Be&D is all about the studs, but it is a welcome treat to see a studless bag from them. The Bowery Satchel has a downtown cool feel, most likely the feeling associated with the Bowery District. The front zip pocket is perfect for easy access and there is a magnetic snap closure there. The chain shoulder strap brings a nice touch alongside the double handles. I know this handbag is simple, but sometimes simple is what we all need. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $665.

I was totally digging the Be&D Garbo Studded Leather Baguette when we recently reviewed the Be&D Garbo line. The baguette is not only a type of bread I love, but is also a fun name for the shape of this bag. There is an optional chain strap with a massive 21.5″ drop. And while I typically take off the chain strap, I loved the chain strap on this bag. Furthermore, you can double the chain strap to wear it as a shoulder bag, or leave it long to wear as a crossbody bag, or go chainless and carry as a clutch.

I know some of you are so over the stud trend, but I love it. My typically garb is jeans and a tee, so a studded bag really dresses it all up and adds the extra pow. Black with gold pyramid studs is the perfect classic combo when it comes to studs. There is a handy back exterior zip pocket, which would be perfect for your cell phone. The front flap has a magnetic snap, which is super powerful, so I can assure you it will not budge unless you intend for it to. I am on an entire Be&D kick. Want to join me? Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $695.

We have a sneak peak at one of the handbags you will see on the premiere tonight! A new character to the Gossip Girl set, Joanna Garcia is rumored to be the love interest of Nate Archibald. Tonight with the introduction to Joanna Garcia, whose name is Bree on the show, we see her carrying the Be & D Cosette Satchel in Navy.

Recently we had the chance to review the Be&D Garbo line, which is full of studs. The Cosette Satchel combines a feminine touch with edgy details for Be&D. The top handle appears ruffled which the optional chain shoulder strap brings the va-voom we expect from Be&D. This is one of many Be&D bags we will be seeing on Gossip Girl. The Cosette Satchel is $895. Shop Be&D at Bloomingdale’s.

Last fall we had the pleasure to meet with the designers and co-founders behind Be&D, Be Inthavong and Steve Dumain. Be&D reintroduced the Garbo when we were at the press preview and we could not have been more thrilled. In 2004, most handbag designers were sticking to the basics. At this time I was still exploring my love of handbags (this is pre-PurseBlog days). Though many bags continued to look similar, there was a standout that caught my attention. It was studs. Glorious studs on the Be&D Garbo satchel.

    

    

At the time the idea of a studded handbag was foreign. No other designer was doing it and in my mind Be&D was one of the first brands to release a studded handbag. The duo became known for their studs. So while they did follow up with other successes, like the KanKan, the studs were dearly missed.

The re-inception of the Garbo could not have come at a better time. The entire fashion world may not have been ready for studded handbags in 2004, but it is 2009 and we are seeing studs everywhere from everyone. For its 5 year anniversary, Be&D brings back the Garbo. Perfect timing, indeed. Now it is time for us to give you a look at the Garbo collection from Be&D; from bags, to shoes, to clutches.

The Garbo collection is unlike other designers who introduce studded bags. Nothing about these pointed studs are dainty. A seriously edgy handbag needs serious studs, and Be&D delivers. The downside of the studs is the weight, as the bags run quite heavy – even for an over-all studded handbag.

    

You will not stay occupied thinking about the weight when you get your hands on a Garbo bag. The lambskin is seriously supple, one of the softest I have felt in a long time. The colors are saturated beautifully into the leather and pop against the stud detailing. The whipstitch detailing on the handles gives a subtle yet sophisticated addition. The collection can be defined as the epitome of punk modernity.

When it comes to studded handbags, Be&D has perfected the art. Other brands are desperately trying to keep up with this trend, but Be&D invented it. The bags are modern, funky, and mean serious business. We were loving every bag, from the classic satchel (stack at the top of the post) to the fun clutches. We could not be more thrilled that Be&D brought back the Garbo for their 5th anniversary, and now Garbo will not be going anywhere.

More on the Garbo from Be & Steve

PB: Tell us about your first launch of the Garbo: When did you launch it? How was it different from the other handbags? Your vision?

We launched the first Garbo in July 2004 in Bergdorf Goodman. We felt their was a lack of fun in the luxury fashion market and wanted to see if we could fill that gap. The idea for this piece for us was to be a very seriously crafted bag but with a rock and roll appeal that was still glamorous but tough. There was nothing like it in the market and we just loved the feel of the super soft lamb with the metal studs.

PB: Now every designer is releasing at least one bag in their collection with studs. Do you feel like you started the stud trend?

Right after we launched that bag back in 2004, there were a lot of great young Hollywood ladies wearing it, which really caused our big luxury competitors to take notice. We were so little known at the time – that only super serious fashion girls knew who had started it. At first it was difficult to see this happening – but it really is an honor in a way and everyone says there’s no higher form of flattery. There are many editors who tell us we started the stud trend – but it was really just a fun moment for us that we felt was super relevant to how we felt about life at the time. I guess the Garbo bag has many illegitimate siblings running around out there in the world – and it’s really a wild feeling to think we were in some way responsible for the way so many women were dressing.

After the big craze post Garbo- we had another one that made us very proud called the KanKan (spotted on Katherine Heigl). This bag also had a similar trajectory if you look at the timeline – it’s very cool to see what became of that look.

PB: Will you keep the Garbo as part of your collection for good now?

I think she’ll be a permanent part of our collection from now on – and in some way will always influence our designs – whether it be the super soft structure or the rock and roll look – or just the feeling we had when creating her.

PB: What is next for Be&D? Can we expect more studs or do you have something else up your sleeve?

There’s definitely something up our sleeve that we just finished up for Spring 10′ that is so exciting for us – hopefully you’ll all feel the same.

And despite my lack of love for shiny gold hardware, and in particular shiny gold studs, I can’t help but enjoy the Be & D Garbo Convertible Tote. Even though it’s over the top and a bit gaudy, the bag just works.

As I’ve said before, Be & D has as much of a right as anyone to be taking advantage of fall’s stud-happy trends. They were doing it years ago, to limited success, when everyone thought it looked fairly weird. Now, they’ve taken their much-loved studs and paired them with tougher, more subdued materials for fall, and it works much better than it once did.

Yes, even the gold. When juxtaposed with matte black leather, you can’t help but get their point. For me, the variation in stud size is key. They’re uniform on the front and back, larger at the gussets and handle attachments. It’s not too much change to make the bag confusing to look at, but it’s enough to know that they took great care in how the chose and placed the studs.

The slouchy shape and handles also help take a bit of the edge off the bag, and in this case, that’s a good thing. If the bag had been more structured, it would have been too much when combined with the all-over studs. As it is, it can be worn as a slouchy tote or a fold-over messenger, and although I’m not much of a fan of convertible bags, it works well with the stud placement in this instance. Buy through Saks for $1490.

Their studded bags really didn’t tickle my fancy back then; they were shiny, smooth, and gold, which is really not my thing. The bags they’ve introduced recently have been much better, though, whether they’re studded or unstudded. I’m having a really difficult time choosing a favorite; my opinion on the matter changes from day to day. But today, it’s the Be&D Cosette Hobo.

The Cosette is everything I like in a bag. Big, functional, soft, yet textured. It’s not overly complicated, but there is enough visual interest to spare. I’m unsure about my feelings on the ruched handles, but I respect them for doing something slightly off the beaten path. I’m trying to visualize it with thick, soft leather straps instead; I’m not entirely sure it would be an improvement. As it is, it’s certainly not bad.

The tiny quilts on the front look like they’d be soft and touchable, and when you combine that with the woven leather and metal chain, this bag almost reminds me of a more urbane, less ladylike take on the Marc Jacobs Stam. Be&D has a reputation for using smooshy, drooly-worth leather, and this doesn’t look like it’s any exception. Overall, quite a solid effort to relaunch the line’s buzz. Buy through ShopBop for $995.

Like it or not, studded bags are a huge hit still for fall. So many of us continue to love the studded trend while others are ready for it to be over. While this may be a newer endeavor for some designers, the duo behind Be&D has been adding studs to their handbags for years.

From Yves Saint Laurent, to Marc Jacobs, to Rebecca Minkoff, studs reign supreme. Be&D is no stranger to this trend, as their line of studded Garbo bags hit shelves years ago (we have a large Be&D piece for you all next week!).

If you want a little bit of stud without an all-over studded bag, the Be & D Woodstock Hobo may be the handbag for you. This oversized leather handbag features a studded strap detail on the deliciously colored sand leather bag. From first hand experience, the leather Be & D uses is absolute superb. The shoulder strap also pops with the whipstitching. Totally digging it. Buy through ShopBop for $995.

From Be Inthavong, Co-Founder/Designer Be & D

Valentine’s Day, worth the hype or overrated? I think Valentine’s day should be viewed like any other holiday. Do we really need a designated day out of the year to remind us to love our parents, to exchange gifts, to be thankful, and to love? I think any designated day to anything wonderful is worth it!

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as a child: I loved buying Valentine’s day cards and passing them out in class. But when I was younger, I had just moved to America and spoke no word of English. I would pass out birthday cards and get well cards to my classmates for Valentine’s Day! I was glad the teacher didn’t call me out on it!

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as an adult: I’m such a hopeless romantic sucker. I love to make plans to go out and celebrate. I love dressing up, having dinner at a nice place, having drinks at a cozy bar, and all the romantic things I could think of.

The most romantic Valentine’s Day you have seen, heard about, been a part of: Last Valentine, I came home to my Special Valentine who stayed up all night blowing up tons of balloons and flooded the apartment with them. And then dinner was prepared waiting for us on the rooftop of the apartment. I felt like I was in a chick flick that I was watching! It was amazing!!!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: Honestly, I don’t know! It’s so hard to plan something romantic when you are with one of the most thoughtful and romantic person on earth! I may need help:)

The best Be&D bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: Our glam chic Garbo Shoulder Portfolio Bag!! It can be carried as an oversized clutch or a shoulder bag. It’s offered at a great price for our hand-hammered studed piece that says, “Valentine’s Day Rocking Roll Sexy”.

From Steve Dumain (”D”), Co-Founder/Designer Be & D

Valentine’s Day, worth the hype or overrated? Valentine’s day to me is like fruit cake at a holiday dinner. Whether I like it or not – someone’s gonna be eating it. Sooooo overrated:) but I love to celebrate the history of love whenever I can.

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as a child: My Mom made chocolates for both valentines day and Easter. She used to make Dolly Parton chocolate lollipops – and the bosoms were chocolate covered cherries.

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as an adult: Sweet tart little heart candies with nice notes on em’!

The most romantic Valentine’s Day you have seen, heard about, been a part of:
Well – since I’m not loony about Valentine’s day – I’ll give you a little list of what I think are some of the most romantic movies of all times. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – you’ll know why; Casablanca – ouch, cry your eyes out; Grease – just see those moves – and for my mom, one of her favorite romantic crying movies of all time was a little secret film called Somewhere in Time, from 1980 – staring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. I have to admit – I remember tearing up and hiding it.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: Chocolate, chocolate, and wine.

The best Be&D bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: I’m not gonna lie, Pink is NOT my favorite color (though I love the right kind of fuchsia or hot pink) – so I would say our new Black Garbo satchel – with gold studs. It’s super soft lambskin and calf, sexy with attitude.

When we first entered the crowded showroom back in November, we did not quite know what to expect. Our previous experiences of meeting new fashion designers had overall been pleasant ones, we did not think that meeting Steve Dumain and Be Inthavong of Be & D would be any different. Still, knowing the smashing success the two have had since 2004, one could not help but be intimidated just a bit.

Click here to read the full interview!

Besides lots of bags on sale, this Be & D’s seasonal sample sale offers shoes to the public for the first time! Sizes are 36-40.

Who:
Be & D
What:
30-75% off shoes and handbags
When:
Wednesday, November 19 – Thursday, November 20th 9am-7pm
Where:
Be & D Showroom
35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor
between 5th/6th Avenue

Examples:
Jessica Alba favorite Perry White Calfkskin Satchel – orig. $895 now $375
Mena Suvari’s Beatty Black/Champagne wedges – orig. $485 now $195
Belafonte Pump: orig. $585 now $275
Georgia Satchel – orig. $795 now $295
Cosette Red Plush – orig. $995 now $495

Who: Be & D

When: November 27, 28, 29
11/27 – 9am-7pm
11/28 and 11/29 – 10am-6pm

Where: 35 West 36th Street, 10th Floor (between 5th and 6th Avenue)
B,D,F,N,R,V,W at 34th Street and 6th Ave.
NYC

What: Deanna Patent Leather Hobo Bags – were $1,200; now start at $350
Garbo Satchels – were $1000; now start at $300
Greta Clutches (as seen on November 8 The Oprah Winfrey Show) – were $600; now start at $150
Braided belts (as seen on Alicia Keys) and leather accessories – were $500; now start at $50

Cash and Major Credit Cards Accepted.

For more information – 212 629 3242 or info@beandd.com

Check out Be&D for their complete collection!

As we all await Sex and the City the movie to come out, I can’t help but wonder what each and every piece of wardrobe will be. Carrie, SJP, is a free spirit, who pulls off outfits that are sometimes ghastly and other times the next “it” trend. But the one thing Carrie was able to do was wear each and every outfit with confidence. Confidence can make or break you, leaving you to look stunning no matter what you are wearing or horribly insecure. Now I am told I am more of a Samantha than a Carrie, but I can not help but wonder if this clutch would make it into the hands of Carrie and be a hit. Alluring with the ruffled pink leather and suede trim, the Be & D Kan-Kan Ruffled Clutch manifests its beauty in a quirky design that packs a punch. The signature stud accents are reminiscent of Be & D styling, but in this bag they are toned down so as not to be overpowering. There is a detachable chain link shoulder strap. Dimensions are 13″W X 9″H X 2″D. It is different, but a good different, a very good different. Just wonder if it is different enough to be seen in the hands of Carrie? Pre order at Saks for $795.

This quilted patent leather handbag shows that Be & D can design an array of bags that look hugely different. Be&D has been known for their Crawford Hobo, which was widely accepted and loved in leather and seen as weary in black and white canvas. But a structured sister has come on board. The Be&D Audrey Handbag is a contender for an evening handbag, whether it be for dress up or a night on the town. I am actually taken off guard at this coming from the young-crowd pleasing Be & D. It is structured, sleek, and refined. The nude quilted patent leather is trimmed with black. Nothing overly fancy, but something simple and perfect in its own right. I totally love it. Buy for approximately $1241 at Luisa via Roma.

Blue happens to be one of my favorite colors. Even in pre-school, I remember painting only blue pictures- although the pictures showed no versatility they did show off my favorite color. I think that every girl should own a bag in her favorite color, whatever that may be. I have been on the search for the perfect blue/teal bag. In the running is the Be&D Large Ava Nubuck Satchel in blue slate. From their beginning, I have been a fan of Be&D. This satchel shows off a version of my favorite color nubuck with light blue pebble-grain leather trim. Even though this bag is not taken over by the signature studs, tarnished silver metal hardware and studs are still used to give this bag a boost of attitude. Along with adjustable buckled shoulder straps, there are also three studded straps at the base of the bag. When it comes to blue bags, this is a viable option for me. Buy it through Bergdorf Goodman for $995.

Like all of you faithful Purse Bloggers should know, Be & D is a very new and trendy brand. They use both ingenuity and creativity to blend together an overall appealing bag to many different women. New for fall this Be & D Deerskin Satchel is made of a divine colored chocolate deerskin and accented with the signature Be&D stud trim in golden hardware. The bag also features shoulder straps with buckles and an ID tag, a zip top with leather pull tabs, a front flap pocket with extended buckle strap, and grommets on the gussets. As many of you purse and handbag fanatics know, a bag like this does not come cheap. You need to even pre-order this beaut for $1,285 at Bergdorf Goodman.

This bag makes me melt. It is to die for. The Be&D Crawford Hobo is made of a sumptuous sand colored deerskin. The cognac leather shoulder manifests the signature studs of Be&D in gold. Other features of the hobo are the open top, slouchy body, exquisite suede lining, and inside cell-phone pocket. Like I said this is a large hobo and measures 14 1/2″H x 18″W x 4 1/2″D. If anyone (like my significant other, cough cough) wants to make me the happiest girl alive, feel free to surprise me with this bag. Or if you want to make me extremely jealous buy it for yourself (you overly-selfish person!!) at Bergdorf Goodman for $995.