. Because afterall, who does not want to be one of those people with the orange shopping bag for once too?

We’re in for a Juicy weekend. The PB machine doesn’t stay still, we’re about to brighten your early spring sunday with some glamorous Juiciness! Resident blogger Meggers is a passionate Juicy Couture admirer, she won’t hold back paying hard-earned dollars for overpriced velour and terry gear - ‘cuz afterall, it’s all about the LOVE JUICY!

Following our prior iPod case roundup, we found another gorgeous little case for your iPod Mini. Juicy Couture’s very own Mini iPod Case features a chic leather shell that totes your player tight and in style. Juicy’s very own forged brand ‘J’ dangles lustfully off its side, while a clear plastic screen shields the display from nasty scratches. The case comes only in the pictured cherry-red color and goes for $58 at Nordstrom.

Face it, a juicy girl is the glam girl. Now I know all of you girls see Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson and other hip celebs toting their dogs around in cute little carriers and dressing them up in cute little outfits, and I know some of you desperately want to be so posh and cute with your loveable pets too. So here is your chance.

I’ve found the perfect pet bag made by the totally glamourous Juicy Couture. I must admit I am very partial to Juicy Couture, but hey, who isn’t? This cute Juicy terry dog carrier measures 12″H x 15″W x 9″D, which will hold up to 15 lbs. So yes, you do need one of those little fluffy stuck-up poodles or such a breed. Other features include a double wrap-around zip with heart and signature “J” pull tabs and a side double-zip flap (for the poochies head) with heart and “P&G” charms, and heart-shaped push-lock closure. How utterly adorable! The bag is gonna cost you around $275, but when you have a cute little puppy who needs to be transported, what better way to carry it then in a super glam hotel-on-wheels!

Theres something about spring stripes and brights that brightens up the fashion industry like no other. Browsing Coach website today, I couldn’t help but see the brand new and totally spring chic Coach Soho Twill Strip Small Tote. I have to admit this bag makes me think of birds chirping, grass growing, and little fluffy bunnies, but isn’t that the point of spring? If you are a Coach fanatic like I am, I’m sure you realize the plethora of collections and newbies they create every month. To me, that is what makes Coach so special. While other brands are doing just fine with their same patterns and styles season after season, Coach not only rejuvenates their line each season, but a few times within the season. If that’s not heaven to a handbag lover, I don’t know what is!

The tote is considered a small tote, 12 (L) x 7 (H) x 4 (W). But that size is roomy enough to allow an inside zipper pocket, a cellphone and other multi function pockets, and a ring holder to clip in your car keys/house keys or what have you. What I love even more is the zip-top closure, which makes the bag less pick-pocket friendly and less likey for anything to fall out while your skipping along the garden of spring tulips in the park with your loved one.

Now, if you want to buy this bag and take your level of cuteness totally up and over what the world can expect or even handle, do yourself a fashion favor and purchase a multicapable Coach scarf. My pick for this bag would be the Coach Soho Ponytail Strip Scarf which would accent the tote perfectly. If you have been paying attention like a good fashion girl, you would see how scarfs are coming into play for spring. And while it can be used for a posh ponytail tie you can also use it as an accent to your bag or if its long enough (like mine!!) as a scarf belt to dress up any outfit.

We do apologize sincerely, but there is a very good reason things have been slow this week here at the purse blog. After 2 months of separation, the resident love birds Megs and Vladi have finally been reunited in the central European country of Germany. Yay! Weather’s nothing to be excited about, but emotions certainly are on the high side — things are just fabulous. Aside from all the time spent together, we also felt highly compelled to pursue our passion in fashion and do some shopping slash browsing through Europe’s major cities to check out the latest trends and goodies in the handbag market. First stop on the journey: Cologne, Germany.

Aside from its monstrous, intimidating and impressive, almost 760 year-old Koelner Dom (left) and the beautiful Rhein River, there also appeared to be quite enticing shopping opportunities, potent enough to pull a whole lotta moolah out of foreign (and local) pockets. Getting off the ICE, we immediately found ourselves in the very center of town, right by the gorgeous Dom. After a quick detour into its chilly, ginormous nave, we headed right for two of our favorite, exorbitantly pricey Parisian Haute Couture fashion shops: HermГѓВЁs and Louis Vuitton. Despite having forgotten to shoot pictures of evidence, you can believe us that those two stores are placed within one store of each other (seperated by a Chopard store), conveniently located right on the plaza facing the Dom. This venue does ensure exposure to heaps of international visitors, either dropping by to get presents for the loved ones at home, or willing to indulge themselves with high-class goodies.

We first strolled into the LV store. What had already captured our attention from the store front was Louis Vuitton’s seemingly different Monogram Cerises line of bags. The colorful cherries exemplify a fresh and intriguing homage to Louis’ traditional signature monogram canvas — right in time for the fruity and fun spring. While the two of us don’t seem to agree on much at times, we both found the Louis Vuitton Sac Plat completely over-the-top — it seemed to lose LV’s sophistication in the cherry tree. However, Megs immediately fell in love with the $355 Louis Vuitton Pochette Accessoires for two reasons: first off, rather than taking away from the classic monogram that everyone seeks, the cherry only added a zing to make the pochette unique, and secondly the cherry came just in time to add a spring fling to an unwavering Louis Vuitton simple-style. Other than this new Monogram Cerises line, the store seemed a little small and showed a large focus on travel gear, like the Annette travel bag we previously featured. You think you are paying a lot for Louis bags in the US? Thanks to the lousy exchange rate, buying a bag in the US is a bargain, considering that you’d pay 25-35% more in Germany.

Saving the best for last, we then set foot into none other than the creme-de-la-creme Hermes store. Although my girl was dying to buy a bag, she couldn’t — for obvious reasons. What is remarkable about this store was the overall feeling of the sophisticated and high-class ambiance. Within the two floors, we did check out the vast variety of one-of-a-kind couture clothing and accessories, ranging from ashtrays to jewlery and beach towels. For a mere $450 you can get the towel wet, sandy, drained in sun screen and splattered with seagull droppings.

Just like Samantha on the infamous Hermes Birkin Bag search episode on Sex And The City, my girl immediately scoped out the hardware to see first hand the bag that even people who are rich and famous are only privy to purchase. To our disappointment, the Birkin Bag really is that rare and you really do have to be put on a waiting list if you’re approved to buy one. We still fell in love with the HermГѓВЁs Kelly Bag, that went for a modest EUR 14,000 — gasp. Like Samantha, we felt empty without the Birkin Bag, but Hermes still managed to impress us and prove that they are in a league of their own.

On a side note, we did run into a local aution house, that happened to sell 100% authentically fake Gucci bags for a mere 15 Euros a pop, leaving us extremely tempted to buy all five of ‘em. Just kidding.

Overall we had much fun doing what we do best — tracking down the handbags that leave every shoulder unempty, every wallet a little lighter and every girl happy. Stay tuned for next week’s report from Paris, the fashion capitol of the World.

Didn’t your mother ever tell you to “Snap out of it!”? Well sorry all you mothers, there is nothing about this Versace bag that makes us want to do anything but stare. Versace has always been known for its nearly unattainable glam, and this bag follows those standards. If someone loves you enough to let you dish out over $1300, you better believe you will be receiving all the eyes and attention there is to be given.

This Versace “Chain Snap Out of It” Bag sets a perfect accent to a woman’s upscale, glamourous style. It is adorned with a strand of Versace charms dangling from the front, with a strass-detailed shell on the chain pull. Our take on the charms is that not only do they visually draw attention to the bag, but also every ear will turn as you pass them on the street. The bag’s features list reads like the Maybach’s handbook, and ranks within its own class in as pomptuous of a manner as its 4-wheeled counterpart. And when you’re spending a small fortune on a bag, anything less than the most ornate bag is unacceptable.