I have a new go to designer for luscious exotic handbags. She is not a huge secret, but she has been my little secret for the past few weeks. Her designs are elegant and simple, her bags speak for themselves, and the prices not as nerve wracking as many exotic handbags. Oh yea, and she is a beautiful designer who lives down the street from Vlad and I. And one last reason we adore her is that she went to a Big 10 school, and that means we are part of a comradery, just not on game day.
Linea Pelle is a brand that we have not covered much but deserves the recognition. Vlad and I had the pleasure of meeting with Andrew Cotton, the VP/Design Director of Linea Pelle, a few months ago in New York City. Andrew shares a love of handbags with me along with a dislike of pictures of himself that are not flattering (we bonded over this, because sometimes the camera dislikes me).
The brand had been on my radar for quite some time, but after meeting with Andrew we struck up a relationship and Vlad and I have been closely reviewing some of the latest and greatest bags from Linea Pelle. The much anticipated Linea Pelle Dylan Croco Shoulder Bag should be placed on your must buy list, right now. This is the bag that we recently reviewed; in Cognac (brown), Yellow, Topaz (orange), Emerald (green), Viola (purple) and Turquoise.
The new kid on the handbag block is fitting in perfectly, being highly sought after and not as widely available in the US as we (by that I mostly mean me) would like. Gerard Darel Bags are not new by any means, but their popularity in the US is blowing up. On my last trip to Spain, I was on a hunt for a Gerard Darel Bag. I left empty handed. But my yearning for this brand has not ceased and after getting a shipment of Gerard Darel Bags to review, I am hooked.
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.
The allure behind Rebecca Minkoff bags continues with a sneak peak at the Holiday 2008 collection. We got our hands on some exclusive goods to show you all what is to come from this young, hot designer. Pairing the success of the Morning After with the funky basketweave-like touch, the Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini is ready for Holiday in a Navy Luxe Combo. You know why I love this bag? It is the supple deep navy leather paired with the stiff brighter patent leather blue. And while the patent stands out, it is not completely distracting. It is like the perfect little combination of colors that look like blue jeans with a punch.
Botkier Handbags have become a household name. After meeting Monica, I began to await her fall handbags. The look for her Fall 2008 line is very, well, Fall-esque. With nylon that feels and looks like satin, in deep luscious hues, the bags are fitting for the fall and winter that is slowly coming upon us.
The first bag from the Botkier Fall 2008 line that we reviewed is the Botkier Stevie Convertible Satchel in burgundy nylon. Now this bag I loved for many reasons. First off, the East/West shape was the perfect size for my body. This is deemed the convertible satchel because of the option shoulder strap. I threw on the shoulder strap and found it perfectly fitting, and perfect for a woman on the go. This can be worn cross body as well, making it a great day to day bag as well. The bag is also very functional, offering an outside open pocket with a magnetic closure with two pocket compartments. A nice touch for your cell phone or keys, and the magnetic closure helps give some reassurance that you may not loose your goods. The inside has a zip and cell phone pocket with black Botkier canvas lining.
Valextra continues to forge its way up the handbag rankings, moving past the trendy logo bags and sitting peacefully in between the Chanel’s and Hermes’ of the world. The elegance that is Valextra can be seen in person, as you touch, feel, and carry the handbag. I recently covered the Valextra Babila, but this handbag did not bring enough forward for many of you. Too simple, too plain, not enough attention catching oomph. But the Valextra Boston Bag has all that you need in a classy handbag; it is timeless, chic, sophisticated, supple, logo free, light weight perfection. Yes, perfection.
RHOC: “The ones who don’t talk about it are the ones who are doing it even more.”
RHBH: “What name did Giggy call you on Twitter?”
RHBH Reunion: “Being friends with you is like playing chess with Bobby Fischer.”
RHOA: “I doubt very seriously that Emily Post has a chapter in her book about aggravated assault.”
