Bottega Veneta Handbags and Purses

Thanks to Amanda for holding down the virtual PurseBlog fort while Vlad and I spent Christmas in Germany and the Czech Republic. I planned to do some work while abroad, but we spent every minute of every day exploring new cities and taking in the culture (and cuisine). For this reason, I took a straight eight days off work and it was glorious. But now I am back and Amanda will get a little downtime before 2012 begins.

I’m not the only person who spent the holidays traveling, as this is the season for millions to leave home. I have finally come along to the idea of having a more luxurious carry on bag, and the Bottega Veneta leather travel trolley is my latest want.

I used to associate black and blue with bruises, but going forward I will always think of this stunning Bottega Veneta Knot clutch instead. Leave it to Bottega to know exactly what I adore and design it in a way that has me going gaga. We have discussed their Knot clutch ad nauseum and my two favorite renditions have been their crocodile version and their intrecciato metal version. But now I have both in one place and that feels like Christmas came early.

With the perfect touch of sophistication, the Bottega Veneta Crocodile and Intrecciato Metal Box Clutch integrates textures and colors in a completely fashion-forward combination.

Dare I say it, but has anyone else found Bottega Veneta a little boring as of late? There is nothing wrong with the company’s designs, in fact they are gorgeous, but I really want something that can lure me in and I simply can not say that is what BV has done for me recently. I have always loved the brand, and I want so badly to love what they put out that this pouch has my heart doing an itty-bitty happy dance.

A good pouch can either be used in addition to your handbag or to stand alone, and the beauty of the Bottega Veneta Laser-cut Leather Pouch needs to be seen. I would gladly carry this pouch as an independent piece so everyone could see the intricate black goat leather laser-cut detailing.

Images via Vogue.com

Bottega Veneta never disappoints. I realize that’s something of a strong statement, but I honestly can’t remember a time when I’ve looked through the handbag images from a Bottega show and thought, “Eh, these are ok.” The bags are always utterly luxurious and usually quite functional on top of it. Tomas Maier knows where his brand’s strengths lie, and as a result, the bag lovers in his customer base always get something utterly lustworthy for their patronage.

Despite a design or two that doesn’t quite pass muster (riveting just make ostrich skin look strangely mottled on a few of these bags), Bottega Veneta Spring 2012 stands out as a very strong handbag collection in a season that’s seen a few stinkers from brands that are usually reliable. Ladies, Bottega is still the Bottega you all know and love.

Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch, $3380 via Net-A-Porter

We all know that Bottega Veneta masters the art of intricate leatherwork. However, there may be a time when the beauty that is created is simply not necessary and the Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch may be one of those times.

Don’t get me wrong, this bag is eye-catching with its interesting leather leaf detail over the entire outside of the hard box clutch. But I wonder the practicality of this item and on top of that the price reaches the high end of the scale. So I am turning to you to have you tell us what you think of this designer clutch. Buy via Net-A-Porter for $3,380.

Fill in the blank: The Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch is _______________.

Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch, $3980 via Bottega Veneta

One of my favorite parts of fashion is the gift of imitation. I remember being blown away by the pleats printed on the flat skirt of a Prada dress when I was younger, and the ability to trick the eye and make something expected out of something totally unexpected is one of the best visual treats you’ll find. It’s the kind of creativity that reminds us all why we pay these prices.

That’s exactly the kind of reaction that I had to the Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch when I first saw it. On initial visual inspection, it just looks like regular black lace overlaid on a cream-colored fabric; a nice clutch, but not a particularly fascinating one. The reality, though, is much more interesting.

Bottega Veneta Large Hobo Bag, $3250 via Saks

Even though rust is an objectively negative thing outside of the fashion world, there’s no color that reminds me of cool evenings and changing leaves like that slightly dirty burnt orange that shows up when iron starts to oxidize. Bottega Veneta knows exactly what I’m talking about.

The Bottega Veneta Large Hobo Bag (why won’t Bottega give us better names?) has exactly the functional structure and traditional intrecciato leather that we’ve come to expect from the Italian accessories powerhouse, but that color. That color. Can you tell I’m ready for the weather to cool down, like, immediately?