Be&D Handbags and Purses

Be&D Kitty Studded Satchel, $1350. Be&D Gia Satchel, $975. Both via Bloomingdale’s.

What struck me the most about seeing the Be&D Studded Kitty Satchel and Be&D Gia Satchel in quick succession was how different the two bags were for being released by the same independent brand in the same season. The Kitty satchel is big and soft, almost like a really luxe weekender, while the Gia is all corners and angles and sharp edges, done up in a comparatively petite size.

But there are some details that connect the two together, most notable the gold pushlocks that will always remind me of Marc Jacobs, no matter how many other designers use them. The tendency to use neutral leathers is also a very Be&D trait, and although it doesn’t satisfy my lust for bright accessories, it does make for a very useful handbag.

With the roaring popularity of leopard print seemingly chugging into spring unabated (Givenchy, anyone?), it looks like haircalf bags are here to stay. For those of you who wince at furry things of any type, that’s too bad. For those of us who like the slick, neat look of a good haircalf bag, this development couldn’t find us any more pleased. What’s even better is that the material’s popularity for leopard bags and shoes has started to spill out into other bag inspiration, which is perhaps why we now have the option of the Be&D Genesis Satchel in super slick black pony.

Because I have a 15-year-old goth living inside of me somewhere who refuses to leave, one of my favorite cold-weather looks is layered black in lots of different textures. The look gives a whiff of badass to whomever dons it, and a bag like this is the absolute perfect way to tie up an intensely dark, brooding outfit.

After many years of carrying many different bags, I have a routine of what I transfer from bag to bag. My wallet, a pouch, and a card case among other tidbits. Card cases are an easy way to make a fun and funky purchase. I have a fuchsia pink croc case that I adore but I’m always looking for other options. Be&D has both a tiger and leopard studded card case, both of which are the perfect way to add a little accessory zing.

While the military trend has mostly seemed to stick with solid colors, Be & D and some other brands are bringing in camouflage print. And to be honest, I kind of sort of totally adore it.

Camo-print has such a negative connotation to so many people, believing it is overly masculine and as far from fashion forward as possible. But this is not the case. Camo can be cool, it just has to be done properly. Be & D does that with their Barclay Tote.

Who: Be & D Sample Sale

What: Be&D Sample Sale. 30-75% off Handbags, Footwear and Small Accessories
Original Garbo Satchel: $895, Sample Sale: $275
Kan-Kan Portfolio: $595, Sample Sale: $200
Wristlets: $295, Sample Sale: $50

Where:: 35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor West, NYC

When: Tuesday, May 25th – Thursday, May 27th. 9am-7pm. Cash & all major credit cards accepted.

If you read this blog regularly, you probably know that I have something of a love affair with the color black that dates all the way back to when I declared it to be my favorite color at five years of age, which worried my kindergarten school counselor. I’m the girl that buys black sundresses and black shorts for summer, and it’s not out of an appreciation for the goth aesthetic or a desire to let everyone know I’m in a bad mood – I just really like black.

It’s harder to come by in warmer months, but if you have a similar affinity for the dark side, the Be & D Big Spring Satchel is probably perfect for your personal style. It’s rare that something that so proudly trumpets its affiliation with a warm season is so decidedly dark, and although some people may find that contradiction off-putting, it feels perfectly normal to me.

There’s almost nothing I like better in fashion than when it reminds me of something slightly fantastical or science fiction related. I know, clothing and handbags are supposed to be useful and realistic, because we need to protect our bodies and belongings from the elements… Well. To that I retort: we’re beyond that age, and now fashion can look to the future. Plus, we can always wear our impractical gear indoors and not worry about a tornado ruining it or something.

That element of fantasy is what attracted me to the Be & D Leather Convertible Bag. The raised spheres on the flap of the little cross body reminded me of futuristic armor or something equally awesome. But then, I made the mistake of looking at the bag in a fleshy color, a color that Be & D calls “citrus.” Friends, I’ve never seen a citrus fruit in this color. It’s fleshy, a salmon-esque shade at best.