3.7.2008 | by Megs |
1) Zagliani Crocodile Frame Bag | $6,235
2) Zagliani Crocodile Tote | $11,300
3) Zagliani Crocodile Puffy Satchel | $11,800
The handbag world has been buzzing about Zagliani bags, which are injected with silicone to add a super buttery feel to the bags. We featured the Zagliani Metallic Python Clutch earlier and from the moment I laid eyes on it I was in love. Now my only issue is deciding whether to go for one of their python bags or crocodile bags. Decisions, decisions. The designer behind the bags, Mauro Orietti-Carella, started in the field of dermatology, learning to make patients skin smooth and beautiful. And now this technique is being used on handbags and has everyone talking. It is brilliant though. Why not treat the skin of the bag you are about to buy? If you are splurging on an expensive exotic handbag you want a sturdy bag that will last forever. Zagliani bags are working their way up the handbag chain, garnering the approval and love of handbag enthusiasts and celebs world-wide. So what is your take on this handbag line? Fab or Drab?
“Zagliani was founded 70 years ago as a company that specialized in exotic skins bags. We are not following a fashion moment. We do not make as much as the market demands because we are concerned about the use of too many skins, and will only work in an ethical and environmentally responsible way.” - Zagliani designer Mauro Orietti-Carella
4) Zagliani Yume Python Satchel | $2,900
5) Zagliani Metallic Python Clutch | $2,195
6) Zagliani Metallic Python Puffy Bag | $3,385
3.5.2008 | by Megs |
Smythson Nancy Clutch
‘Frank Smythson opened his first shop on 29th September 1887 at 133 New Bond Street. His trade card described his business as ‘First class stationery, leather goods and cabinet work’.’ Smythson still stands on New Bond Street, directly across from the original shop, where it continues to thrive and catch the attention of handbag and accessory lovers worldwide. The handbags have been produced for over 100 years now and have kept touch with Smython’s London roots. Bags are named to show a strong British connection; Bond Street, Mayfair, Bridgwater and Berkeley. The designs are simple, but highly usable and elegant. The designs have continued to provide utmost usability to the buyer. After I was introduced to the new Nancy line from Smythson, I immediately fell in love with the clutches. Made in a wide variety of colors, the Smythson Nancy Clutch is a design aimed to be alluring and timeless while adding a colorful punch. The clutch is available in black, white, turquoise, taupe, yellow, red, and emerald. While some versions are all leather while others are fabric with leather trim, the clutch features a framed top and luscious quilting on the front. My only problem is deciding which color I would like. The wide variety of colors makes me want a different color for a different occasion, but if I am going for a neutral I am leaning towards the taupe. It is subtle and elegant. Dimensions are 6.25″ x 11″ x 3″. View all of the Nancy Handbags from Smythson at their online store.
3.4.2008 | by Megs |
While Vlad was out scheming and meticulously planning a surprise proposal, he also had the pleasure of meeting a local designer who is in the accessory field as well. Constance Tisdale is the designer behind the brand It’s Myne designs. She specializes in using 925 sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. You can pick from all letters of the alphabet, a heart, or the circular bamboo bones collection. After picking your shape you have the option to choose the color of your crystals (including topaz, sapphire, rose, and peridot). Each piece costs $100 and there is an option for a sterling silver chain, slip knot for your handbag, or key ring with each piece. Find more information at It’s Myne or contact Constance via email.
2.26.2008 | by Megs |
True Religion Leyla Bag | $758 via Neiman Marcus
True Religion has become a household name for their amazing jeans. The jeans are edgy and have a little western feel, but fit amazing and have signature pockets that are hard to mistake. With the success of their denim line, True Religion has decided to branch out into handbags. True Religion handbags are designed by Leslie Hsu, fourteen-year design veteran who previously designed for brands Calvin Klein and Tahari. She has opted for fine hand dyed cotton and Italian leathers in the handbag line, and has included weekend bags, hobos, satchels, clutches, and key chains which are all adorned with the signature True Religion horseshoe logo. The handbag line is very in tune with the denim line; adding a chic casual touch with a pinch of western appeal.
When asked about the line she designed and what kind of woman would carry True Religion handbags, Hsu Replied ” I HOPE THAT TRUE RELIGION HANDBAGS APPEAL TO THE WOMAN WHO WANTS A HANDBAG DIFFERENT FROM WHAT’S OUT THERE. IN A SEA OF GREAT LOOKING BAGS, IT’S SO HARD TO MAKE AN ORIGINAL STYLE STATEMENT ABOUT YOURSELF. BUT THROUGH COLOR & STYLE, I THINK YOU CAN SAY SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF WITH A TRUE RELIGION BAG. THEY ARE LUXURIOUS AND SEXY WITH A TOUCH OF BOHEMAIN CHIC, SYNONOMOUS WITH TRUE RELIGION’S SENSE OF STYLE. I WANT THE BAGS TO BE EASY TO WEAR, BUT ALWAYS A CONVERSATION PIECE. I HOPE THAT THE WOMAN WHO WEARS A TRUE RELIGION HANDBAG IS A STRONG WOMAN WHO HAS SOMETHING UNIQUE TO SAY ABOUT HER OWN STYLE. AND MOST OF ALL, I HOPE SHE LOVES IT!”.
Right now, the handbags are already available at Neiman Marcus online and will be carried at major department stores and boutiques world wide. Prices will range from $58 for small leather goods to $898 for handbags.
View more True Religion handbags below!
2.20.2008 | by Megs |
Moe Click Bags
The problem with many clutches is that they look great, but you get sick of carrying them in your hand. That means you only have one hand, and it makes everything a little more difficult. There has been a huge buzz around the easy to carry Moe Click Bags which are created by Mary Rambin. Mary created her handbag line, especially the C.L.I.C.K bag, with ease of use in mind and effortless style. She created these bags after being faced with what many of us are daily when we peer into our closet; frustration with the burden of impractical evening purses. Available in a wide variety of colors and materials, the Click Bag has been sported on the red carpet. There are great bridal versions as well, which you can specially order in whichever color or quantity desired. The most important thing about the Click bag is that it is sensible. It gets the job done for many different events. Prices vary, but range from $175 for leather and spring fabrics and tops out around $210-$230. Check out Moe Bags online to see where you can buy the Click Bags.
2.13.2008 | by Megs |
Image via Splash News
Only in today’s day and age can a teenager become famous by appearing on a scripted reality show. The Laguna Beach turned Hills star, Lauren Conrad, has been riding a high since MTV decided to cast film her and her life. While her internship at Teen Vogue is over, LC has ventured off on her own and now is designing clothing. Too bad her ex-boss, the genius Lisa Love, thinks her line is “more T-shirt kind of things and jeans, very simple basics.” Ouch! Love did not have great things to say about Lauren, especially about her love of partying, but the show must move on. Lauren Conrad has paired up with Linea Pelle to design her own line of handbags. She has been seen sporting the bags herself, but the wait is on to hear whether those in the fashion world think her bags are fab or drab. She designed three bags; the LC Tote, the LC coin purse, and the LC Clutch. All three are available online at Shop Intuition.
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Click to see her three designs!
2.8.2008 | by Megs |
Andrea Brueckner Handbags
Canadian born Andrea Brueckner has been making waves in the handbag world. But this should not be surprising, as her bags are designed impeccably and come together beautifully. Andrea Brueckner was born in Canada but studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. After her studies, Brueckner apprenticed under master-mind menswear tailor, Craig Robinson, learning the art of draping and patern making, which now can be seen in her handbag line. Her debut handbag line was released in 2004, and has been picked up by a slue of stores and online boutiques since. She has garnered a long list of press and many of Hollywood’s girls have been seen sporting her bags, such as Jessica Alba. Below are some of my favorite bags from this hot new designer. Be sure to check out her newly re-vamped website, which sports clean lines and beautiful collection photos! To shop for any of her bags go to Andrea Brueckner Shop section.
Cardiff Medium Satchel | $545 via Andrea Brueckner
Large Market Tote | $398 via Andrea Brueckner
More of my favorites and Jessica Alba below
1.22.2008 | by Megs |
Beatrice, owner of April in Paris
There is something about Paris that changes people. If you have been, you will know what I mean. If you have not, you must go. Beatrice Amblard, the designer behind April in Paris, was only 16 when she visited Paris for the first time, but it was love at first sight. “The smell of the leather, the glue and the wax went right to my nose. I decided right there on the spot that I would become a master artisan in leather.”
And what better place to work with leathers than Hermes in Paris? Beatrice was hired as an apprentice where she learned the art of creating handbags. At Hermes, she worked on the famous Hermes Kelly for 14 years. The craftsmen and women of Hermes are famous in their own right; as they are able to perfect the double stitch and meticulously create leather masterpieces.
Beatrice took all that she learned and opened her own boutique, April in Paris in the San Francisco in 2000. She focuses on classic and contemporary pieces. Being the only Hermes leather artisan to open a store in the US, Beatrice is able to bring something to the table that is lacking in this “it bag of the season” market, timeless elegance. She spends 60 hours a week using centuries-old tools to make wallets, belts, briefcases, and handbags. While her products are not ‘cheap’, they are a fabulous option to Hermes, the brand that is hard to come by and whose prices are going through the roof. It is very evident that Bea has a Hermes background, as her craftsmanship is divine and some of her bags have a feeling of Hermes.
Every piece is made-to-order, so there is a waiting period of 4-6 weeks. Yet this insures that you can choose a design, color, and material, to make a tailored finished product to your liking. Currently, all handbag orders can be placed via phone, 415.750.9910, or you can Beatrice directly at bea@aprilinparis.us . Right now, there is a shopping option for small leather accessories and belts (all to die for also!)
With every big fashion house pushing out trendy bag after trendy bag, we sometimes forget about the delights of smelling the beautiful leather of a new bag and inspecting every fine detail of a well-made bag. Because of this, I find April in Paris to be a refreshing and delightful line, brought to us by a top-notch artisan.
Visit April in Paris online or at her store located at 55 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118.
Below are 4 of the latest designs by Beatrice:
1) Celeste, black millennium alligator $6500
(more…)
1.14.2008 | by Megs |
After picking up a tourmaline stone on an African safari and designing it into a ring at the age of 13, Kara Ross knew she had a vision and would love to design. Kara Ross is now known for her exotic one-of-a-kind handbags, her divine jewelry, and her use of precious and semi-precious stones. Kara expects a woman who wears her designs to have an ‘independent and unique sense of style and be classic yet willing to take risks and stand out’. In 2002, Kara launched a fine jewelry line which was and still is a huge success. And in 2006, she launched her line of exotic handbags. Her handbags have been widely praised and are being carried in stores like Neiman Marcus and being seen in the hands of many celebrities.
Her vision is clear, her designs are breathtaking, and her pieces are truly different from all others. Kara Ross handbags implement classic elegance with a new age touch. The focal point of her bags is the stone that she may use at the closure paired with the exotic skins. Kara is not afraid to mix and match exotics on each bag, really making the handbag stand out and garner all attention. Below are a few of my favorite bags from Kara Ross. Her designs are eye-catching, stunning, and easy to love. Check out more designs, including her jewelry, at Kara Ross online.
Kara Ross Lucis Silver Python Bag. $2,575
This bag pairs silver python with fuschia alligator to make a stunning compilation! There is shiny silver hardware and rock crystal detail.
See more of my picks below!
12.10.2007 | by Megs |
Many of my leather handbags are from huge designer labels. Yet when I look for an exotic, I love turning to new designers. They are able to bring us the exotics that we lust for with a special touch. Sari Brown, owner of Lux Couture, is constantly introducing me to new designers that work with exotics. She recently told me about a great company, Bird Handbags, that offers chic and easily wearable ostrich, snake skin, and lamb leather bags. After looking into this new company, I fell in love. Liz Carey is the designer behind Bird Handbags and has lived a life you would read about in a trendy magazine.
Click here for more on Bird Handbags!
