Satchels

A lot of you liked the Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Pouchette I wrote about last week, but expressed some concern at being able to coordinate the color and finding enough uses for a clutch. Well, since I like to be service-y, I thought I’d show you guys something that would satisfy both of those concerns: the Proenza Schouler Medium Suede PS1 Bag. I’m normally not much for off-white, but I think the color (which is referred to as “sand” on the website) is perfectly suited in this bag. It enhances the vintage feel, but the relatively clean lines of the bag’s structure give it a modern edge that keeps it from being too sloppy.

The suede looks thin enough that it would slouch like a champ once broken in, and although suede is a color that can attract dirt, I almost feel like this bag would look even better once it looked a bit used. The design isn’t at all gimmicky, and nothing about this bag will look dated in a few years – in fact, I’d really love to have one, since I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it. The size also looks just about perfect for everyday use. Buy through Barney’s for $1595.

I full admit that my taste level can be, at times, a little loose. I like shiny things. I like brightly colored things. And I really, really like animal-print things. As a result, I also really like the Roberta di Camerino Zebra Bag. It’s ittby bitty, but I can’t help but think that that means it’s just the right dose of a sometimes-tacky fabric to spice up an outfit that would otherwise be kind of average. What I’m trying to decide, though, is if the shape of the bag and its handle structure make it more suited for an older woman than a younger girl.

I could see a woman in a black boucle Chanel suit wearing this and some pearls – after all, when you’re that rich, you don’t need to haul around everything you own in a giant handbag. You can afford to leave home with just the essentials, because there’s someone else coordinating everything non-essential on your behalf. That must be nice…anyway, I digress. I’m not sure that just any young girl could pull this bag off, but with the right amount of edge, it could potentially be great with a cute black dress and some other chunky accessories when going out at night. And it’s zebra print…oh, how I love zebra print. Buy through Barney’s for $1795.

After Mulberry rep Jackie contacted us a few days ago and asked us to take a look at their bags on their own website instead of other retailer’s, not only did I update my opinion of the Mulberry Creased Patent Mitzy Hobo, but I spent some time looking around their website at the huge number of bags that they have in their line. I had simply never realized before, and I think that it might be a brand that a lot of Americans overlook. Well, I’ve been set straight now, and any of you guys out there that are big fans of simple bags with thick leather might want to peruse their website as well. Don’t believe me? Well, take a look at the Mulberry Shimmy Tote. When I saw it, it left me (as the Brits say) gobsmacked. This thing is gorgeous. And it’s gorgeous in a totally simple, understated way. It doesn’t scream at anyone about how expensive it is, it just looks really well-made and chic. It is exactly my style, and a perfect color for the navy (although Mulberry calls it ‘purple’) trend for spring. The bag is also made of sheep leather…I’m not quite sure what that feels like, do any of you know? I’m familiar with calf, lamb, goat…but I don’t know if I’ve encountered sheep. It LOOKS very soft, though. Mulberry has sold out of it on their site, but ShopBop still has it available for $995 (although their pictures don’t do it justice). Buy through ShopBop for $995.

My first reaction when I looked at the Dolce & Gabanna Miss Sicily Snakeskin Handbag was that it didn’t look anything like a Dolce & Gabbana handbag. At least not the ones that have come out most recently – they’ve all looked like ruffly garbage bags or been in various color of lamé. I won’t say that’s a bad thing – I kind of like the ruffly garbage bags – but it’s certainly different than what we see here. The Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Snakeskin Handbag Miss Sicily is the exact opposite of a ruffly anything. Its lines are so rigid, just looking at it makes my back hurt, and I’m pretty sure that I could fend off an attacker with it quite quickly. That’s not to say I don’t like it, because I do; it would dress up jeans and a white button-down quite nicely, and snakeskin is my favorite neutral material of all time. Go ahead, try and think of something snakeskin, in one form or another, wouldn’t match. And this skin in particular is gorgeous – it’s textured with tons of tiny scales that really deserve some time spent with Nordstrom’s zoom feature. Seeing this makes me really wish that Hermes would consider expanding their snakeskin offerings in the future. Pre-order through Nordstrom for $2475.

This bag is not playing around.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Top Handle Satchel means business, and it’s not going to put up with any of your flack. It’s an office bag if I’ve ever seen one, and although it evokes thoughts of the Hermes Kelly, it’s not iconic in a way that would tell all of your coworkers exactly how much you spend on your accessories. This kind of discretion is recommended by some in the current economic climate, but I’m just recommending it because I think it’s an interesting bag. The design isn’t totally buttoned – up; its structure is sleekly post-modern on the side gussets, and the hardware that holds it together is something I’d like to see in person. What we have here is a reimagining of a classic shape that’s office-appropriate without being obvious and interesting without being odd. Buy through Saks for $1890.

When I think of Ferragamo I think of the absolutely drool-worthy Salvatore Ferragamo Oversized Carlotta Alligator Tote. I dream about that bag. I yearn for that bag. I feel as if I absolutely need that bag. But there is a tiny thing called reality, that sets in and tells me, YOU ARE NUTS! The $35,000 price tag really is out of my league and if I thought buying a Birkin was nerve-wrecking, this would most likely end with my passing out.

What I realized about Salvatore Ferragamo bags after reviewing the Carlotta is their beauty. We all know their shoes, and many women swear by them. And now I can imagine many women swearing by their bags. The leather is supple, the craftsmanship is impeccable, the look manifests understated elegance perfectly. Take the Salvatore Ferragamo Sartoria Pebble Calfskin Clutch for example, which is dressed up with a handwoven accent down the center of the purple leather framed clutch. There is a black lucite closure, which is an unexpected addition. The clutch is a good size, 12¼”W X 6¾”H X 2½”D, and I adore the overall feel. And with a sale price of $714 (marked down from $1,190) the price tag is much more friendly to my wallet and the amount of money I am willing to spend. Buy through Saks for $714.

Just this morning I was talking to my grandma and she mentioned how she noticed some dresses Megs and I used to play dress up in as kids are now back in style. As kids, Megs and I would put on dresses our mom and aunts wore to homecoming or prom. We loved the dresses back then because although they didn’t fit, we felt like we were more grown up and pretty. As I talked to my grandma she started rattling off a bunch of trends that have come back into popularity… several times. Ya, I know, our grandma is rather hip. I would have to say this is definitely the case for the Charles David Zahra Large Pleated Satchel; animal prints are always cycling themselves into the “what’s hot” list.

With this bag, he leopard print was the first thing that caught my eye. I do love animal print as much as the next person, but I am wondering if this is a little too much. And although I am not a huge fan of the shape of the satchel, I can’t get passed the amount of the leopard print. The calf hair bag is topped with croc-embossed leather and leather trim. Clearly, there is plenty of room in this bag which is kept closed with hidden magnetic closures. I am all for animal print being in style, but what do you think, is this too much? Buy through Nordstrom for $350.

Vlad and I have recently had the pleasure of getting to know JT Italia Handbags one-on-one. After featuring the line a month ago, we realized that without seeing, touching, and learning about the bags in person we were missing out. Jeffrey Parker (the J of JT) and I worked out a meeting between Purse Blog and JT Italia bags in person, which included a box filled with goodies to review. By having the bags in our hands, we have been able to inspect every detail, have me try them on, and really learn what the bags are all about. Can I just tell you that these bags show a love and true understanding of handbags with each and every stitch, with the leather chosen, with the attention to detail. There is no detail or piece left behind when it comes to JT Italia Handbags, in fact the focus relies so heavily on every detail it was hard to capture to show you all. Read the full review...

As Vlad and I spent time in NYC last week we realized one major thing: fringe is back for fall! I can not tell you how many designers are incorporating fringe into their Fall 2008 handbag lines. Fringe has been known to look ghastly, as many considered the Prada Fringe Bag to be from early 2007. But when done right, fringe can add the extra dimension that sends your bag into a statement piece that is still wearable and not over-powering. I have been a huge fan of Botkier bags and Monica, the designer behind them, is amazing (our interview with Monica to come soon!). The Botkier Bag that I am lusting after for fall is the Botkier Morgan Satchel in grape lambskin leather. This is the small version in the perfect lush color for fall. The supple grape lambskin leather is accented with gunmetal hardware. The top flap zipper opens to offer an additional pouch. I have a major grape crush on this bag and am looking forward to its arrival in June (this is from the pre-fall collection). Price will be $650 and you can inquire further through Botkier.

Botkier Frankie Satchel

Botkier bags have become a fan favorite in the handbag loving world. As the brand has developed over the past five years Monica Botkier, the designer, has kept true to her fans producing more hip and usable bags each season. Recently there was a release of Botkier shoes, which I look forward to seeing in person. The favorite of mine is still the Sasha (which you all went crazy over). I saw the Botkier Frankie Satchel at Saks last week and it immediately caught my attention. The bag contains all of the familiarities of Botkier bags, but adds a special touch with the silver patent leather. Now this patent is not the very glossy patent that we are used to, it is toned down a bit. There is also a detachable mini coin purse, which is always a nice accessory to add to your bag. The frame top gives this bag a dressed up feel and the braided detail handles gives a fun edge. Dimensions are 15″W X 11¼”H X 5¾”D . This is a great option if you have been looking for a little glimmer and spunk. $695 via Saks.