Handbags With Heart

Handbags can be many things, including whimsical and artistic.  One of the most popular motifs in ladies fashion includes hearts.  They can represent femininity, love, romance, and a girlish optimism.

Take, for example, this Marc Jacobs Big Hearts Clutch:  a veritable elementary school art project in purple leather, inspired by the season’s hottest color. This larger than average clutch (11″x 6.5″x 2.5″) refuses to take itself seriously; and no one who carries this bag will be accused of such a thing, either.  Whether you love it or hate it, this bag is going to get a reaction.  Marc Jacobs has gained a reputation (good and bad) for the whimsical elements he often brings to his designs.  Traditional fashionistas may not appreciate his efforts, but the younger crowd is always looking for a way to stand out--and Jacobs’ bags are far from conventional.

Critics of this particular piece have said that it looks childish, or that it is impractical, but isn’t that the prerogative of high fashion?  There really is no end to structured black handbags or Read more

Show Stoppers

There are some bags that are so fabulous, so stunning that they are recognizable on sight.  You walk into a room and everyone knows what bag you’re carrying, who designed it, and how expensive it is.  They are status bags:  showstoppers; known as much for their reputation as for their beauty and design.

Louis Vuitton has consistently created amazing handbags and other leather products for more than a hundred years.  They manage to create hip, modern, and even trendy looks that still reflect their sense of heritage and classic beauty.  The Suriya, new for 2008, is no exception.

High on the trend of jumbo sized unstructured designs, this gorgeous extra-large bag boasts impressive 29.5"x 12.6"x 9.8" dimensions.  It has been named Suriya after the Hindu Sun god because the calfskin leather is highly polished, giving even the deep, rich color a glow.  Available in black, brown, and the season’s hottest color—purple.  It also has the famous “LV” logo embossed subtly all over.  Even people who tend to prefer structured bags will be drawn to the relaxed grace of this design.  It looks stylish without effort.

Other features include Read more

Beautiful Everyday Bags

There are a million handbags in every size and shape, but most of us carry a fairly simple every day bag to the office or to school.  Something that is easy to match with our clothes and can hold the stuff we really need as we go about our daily business.

Ordinarily I’m not a fan of Juicy Couture bags.  They tend to be a little too trendy; a little too juvenile.  But I fell in love with this sweet little bowler the minute I saw it.  For one thing, it lacks the usual “Juicy Couture” scribbled all over it, opting for a modest but elegant gold toned “JC” logo.  I also really love the color, which happens to be one of the most versatile leathers I’ve seen in a while.  Made from goatskin, it’s got a supple, buttery texture that is found in high end bags like Balenciaga.

The dimensions are 10"W X 12"H X 4¾"D, which makes it usable for us grown up girls who need to carry around more than our Hello Kitty lip gloss and a cell phone.  It’s got a nice structured look, too.  This bag would be at home in a professional wardrobe.  It is conservative enough to be carried to work, but it still has the soft curves that allow it to be carried after work or on the weekend.

Other features include the double top handle with buckle accents and a 6.5” drop; outside flap pocket with push lock closure, cotton lining, and three interior pockets.  If you are looking for a classic bag that is going Read more

‘Tis the Season to Wear Satin!

The holiday season is a great time to bring out the shine.  Silks, satins, and sparkling gems look great amidst holiday décor and firelight. But there is a fine line between style that shines and cheesy looking accessories that your grandma might have floating around in her closet.

For a company that prides itself on its leather goods, it might seem odd that Coach has launched a line of satin bags and accessories.  But the Amanda collection is a far cry from the cheesy clutches that accompany prom gowns and bridesmaid's dresses.  Using vibrant jeweled colored fabric, mixed with just the right amount of leather and hardware, Amanda has a distinct look that belongs in any haute couture wardrobe.

Launched just in time for the 2008 holiday season, Amanda is available in four colors:  peacock-inspired teal, ultra-girly magenta, a vibrant leaf green, and a chic, sleek black.  All of the bags are complimented with gold-toned hardware and coordinating leather accents and straps.

Amanda is available in Read more

Juicy Free Style Velour Satchel

Juicy Couture continues to wow fans by producing a range of stylish high quality merchandise.  Famous for its handbags in velour & terry, leather canvas and nylon the Juicy Free Style Velour Satchel is another winner.

Available in either social circus (that's purple to you and me) or sumptuous black smoked velour this little gem sets a very high standard.  It has a cinced tops, leather trim and is detailed in the damask design style.

It measures 13 7/8" x 5 1/2" x 10 5/8" and retails for only $295 unless of course, you can get it cheaper.  If so, let us know where.

Gucci Bags

Everybody deserves to own at least one Gucci handbag during a lifetime and we like to dream as much as the next person.

This divine offering comprises their GG fabric with a lovely pink leather trim.

It is a medium tote and measures 17" long x 7" wide x 11" high. It features double pink handles and is detailed with a D ring and Gucci logo.

Yours for just $750 but let us know if you find it cheaper elsewhere.

Louis Vuitton Designer Handbags

Louis Vuitton continues to sit at the very top of the designer handbag tree both in terms of it's stylish designs and prices.

This beauty satisfies the usaul criteria retailing at a whopping $2950. Boy you can make a bag sound good. Known as the Bowling Monogram Etoile it is apparently crafted in triple quilted Monogram canvas and is boldly detailed with a round padlock, a signed twist lock and numerous pockets.

At that price we say it needs a security device to enable it to be bolted to the floor but that would probably be your personal security team!

There is no doubt though that it is a classic Louis Vuitton design and highly desirable. It measures up on the small side 12.6" x 7.1" x 7.5"

Hugely unaffordable to us mortals but maybe there are some "authentic looking" alternatives out there if you catch our drift.