If you want a bag that's super feminine without being too terribly frilly this pink Stam Ostrich Tote by Marc Jacobs might be what you're looking for. It is big and pink but it's an earthy shade, plus the ostrich leather gives it an interesting texture. Silver hardware includes a detachable chain shoulder strap and a logo clasp at the top for closure, and other than that it's a pretty simple and straightforward design with a roomy interior (just one zip pocket) lined in leather. $5,500
I'm not crazy about the triangular shape of this crocodile pelham shopper bag from Gucci but otherwise it's a standard, versatile shoulder bag that's sure to be useful as well as fashionable. Featuring crocodile in dark green with silver hardware and two braided straps, the bag also has horsebit accents, tab-snap closure, protective feet on the bottom, and an inside zip pocket. Measuring 19.3" x 5.1" x 11" it's an attractive and generously sized bag but I must admit I'm not sure what exactly warrants the sky high (even for Gucci) price of $22,900.
Matching luggage was all the rage at one point but today the trend seems to be moving away from brightly colored bags so perfectly matched they're all but identical to more gently coordinated sets like this Boardroom Collection from Mulholland Brothers. Made from materials that could do double duty as a business suit, the bags feature all the class and reserve of pinstripes and leather plus a few splashes of modern style in the way of the occasional bright print. Prices range from $92-$610 and the set include every shape and size you could possible need, from wallets to garment bags to carry ons.
The latest bag from Bodhi Handags is a an exotic python bag known as the barrel snake. With a long shoulder strap and a deep bag, it's big enough to hold all the essentials and still look completely chic. The bag is just one of the inspired creations from Creative and Design Director Joseph Janus who believes bags are "wearable art" and has created a colorful collection of clutches, hobos, satchels, and totes that use Italian leather, hardware, and exotics like python and ostrich. Bodhi bags can be found at specialty retailers including Fred Segal and Takashimaya and the retail price is $3,378.
It's a big, silver, lacy-looking bow that doubles as a clutch.
What do you think of it?
My first impression was 'geez, who wouldn't look tacky carrying that?' But the more I look at the more I think it's really sort of charming. In an off-beat, ultra-feminine- with-a-hint-of-biker-chick sort of way.
The Bow Bag Clutch from Marc by Marc Jacobs features silver metallic leather with a double overlay of netting. It has two pockets (one on each side of the bow's center) each with its own zipper closure and bright pink lining. Also features a short chain strap with attached designer logo. $250
As Louis Vuitton's latest line in collaboration with an outside talent hits stores, the fashion house's designer Marc Jacobs says the increasingly frequent projects have gotten out of hand. Vuitton's new collection designed by Comme des Garçons' Rei Kawakubo just went on sale in Tokyo, but unlike previous LV collections by Takashi Murakami (far right, with Jacobs) and Richard Prince, Jacobs complains that he had no creative input on Kawakubo's, New York magazine reports.
"I've kind of warned everybody up there [at LV] that I think they've gotten a little too into this idea ," Jacobs says. "I'm glad that everybody gets behind it, but what they don't realize is that I do it at a pace that maintains the brand's integrity and seems really right, and I think that sometimes everybody loves a good idea so much that they kind of go too far and it kind of kills it." This could be an indication that despite the massive profits brought in by the trendy collaborations, they could be coming to an end soon, or at least slowing down considerably.
Here's a designer tote that definitely falls into the 'bold and bright' category! Featuring a cheerful face woven in bright colors on vibrant purple wool, the Woven Face Tote (they didn't exactly get creative with the name there, did they?) from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel has a zipper closure on the top (gotta love that nothing will come tumbling out unexpectedly), a luxe quilted lining, and padded handles. The 'woven face' is what I would describe as a mix of wimsical and primitive, with details like dark eyelashes and bright heart-shaped cheeks making the real statement. $320
You might be thinking that "seatbelt" and "luxury" aren't synonymous, unless you're talking about a car. Then you must not know about Harveys Seatbelt Bags. These bags are great -- durable, practical, fun, functional, and available in lots if colors. But still not luxury, until now. Harveys recently debuted its Boutique Collection, branching out into more elegant styles and even doing a bag in leather instead of the traditional seatbelt. There are six new collections within Boutique: Vertigo,Leather,Herringbone,Carriage Nickel,Carriage Gold, and Accessories (see the gallery for examples of each). I love the Carriage Medium Tote Nickel, and plan to order one this weekend. Prices range from $34 for a key chain that holds a picture to $498 for the Carriage leather bag; free ground shipping.
I've mentioned Zappos Luxe Life before. Now and then I browse the store to see what's new in the Couture section, and recently I found a bag that I really like for fall. Usually Alexander McQueen is too way out for me, but I think this Western-inspired patent bag is great for the days when you break out the jeans and boots but want a nice bag to polish the look. The burgundy and gold bag is made of of patent leather. It's 14" wide across the bottom, 9.5" wide across the top, 5.5" deep and 10" high, enough room for wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology. The handle drop is 5". Other features: a front exterior slip pocket, platform bottom, top zip closure and a luxurious interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. Comes with a protective dust bag. $2,569; free shipping and returns from Zappos.
Flashy and catering to both the current metallics and military trends, this Burberry bag is sure to brighten up any outfit -- almost literally. The shiny silver acts as both a neutral in terms of coordinating with other colors but it also gives off its own glitz vibe and can be very useful for adding a shot of boldness to your ensemble.
Full of folds, straps, and ruching, this bag also features a twill lining and a large central zip-pocket on the inside separating two large compartments. Plenty of room for everything! $2,995
This is a gorgeous clutch, and right up my alley because not only do I love the gentle dove gray color but I also love that it manages to look very luxe and a little glitzy without featuring any jewels or over-the-top crystals.
The Chain Embroidered Clutch by Stella McCartney is a generously sized (looks bigger on the model than I would have expected) simple silk frame clutch with heavy chain embroidery decorating the sides, silver hardware (including a clasp on the top for closing), and a black satin lining. $1,395
Clutch maven Lauren Merkin has turned her talents to travel with a new line of small leather accessories that will have you eager to take a spontaneous trip. Each leather item is available in teal, eggplant, rust, camel or black, featuring playful detailing and lined in micro-fleece. Prices range from $25 for the leather luggage tag to $250 for the first laptop sleeve that you won't want to hide in the bottom of your totebag. Check out the entire line plus a few of Merkin's latest handbags in the gallery. To order, head to laurenmerkin.com.
Tennis season's not over yet! Why not help the economy and get yourself a fresh, new bag for the fall? Bally's bright pearl orange Arkel bag is made of patent calf with a patent leather-trimmed twill lining. It measures 15.5" H x 18" W x 4.5" D and has a 6.75" shoulder drop. The top is open for ease of putting in and taking out your tennis wear and accessories, and the zippered exterior pocket holds your tennis racket. Made in Italy, dust bag included: $1,095. (But you can get it at Endless for just $492.75, with free overnight shipping.)
That is one long name for a handbag! For having such a long name it's a pretty normal looking classic clutch without any outrageous features going on -- except for crazy fashion appeal if you're counting that! This bag strikes me as one of those timeless designs that truly can be considered an investment since you'll certainly be able to use it for years to come with a variety of outfits. Made of monogrammed vernis embossed leather with calf leather trim it features golden hardware with a logo plague on the front, flap top with snap closure, a detachable golden chain shoulder strap, and a zip pocket plus six card slots on the interior. $810
Gallery: Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset Boulevard
I love the feel of a new bag and when it comes to handbags I have a tendency to find one I like and carry it every day until it wears out, but tote bags... well that's another story altogether. I'm a little overrun with totes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so I guess it's no surprise that I like this set of Hornback Weekender totes by designer Julie Feldman. It's full of pockets, including 3 interior pockets (one of them zippered) plus a large zippered center-divider pocket big enough for a laptop, and then the outside front pocket. Bags are made of hornback calf suede with alligator stamping and feature a fun print lining. 16" x 9" x 22", $595.
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