Designer Handbags (Page 9)

I don’t know about you, but the name Salvatore Ferragamo tends to make my heart skip a beat. My love for Ferragamo doesn’t stop at handbags; from shoes to clothing to handbags, I am seldom disappointed. As much as I love hearing about exclusives, I have to say, I am ten times more thrilled to share great news and insight with others. For example, this Ferragamo Exclusive from SmartBargains. SmartBargains has been known to offer amazing designer handbags at a price which could be a little easier on the wallet. You’ve seen some of the drop dead gorgeous Ferragamo handbags we’ve discussed in the past. Of all the Ferragamo handbags included, I keep finding myself gravitating towards the Salvatore Ferragamo Black Leather Marianna Tote for $799.98. Of course it is still a bit pricey but so much easier to swallow than the original $1,190 price tag. Plus, these purses are without a doubt a great investment. Not too fond of this handbag but want to have a Ferragamo bag to choose from? Click here to check out all the amazing options!

Please, tell me, what is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this handbag? I don’t know about you, but I see a cross between a disco ball and an ’80s stud machine that went on a rampage. I guess you pretty much already know how I feel about the Sonia Rykiel Dita Shoulder Bag; I’m not a fan. The stud embroidered hobo is just way too much for my eyes to handle. In fact, there is so much studding that you can’t even see what I imagine/hope to be gorgeous violet leather. If the studding wasn’t enough, add chain handles to the bag and you have a silver catastrophe on your hands. I am really starting to get the impression that the folks over at Sonia Rykiel can’t make a handbag without copious amounts of studding; remember the otherDita Shoulder Bag? As I think most people are, bringing out the rocker chick side of you can be fun which is I guess the look this bag is trying to get after. However, I don’t really see much fun about it. All that studding will either burn your arm on a hot sunny day or freeze your arm during the depths of winter. What do you think? Is there anything salvageable about this handbag? If so, buy through Net-a-Porter for $2,300.

A very Happy Halloween to you all! Vlad and I have been out wandering our neighborhood, which is known for the best trick-or-treating on the East side of Fort Lauderdale. And we were total party poopers, as we were not dressed up. Our house on the other hand, has massive 3 ft spiders crawling about along with spiderweb on all three levels. But today I was conscious enough to take my Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in tangerine, which got me in the Halloween spirit. And in the very least, even if you are not a big fan of Halloween, at least opt for a purse that goes with the holiday.

And for some my orange and black picks, I would opt for the Marc Jacobs Palais Royal Bag in orange leather, $895, or the Jimmy Choo Saba Python Bag in black, $4,495. No explanation, just two choices for an orange or black handbag! Buy both through Net A Porter.

What did you wear for Halloween? Did you opt for a Halloween spirited bag?

There is something comforting about distressed leather. I don’t know if it is the fact distressed leather can look so no-nonsense or hassle free, but I like it. The Giorgio Brato Distressed Leather Bag is one that demonstrates how amazing distressed leather can look if it is worked with diligently. If a designer isn’t careful, distressed leather can look used as opposed to giving off a vintage or well worn feel. Giorgio Brato is a designer who pays close attention to this which is clearly visible through this handbag. One of the greatest things about this bag is its versatility. There are so many looks you can get when carrying this bag while always remaining fashionable. Double rolled handles add an extra sense of ruggedness to the feel of the bag. Since there is ample room to store whatever you might need, this bag is perfect fit for day to day use. However, I would have to say, I am still simply thrilled by the look of the leather; it is gorgeous. In fact, I can think of countless celebs, no matter what their typical look may be, who would sport a bag like this. Add some comfort to your look through Shop Bop for $1,025.

Some of the many things I love about handbags are the various additions to the bags designers use. Of course, the overall style and look of the bag draws me one way or another, but the attention to detail and use of something different always catches my eye. Over at Luxaholics, celeb trends, sightings and style are discussed daily. I’m sure as most of you check out celeb images you start to notice trends within individual looks. I tend to notice certain celebs favor handbags with certain flare and the two that continue to stand out the most would have to be fringe and studding. As most of you know, I have a hard time finding a bag with the right amount of fringe for my taste, however, studding is a different story.

There are some fabulous handbags out there with amazing stud detailing. When it comes to fringe, I stand by less is more, but I don’t think this is necessarily the case with studs. Plus, studding always makes me think I am tapping into my “bad girl” side. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t like to flaunt her bad girl side from time to time? The Mary Norton Sceptre Baton Clutch (pictured above) is a highly sophisticated way to show off studding. This clutch is studded with semi-precious onyx and tiger’s eye ontop of brushed gold AND Swarovski crystal details. Now, this stud of a bag will set you back a bit, but you can buy it through Saks for $2,995.

I really want to like the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Rouche Distressed Tote. It’s punky, edgy, soft, and has a leopard-print lining. It’s not over-designed or overly complicated. The leather is simply left baggy instead of pulled tight at the seams. I bet it’s light, too. But something about this says ‘garbage bag’ to me, and I just can’t shake that thought when I look at it. Perhaps it’s a bit too wrinkly. Maybe it’s the extra strap (which does not look removeable – a pet peeve of mine) that’s coloring my perception. Does this ever happen to any of you? Do you ever look at a bag and really WANT to be impressed, and you just can’t muster it? Buy through Saks for $1,995.

Or maybe it’s just that it’s black. The very similar Miss Rouche Distressed Satchel is hitting a homerun for me (ok, well, sort of), but it comes in a greyish white that makes the purse not quite so…garbage bag. You can also see the slouchy details much more clearly with the lighter color, and the bothersome extra shoulder strap appears to be something that can be removed (thank you Jebus). A much better effort, all in all. It’s the kind of thing that I would be excited to carry – odd, unexpected, not everyone’s taste. I don’t just WANT to like it – I DO like it. Buy through Saks for $2,195.

Perfect sunshine and shape: the Treesje Hudson Large Hobo [via Purse Blog Savvy]

VIDEO: Lauren Conrad Debuts Her “Really Girly and Fun” Collection at L.A. Fashion Week [via Off the Rack]

Five minutes with: Dolly Jones, editor of Vogue.com [via My Fashion Life]

Guess the Celeb by Her Fabulous Handbag! [via Fab Sugar]