Bottega Veneta Handbags

Bottega Veneta Ash Elongated Croc Clutch

If it has seemed that I have been MIA, it is indeed true. I am in full-force wedding planning mode, and the amount of details needed to go into a wedding are mind-boggling. Sure, I knew it would happen, but really, how many ways are there to fold napkins on a table and how exactly should I go about making my decision from the 38 options?

My outlet now is shopping. Yesterday I spent time online shopping for Halloween decorations. Late enough in October that everything is marked down, perfect! I am attempting to keep myself from looking into a new handbag purchase. My last was my Hermes Kelly Wallet, and really, that was my allotted amount for quite some time.

But I have a soft spot. A soft spot for exotic skins. A soft spot for Bottega Veneta. And a soft spot for this exact clutch which I have swooned after many times before. Let me introduce you to the stunning, the elegant, the timeless, Bottega Veneta Ash Elongated Croc Clutch. Made with genuine crocodile, which from BV is one of the most divine exotic skins out there, this clutch is topped with the signature knot clasp and flip closure. The color is natural, in hues of beige that will never go out of style or out of season. The inside is lined in suede and the dimensions are 9″W X 3½”H X 1½”D. I could go on and on about Bottega Veneta. Fact of the matter is, when you ask anyone at Hermes who their competition is, the house of Bottega always seems to come up. Buy through Saks for $3,900 (a much better buy than the Bottega Veneta Vibio Large Clutch if you ask me).

When it comes to buying a new handbag, at what point do you consider your purchase an investment? For most of us, with the way the economy has been fluctuating lately, buying an expensive handbag might require a little more thought and planning than say, an impulse purchase. This got me thinking, how many handbag lovers consider some of their purchases investments and what makes a handbag an investment? Is it the price, the line, the exclusivity, or something else? Around the same time, I stumbled across the Bottega Veneta Vibio Large Clutch. We all know Bottega Veneta handbags carry a hefty price tag and sometimes finding a handbag that mimics the look might be a little nicer on the bank account (see Purse Blog Savvy). But, is it worth pinching pennies for a designer handbag you’ve been lusting over?

Now, this clutch is without a doubt gorgeous. The quilted python clutch as a standard frame opening, tab detailing at the top, an internal zip pocket and lush suede lining. To me, the python stands out the most. Bottega Veneta handbags have always demonstrated amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail, and clearly this has not been sacrificed with this clutch. A clutch like this would be a gorgeous addition to any outfit you might like to pair it with and it is without a doubt sure to turn heads. So, would you consider this clutch a worthwhile investment? If so, buy through Net-a-Porter for $3,950.

So, here is a question for you, is there such thing as a handbag that is too big? Like pretty much everything else in this world, everyone has their own unique taste and personal preferences. I totally understand the oversized handbag trend, however, for me, the jury is still out. That is the same issue I find myself pondering with the Bottega Veneta Atene Ayers Bucket Bag. For the most part, I love almost all things Bottega Veneta. But, with this bag, I can’t decide if it is simply just too big.

Now don’t get me wrong, the craftsmanship of the bag is gorgeous. The material used is a buttery goatskin stitched in orgami-like triangular folds and then accented with Ayers trim. The double top handles with a 5″ drop give the bag the option to be carried by hand or on your shoulder (I don’t know how comfortable that big of a bag would feel on my shoulder though). The suede lining is not just classic but actually adds a nice contrast to the goatskin. But, I hate that the bag has no closure! I am sure if I threw my stuff in there, it would stay put, but if I knocked it over (which there is a 99% chance I most certainly would), I hate watching everything spill out. You know what I mean? Maybe it’s my own issue, who knows. So, handbag lovers, is this bag big hit or too big and a miss? Buy through Saks for $3,950.00.

It is as easy as this, I like this handbag. I am sure I have said it before, but I’ll say it again, one of my favorite things is looking at a handbag, a shirt, a pair of shoes, etc. and just really liking what I see. No justification is necessary. Well, that is exactly how I feel about the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Maggiore Bag. At first glance, the color and texture of the bag caught my eye. I love the shade of red, so rich and warm. The woven leather is impeccable. I personally love woven leather that doesn’t look like it has been woven too tightly or too loosely. I don’t know about you, but when leather is woven too tightly, the seems to lack movement. While at the same time leather woven too loosely makes me worry that something small like an apartment key or my favorite lip gloss, *GASP*, could fall right out. I mean really, losing my favorite lip gloss, which mind you I can only find online, would be absolutely tragic!

Ok, ok, back to the bag. The double top handles and silvertone hardware continue to compliment the bag very well. The bag has a magnetic closure, one inside open and one zip pocket (perfect for my lip gloss). And of course, in true Bottega Veneta fashion, the bag has suede lining. I have to say, I am quite a sucker for suede lining. Who isn’t? Overall, the bag is absolutely gorgeous and to me, a great addition to any handbag collection. I personally think the style is totally classic and chic; the kind of style that can be worn for seasons to come. And hey, if you don’t think it fits your budget, it’s never too early to put it on your holiday wish list! Buy through Saks for $1,850.00.

Bottega Veneta vs Nancy Gonzalez

The battle of the designer look-a-like bags continues! I have always been a self-pronounced lover of Bottega Veneta bags. Yes, of course I am. Soft and buttery leather, intricate weaving, timeless classic designs. And when it comes to exotics, Nancy Gonzalez handbags top my list. And why wouldn’t they? Nancy Gonzalez uses bright bold colors on rich exotic skins. Both designers are known for different looks and both designers have highly sought after handbags.

A long time ago I professed my undying love of the simple fold-over clutch that so many adore from Bottega Veneta. Many times referred to as a cosmetic case, the Bottega Veneta Pyramid Clutch combines a simplistic approach of a small pouch with a fold over top and divine woven leather. There is a longer version ($400 more and twice as long), which is not considered the cosmetic case, but either way this one doubles over as a clutch. Either way, I have always loved this clutch. Buy through Saks for $580 or larger version through Net A Porter for $980.

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I feel like many of the bags and accessories I’ve written about lately have leaned more toward the exotic side. So, I was thrilled when I found this Bottega Veneta Cervo Illusion Metallic Hobo. Yes, Bottega Veneta caries an extravagant line of handbags, but this bag’s classic shape simply makes me want it. The shape is timeless and thus the bag can be used from season to season without much hesitation. The intricate design compliments the bag so well.

Sometimes designs can be taken too far, but I honestly feel as though there is an element of simplicity with a splash of excitement. I love how the braided double shoulder strap plays off of the design on the bag; it helps the bag come together nicely. Plus, the color of the bag is extremely rich – ideal for the upcoming fall season. The magnetic snap is undoubtedly sufficient, but personally, I always like to see a little extra, how should I put this, “reinforcement” concerning the closures of any bag. The interior has one snap and one zip pocket – perfect! And of course, Bottega Veneta bags never stop short; the bag is lined with suede. When you look at a bag and notice that the designer focused on the bag in its entirety and didn’t fall short on one aspect or another, you’ve got a great bag. Of course, you will have to drop quite a bit, but baby, you’re worth it! Buy through Saks for $2,800.

Bottega Veneta Ruched Shoulder Bag

Today is a very late start after a morning filled with appointments. I went on my way to the appointments and everything was the exact same as usual, except one added little touch. Only valet parking at the Doctor’s office. It seems like a simple difference, well because it is, but it added that slight bit of extra luxury. Parking at this one Doctor’s office was like finding a specific shell in the ocean. Spaces were limited and beyond small and everyone was hunting people down in the lot. Believe it or not there is literally no where else to park. Nada, zip, zilch. So this added perk really made my day. And this is the precise thing Bottega Veneta has done with their Bottega Veneta Ruched Shoulder Bag which is updated with a slightly gathered middle. Everything else is the exact same as the iconic Bottega Veneta Veneta Bag; simple design, classic shape, buttery soft leather. But the middle ruching adds the perfect pizazz. There is something about this added dimension, on top of the woven leather, that really makes the bag stand out. The midnight blue leather is a stunning option for fall and winter, but easily works for summer (think of it like blue jeans, seasonless for the most part). The inside is lined with taupe suede and there is a zip top. Simple and elegant, just like Bottega Veneta likes it! Buy through Net A Porter for $1,950.

My new obsession has still not arrived, and while I have not told you all exactly what it is I will tell you that the guesses about it being a Bottega Veneta handbag aren’t correct. The thing is that I have indeed loved the knot box clutches from Bottega Veneta, especially the croc version. For fall a material that you will see often is satin. Now satin is a material that I love in linings of bags, but I do not always love it on clothing (way too clingy on the average woman) and bags. But in the instance of the Bottega Veneta Satin Knot Clutch I find the sleek lilac satin woven into perfection to be stunning. This is nothing new or mind-blowing, but it is a classic purse from the luxury house. The reason that I have not amassed a large knot clutch collection is because I am not attending event after event where this could be used. Sure, I go to some events and to nice dinners, but have not delved into it fully. Once I do nab one of the Bottega Box Clutches it may be the longer version coming this fall. Of course the inside of this clutch is lined with satin and there is a clasp knot fastening at the top. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,100.

Bottega Veneta Satin Box Clutch

I have been obsessed with the elegance of the Bottega Veneta Box Clutches from day one, also known as the knot clutch. In fact, so in love with them that I am astonished that I do not have one in my collection yet. Actually, I take that back. I have been waiting to take the plunge for one of the crocodile versions, just not sure what color. These clutches are favorites among Bottega Veneta handbag lovers, as the shape is simple yet stunning and the clutch can be seen out at dinner or on the red carpet. And while the crocodile versions will push upwards of $3,000, the Bottega Veneta Satin Box Clutch is a dressy option for a more affordable price. This bag combines simplicity, beauty, and usability all at once. The clutch is large enough to carry the essentials and small enough to grace your hand without appearing too large. The inside is lined in tonal suede and the clutch is finished off with the signature knot clasp. Buy the camel version through Net A Porter for $1,100 and the black version through Net A Porter for $1,100.

Bottega Veneta Butterfly Clutch

Yesterday was Vlad’s birthday and we celebrated with an amazing steak dinner and a trip down to the Homestead Speedway Race Track, where I gave him his present, professional driving lessons. Now you have to understand Vlad is an avid car man, a guy who obsesses over engines, horsepower, carbon fiber, etc. Me? I like how cars look, but as he has taught me more I have in turn began to learn much more about cars. Any sports car driving down the road can be identified and approximate price and horsepower can be given by me now. But it is not just me learning about cars and Vlad not learning about what I love. Really, how do you think this website got started? As Vlad saw my love for handbags he helped me started this site and is still a very integral part of the website. He can identify bags and even will tell me if something is fake! I love it! So yesterday at dinner we overheard the women at the table behind us speaking about their new bag obsession and if the handbag they love is worth the price. They were speaking about Bottega Veneta, and if I did not find it rude to interrupt their lunch, I would have popped over and told them Bottega Veneta is a timeless investment. But I think there is a great way to break into a brand if you are a little wary; go with clutches and accessories. If a brand meticulously makes their small leather goods, you can be assured their larger leather goods will be of amazing quality also.

Last week I told you about the Bottega Veneta Butterfly Bag, and the response was split down the middle. I personally like the bag, but I will not buy it, it is a bit too much for me. But I found the perfect consolation prize, the Bottega Veneta Butterfly Clutch which is designed with ecru woven leather and butterfly detailing on the back. This fold over clutch from Bottega Veneta is one of their house favorites, being sold in various sizes and colors (we had tremendous responses with the Pink Bottega Veneta Clutch giveaway). This clutch is ideal for someone who loves the butterfly print but is not totally in love with it enough to want it all over their larger tote. The print is on the back of the clutch, so it does not need to be seen at all times, but adds a fun touch. There is a magnetic fastening for the flap closure and blue suede lining. Buy through Net A Porter for $770.