Nancy Gonzalez Handbags

There are two things that I hope to do before my handbag career is over: own an Hermes bag and own something in crocodile or alligator. Those two dreams are both far off in the distance, but that doesn’t mean my wandering eyes can’t check out the merchandise. And lately, I can’t get the image of the Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote out of my head.

I first covered this bag in a different color for Bag That Style, and this is another one of those situations where seeing it on a person makes all the difference. The pink looks like a wonderful sugary confection, but I’m more interested in the super-dark, shiny black option. What is it with me and giant black bags lately? I’m not sure, but if this is wrong, I don’t want to be right. The finish of the crocodile gives the bag a younger, edgier slant than most similar exotics, and the price could be a lot worse - Nancy Gonzalez charges for croc what a lot of other brands charge for python. Buy through Saks for $3350.

The Nancy Gonzalez Green Croc Tote accompanied us down South to Key West two weeks ago. Braided, spacious, exotic luxury, all new for Fall 2009. This bag was one of our favorites from an assortment sent to us to review from Nancy Gonzalez. The braided handles really added a nice touch along with the rouched crocodile body. The inside of the bag is lined with light green suede and features many usable pockets. Another perk is the weight of the bag, which will not weigh you down and is light and almost airy compared to many other bags I own. This bag will be $3300. Nancy Gonzalez bags are available via Saks.com.

Click here for the full review...

I am late on posting this, but this is a personal appearance that I would absolutely positively love to be at right now! Tomorrow this opportunity will still be going on, so make sure to stop by Bergdorf Goodman to not only meet Nancy Gonzalez, but also the fashion director of Bergdorf Goodman, Linda Fargo.

WHAT: Come Meet Designer Nancy Gonzalez and Bergdorf Goodman Fashion director Linda Fargo

WHERE: Bergdorf Goodman

WHEN: April 3rd and 4th. 2-4 pm

WHO: Nancy Gonzalez, synonymous for creating luxurious exotic-skin handbags introduces its first named handbag: “The Linda bag”. This bag is available exclusively at specialty store Bergdorf Goodman, the bag is named after Linda Fargo, the retailer’s Senior Vice President, Fashion Office & Store Presentation. The celebration of “The Linda Bag” will be at Bergdorf Goodman on April 3rd and 4th with the chance to meet Linda Fargo and Nancy Gonzalez on the 3rd from 2-4 pm. Clients will be given the rare opportunity to custom make a bag, choosing from over 30 colors and finishes, while receiving design help from both Linda Fargo and Nancy Gonzalez themselves. The Linda bag comes in three sizes and ranges in price from $2,950 to $5,000.

I am of two minds about the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout Satchel. First, the cutout detail is amazingly intricate - to form lace out of a stiff skin like croc is quite a feat and requires the kind of precision that most designers forgo as something that is not cost-effective. But then, if I was going to go to the expense of buying a croc bag, I’d probably want the skin to be full and intact, and the bag to be as simple as possible.

The skin is the inherent design of any exotic bag, and it seems counterproductive to take a piece of leather that is naturally beautiful and that has it’s own intrinsic design elements and cut it up, no matter how beautiful the cutting is. As a result, I wouldn’t recommend this as anyone’s first croc bag, but it may make a nice special occasion bag for warm weather, particularly with Easter approaching. Also, it’s lined, so the cut croc won’t expose all of your loot inside your bag. Buy through Saks for $3700.

And you thought we were done? Not so! We are continuing with our last few fabulous designers to have them spread the Valentine’s Day love. One of our favorite designers of exotic skins, Nancy Gonzalez, shared her Valentine’s Day thoughts with us recently.

Is Valentine’s Day celebrated in Colombia, if so how is it similar/different from the US? Valentine’s Day in Colombia is on September 16 and it is actually called the day of Love and Friendship (Dia de Amor y Amistad).

What would be the most romantic Valentine’s Day, from start to finish, for you? Most romantic would definitely be in Marrakesh at the Amanjena Hotel, spending the day getting lost through the streets of the souk and ending with dinner at Le Yacout restaurant.

What is the best Valentine’s Day gift you have received? Best Valentine’s gift I ever received is definitely a Buccellati diamond cuff.

Are you a romantic? I am a romantic…

Your favorite romantic meal? Favorite romantic meal depends with who?

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: I like to be surprised for Valentines day plans.

The best Nancy Gonzalez bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: Best Nancy Gonzalez bag for a Valentine’s day gift is a small, soft, pouch clutch in colorful crocodile skin. It’s like candy but much better

The New Year is here! Most people are jumping for joy that 2008 is over, as it was quite a tumultuous year for many. 2008 was good to Vlad and I and was good to Purse Blog. So while we look forward to 2009 we still loved 2008! This year is a big year for us. In February (right around the corner!!!) we have our wedding celebration. I attempted to think that it would not take me hours each day of planning, thinking, calling, and preparing, but wedding planning is a full-time job. And the cost of a wedding, well, you all know that it is not cheap. This year is about saving. Vlad and I would like to buy our first home so my bag purchases for 2009 will be focusing on handbags that will be seasonless and timeless. A specific bag that will fit into this category is a classic tote. Read on...

WHAT: Nancy Gonzalez Trunk Show and Personal Appearance by designer, Nancy Gonzalez
WHERE: Neiman Marcus, DC
WHEN: December 5, 2008 from 11: am – 4:00 pm

Another Trunk Show and Personal Appearance by the famed Nancy Gonzalez is happening today. Again we will not be able to attend (can she please please come to Florida!!!?!). If you are in the DC area, be sure to stop by and check it out and meet the fabulous Nancy Gonzalez.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch

And here is a designer that needs no introduction. You all know her for her exotic skins and vibrant colors. This clutch was raved about before on Purse Blog and now the price is marked down $300. Berry, fuchsia, green, and lime green are available on the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch. This clutch is truly meant to be handheld, as the dimensions are merely 6¾”W X 3½”H X 2″D. But this is a quintessential piece. It is perfect for dressing up, it is a staple for your wardrobe, and now the price is even better! Buy through Saks for $450.

WHAT: Nancy Gonzalez Trunk Show and Personal Appearance by designer, Nancy Gonzalez

WHERE: Saks 5th Avenue, Bala Cynwyd , PA

WHEN: November 14th, 2008 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Nancy Gonzalez bags have become highly coveted accessories, focusing on exotic materials and popping color palettes. Nancy’s bags have graced the arms of handbag lovers worldwide who turn to her for a beautifully made bag, with a luxurious material, that sets an outfit apart from the rest. Her focus on color comes from her Colombian roots, as not only the culture affects her designs but so does the climate. “The 365 days a year of brilliant blue sky, the incredible plumage of birds, a green like nothing I have seen anywhere else – that is the beauty of Colombia,” says Gonzalez. The collection is designed and produced in Colombia and is available at retailers including Harrod’s of London, Aizel of Moscow, Isetan of Japan, Joyce of Hong Kong and Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Unfortunately, this PA is not near us, so we can not attend. But those of you in PA should make sure to check it out, it is an opportunity you do not want to miss!

Nancy Gonzalez Flat Clutch

I’ve seen a lot of clutches lately with this new-fangled (old-fangled? Seems like it might be a vintage throwback) cut-out handle, and I’m not sure I support the idea. It looks cute, naturally, but I’m an under-the-armpit clutch carrier, not an in-my-hand one, and clutches with the cut-outs might present a problem for me. They tend to be a bit taller, and I’m not sure that my armpit can handle that. Take the Nancy Gonzalez Flat Clutch, for example. Surely, it’s beautiful. The color is, somehow, both silver and gold, which makes it both unexpected and neutral (and how often are neutrals unexpected?). It’s also quite roomy, and I could probably fit my keys in it, something that a lot of clutches don’t accomplish. It’s also crocodile so, you know, points for that. Logistically, however, I think that this clutch carries its load too low to work for us armpit enthusiasts, although those of you out there that prefer the hand-held method surely could not find a better day-to-night bag than this beauty. Buy through Saks for $2500.