Designer Handbags

A while back (yes Leslie, a long while back- my apologies!!), I had the pleasure of chatting with Leslie Newton a bit about her line of handbags. The line she has that I am head over heels in love with is her Curious George line. Growing up that little monkey was a big part of my life. My mom always read me every book and I watched the shows and owned so many items with my favorite primate (and of course the man with the yellow hat). Leslie has started a company that is flourishing and now has one of my favorite characters of all time. I am sure so many of you will fall in love with this line and wish to purchase something from it for a very special person (me would be great, or family and friends I suppose

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The Leslie Newton Curious George Dr Bag shows off a yellow suede body with snakeskin trim. The focal point is the Swarovski crystal face on the front. For a fun inside, there is Curious George lining. The bag measures 11″ H x 16″ W and is available for $350 via the online store.

Next we have the Leslie Newton George Suede Tote. This bag is one of my favorites because of the pink suede which is trimmed in brown leather and also shows off Swarovski crystal accents as George’s face on the front. The tote closes with a magnetic snap and has the cute monkey lining on the inside. Dimensions are 16″W x 14″H x 5.5″ at the sides. Buy it for $330 through Leslie Newton online.

The Leslie Newton Curious George Suede Phone Tote is one of my favorite accessories from this line. Who doesn’t seem to own a cell phone these days? To protect your cell this holder comes in pink, blue, yellow, or green suede with Swarovski crystal to form George’s face and a snap closure. Perfect gift for a price of $90 via the online shop.

And lastly Leslie has designed a quirky and funky make up bag that is bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S! The Leslie Newton Curious George Banana Make Up Bag is a yellow leather banana shaped bag that resembles the fruit George loved so well. Finishing off this make up bag is CG lining and a cute banana zipper pull. Get crazy with this accessory for $90.

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With a new season comes new materials. One of the new “it” materials that does not really do it for me is patent leather. It just happens to usually look cheap to me and remind me of some weird bedroom outfits (if you know what I mean). But the fact that big name designers are using it must mean there is some demand there. The Valentino Patent Bow Clutch is made of shiny black patent leather and shows off a large gathered bow detail on the front. While I know it isn’t the case this clutch looks like it was made of left-over rain coat or a naughty-police lady’s outfit. The bag is not for me but someone out there may love it. Buy it through Bergdorf Goodman for $980.

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At this very moment my Spy is looking at me completely lost and embarrassed to be calling herself a Spy. Fendi has released a new Spy to the family and I would like to opt for Fendi to send the bag back. The Fendi Coated Crepe Satin Spy Bag looks like a raincoat with handles. This Spy shows off gaudy coated crepe satin with a circular floral print and a handwritten Fendi signature. The rest is the usual Spy specs we all know. But this bag… my eyes… my Spy is cringing in the corner. Take this bag off the market through eLuxury for $2070.

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I wasn’t fully sure what I felt about this bag until I saw the model holding it in the picture. Funny how sometimes you aren’t sure about a bag until you see it on someone and you begin to drool. Also funny that after I see it on some gorgeous girl and I try it on, it looks no where near the same. But that is beside the point. The Etro Large Leather Satchel mixes the glamour of polished gold metal hardware with the supple touch of soft grained leather. The leather is wrapped with a leather strap which is then held down by a golden hardware padlock. Calling all Paddington lovers, there is a padlock on this bag too! The shoulder straps are designed of rolled leather and finished off with gold metal ends. While I don’t have any dimensions, I would assume that this bag may have a hard time fitting under your arm unless you are about 8. Available in black and red, buy it through eLuxury for $1390. Now, if only I looked like that model I might be able to pull the bag off perfectly

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Like I said before, this week is mostly devoted to new and upcoming designers. Starting today off is the quirky designs of Onna Ehrlich.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Onna Ehrlich is an artist and designer who draws inspiration from her African roots in creating contemporary fashion accessories.

For the bold and beautiful, the Onna Ehrlich Renee Chic Bag will give you and edge that can not go unnoticed. The hobo shaped bag is designed from Italian leather and then is laser-cut to add the African edge Ehrlich is known for. On the inside you have suede lining with 2 pockets; one open and one zipper. The bold red on yellow pattern and brass hardware makes this bag hard to miss and hard to not notice. Measuring 12″ H x 17″ W, buy it through Onna Ehrlich for $370.

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Without Chanel Amour, I could not keep you all updated on the Chanel beauties that are released (Chanel’s homepage is as useless as Prada’s!!). Many of you know I am a sucker for exotic skins and soft materials, so these bags have made their way right to my heart. Just in time for spring, the Chanel 2.55 Washed Lambskin bags come in beautiful light colors and look as supple as can be. How about that beautiful pink ostrich bag in the middle?? I’m melting. For the lambskin in either blue or yellow inquire with your nearest Chanel boutique. Available for $1,895.00.

And while you are at it, if you have been dying to get your hands on a beautiful red bag or the 2.55 quilted Chanel purse, check out the beautiful bag Rhiannon from Chanel Amour is selling!

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I am officially allowed to be angry at my email service. From time to time it has given me problems and lost some emails in cyber space (whatever and wherever that means or goes). Recently I missed an email from a lovely lady named Jackie, the designer of Belen Echandia bags, about a promotion her company was running.

Twice per year, someone on our mailing list will receive an email containing a ‘Golden Ticket’. This ticket will entitle its holder to receive the bag of the season (this year it is the ‘Stroke Me’ bag) made especially to order, in the color of her choice.

While we missed the first Golden Ticket opportunity, number 2 will be on its way come September. But no need to sit tight and wait for the freebie when you can check out her beautiful designs now. The Belen Echandia Charm Me Model No. 694 shows off simple but edgy style with its luxurious soft Italian leather and large leather stitching. The front of the bag shows off a pocket with stud details and tassels. Believe it or not the bag is filled with pockets galore, including 2 zip compartments, 2 hidden zip pockets, 2 inside zip pockets, and the outside leather pocket. Can there be any more storage for you? On the inside there is the signature soft pink lining Belen Echandia is known for. Measuring W:34 cm H:20 cm this bag looks so stylish and cute and is available in many colors (including metallics). Buy it through their online store for roughly $635.10.

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On the search for a perfectly flashy evening bag I stumbled across the Ripani Jeweled Black Evening Bag. In my opinion, the style resembles Versace with its extraordinary glamorous accent in form of a goldtone metal front, adorned with Swarowski crystals. The handle is detachable and features a magnetic snap for easy access. For a mere $179, this clutch is a real steal.