Designer Handbags

I have said it at least 100 times in 100 different entries, the whole over-zealous monogram pattern does not do it for me. I want the beauty of the bag to attract the attention, not the logofied style. Even worse is designers who do not typically use a monogram pattern, or have not found success with one, using it like it is hip. Gag me. Upon first glance of the Michael Kors Jet Set Monogram Satchel, I thought of two things: ‘mmmmmkayyyyy’ by Mr. Mackey and Mary Kate Olsen. Those are two things you do not want a potential buyer to think of when looking at a Michael Kors bag. The shape is great, the leather trim is stunning, the push lock closure is cute, but the monogram-emobossing makes me seriously laugh and want to gag all at once. Kors, stick to what you know works, simple bags without your initials splattered all over it. Especially when your initials will make people think of at least two totally opposite things. I mean really, who thinks of Michael Kors when they first see the initials MK? Not me. And that is not a good sign. Via eLuxury for $328.

Granted this evening bag is quite pricey for the size, but it is also a work of art and a total masterpiece. A Judith Leiber piece nearly guarantees that you have bought an intricately designed bag that will have nearly every gawking. The Judith Leiber Limited Edition Venus Miniaudiere touts a picturesque sea-shell frame with an array of champagne, pink, and clear Austrian crystal detailing which are all meticulously placed in a stunning wave like pattern. Gold-tone hardware and a lock closure finish the simple clutch which dabbles into pure extravagance because of the crystal detailing. The price is not cheap, pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3995, but the craftsmanship and detailing makes the price justifiable.

I stumbled onto R & Y Augousti’s pleasant line of bags at Henri Bendel when I was in New York, and I went home with a mint-green python beauty. Since then, I’ve been tracking R & Y Augousti online with only moderate success. Thankfully, Barneys stocks a small selection of the French line’s clutches, including this R & Y Augousti green sunsnake clutch, along with their better known home goods. I won’t lie. A big part of the appeal of this line is the low price point - you can get this exotic clutch for $225 - but the bags are also very well made and absolutely hip. I love the shagreen buckle and the belt-like leather detail, as well as the fine texture of the snakeskin. The day clutch is the new bag trend, and this clutch is begging to be taken out for a cheerful lunch. The lack of logo is total class and will leave many a stranger wondering where you got your bag. Snag one here for a steal of a price, and keep your eye on this label. They make wonderful things.

Image via Forbes

Spending a lot of money on an evening bag makes sense to me, if you are a star or A-lister. That way you get it for free. Many evening bags are exorbitantly priced, but within your own range I say go for that nice evening bag, it makes the outfit. The Nancy Gonzalez Porousus Bag is made with a nearly perfect crocodile skin and features special order embellishments. You can special order your Nancy Gonzalez bag, but it is going to cost you. $30,000 for this version, which is the price of a beautiful new Honda Accord Coupe. Car or bag, car or bag?

I love having options. I have posted about the Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutch in three different options; black, metallic, and now mave electric blue. The Jimmy Choo Mave Foldover Clutch is an amazing blue color that is eye-catching, attention-drawing, and electric-coloring. I can see each color being perfect for a different occasion and this blue version can be for a younger gal or the gal who wants to party, not sit down for a nice dinner. Hell, this clutch can be for any gal wanting to do anything. Just love it! Via Net-A-Porter for $895.

Which Jimmy Choo Foldover color do you love?

My color choice for spring and summer is green. There have been a few green handbags that have caught my eye (stunning army green Miu Miu Coffer) but I am not fully sure I or everyone of you want to carry a huge green bag. The perfect answer is a green clutch if you ask me. And like I always say, a stunning color on an exotic is a perfect match. I am head over heels for the Angel Jackson Chandra Snakeskin Clutch which is designed with moss green snakeskin on a simple yet stunning design. The sister duo behind this line is new on the block but sure to make an impact. A sleek frame top with a tiny bit of ruching below forms a stunning clutch that is easy to wear during the day or out at night. You can not beat this price for an exotic, $295 via Lux Couture.

A different shape and a bag has a whole new feel. Most of us are used to our clutches being wider than they are long. It just feels right to hold a clutch in my hand of the ‘usual’ dimensions. Marni is catching some attention with their longer than wide clutch, which measures 5″W x 7″H x .5″D. Upon first picture inspection, the clutch looks huge, but that is just your mind playing tricks on you. The Marni Long Patent Clutch is actually an itty-bitty clutch that sports an elongated look and a silver chain wrist strap. It is almost like a miniature, and on my 5 feet and 10 inches it may look silly, but it can fit modern day slim cell phone, lipstick, ID, and another misc must. The only aspect I am not totally keen on, other than the size, is the wood and rhinestone detail on the front. There is an oval wood detail that is covered in tiny rhinestones on the top center of this patent leather clutch. The wood detailing is fine by me, gives the clutch an edge, but the rhinestones are not a huge plus in my book. Though, I suppose since the bag is so small it won’t be in your face, and can look subdued and funky rather than ornate and tacky. Through Net-A-Porter for $336.

I can not even rag on Britney Spears because it would just be wrong. She is a mother of two attempting to find her way in life and just got out of rehab so I have to be nice. So nicely, can I tell you something Britney? The blue contacts do not suit you, rather they are a tad scary. The hat is understandable because you need to hold the wig in place. The shirt, ehhh. The shorts are too short and they are velvet or velour or some material needed for fall or winter. The boots are not flattering. And the pinkish metallic shade on the handbag does not match your outfit at all. I am not sure of the look you are going for, but I am still rooting for you! Was that nice? I tried at least. But let’s get to the matter at hand, can you ID Britney Spears bag? Time to play Name That Bag!

Image via GR

The Desperate Housewife does have hair that puts mine to shame. After leaving Ken Paves Hair Salon (yep the Jessica Simpson BFF Ken Paves), Eva Longoria was photographed sporting long wavy locks and a chic new handbag. At first I could not ID the new shoulder bag, but something kept ringing a bell. And the bell was the Mulberry bell. A brand new bag on the Mulberry scene is the Mulberry Hanover Bag, which gives a laid back feel with its oak Havana leather and chunky hand stitching. There is a Mulberry bush on brass buckle on the front pocket. Laid back and perfectly understated for the gal with Ken Paves hair-do. Buy the bag via NAP $1195.

Image via Dot Spotter

Looks like many more people are accepting Jimmy Choo’s handbag designs than before. Recently seen on Victoria Beckham, the Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutch has popped up for nights on the town and red and orange carpet events. At the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, Hilary Duff showed up looking perfectly put together in a yellow dot dress and paired it with killer heels and the Jimmy Choo Metallic Foldover Clutch. This clutch is perfect with a sheen Italian leather, chunky goldtone hardware, and a removable wrist strap. Jimmy Choo is making a name for itself in the handbag world, finally (after many failed attempts). The clutch in the version Miss Duff carried is $825 through Saks. Via Fab Sugar