May 2010 - Page 2 - PurseBlog

Alexander Wang Tries for Another Knockout with the Darcy Slouchy Hobo

May 26, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Is there a certain handbag that haunts you? The Alexander Wang Rocco has haunted me since I first laid eyes on it: leading me to buy it, only to end up being disappointed with it, returning it, and now feeling tormented like I could have liked it. You see, if you read my review of the bag I was entirely let down. I knew the studs would add weight, but the heavy studs paired with the shape of the bag made it appear frumpy. And I couldn’t seem to make it work for me. But I think of the bag often and feel like I want to give it another try. Little secret into my mind: I *hate* returning bags and almost always find something good in a bag so I can keep it and wear it.

But this bag might work better for those that love the Alexander Wang aesthetic but need more support for a heavier handbag. Welcome the Alexander Wang Darcy Slouchy Hobo to the family, I think many of you will welcome her with open arms and wallets.

Cole Haan Saddle Leather Mini Crossbody Bag

May 9, 2011May 26, 2010 by Shannon Mahoney

I feel like there is a good chance the handbag Gods are reaching out to me in a very strong way today. You see, today, every single bag that has caught my eye thus far is a crossbody bag. Granted the sizes of these bags are all different, but crossbody bags they are.

As I’ve said multiple times during this seasons crossbody craze, I don’t have one. I know I should and I know I want one, but I just haven’t taken the plunge. While crossbody bags are all the rage, I think I need a bigger crossbody rather than a mini like this Cole Haan bag. Yes, that is a personal preference and it’s too bad, because this one is actually relatively cute.

Love Dachshunds? Then This Judith Leiber Crystal Clutch is for You

May 26, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Only Judith Leiber would design a clutch in the likeness of a Dachshund.

Behold: The Chanel Cassette Clutch

May 26, 2010May 26, 2010 by Amanda Mull

Oh, Karl Lagerfeld is so clever. Or crazy. Maybe both! Yes, probably both. But this time, I think he might be crazy like a fox – the Chanel Casette Clutch is not only kind of hilarious (you know, in a droll fashion sort of way), but it’s totally useable (well, if you’re the type that would use a tiny, clear clutch.)

UPDATE: The clutch is vintage and for sale! Make the jump for more info.

Elle MacPherson Makes Me Love this Gucci Bag Even More

May 25, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

When I covered the Gucci Joy Boston Bag with Snowman and Elephant Print, the reaction was mixed (except on Facebook where most everyone disliked the bag strongly). But not me. I loved this bag from the moment I first saw it. You see, I recently took a look into my handbag collection and realized I was lacking playful and whimsical designs. My collection is overflowing with great leather bags, but I not only wanted but felt that I needed to add some bags that are meant to be taken lightly and meant to be fun. I found it in the Marc Jacobs Fluorescent Tweed Bag and I have found it in this Gucci Bag.

You know who else is drawn to it? Elle MacPherson.

PaperFashion Makes Over PurseBlog

May 25, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

In December of 2009 I was introduced to PaperFashion. It was love at first sight.
Katie Rodgers, the illustrator behind the site, fuses her love of fashion with her skilled artistic touch to create one-of-a-kind watercolor pieces. Her work is unlike anything I had seen before, and I was immediately drawn to it. After I saw her pieces, I also learned she does customize art. We wanted to add a fresh new touch to PurseBlog, whether it be on our Twitter page, Facebook Page, website, or all of the above, and Katie was perfect for the job.

Katie came up with two original PurseBlog illustrations combining our logo along with a fashion sketch. Check out what Katie of PaperFashion came up with and tell us your favorite!

See by Chloe Chantilly Leather Tassel Zip Wallet

May 9, 2011May 25, 2010 by Anna Cooperberg

I always talk about how a great zip wallet could function perfectly well as a clutch, but it’s rare that a clutch functions as a wallet. In the case of this See by Chloe Chantilly Leather Tassel Zip Wallet, I was completely mistaken and thought I was looking at a clutch before I read the name of the wallet.

Like most of the recent See by Chloe creations, the leather looks lusciously soft (and rather curiously padded, but let’s not dwell on that). The ivory color goes particularly nicely with the light gold accents, giving the clutch a luxurious feel.

The Coach Kristen Woven Leather Clutch is grown-up girly

May 9, 2011May 25, 2010 by Amanda Mull

We talked last week about the success of Poppy, Coach‘s super-girly line aimed at younger women whose tastes are slightly more, uh, boisterous than those of their traditional customers. It’s been a big success for the brand, which often is a gateway for teens into the world of designer accessories.

That doesn’t mean that Coach has forgotten its core customers, however. Bags like the Coach Kristen Woven Leather Clutch remind us all that just because a brand makes bags for teenagers or the logo-obsessed doesn’t also mean that they are incapable of making bags for sophisticated, stylish women – that’s exactly what this clutch is.

The Carlos Falchi Gathered Python Pouf Satchel is super luxe

May 25, 2010 by Amanda Mull

Say what you want, but there’s nothing as luxurious as exotic leather. The texture and detail are unparalleled, and stamping or embossing regular leather just doesn’t get the same effect. Exotics are pricy, of course, but if you can afford them, they’re worth it. I’m a particular fan of Carlos Falchi‘s python and croc looks – they’re less expensive than similar products from some other brands and the soft, slouchy approach that Falchi takes makes them look and feel much younger than the types of styles that traditionally feature exotic materials.

Take the Carlos Falchi Gathered Python Pouf Satchel, for instance. Not only do Falchi’s signature gathers make the bag look touchable and luxurious, but the finishing of the python and the way that it’s used accents the natural beauty of the material in a really great way. We all know I think that there is no greater bag sin that disguising an exotic’s natural beauty, but Falchi passes that test with flying colors here.

Tips on a Tidy Closet from Tracy Hutson

May 24, 2010May 24, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I know I am not alone in complaining about my lack of closet space and desire for a much larger closet to organize my handbags and wardrobe. Every one of you reading this website may have felt this way at one point before (or still feel that way).

Tracy Hutson is one of the original style consultants on the show Extreme Makeover Home Edition. And she was always one of my favorites, pulling together finishing touches to give the transformed homes the “homey” feeling while remaining completely stylish. Tracy has teamed up with QVC to release a line of home accent pieces, the Love Where You Live Collection, to integrate her style into items for your home. Luckily, I was able to chat with Tracy Hutson on how to keep a tidy closet. Read her tips and thoughts below!

A common complaint among women is lack of closet space, not everyone has a Carrie Bradshaw closet. What simple steps can be taken to make the most out of your closet space?

Tracy: Who wouldn’t want to have CB’s closet! There are several things that can help achieve maximum closet space. Take a look at where your problem areas are. Are your clothes so packed in it’s hard to see what you have? Doubling your hanging rods is easy and inexpensive. Is your coveted shoe collection taking over the floor? Adding extra shelving always comes in handy to display the goods. The Photo on the box trick is a must! It really does save a lot of time and heartache. Also, storing your last season’s clothes elsewhere really frees up a ton of space. A friend in New York swears by the space bags, found at spacebag.com – genius! Just slide those sweaters and pea-coats under your bed until next winter! Also, hangers are a great space saver if they are all the same they fit nicely together. My faves are the bamboo hangers at bgreenhangers.com.

Just in at Net-A-Porter: Mulberry Alexa

May 24, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

In quintessential black leather, the Mulberry Alexa has arrived at Net-A-Porter today. The Alexa is a Mulberry favorite that has lead to a massive following, attracting fashionistas (and fashionistos) worldwide. Mulberry scored big when they designed and named this bag after Alexa Chung. And why does everyone love this bag? It can both be dressed up or dressed down, used for work or fun, and has an overall cool vibe. The oversized version in black buffalo-leather is available at Net-A-Porter now for $1,250.

One Bag, Two Ways: Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch

May 24, 2010 by Amanda Mull

I can’t think of a bag that’s more versatile than a big black clutch. Add an exotic skin to the mix for a healthy dose of luxury and you’ve got a bag that can be worn day or night and year-round, no matter your age. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine how you’d work even the most basic bag into your wardrobe, however, particularly if you’re not prone toward considering a clutch (even an oversized one) to be a legitimate option for daytime use. With a little help from the Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Clutch, I’m here to give you some food for thought. Or, maybe, I’m just here to make up pretty outfits. I’m comfortable with either of those options.