Designer Handbags (Page 23)

A Lanvin handbag is an easy way to say, “I’m a classy chick.” This Lanvin bag says, “I’m a classy chick but I can rock a giant silver chain.” I love this bag. I wish it were mine. The subtly textured inky blue is such a rich color. It makes me think of royal satins and watercolors and midnight. The hardware is absolutely perfect. Not only is the silver right on, I wouldn’t change a thing about the design of the hardware. The plate with the turnlock closure is just the right size, the detail on the handles extending down like sleek suspenders is so cute, and the zipper compartment actually adds to the bag. I have seen too many fine bags ruined by superfluous zipper compartments and I am thrilled to see that this pragmatic option can exist without damaging the visual effect of a bag. That chain, on the other hand, can’t be very practical. It’ll leave chain-loop welts on any shoulder to be sure, especially if the carrier is taking advantage of the multiple compartments of this delicious bag and thus making it heavy. It would look lovely handheld, though, with the just-short-of-blingy chain hanging nicely to the side. Perhaps, though, the chain would be useful in heated social situations when one is compelled to choke a bitch. In which case this bag relays the sweet message, “I’m a classy chick but I will f*** you up.” Now that is something I’ve always wanted in a handbag. Get it at luisaviaroma.com for 1198 Euros, which is somewhere in the ballpark of $1587.59.

Up and coming Marni is at it again with another handbag that is sure to make quite a splash. The Marni Large Patent Bowling Bag intermixes ebony patent leather alongside gathered material and a structured top. Consuela Castiglioni has headed this Italian label since its birth in 1994 and and the designs can be described as ‘artsy, out of the ordinary; funky fashion student—with a trust fund.” Upon first inspection of this handbag, the gathered sections, sleek patent leather, and mod appeal jumps out. Not over the top and not looking like Castiglioni had to try to hard, the bag flows perfectly into trendy perfection with a sharpened sense of style. The size is large but not overpowering, with a width of 55cm x length of 38cm x depth of 23cm. Via Browns for $1209.

Gwen Stefani is sexy, has a hot hubby, adorable baby, amazing voice, her own clothing and accessory line, and can pull of red lipstick. Really, what more could you ask for? Her recent release of the L.A.M.B Love Handbags are sure to be a big hit with their grown up appearance which reflects this Hollywood babe’s ever maturing and changing life. Top left we have the L.A.M.B. Love Capri Satchel which features leather and logo velvet and is finished with gold-plated hardware. The satchel has a zip top closure, logo stripe lining, and an interior zip pocket. Buy it through Nordstrom for $550. My personal favorite is the L.A.M.B. Love Venezia Satchel which I adore in white with its gold plated hardware and gold detailing on the handle. Logo velvet inset is paired with this chic leather satchel and sports a hinged frame closure. Buy it via Nordstrom for $725. Last but not least we have the L.A.M.B. Love Catania Large Clutch which rivals for a spot in your hand for a night on the town. Like the other accessories from the Love collection, this clutch features logo velvet insets around the leather clutch and gold-plated hardware. There is a magnetic snap closure and the clutch is available in black, stone (brown), and white via Nordstrom for $375. Wind it up and grab some L.A.M.B goodies!!

Some people wonder if simple can be ugly; and the answer is yes. Can you really do a little black dress or a little black handbag wrong? Again, the answer is yes. I am going out on a limb to say it is actually harder to make something as simple as a plain black bag go horribly awry, but many designers have done it time and time again. I am sluggishly nodding my head in disappointment at the Be & D Benatar Tube Handbag because of its downright tawdry design. Be & D made a huge splash with their large shoulder bags and then delved into exotic skins, but have gone back a few steps with this seemingly cheap looking leather tube-shaped bag. This bag looks more fit to be a dachshund dog carrier than anything else in my opinion (and don’t get me wrong, I love wiener dogs! ) Double zip pockets on either end of the bag make the odd shape on this small bag only that much more noticeable. At least the woven shoulder strap could stand alone and be decent, yet paired together with this small simple mess it just does not sit right with me. For my holiday evening bag, I will be venturing somewhere other than towards this bag at Net-A-Porter for $890.

Miuccia Prada is head of the Prada label as well as the Miu Miu label. Between the two lines, Miu Miu is the up and coming little sister of Prada, showcasing all the flair, style, and chic appeal with a bit of a less costly price tag. All the rage right now is the super hot Miu Miu Coffer Leather Handbag which resembles some of the must have Prada handbags at the moment with its light brown ruched leather. This bag is drool worthy because it combines casual with drop dead sexy. The plaited handle and gold hardware pair together with a clasp fastening on the front and a removable shoulder strap (which can be worn across the body). Santa baby, bring this bag to me this year. Via Net-A-Porter for $1445.

Check out the long Miu Miu Coffer thread in tPF.

The first time I saw the Liberty of London Frame Carriage Shoppers was when I flipped through POP magazine. I saw this ad and mesmerized by the look and design of the bags, the quality of the bags captured well there. But my knowledge about this bag or brand was very limited, so a great fellow PFer who lives in UK helps me find out about this great bag.

The design represents everything I’m looking for in a bag, vintage frame purse style, great materials (leather and velvet), and it’s BIG! These bags are available in various color and styles including:
• plain leather in black or in brown
• embossed leather in black (as seen on the ad)
• embossed velvet in taupe (gold) and in black (as seen on the ad)

The Liberty of London Frame Carriage Shoppers’ size is 65 x 30 cm and they are available for 695£ at Liberty of London flagship store in UK or by mail order at for international inquiries.

Written by guest blogger: seahorseinstripes.

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.