We have been following the news of Lambertson Truex filing for bankruptcy since it was announced early March. And on Friday it was announced that Tiffany & Co. bought bankrupt Lambertson Truex and hired the designers, Richard Lambertson and John Truex. Tiffany plans to expand their leather goods department and feels Lambertson Truex and the design duo will be a good fit.

We have been fans of Lambertson Truex for years. We were sad to hear that the economy affected them, but are looking forward to see what is to come in the future. We will keep you posted on any updates in the weeks and months to come.

[Story via Business Week]

Lambertson Truex would like to extend an invite to all of you Purse Bloggers! Their Private Sample Sale will begin Monday, April 20th through Tuesday, April 21st. If you are in the NYC area, make sure to check it out to get up to 70% off men’s and women’s bags, shoes, belts, gloves and small leather goods. Vlad and I are huge LT fans, so we are extremely jealous of any and all of you who will be able to attend. Happy shopping!

For most of you, winter is in full force. Our friends in Ohio rubbed in our face that they had a snow day at Ohio State yesterday, which is literally unheard of at The Ohio State University. Vlad is flying up to Ohio tomorrow for his bachelor party and will have to embrace the frigid temperatures, but I am perfectly content laying on our roof top deck for the weekend and soaking up the Florida winter weather, which is hovering around 80 degrees and sunny.

Spring is on the northerners minds and I am always looking for the new collections of bags. One of our favorite design duos out of NYC is Richard Lambertson and John Truex from Lambertson Truex. We got to play with three different Spring 09 bags which are all showing off beautiful natural ring lizard. Per usual, the bags are meticulously designed and these three clutches are all perfect additions to your handbag collection. Vlad and I have a mini but growing LT bag collection (we never shared our November purchases with you!). What I love about LT bags is their timelessness. Season after seasons their bags will remain wearable, current, and stylish.

    

Three different shapes, sizes, and looks are found on this trio of Lambertson Truex clutches in natural ring lizard. The natural ring lizard gives the bags some dimension. There is something about the look that pops out and grabs you, but it is not like other skin patterns that is distracting. It is almost calming. Among the three designs, each offers something new for the wearer.

The Lambertson Truex Signature Framed Clutch is more of an evening bag but could easily be used as a day clutch. We like it because of the signature LT clasp opening, zipper pocket on the inside, and the fact that it is much more spacious than it appears. This clutch is available at Lambertson Truex boutiques (888.800.0970), New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, for $1990.

    

The medium sized option is the Lambertson Truex Chantal which offers a chain handle and a small LT push lock. We like this one because of the slim body and the spacious functional interior. The inside opens to show two compartments, one with zipped pocket and one compartment with a separator which has slim slot for money and receipts. The chain link shoulder strap is removable. $4,300 by special order at Lambertson Truex boutiques, New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas or call 888.800.0970.

The last style is one of my favorites. The Lambertson Truex Small Paxton features the recognizable belt buckle fastening with a magnetic closure on the front. The inside of the bag is large and practical, offering a zipped pocket and two open pockets. And this bag also has an optional chain shoulder strap. As much as I love the Paxton in ring lizard, my heart belongs to the Cornflower Blue Crocodile version. Buy this Paxton for $3,900 also at Lambertson Truex boutiques.

Also, make sure to check out the new LT eboutique!

We have another treat for you right before the Thanksgiving holiday. Only thing about this treat is that it will not hurt your waistline. We introduced you all to the dynamic duo behind Lambertson Truex last spring. Vlad and I took time to follow up with Richard Lambertson and John Truex earlier this month. The bags they design continue to ignite our handbag loving hearts and Vlad and I left NYC with a bag a piece and a pair of shoes from LT. The designs speak for themselves and the men are top notch. Always a pleasure to see Richard and John. Enjoy a look into what has been going on with Lambertson Truex since our last interview.

I am a huge Lambertson Truex fan. Not only because I love the designers behind the bags, but their bags are absolutely stunning. True story. And now I will begin my bag envy of those who can attend the Lambertson Truex Sample Sale in NYC this week. Their sample sale will be November 18-20, 9am-6:30pm. Make sure to stop by and get great bags at even better prices. Then go home and feel the supple leather and the soft suede interior and make me jealous.

Lambertson Truex Quilted Torino Gstaad Hobo

Lambertson Truex bags are a favorite here at Purse Blog. Sometimes it feels like the designs are a hidden gem, a designer that is known but not known as the logofied design house that we all recognize. That is one of the aspects that I most love about what Richard and John have done with their brand. When you see their bags, it is the LT clasp that may catch your eye and let you know that this is indeed a Lambertson Truex Bag. The attention to detail is impeccable, the bags are made to outlive your handbag loving life. The designs are timeless, and as cliche as that sounds, it is indeed true.

One of their simply beautiful designs that I am loving right now is the Lambertson Truex Quilted Torino Gstaad Hobo. This hobo may bear some resemblence to Chanel quilt, but it is in no way a copy. The bag is stitched all over for texture and made with supple buttery calfskin. Now LT knows how to pick out the most divine leathers, because trust me when I say that their leathers are truly buttery smooth. There is patent leather trim and silvertone hardware. The shoulder strap is accented with chain accents and has a 15″ drop, which will hand perfectly under your arm. LT makes the inside of their handbags highly usable, offering two inside open pockets, one large zip pocket, and signature light blue suede lining. The hobo is all together simple, but the finished product is stunning. Dimensions are 17″W X 13½”H X 4″D. Buy through Saks for $1595.

Richard Lambertson and John Truex have quickly become one of our favorite design teams. Their designs are flawless, meticulous, pay close attention to each detail, and are ultimately wearable. The only downfall they ever fall on is being too safe, too far away from monogramming their bags. I am not asking for a tacky monogram all over, but they should show off a bit more, let us all know that this is theirs! With their clutches the signature LT closure signals that this is Lambertson Truex without going overboard. After reviewing the Lambertson Truex Gallo, I was left in love and wanting more. And with a shipment of quite a few Lambertson Truex Bags from the resort collection, we had a selection to choose from.

This is where the ultimately soft and chic Lambertson Truex Dietrich won my heart over. On paper it sounded great, in person it is amazing! This clutch is small but perfect for evenings and will easily fit in your hand without being awkwardly large or heavy. The sand python skin is given a sueded effect, which makes it buttery soft to the touch and strays from the flaky feeling python is known for. I have raved about sueding skins before, and this clutch only sent my love of this treatment further into handbag bliss. With natural earth-tone colors, this clutch can be worn season after season continuing to make a statement and not be out of style.

Not only does the outside meet my fancy, but the inside is as practical as they come. I played around with the clutch, and was able to fit my iPhone, credit cards, cash, lip gloss, and my car keys comfortably. And no, the clutch did not start bulging oddly, as if it were a python still alive devouring its lunch. The inside features three compartments with a slim middle separator. Again, the degree of practicality is astonishing. This is precisely what Lambertson Truex does best. They design bags that have stay power, so that the woman buying them will not have to retire the expensive “it” bag to the back of her closet.

The LT Dietrich will cost $1,295 and will available in stores beginning of November. You can also shop Lambertson Truex via Saks.

Lambertson Truex released their Resort collection earlier this month, which has caught many editors attention. Although the bags will not be in stores until October or early November, we had the pleasure of reviewing them now for all of you. Known for their meticulous attention to detail, clean lines, and overall simple yet elegant feel, Lambertson Truex has continued to forge their way in the handbag world. Their Resort 2008 line delivered precisely what it is they are known for, only further identifying with their goals and visions as designers. Our first bag to review from the Resort 2008 collection is the Lambertson Truex Gallo, which lures you in with its simple pairing of supple white leather and dove leather trim. The first thing that stands out about this bag are the colors used.

The palette is not eye catching along, but pairing these two colors together does something magical. It is not in your face, can’t miss it, but it is subtle and subdued, as are many designs from Lambertson Truex. White handbags are not rare but are hard to compile, and LT does this beautifully. The shape of this bag is slouchy, but it does not loose its shape altogether. Rather the Gallo conforms to your body and under your shoulder, fitting perfectly close and hanging far enough down from your shoulder. This handbag is not jumping out and clawing to grab your attention, but its understated beauty makes this bag perfect to wear to accent and not distract from your outfit.

Another major perk of this bag is that it is light weight. Some leathers are notoriously heavy, which after time will wear you down, your shoulder down, and you will unfortunately end up with a bad neck, shoulder, arm. The silky smooth and soft white leather is offset with a glossy dove leather trim and handle. The shoulder strap can be adjusted by 5 holes and a buckle on one side, making it easy to decide what will fit most comfortably on your body. On the front Lambertson Truex uses an oversized silver buckle, which has been seen on many of their bags and designs for Fall also. The top flap is closed by a magnetic opening leading way to the inside of the bag, which is cared for and treated as if the whole world will see it.

This is something Richard and John want to be known for, their divine details on the inside of their bags as well as the outside. The inside of the LT Gallo is lined with the LT signature light blue suede and trimmed with white leather. Functionality remains of top priority and it shows; the inside features two open pockets at the front, a large zip pocket at the back, and a white leather key chain holder. This handbag is not a trend setter, not an “it” bag, rather a classic. A bag that you could pull out summer after summer and wear without anyone thinking it were totally out of style. This is what makes this bag stand out; its stay power and its simple flow. Inquire further through Lambertson Truex; bag not available until October or early November. $1,495 through Lambertson Truex. Lambertson Truex is also sold at Saks Fifth Avenue.

So this post was supposed to come last week, but this little thing called life happened and poof!, Father’s Day is right around the corner. Luckily my father along with most others still loves and accepts gifts a few days late. I have been meaning to post about the Lambertson Truex man bags. After we met Richard and John, we began to obsess over their bags. But do you know who was sitting in the showroom trying a bag on and looking like a kid at Christmas? It was Vlad, not even me! Sure I was excited and had a mental list of about 10 purses that I had to had, but Vlad had an ear-to-ear smile when he found the LT Wright Mailbag in espresso crocodile and luxe grain ($9,900). He tried it on and was so sold on it I had to literally drag him out of the store. When I think back on it, we should have just asked if we could buy it, because after all, tech guru or not, Vlad is the handbag king in his own right! The aspect about Lambertson Truex Man Bags is that they are masculine. There is nothing about them that your un-handbag-loving dude will not like. The lines are clean, the shapes are boxy, but the overall look is meticulous as Richard and John are and perfect. Vlad is particular about his man-bags. A great messenger suits his needs but he is not looking for a monogram canvas or a colorful array. This is why most men would love a Lambertson Truex bag; the clean lines and understated elegance will not overwhelm or overpower the usability. If you need a gift for your dad this Father’s Day and are a little behind, make sure to check out some bags from Lambertson Truex! Sold through Saks and LT boutiques.

LT Slim Brief | $595

LT Pebbled Leather Carryall | $625 via Saks

LT Edelston Duffle | $555

LT Pebbled Leather Billfold Wallet | $275 via Saks