Messenger Bags

Personally, if it were up to me, not only would everything be hands-free, but it would all be plain and simple free. Seeing that the latter won’t happen, I will still indulge in this move towards a hands free society. Luckily if you have a messenger/hands-free handbag you do not look nearly as weird as the Bluetooth in ear cell phone talkers. I know many of you may have this, and many of you may need this because of state laws, but I must admit you look silly and I swear you are all schizo and talking to yourselves. The hands-free bag that has my attention right now is the Chloe Edith Messenger Handbag. For spring/summer 2007 the hands free trend is raging and it makes me totally happy to see Chloe release an Edith with its calfskin leather and removable shoulder strap. Choices are clutch. Available in all the colors of the rainbow via Luisaviaroma for $1,246.

White can be beautiful and scary all at once. White reflects clean and sophisticated, but also aggregates dirt and spills. If you are hunting for a practical white handbag but are worried that one of your tots in tote may spill on it or get it dirty, opt for a less expensive bag that is still fun. The DKNY Large Leather Handbag does appeal to a younger crowd with the studs on the shoulder strap and slouchy body but still is fun if you would like a white bag to carry around. The strap is long enough to be worn across body (34.3 Inches) which is a major plus in my book. White Nappa leather is used for the bag which is finished off with contrasting applications. Measurements are Width: 15.6 Inches and Height: 14.4 Inches. The bag appears a bit young for my taste, but could easily be a gift this season for a younger loved one. Buy it through YOOX for $110.

Vlad and I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and enjoyed Black Friday Shopping (or hiding). We went to a wedding which manifested in open bar, nature preserve, and nearly getting stuck in an elevator (don’t ask). After an overly filling Thanksgiving meal, we overly ate (and drank) at the wedding. So right now sweats are my best friend and skirts that have some give are a plus. This is where a big and simple handbag make for the perfect accessory, not attracting too much attention and being able to hide a bit of additional attention my body acquired after this holiday weekend. Perfect to remain an accessory and not a focal piece is the Marni Washed Leather Slouch Bag. This handbag implements simple yet not drab gray plush washed leather, a slouchy style to add a hip touch, and a detachable shoulder strap. A zip top closes the bag and the corners have an added touch of panels and contrasting leather trim. As far as up and coming ‘it’ bag designers, Marni is on the list. Watch this brand transform into shoulder candy of the masses, just give it time. Buy it through Net-A-Porter for $1065.

It has been a while since we have discussed man bags here. I feel a little silly neglecting my man bag duty, especially because that makes me biased and also means I have been neglecting the man, Vlad. Without further ado I must introduce you all to a gorgeous and understated man bag that many of you could most possibly talk your man into wearing. The Lambertson Truex Brown Leather Mail Bag pairs sleek refinement with subtle style to make a brown leather messenger bag that nearly any man can wear to work or school and feel sophisticated but still masculine. The white topsthing adds a nice detail along with the silver metal hardware (found on the turn lock closures). Providing ample storage room, this mail bag features an open pocket beneath that front flap closure, a back zip pocket, and inside zip and organizational pockets. Not overly metro or too feminine in my opinion at all. Dimensions are 11 1/2″H x 16″W x 4″D. The holidays are on their way and if you need to give your man a helping hand I would keep this bag in mind. Buy it via Bergdorf Goodman for $495.

If you really want to go all out for your man, pair this bag with a beautiful set of cufflinks. To match the bag I would opt for the Robin Rotenier Striped Topaz Cuff Links which pair sterling silver with blue topaz and match this bag (through BG for $395). Or if your man loves to be bad to the bone, I would splurge and throw in some Deakin & Francis Yellow Gold Cuff Links. These are bling bling of the badass world boasting 18-karat yellow or white gold and diamond eyes and movable jaws (via BG for $3250).

Any anti-animal fur person that reads this site needs to turn their head now. I am just a messenger reporting the handbag news. Luxist spotted this furry number earlier, and for some odd reason I could not not post about it (double negative makes a positive?) The Cynthia Rowley Crossbody Fur Bag has one of the biggest fur covered flaps I’ve seen yet on an across the body bag. For real, the flap does hang low (erhhhm made of coyote fur. CRINGE). There is an adjustable strap and 11″ shoulder drop. Again I am just the messenger, literally. Available via Bloomingdale’s for $675.

I have been whining about finding a great messenger bag for fall. I will continue to whine until I have a bag slung over my body that I truly love. To help me get on my way, I will continue my hunt and share what I find with you. This season Banana Republic has released its Premium Handbag Shop which boasts elegant bags that are durable and practical. A perfect messenger bag from this line is the Banana Republic Sandhurst Saddle Bag. Banana Republic has made this bag stain and water resistant because they realize that life does happen. The hardware is alloyed aluminum and the shoulder strap has a 15″ drop. On the front there are zippered pockets with leather tassels and on the rear there is a pocket with a magnetic closure. The dimensions are 10″ x 13″ x 5″. Available in whiskey, dark brown, and black, this bag could be perfect for the fall equestrian trend and my love for across body bags. Via Banana Republic for $248.

You know how I said equestrian is in style now? Even Juicy Couture is trying to appear rugged to fit in with the rest of the handbag bunch. the folks over at Luxist and I are on the same page that this Juicy Bag may say it is intended for books but Juicy’s ornate image does not coincide with this distressed bag and school books. Either way, I may need to be slapped across the face, because I still kind of like it. The Juicy Couture Canvas Messenger Bag is made with green distressed canvas and made with frayed edges to give a rugged look. There is golden hardware and a front flap with tie closure. Sling this 14″H x 14″W messenger style bag across your body and go on with your bad self out in the stylish world we live in. Buy it through Neiman Marcus for $295.

You may be allergic to horses, but like them or not Equestrian is ‘in’ for fall. While shopping today I saw a plethora of horsebits, buckles, ‘riding’ boots, and horseshoes. While I never rode in shows, I did ride from time to time. I like to remember myself being great- but what I truly remember is when my horse spoofed and subsequently my sister got bucked off her horse. It is not funny, but it makes me chuckle. Banana Republic wants in on the horsing around with its addition of the Banana Republic Chatham Large Saddle Bag. This saddle bag can be worn across the body with its adjustable strap and 14″ drop. The saddle bag stands out with contrast stitching and brass hardware. The equestrian chic ladies can not go without thick bridle leather, twill lining, and lots of pockets (inside and out). The dimensions are 11″ x 13″ x 3″. Over the years I have witnessed Banana Republic bags transform from ordinary to extraordinary. Nab this bag while it is still affordable, because I assure you it is a sure hit for fall. Via Banana Republic for $278.

Just 10 years ago the married couple, Kate and Jack, made their last name a household name; Spade. The Jack Spade approach offers men items that represent both honest, thoughtful design and practical purpose. For functionality the men of today need a messenger bag. You all know that the man of the Purse Blog and Forum just indulged in a Louis Vuitton Messenger If you are opting for a clean and sleek look, the Jack Spade Bridle Leather Bags are perfect for the everyday man. There is the day bag or the field bag to choose from which both have an adjustable shoulder strap, two interior pockets, and an exterior back pocket. The day bag measures 13″ x 4.5″ x 10″ while the field bag measures 15″ x 6″ x 12″. If you are attempting to fit your 17″ MacBook Pro in there, it won’t happen (haha Vlad!) but if you only have a 15″ MacBook Pro like myself, the field bag is just right. The messenger style bags are available in black, chocolate, orange, blue, and red. The day bag goes for $495 while the field bag goes for $525 via Jack Spade.

Today Vlad and I strolled the streets of SoHo. Seriously, if you have never been to SoHo put it on your to-do list. Many people have a misconception that the rich and famous shop on 5th Ave, when really SoHo is where it is at. Since Vlad and I have been spend happy, today we just browsed and enjoyed an amazing lunch. The street fashion there is very chic and laid-back. At that moment I realized I desperately need an across the body bag. I am not fully sure what bag will be the ‘one’ but I am determined to find a messenger that reflects my desire to be stylish and laid back all at once. I stumbled across the Bottega Veneta Woven Messenger Bag because of its signature woven leather along with its removable and adjustable shoulder strap. If you have touched a BV bag, you are well aware of the supple leather used. Nickel hardware is used to offset the leather and there is an inside zip pocket and canvas lining. This bag is a square shape, measuring 13″H X 13″L X 2″W. While I think I am more in the search for a rectangular bag, I will keep this beautiful BV number in the back of my mind. Available through Saks for $1350.