Evening Bags

I have mentioned from time to time that I was a swimmer growing up, all the way to and through college actually. People think when I say this I mean I splashed in my backyard pool, quite the contrary. At 5 am I was in the water, at 3 pm I was running and lifting weights, at 5 pm I was back in the water, and the next day I did it all over again. For years this was my routine, since the age of 4. A perk of being brought up in South Florida was the ocean; a total negative for anyone near in Florida afraid of marine life is also the ocean. Guess whose swim coach had them swim in the ocean on Saturdays? I cried. The thought of a squishy but totally awful jellyfish, a hiding stingray, and a hungry shark terrified me. Tears welled up in my goggles every Saturday. I’d rather see a stingray as an accessory, just like this stunning Jalda Stingray Bean Clutch. A perfect texture of exotic stingray skin in deep navy looks extravagant and does bring back any sort of marine life fears. The oversized brass clasp is not overpowering, rather subtly adds a touch of sophistication and class that is a hard combination to hit. On the inside there is faille lining and this piece of hand candy (that does not have the capacity to fling its stinger up in your leg) measures 5¾”HX 9½”LX 1″W. Classy and safe through Saks for $415. Take that you scary under-the-sand-camouflage-hiding stingray!!

Cleanliness is next to godliness. I grew up in an impeccably clean house, with a mother who does not believe in Swiffer but in the old bucket and rag to wash the floor. My style taste is reflected many times in less is more which to me merely reflects back to my upbring around cleanliness. Sleek, refined, and clean enough to eat off of is the Jimmy Choo Pal Tube Clutch. Against a white background, this white patent leather clutch can be lost if it were not for the gold designer clasp on the top and sides. Dimensions are width 9 inches x height 3.5 inches x dept of 2.5 inches, perfect for a petite hand. Via Net-A-Porter for $980.

But is this kind of clean your kind of clean? Yay or Nay?

Earlier I mentioned the plain ways of the MJ Wallet, and now I will introduce you to a cheaper clutch that is much more classy and has more of the timeless effect. The Rodo Evelyn Clutch pairs together simplicity with stay power in this olive satin fan shaped clutch. The thin panels show a slight gathering of the material which adds evening class. A rhinestone clasp closes this beauty and there is an optional silver chain handle if you need use of both hands (Holiday parties bring out the drinking in us all). Affordably chic for the Holidays through Net-A-Porter $315.

A native New Yorker, I am quite used to having the best brands abundantly available at better prices than anywhere else. As the joke goes, “Someone’s got to pay retail!” Having spent a great deal of time in London, I have discovered some exclusive British luxury brands that should not be overlooked. Tanner Krolle was founded in 1856 to produce bespoke (i.e. custom-made) luxury travel bags and accessories for the wealthy landed classes of London. In the 1990’s the house was owned by Chanel, but was reacquired by British owners who were determined to bring the brand the attention of the luxury goods market. Tanner Krolle uses absolutely top quality leather and exotic skins that are treated and finished to exacting specifications. Tanner Krolle has a limited distribution network and therefore limited production of bags and shoes. The result is TRUE exclusivity and an attention to detail and workmanship not found in more well-known lines.

I am mad about the Sam Brown line, which is produced in different leathers every season. The three-button version rivals Mulberry’s Bayswater as the choice of satchel-swinging sweater gals of London. The Sam Browns all feature a classic shape with shiny button hardware concealing magnetic closures, a fold-over top and handles that can easily slip over the shoulder. The Tanner Krolle Mini Sam Brown Handbag in silver Scratch Leather has a trouble-free surface and a lady-like appearance. It’s $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, about to be marked down 30%. Contact your nearest Saks or order via Tanner Krolle online.

The Tanner Krolle Big Ben Evening Handbag (right), a limited edition piece, is an homage to the big clock on the Thames. The cognac colored Karung snakeskin has a smaller scale than more common python, and give a sleeker appearance. The rose gold hardware and chains and a white silk satin lining add to the subtle glamour of this prize. At £550 ($1000) via Tanner Krolle, it’s quite reasonable for such a beautifully crafted exotic-skin bag. You know I’ll be waiting in line at the door for the post-Christmas sale on this. I have python Tanner Krolle sandals, and the skins are the best I have ever owned. You won’t find lots of Tanner Krolle in the United States, but if you are in London, do visit one of the stores – Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, or Burlington Place just off Bond Street – and learn about this very exclusive and luxurious line. And don’t miss their sales – devastating!

Written by guest blogger: Pointie.

Tod’s beauty and class manifests in polished refinement and simple grandeur. The Tod’s Girelli Metallic Pochette stays true to the designers style featuring grained metallic leather. A huge perk to a pochette is a removable or concealable chain shoulder strap, which gives the carrier a choice to place the clutch in hand or carry it on the shoulder. Overall simple yet a tasteful addition of crystal-encrusted silver metal push-lock closures on either side. Another perk for a small bag is a magnetic closure, which of course, this Tod’s bag has. Measurements are 9″ x 5″ x 2″. With the holidays fast approaching, many parties will need evening bags that bring glam like this number. Tis’ the season to shine and be fashionable. Via eLuxury for $675.

Over the weekend Vlad and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. As the toasts got a bit long, I found myself staring at the women’s bags around me. I know that is probably the last thing I should be thinking of, but let’s face it, I am just that shallow. So I browsed the room and peeked my head over shoulders admiring some bags and gagging at others. But a beautiful diamond in the rough caught my eye. A woman in her mid 40’s was dressed to the 9’s, wearing killer heels and a gorgeous clutch. The clutch looked to be made of mother-of-pearl, very similar to the Celestina Mother of Pearl Clutch. This clutch emanates beauty and refinement with its smooth mother-of-pearl exterior with an oversized brass bracket. Celestina minaudiere bags can be describes as being “meticulously designed by Ms. Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Manila’s fashion icon, entrepreneur and designer, and painstakingly created by hand by the country’s finest craftsmen using age-old techniques and unique materials from different parts of the Philippines.” You all better believe I was dressed to kill (and had the most handsome date), but a clutch like this would have completed my outfit even more perfectly. Via Vivre for $1,115.

For a brief moment in time this bag popped up on eLuxury and after I cleaned the drool up from underneath my mouth, the bag was gone. Seriously are there that many people trying to make me frustrated and trying to buy bags that I want? Yep, I think so. But I will make a trip to my local LV and get this baby, because I in love. The Louis Vuitton Aumoniere Satin Multicolore is designed with silky satin multicolore pattern on the outside and is trimmed in Ayer (water snake). The inside is lined with taffeta and lamb leather. The hardware is golden brass and there are two Louis Vuitton engraved stud closures. There is an optional golden brass chain to use this bag as a shoulder bag, but I would wear this baby as a clutch all the way. I couldn’t be more in love with this clutch. I am having a mind block (possibly by choice) on the price. Keep checking eLuxury or your local LV Store for this beauty.

Every lady needs a black dress and a classy clutch to carry with it. There is something about pairing your little black dress, heels, and a killer clutch for a special night; it just makes a woman feel so sexy. A perfect elegant and classy clutch for the nights you feel super sexy could be the Roberto Cavalli Satin Print Roll Clutch. This black-and-gold satin print roll clutch is encircled by a gold serpent. An optional thin gold shoulder strap accompanies the clutch. I know the price tag is far from lovely, but a girl can dream; and sometimes a girl can splurge if she is bringing sexy back. Buy it through Net-A-Porter for $1065.

The style tip of the day is: wear animal prints this season but never mix match animal prints. If you wear an animal print dress, pair it with simple heels. If you opt for an animal print bag, then steer clear of other prints on your clothing. It sounds like I am stating the obvious, but some folks need some fashion guidance (no need to listen to me though really). Roberto Cavalli has combined jewelry with handbags to make the ultimate chic evening bag. Seriously, this bag could not get any hotter if it tried to. The Roberto Cavalli Animal Print Bracelet Bag is a gold and brown leopard print clutch bag with a gold serpent bracelet as handle. We do live in a fast paced world, but I am pretty certain I have not seen a clutch like this yet. The handle is a bracelet which takes care of 2 accessories at once. Seriously who would not like to kill two birds with one stone? This Cavalli number has gold leather piping trim and a spring clasp fastening to close the bracelet. I am seriously and totally digging this bag. Be super nice and donate this bag to me: via Net-A-Porter for $840.

Greek mythology was never my thing. There were a few stories I always remembered, but other than that I could never tell all the different God’s and Goddesses apart. However, a slight few stuck in my mind and memory. Pegasus is one of them. Pegasus is known as the “Thundering Horse of Jove” and was a winged horse that was fathered by Poseidon with Medusa. Lesson in Greek mythology ends here! The Blush B-Lush Evening Pegasus Handbag sports Pegasus detail on the front flap on top of the topaz leather body. There is a woven handle and an interior zip compartment. Overall, the bag measures 10″L x 5″H and is on sale at ShopBop for $171.50.