Designer Handbags

Over the weekend I went to a crafty store/restaurant with two of my momГў€™s sisters. This place was a barn turned into a craft store, and every woman across the Midwest was there on Sunday. The ratio of women to men was about 1,345:1. And that 1 was definitely and infant boy. Either way, all those crafts are cute but I did realize I could probably make many of them. I asked myself why I don’t, and realized the answer was simple; there are other people that will do it for me instead. Score. But as I ventured to the clothing and accessory side of this place, I did run into some cute and some not so cute handbags. I was surprised to see an actual brand of bags there. It is a brand I never heard of, but it is a brand after all- and it has very fun bags.

SHIH Handbags use texture and material to get their distinctive bags to be seen. The bag that I saw was the SHIH Handbags Medium Tote in turquoise. This tote is quite fun in my opinion- more of something to throw on with jeans and a little white tee on my way to the park or store. Soft gold metal mesh is what really gives this quilted satin tote its style (if you opt for the black bag, there is silver tone hardware). The single shoulder strap also shows off the metal mesh pattern which I find so fun. After you open the zip top, you will find satin lining and zip pocket. This fun bag measures 13″ wide x 5″ deep x 9 1/2″ high and the shoulder strap has a drop of 12″. Buy the turquoise for $179.95 via Zappos or the black also for $179.95 via Zappos.

If you want your bag to be nothing but bling, there is a bigger gold tote that may suit your liking. The SHIH Oversize Tote will have you shining like its still summer. I can’t really put my finger on why I like these bags, but I just do. Something about the over-the-top glam and shine draws me in. Made of gold quilted satin and gold tone soft metal mesh, this bag is large enough for your pet dog and then some (16″ wide x 6″ deep x 14 1/2″ high). That’s a big bag. The inside is lined in satin and there is a zip pocket and key fob. This big glitz n’ glam gold bag is available throughZappos for $199.95.

And to finish these SHIH bags off, there is a perfect size wristlet. Many of you may think these bags are a bit too much; if you are one of those people, the wristlet may be just right for you. When you are looking to add lots of flavor for a night on the town, a glamorous piece of hand candy will not hurt. Made of gold quilted satin and gold tone soft mesh with a convertible strap, this little handbag is my pick for a night out with the ladies. The final dimensions are 9″ wide x 1/2″ deep x 5″ high. If the totes were a bit too much to handle for you, try the wristlet for $63.95 via Zappos.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

After years of annoying me about learning to snowboard, a group of my best friends have talked me into buying gear and learning to board. Not that I don’t want to. But the thought of spending so much time on my bum in the freezing cold snow is not enticing at all. Sadly enough, the enticing part is the gear I get to buy- coat, pants, hat, goggles, gloves, board. Yay! Just one more area to spend money. I probably will care more to match all my gear than to actually learn the sport. I can see it now… I wake up and do my hair, put on all my matching gear, and go down to the lodge by the fire- look around- and decide I am the best damned dressed boarder of them all. Unfortunately, that will get me no where on the slopes.

So while I think ahead to my near future days of boarding, I started to think that I may need a cute bag to go along with my experience (yes, another excuse to buy a bag). When I imagine myself at a Ski Lodge this winter, I see myself carrying the new Coach Soho Large Ski Hobo. Although white is so hard to keep sparkling clean, I still would opt for the white hobo which is trimmed in light and soft rabbit fur. The rest of the bag is made from quilted Signature fabric and has a posh tab with magnetic snap and dogleash closure. Once you open up this beauty, you will find fabric lining, a zip pocket, and a multi-function pocket. Dimensions are 15 1/4″ for the strap and 14 1/4 (L) x 12 1/4 (H) overall. Don’t be fooled, this is quite the big bag. If you want to look posh on the slopes (rather in the lodge), buy this bag in black, brown, or white for $498 via Coach.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

Reason # 1,576,295,095,324,096 why I should listen to Vlad and continuously save my work…. because sometimes my computer decides to play games and delete my posts- because a kick in the ass is fun for this machine. Great. Never fear, I will not leave out this beauty of a bag and great designer. Let me introduce you all to Leslie Newton. I found out about her because a member on the forum sent me her way, uhkiwi. Hopefully, I can talk to Leslie Newton herself sometime to learn more about her bags and be able to share it all with you.

Lucky for Leslie, Anthropologie is featuring one of her divine bags. The Leslie Newton Royal Suede Saddle Bag is a satchel that can make any lady happy. With the weathered brown leather and violet suede trim, Leslie has figured out not only the perfect colors to accent a bag but also the perfect materials. To add more beauty, there are antiqued brass rings which perfectly compliment the brown leather and violet suede satchel. On the inside you will find three interior accessory pouches and a zip pocket. Sizing up at 14″l, 2″w, 12″h, this bag is roomy enough to fit all your pleasures. At the new mark downed price of $144.95 through Anthropologie, Leslie is giving the world a bit of beauty for a steal of a price.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

DKNY Soft Nappa East West Shoulder Bag | Glazed Nappa Leather | $192.00 | eLuxury.com

Betsey Johnson ‘Heavy Metal’ Hobo | Studded leather | $325.00 | Nordstrom

UGG Metro Pipe Hobo | Hued, pieced leather | $140.00 | Nordstrom

Hogan Camel and Brown Suede and Leather Hobo Bag | Suede and Leather | $519.00 | Forzieri

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

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.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

There is quite a bit of fuss on the forum about a certain Coach bag. The Coach Daphne Large Satchel is catching attention left and right. This doctor style satchel is beautiful if any of you ladies (or great boyfriends/husbands/etc) are looking for the perfect gift. This bag has some major perks that is drawing attention left and right. My pick is the beautiful brown leather version with bronze accents. Being one of the focal points of the bag, the two front pockets with turnlock closures are simply stunning. There is also an outside zip pocket and a nifty dogleash closure. The other part of the bag that is vying for attention is the handles- which are braided leather and are 21″. The braiding adds a little special touch to a classic brown bag look. On the inside, you will find fabric lining, both cellphone and multi function pockets, and an inside zip pocket. Final dimensions are 15 (L) x 8 1/2 (H) x 5 3/4 (W). If this is a perfect brown bag, make sure to grab it for $698 at Coach ASAP. And yes, prices at Coach have seemingly gone up recently.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

I must admit I’m a Gucci fan. Gucci was a name I knew growing up, and then became much more known to me with time and my love of fashion. Lucky for all of us, the Gucci Cruise 2006 Handbags are out. There are a few bags that drawn me in, but many play it safe. Sometimes simple and safe is good. But why don’t you all be the judge of this new Gucci line.

The Gucci Small Shoulder Bag reminds me of Botkier with the slanted front pockets. The bag is simple and different for Gucci. The bag looks a bit rockerish with its red leather and blue and red signature web detailing throughout. The dimensions are 11¾”H X 6″L X 4¼”W. A little off the usual designs of Gucci, this bag is sure to add some crusin’ fun for $1250 via Saks (pre-order).

Next we have the Gucci Medium Tote. Made of black leather and adding a little color with the green and red web detailing, the bag actually reminds me a little more of Christmas than anything else. The tote has more height than width; exact measurements are 10¼”H X 12½”L X 4¾”W. For any of you black bag lovers, this bag may be just right with a little bit of color and a lot of class. Pre-order via Saks for $1095.

Showing off a little American pride is the Gucci Medium Hobo. I could definitely see myself using this bag when I go to the Hampton’s and Cape Cod this spring. It may be a little too much red white and blue for you, but with most of the color being dark blue on the main part of the bag, I think this bag is preppy cute. Dimensions:15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W. Pre-order this patriotic bag through Saks for $1095.

I’m realizing that the names of these bags are not at all original- which makes it hard to differentiate between one and the other. The other Gucci Medium Hobo is in an animal stripe pattern which is designed from brown and white pony hair with brown leather trim. This bag is a little more daring. Size: 15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W. For the ferocious price of $1490 via Saks pre-order, this bag can be yours.

And there is yet another Gucci Medium Hobo, which is a bit different than the two mentioned above. This hobo has a pattern, but it is not the typical Gucci logo pattern we all know. The horsebit is huge for Gucci this year, and this hobo is in light blue senna horsebit fabric trimmed in brown leather with bamboo details on the front. I actually think this bag is cute, but the price is not fully justifiable to me. Available through pre-order at Saks for $1395.

The Boston Bag has been a hit for Gucci. Many A-listers and other fabulous females, like many of you, have lusted and owned a Gucci Boston Bag. The 2006 Cruise Collection Gucci Medium Boston Bag is simple and cute with white senna horsebit fabric with brown leather trim. There is also bamboo detailing by the straps and zipper which add a little more sunny fun. Measuring 11¾”H X 8″L X 4¾”W, this bag can be pre-ordered for $1490 through Saks.

Now this is what I am talking about! A beautiful white leather tote with a beautiful accenting scarf. The Gucci Medium Tote is made of the softest white leather and has a horsebit scarf that weaves through golden rings along the top. Chic and preppy, this bag measures 16″H X 12¼”L X 5½”W. I want to pre-ordering this beauty for $1750 via Saks.

Now we have found the Gucci logo and the shape and overall feeling of this bag I love. Adding a special touch is the size and detail on this bag. The Gucci Medium Shoulder Bag shows off the beige/ebony GG fabric with beautiful brown leather braided handles and gold metal horsebit detail on the front of the bag under the shoulder straps. Sizing up at 6¾”H X 4¾”L X 1½”W this bag is sure to be a hit for many of you Gucci lovers out there. Pre-order this beauty via Saks for $1300.

And lastly, the 2006 Cruise Collection would not be complete without some flowers in there. This is where the Gucci Evening Bag comes in handy for many of us black bag and flower lovers. This bag shows off black flora satin with an intricate crystal fly detail. This little evening bag rounds off my picks for the collection and measures 8¾”H X 4¾”L X ¾”W. If you are into elegance and flowers, get on the pre-order list through Saks for $695.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

Recently a thread was started on the Purse Forum asking for help finding a black bag. Instead of posting my response on the forum, I’m going to do it on the site because I have found a black bag that I truly love. Bottega Veneta became the new love of my life this summer while vacationing in Europe. Sometimes you have to see a bag in person to truly appreciate its beauty. Their bags are intricately designed and made of the supplest leather. This may sound so cliche, but I can’t help but sound that way when talking about these bags. The Bottega Veneta Chain Strap Leather Handbag shows off both the woven leather and beautiful leather on the main part of the bag. This black beauty has a valley zip opening for the main compartment, and then playfully intertwines woven leather trim at the corners, on the straps, and running along the top of the bag. The inside of the bag adds some hidden color with its lime green suede and inside pouches. To add a little glitzy and glam, the shoulder straps are done in gold chain. Sizing up at 30cm x 17cm x 11cm, this is the black bag I would suggest!! But, my suggestion may remain just a suggestion, with the designer price tag of $1150 via Net-A-Porter.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum

To be seen on the road less traveled is not always a bad thing. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent has designed a bag that screams out shape, style, and function. Cynthia’s Twelfth Street Suede Studded Shoulder Bag stands out from the ordinary bags out there. This shoulder bag is a studded standout. Although suede is not easy to keep clean, every lady should have at least one suede bag in her collection. Let’s discuss this huge bag. We are talking about size, size, size. With a height of 16″, depth 1-5″, width 13″, and shoulder strap drop of 10″, this bag is surely in a league of its own. Then there is the fun part- lotsa studs! Detailing is in style, especially stud detailing. This bag is sure to be a hit with its shiny purple studs which are stylishly placed in a geometric floral pattern on the bags front. The bag has a magnetic top closure and an inside pocket. Bigger is not always better, but in this case it sure may be. I think bags like this take a certain person to pull it off, but I know you are out there- and you will rock this bag like itГў€™s your job! If I’m talking about you, hop on over to Sun Walters and buy this bag for the marked down price of $174.99.

Discuss this post in the Purse Forum