Designer Handbags

You know something that really grinds my gears… when a store advertises a bag a certain way, and then you later realize there are various parts you have to buy to make it look that way. I know it is all about presentation. But even online? You mean to tell me that online they do that too? Well they do. I ran into this Prada Leather Envelope Bag and thought it was so tastefully done. But read the specs a little further to see that the butterfly trick is sold separately. Is that not false advertisement?? (Ok it’s not since they mention that it is sold separately but still the picture really got my hopes up high) The rest of the bag is really quite cute. It is made of gold leather, with a detachable silver chain strap, and silver metal hardware. The dimensions of this little one are 5″H x 7 4/5″W. The leather bag is actually quite reasonably priced for Prada, $334 via Neiman Marcus, and the butterfly trick (which adds such a beautiful touch to the bag) is of course a whopping $138 also through Neiman Marcus.

Some more fodder for the celebrity style section! Spotted at a soiree at designer Michael Kors’s Beverly Hills boutique on Thursday, Rebecca Romijn was caught sporting a Tod’s Happy Traccolina and putting a gentle grip on Heidi Klum’s ГѓВјber pregger belly. Peek-a-boo, baby on the way. Only really a matter of days until the newborn will join Heidi’s daughter Leni (who’s 1). Grats to Heidi and Seal and all the best.

If there is one thing I learned about Bottega Veneta bags in the past few weeks, it’s gotta be the divine suppleness of the leather they use to craft their bags with. For those of you who never had the pleasure to get touchy and feely with one, the picture of the fall Braided Handle Tote should give you a good idea. Granted, the leather is probably not as durable as, say grained leather, but the feeling of being able to use your bag as an ultra comfortable pillow in the case of a spontaneous nap, that makes up for it tenfold.

Excuse me, but that was exactly the thought that went through my head when I got a taste of the absolute softness of Bottega’s materials. I like to take mid-day naps, what can I say? Anyway, the tote is immediately available through Saks 5th Ave for $1,350. Ok, Saturday nap time.

Long time no action in the athletic department here at the Purse Blog. What a shame, since there is so many sporty & chic, yet tough and indestructible bags for all sorts of exercising. Whether it’d be the daily (or occasional) trip to the gym, or rock climbing on the weekends with the lady friends, hanging off 100 ft drops with one hand on a 1 inch ledge, there is plenty of bags to carry your gear or just look good with your athletic clothes.

Personally, I’ve always had a thing for Oakley gear. I’ve owned quite a few of their sunglasses before, and although some of them had gone through significant beating in the past, they still look sharp for the most part. Recently I discovered that Oakley had bags for the ladies in stock (actually I had never looked for them before). The one I decided to show you today is the Oakley Netting Bag. The netting is actually laser cut on the outside and comes with a tough gal internal camo print bag. An adjustable leather strap with custom buckle close, external pocket with custom Oakley zipper pull, and decorative D-ring round the bag off. Now, I am not sure that laser cutting on the netting will make the bag any more durable as it already was to begin with, I just call it a marketing punch line that will make the 15 year olds go “kewl dewd”… nonetheless, I like the netting on the dark bag, in my opinion it’s a great companion if you’re into outdoor sports and don’t hold back from getting dirty in the mud at times.

Chanel is exclusive. We all know that is a fact. But they are actually quite exclusive on the internet as well. The website is done well, but there are no prices or detailed descriptions. That is why when it comes to Chanel, Vlad and I go to our friend Rhiannon. Rhiannon is a part time writer on the Purse Blog, but most of the time she writes for her own blog, Chanel Amour. When I am longing for the latest Chanel news, she has it. A new bag that really is striking my attention is the Chanel Precious Symbols Handbag. Rhiannon explains all about this bag:

For Fall we have a fun and whimsical purse named “Precious Symbols”Вќ. It is decorated with all the iconic symbols we have come to recognize as synonymous with the house of Chanel. The number 5, the camellia, CC monogram and the four leaf clover are all there. The purse is a small clutch size shoulder bag with chain strap. Available in black velvet and black patent leather, the latter is priced at $995. That is a deal for a Chanel bag!

There you have it folks! A beautiful bag which shows a fun side of Chanel and it has made its way under the 4 digit price tag. It is really unique how they implemented the use of all their well-known symbols on bag. {via Chanel Amour}

While looking at this bag, Vlad’s first comment was, “Why is that picture in black and white?Гў€Вќ Nice to see that I turned him into such a fashion guru. I had to inform him that the colors were indeed the color the bag was meant to be. I think it’s stunning. The Gucci Evening Frame Bag is the definition of purse sophistication. The bag comes with chain straps, a push-lock closure, the circular Gucci charm on the outside, and an inside pocket (which must be very small by the look of things). The dimensions are 7.7 x 1 x 4.5 inches. Unfortunately for me, my wallet, and my man, I of course drew a liking to the most expensive version of this bag. Hey, what can I say- it’s a skill. The bag that features dark grey metal fringes and silver hardware will most likely make you cringe at the price tag: $5950 (all I can say is good thing they didn’t round up to $6000). Gasp! How I wish I could have this bag! There is also a version with black suede with black baroque embroidery, black lizard trim, and silver hardware which goes for $1595. Next a version with black tulle and black crystals with silver hardware which costs $1950. And lastly the bag can be done in dark blue velvet with black flower embroidery and silver hardware for the cheapest of them all $1195. If I had my choice, I’d still pick the expensive metal one (if my father is reading this he is shaking his head with a big YES and giving me- through the computer- that look I get. The “What have I done wrong you can’t afford that look”). All of these evening beauties are available through Gucci for their various prices.

If I were a doctor, carrying a high end designer’s ‘doctor bag’ is what I would do. Yes, that was partially a joke- so it is ok to laugh. I know that doctor bags don’t mean they are for doctor’s to carry (just clearing the air since I am blond after all), but wouldn’t that be quite the stylish Dr. move? Chloe bags have been having the best weeks ever lately. The name signifies the “it” bags which are virtually impossible to get your hands on. Some styles more than others are proving quite challenging (like my beloved Paddington), but overall the brand has shot through the roof. This new style of the Silverado is quite appealing and adds a new shape to the line of Chloe. The Chloe Silverado Doctor Bag is made of dark brown leather and gives off quite the statement. The hardware on the bag is golden antiqued and the bag shows off large stud accents. The signature Silverado look comes into play with the whipstitched trim on the top handles and on the side flap pockets. The bag closes with an extended tab over zip top and also features tab detail at the base. The dimensions of this doctor bag are 11 1/2″H x 17 1/2″W x 7 1/6″D. If you want to jump on the Chloe craze, I suggest you place yourself on this pre-order list for the Chloe Silverado Doctor Bag via Bergdorf Goodman for $1,730.

By the looks of the new fabrics coming out, it is evident that fall/winter 2005 is on its way. It seems like only yesterday I was looking forward to summer. Well summer is here and almost over (my 2 month vacation is reaching its half way point- dang). But the new handbags are making their way out- which we have all noticed- and it has me quite excited. Realizing that I haven’t featured enough evening bags, I wanted to find a fun one for the upcoming season. I got it! The Kate Spade Olivia Velvet and Gold Evening Bag intertwines a bright and bold color of summer with a fabric of fall/winter - velvet. I consider this bag quite bold for Kate Spade (although the designer has been making more statements lately than the older more plain bags). Made of pink gathered velvet and gold hardware, this bag is sure to brighten up any outfit. There is also a gold chain which you could opt not to use and simply carry the bag as a clutch or you could use it as a strap. The inside of the bag contains a small pocket and is lined in a taupe colored satin. This bag could make your outfit a hit for $335 through Net-A-Porter.

*Check out this posh and fun dress Net-A-Porter models the clutch off with! The dress is made by Anna Sui and will be available soon for those of you who can pull a number like that off!

I’m lost. There are some things designed in this world that just don’t make sense to me. I am not claiming to be the ‘all-knowing’ fashion goddess, but I think I know a little bit about it (ok a lot

). But this, this has me really groveling at it. Versace is known for being one of the leading high end fashion designers. It is lovely that they make jewelry. I like jewelry. But who would pay $298 for a safety pin? Any of you? The Versace Safety Pin is made of polished gold metal (notice not solid gold) and shows off dangling charm letters that spell out V-E-R-S-A-C-E. Keep in mind the crystal rhinestones are not on the letters R-A-C. Hum, rac- is there any deeper meaning there? Jk guys.

The eLuxury website, where it is available for $298 (might as well just add the $2 to make it $300) says this:

In signature ultra-glam style, Versace’s oversized safety pin glimmers with jewel-cut crystals on polished gold metal. Rhinestone-encrusted letter charms dangle from the pin spelling Versace, creating a glittering accessory that celebrates extravagant style.

What is there to be celebrating? Maybe the birth of your new child who you would like to use this safety pin on his or her diaper to keep it together. Lovely use of money. I guess my biggest problem is where would you put this thing? Possibly on a black bag and use this to accessorize, but wouldn’t each person that looked at the bag and the pin think to themselves, ‘What are they trying to prove??’ So now I’m asking all of you what you think, I’m really curious to know.

I am sure if I were a celeb, or just a rich girl with unlimited funds on my credit card, I too would own around 20 Balenciaga bags. Paris’ little sister Nicky has been spotted carrying countless Balenciagas. We are talking around 20. Do you know how long and hard a regular person like me has waited on a list for just one? For a single one! I’ve given up on that quest, because I now realize that the celebs will steal that dream from me. Just a few days ago Nicky Hilton was seen sporting the Magenta Balenciaga Bag. At a first glance I thought she didn’t look good, but with a closer look I’m lovin’ her look. But her hair color- either I don’t like the color, or I don’t like the fried-out dry hair look. But let us not forget that she is carrying a beautiful bag!