Satchels

Are you ga-ga for green or is this green handbag gross? The Chloe Audra Patent Satchel is designed with shocking green patent leather and is finished off with silvertone hardware. Contrasting trim adds a dimension to the bag, as does the front pocket with turn-lock closure. There are double top shoulder straps with an 8″ drop. On the inside, like many Chloe bags, there is canvas lining and a zip pocket. Dimensions are 15½”W X 10″H X 7″D. Available at Saks for $1755.

What do you think; Fab or Drab?

Fresh and alluring, I absolutely love the combination of two exotics in the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile & Python Satchel. The olive python trim ribbons above the pleated crocodile front of the bag, adding a stunning exotic touch. The gunmetal Caiman fuscus crocodile is a color that means business while remaining completely stylish. There are shoulder straps that feature a 6″ drop and a double zip top closure. On the inside, suede lining and a zip and cell phone pocket finish off the satchel. Measurements are 13 1/2″H x 16″W x 6″D. As we keep watching the price of exotics skyrocket, the $3650 price tag at Saks does not seem completely outrageous. This is yet another stunning bag by an amazing designer.

Prada’s little sister wants to make sure to show the crowd that she too can be extravagant and exotic. Miu Miu adorned herself with ostrich, to garner some attention. The Miu Miu Ostrich Satchel is made of lush taupe ostrich leather in a structured bag. The color is delightful for all seasons, but I am not 100% keen on the design. This satchel sports top handles, an option shoulder strap, and a front flap closure. Because this is Prada’s little sister, I expect a shape that will look more fun than serious. Prada should be the role model, the one who wants to be taken to work. Miu Miu needs to be the fun loving sister. Or maybe that is just my impression of the two brands. On the inside there is dark brown cloth lining (come on, with an ostrich bag you need suede or some other luxurious feeling fabric) and a divided compartment with a zip pocket. Dimensions are 9 1/2″H x 12 1/2″W x 4″D. This bag screams work bag. I love that Miu Miu wants to find a place in the world of exotics, but I prefer a funkier bag rather than a serious business woman bag. Available for pre-order at Neiman Marcus for $3505.

The next best thing to having a crocodile bag, is looking like you have a crocodile bag. Miu Miu is keeping on their toes by designing an embossed crocodile bag that is much more affordable and looks ultra chic. The Miu Miu Crocodile Embossed Patent Satchel is available in either luscious moror dark brown or creamy talco ivory. The hardware is goldtone which adds a classy appeal. There are top handles with rings, a removable shoulder strap, and a zip top closure. Choose moro (dark brown, shown) or talco (ivory) crocodile-embossed patent leather. Yummy via Saks for $1240.

Fab or Drab?

And she is at it again. The highly touted crocodile bag designer, Nancy Gonzalez, toned down the bright and jumping colors, to release exquisite mature and work friendly colors. The Nancy Gonzalez Ruched Crocodile Satchel is sophisticated chic and ready for the working lady, available in the grown up but not washed out colors of olive green or caramel crocodile. The shape is sophistication, the gold tone hardware is the perfect accent, the ruched body is subtle, and the double zip top is practical. I have said it time and time again, but if you are ga-ga for Croc, Nancy Gonzalez is your go-to gal. Pre order via Saks for $3250.

Simply put, this handbag is cheap and heinous. You would figure that any designer attempted to integrate leopard print into a handbag would do it carefully and with conviction, knowing that an animal print bag is truly hit or miss. Michael Kors got lazy with this bag, and put a few minutes into designing this sloppily done Michael Kors Leopard Print Satchel. I am aware that leopard print is leopard print, but I assure you that there is such thing as a tastefully done print. Even worse, this is satin with patent leather trim. Satin? Are you kidding me? A shiny material paired with a shiny leather makes for a bag that hurts my eyes. The handles are also patent leather, but awfully braided in a way that your eyes must look at it but really wish they never did. And even worse, there are braided patent ties that are threaded through metal grommets on the sides. It is like he could not just finish with the handles, he had to finish it up with a sure fire miss. Not a nice way to start your Monday, but I promise to bring something good to look at later today. Via eLuxury for $348.

Kate Spade bags are known to implement laid back style, but the Tracy Collection features some bags with a different feel for Spade. The Kate Spade Tracy Patent Satchel feels sporty with the perforation yet chic with the trendy red patent leather. For what you get, the price is very reasonable, considering that 14-karat yellow gold hardware is used. Easy to wipe off, tons of bold color, and a good size, 4 1/2″H x 14″W x 5″D, makes this Kate Spade number a perfect everyday bag contender. Via Neiman Marcus for $395 (under $400 with 14k gold and leather makes this bag a great deal!

No need to only carry safe colors in your handbag wardrobe. Personally, I would indulge in bright and bold colors as much as possible, especially with the bright summer months ahead of us. A shape that is classic and reminiscent of the LV Alma or Hermes Bolide, the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Satchel brings a refined shape with a blast of shiny fuchsia Caiman Fuscus crocodile. Because the jeans and a white tee trend are so solid, this designer handbag could be the perfect accessory to make your outfit pop. There is a detachable shoulder strap and suede lining on the inside. This bag packs a big punch, can you handle it? Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $2350.

My trip to Italy had some time for fun and much time for business. Vlad and I met up to scour the fashionable streets of Venice, and Kim joined me in Florence, to find out new info on handbags around the world. We hopped in Celine Florence yesterday to inquire about new styles, what is selling, and the perfection behind the simple Celine designs. Kim, who can be known as the gal who loves a good leather bag but hates a lot of fuss, was eyeing the Celine Bittersweet Large Bag. Simple enough for her taste but carrying a bang of style, this handbag features pebbled leather along with fine top stitching and polished metal hardware. The idea behind many Celine bags is to stay true to the beauty of the bag and let the simple elegance take over. The ruched pleats along the bottom add a little flair. Kim added that this handbag can easily be carried during the day or dressed up at night, but she wont take it to the grocery store . The size is rather large, but can fit plenty, 18″x 10″x 10″. Via eLuxury for $1200 or contact your local Celine boutique.

I think I have a mild prejudice against Cole Haan handbags. For the middle price range, I like to go with lesser known designers that can’t be so easily found at your local department store. Still, if I saw you toting this Cole Haan Village ruched satchel, I would ogle and demand to know where you obtained it. I’ve said it before, but I love pretty much anything with pleats, and this bag has got cute girly pleating down to a tee. There’s just enough that it looks playful and interesting without evoking an aging pug. The shape of the bag is very feminine overall, and the pleating works with the whole look. The little ovular buckles and white stitching down the middle add even more details to fawn over. Add then the Hermes fan’s favorite orange, a really fun hue for summer, and you have one irresistible, vibrant, and ladylike bag. And of course even if you don’t go to Cole Haan for innovations in design, you can count on them for quality craftsmanship and materials, and I’m sure this bag is a steal for $395 through Neiman Marcus. It also comes in a lovely beige with darker stitching. Buy yours now and tote it with pride!