Shoulder Bags

If I have learned one thing in the past months that I’ve been involved in this handbag craze, then it’s that women love studded bags. To me personally, I prefer my leather plain and smooth, and not penetrated by metal studs that give bags the badass look. But then again, I ain’t no woman and I am entitled to my own favorite flavour. All of that aside, our favorite e-store eLuxury just got in a really shneezy shopper of the studded kind, the DKNY Lambskin Eyelet Shopper. DKNY worked soft and supple lambskin leather into a chic cosmopolitan shopper. The whole rocker / badass look is enhanced by the buckle straps which are detailed with silver metal eyelets. The interior is held in yellow cotton with a leather trim and polished logo tab and reveals one zip pocket, a cell phone pocket, and an open pocket. A zip closure with leather pull closes the 14″ x 6″ x 7.5″ shopper which is available for $295.00 in black or khaki. Via eLuxury.

I’ve always been the little girl who loved army print. My brother had an entire Army outfit, from boots to hat, and would run around the house chasing me and ultimately putting me in prison. That sucked. But especially now, while we are at war, sporting Army print shows your support and love for our country. No matter what you think about the war, you have to know that these men and women there now need all the support we can give them. So I figured, for this Memorial Day, why not show-off some love for our country and the men and women that have and still are serving.

Today is also a dedication to my friend Phil. Phil is a good friend of mine who served our country and fought in Iraq. He was lucky enough to not only do well while there, but come home safe to his friends and family. Since I have been promising him a shout out on my site, I figured today would be a dedication to him and his fellow friends in the service. Phil has told me many stories, showed me many pictures, and deserves much respect and accolades for what he and all the others serving have done for us. I am sure many of you reader’s know someone who has or is still serving our country, so feel free to thank them and wish them luck in our comment section.

For starters, why not show off your red, white and blue via a Rolfs American Flag Novelty Coin Purse. This purse is made of leather with a star shaped zipper puller, back pocket and a keychain. For $15 at Rolfs, this purse to show your support to our country is the perfect little accessory.

Now I am getting to the fun part, because camouflage is really my thing. Let’s face it girls, a man in camouflage just makes you smile. Uniform is always nice (especially when it’s not your Catholic school uniform from grade school- ugh). Like I said before I have always been a fan of the army camo and I have fallen in more than love with these MZ Wallace bags. These bags are not just any bags; they are posh designer bags that sport love for our country on a beautifully designed bag. In their spring 2005 chain collection, MZ Wallace features three camo patterned bags: the Carlyle, the Roma, and the New York Tote. I want to focus on the Roma because I believe for any girl it is the perfect bag to show support and love of our country without being too over the top for many women. This bag is a classic handbag shape made with a pale desert camouflage quilted nylon canvas. The bag features a chain handle and is trimmed in Italian pebble grain leather. Other perks to the bag are the flap with swivel clip closure, large inside zipper pocket, cell phone pocket plus two additional multi-purpose pockets. And the coolest part is that this bag is water and stain resistant, which is good for any woman, because face it girls, we aren’t perfect. This MZ Wallace Roma costs $240, but is well worth each and every dollar of the price.

Aleya Handbags has given us the Rich Girls collection, camouflage satchels with metallic bronze trims. This kind of made me laugh a bit to have it be called the Rich Girls collection, but then again upon further inspection the bags were named the Nicole, Jessica, and Paris respectively. Actually really cool when you think about it; these well known girls have been given names on a line of camo bags. My favorite is the The Nicole Hobo in Camouflage. The Nicole Hobo is made of nylon canvas camouflage trimmed in bronze metallic leather and featuring luxurious gold hardware. This bag is able to sit comfortably on your shoulder and measures 18″ wide at the base and 10 1/2″ at center with bag closed and a depth of 5″. You can buy any of the Rich Girls collection online at Aleya, the Nicole Hobo in Camouflage is $200.

This morning I realized what I would do if I had $915 spare dollars lying around my house. I’d buy the Burberry Mini Cinda with Eyelet Embroidery. And if you had the spare money, I think I could convince you to do the same thing. As much as I love the Spring and Summer bags that have been out, a classic black bag manifests itself in year around beauty and elegance. And this bag does just that for me, it makes sure to stand out but still be that perfect little black bag. The bag is a shoulder bag made with suede and accented with leather eyelet detail, which to me sets it apart from an ordinary black bag. Again the magnetic close buckles seem to be an elegant necessity and the focal point of the bag. The hardware is made of brass and finished vintage style. Just in case the bag gets a little chilled with its usage, in the Fall of course, it is lined with wool flannel to keep it nice and warm. To me a little black bag is like a little black dress, every woman must have one. Take your spare change (HA, I wish) and buy this beauty at Burberry online for $915.

Close the shutters, secure the doors, bring the children inside and the dogs, too… because the elephants are out and the jungle is going nuts! Hah… you have to understand that I have a thing for elephants. I am not sure where it came from, but years ago I think my dad talked about how he wanted to be reborn as an elephant in the next life, and since then our collection of wooden, stone, toy, and fluffy elephants just grew to a point that we count 4o-some different elephants in our home, from every possible corner of the Earth imaginable. Hence, I was very excited when Megs emailed me these bags with the email’s subject saying “especially with you in mind“.

Kickin’ off the working week, we’re doing it big, and in style! The RG House of Florence Elephant Collection is in the house and they made sure to bring the whole family. Ok ok, parts of the relatives had to stay at home, but the finer selection found its way to our precious blog.

Starting to our top-left we have the Elephant Collection Shopping Bag, a generously large shopping tote with a funny edge. It is made from beige canvas with finishings in brown boar leather. This bag has a large internal section with a zippered pocket. The elephant sign is cleverly intergrated into the handle, which makes it both unique and adorable to look at. There is also a detachable strap. The Italian shopping bag goes for $589 through Forzieri.

The next relative is the shopping bag’s brother, the Suede Big Shopping Bag. Big name for a big bag. This full suede shopping bag is a whole 13 inches wider than the aforementioned bag, measuring in at 41 inches in width. Other than that, the specs are the same, it will find a new owner for 658 dollar American through Forzieri.

Bottom right, we have the universal Beige Elephant Collection Backpack. Absolutely gorgeous! The elephant trunk makes the handles for the closure of the bag… simply irresistible. The italian back-o-phant goes for 491 bucks, again via Forzieri.

Last, but certainly not least, the smallest member of the family, the Brown Elephant Collection Cosmetic Case. This way, even your daily toiletries will travel in style with you, and also will draw surprised looks once you pull out the trunk! Guaranteed! Available for $259.00.

Did you all miss me?? I must apologize right away for two things: my absence (life has been hectic), and my “better”-half’s writing, including the infamous Pussy Purse and the Tano Bondage Bag. Although it was me who found the “Pussy Purse”, I gave in and let my man write about it, which was just a bad idea. Just kidding! Therefore I am welcoming myself back to my beloved blog, welcome back me! So onto the bags!

What better way to start the week off than a feature on bags under $100?? Even better, all of these bags are under $60. Amazing. I know if many of you are like myself, you lust for designer bags, but let’s face it, we can not all afford to do that. So for you girls who are on a budget but still want a new look for the summer, why not check out these stylish and money friendly bags.

Let’s begin super cheap, as in much cheaper than most meals cost me when I eat out. Try under $20. The O’Neill Right Stripes Tote to me seems perfect for summer. With all the color and the striped pattern, the tote is simply cute. Now I know this is no Gucci supple lambskin, but cotton will do for everyday use. By featuring wood ring handles with the name “O’Neill” screened in white on top, the bag adds a little more fun to the overall appeal. The tote measures approx 8″ x 12″ and costs a mere $19.50 at PacSun.

And for a little more dress up look, Gap is really rubbing me the right way. Evening bags are expensive. Because I always had to go to so many black and white tie affairs, I fully understand the importance of evening bags. When I was younger I lucked out of course because my parents bought me the evening bags, but now I fully understand the gravity of the hefty price tag on a working girl. Why I love this Gap Ruffle Shoulder Bag is because it really could be dressed up or dressed down. The black color could easily be used for a fancier night out, and the Rubia screams out flirty fun. Featuring lightweight sheer tiered ruffles, a chain strap, a tassel zipper pull, and an attached flower, this bag has it all for $29.50 at Gap.

Let me refresh your memory. Remember back to the LC Laguna Beach Handbag I featured quite some time ago (Lolli by Reincarnation Bag)? A very similar style bag for a fraction of the price was designed by Melie Bianco. Melie Bianco has pulled through again, with her Ethnic Hobo in Mint. I totally dig it. Although many of you may not love Nicole Richie, she was seen wearing this bag and I want to nab that style oh so badly! What made me more than happy was to see the bag she was carrying (or at least a near identical one) is available for $58. I’m lovin’ it!! This is an ethnic inspired tribal bag made from soft leather like material (I’m assuming pleather) that is accented with unique stitching and appliqués. The inside is lined in nylon and has a zippered pocket and cell phone pocket and sports a magnetic closure. Don’t be fooled, this is a big bag, measuring in at 17″ x 20″ x 3.5″, which means all of your goodies will fit in it perfectly. To sum it up for only $58 this bag can be yours at About Attitude.

Let’s venture back to a small bag, the Coco Half Flap by Guess. When Paris Hilton became the new Guess girl, I was a little turned off by them, but I have to admit their bags are worth the price and are actually adorable. I’m not a huge fan of the logos, but this bag caught my eye and kept my eye looking for quite some time. The Coco Half Flap measures 2″ X 4 1/2″ X 1 1/2″ in size and is a retro-inspired paisley print canvas bag accented with metallic trim. The adorable shoulder strap made from antiqued bronze finished chain link, with metallic top and ring hardware. The bag also has a zip pocket in both the front and back and one on the interior. If I were to wear this bag, I would wear it like it cost me a fortune since it looks that elegant, rather than the mere price $55 at Guess. What a steal!

To end the special on bags under $100, I can’t pass up the JCrew Embroidered Sea Horse Straw bag. I love living on the beach but get annoyed to find a cute beach bag (I was dying for the Prada Canvas Tote but let better-half talk me out the expensive purchase). This beach bag is a corn-husk basket with leather handles and tie closure made with cotton twill lining. It also has an inside pocket and of course the outside Sea Horse straw embroidery. Sizing in at 12″H x 25″W at top, 10 1/2″W at base x 7″D, this is my beach tote pick for summer for $48 from JCrew.

I must share a secret fantasy of mine with our readers that has unfortunately stayed just that thus far. I would really like my better half Megs to finally put on a black, tight latex suit, equip herself with a whip and cane, strap a short leash around my neck and then make me her bitch. *spank* I would willingly obey, too. Just kidding guys, but considering the bag that I’m writing about, I figured a sado-masochistical introduction would be appropriate. The Tano Bondage Bag could not carry a better name. The shoulder bag is made from an Italian soft metallic crackle leather base, adorned with a luxor leather trim. The shiny double strap along with the silver trim & hardware make the bag’s leather shell almost look bound tightly and gagged — in my sick and twisted mind, anyhow. Kidding, again. But certainly this Tano bag stands out with innovative and provoking design, and for $175 it’s an accessory that even the non-BDSM community will learn to love! The Bondage Bag is available in four shades at Must Have Bag. More Tano bags here.

Chic handbags in high quality do not have to be super exclusive, crack your bank account and cost your husband’s last nerve. Afterall, you won’t have to justify these two purchases that I am about to suggest, as they are actually very reasonably priced. Coming from Banana Republic are the $98 bamboo-accent leather slouch and the $48 python-embossed hard clutch.

The slouch comes in pink ice and plain white and gives off a tropical touch with its bamboo links and golden metal hardware. The outer is made of leather while its inside is made of cotton twill lining. Its shoulder strap drops 8 1/2 inches, while the overall dimensions measure 8 3/4″ x 15 3/4″ x 1/2″.
Banana’s hard clutch is a cute gem that I truely adore. Its rectangular box shape, along with the Italian leather’s faux python emboss, satin twill lining on the inside and golden metal trim round off this wonderful clutch. Even more wonderful is the price. For $48 this clutch in sarong red or white is a true steal. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

I don’t feel the writer in me much today, hence the late update. Sorry peeps, I blame it on the weather man. Still, not to be short of an update, I stumbled across some really cute handbags from a rather unknown bag designer, Vin Baker. Here are some of his new 2005 bags, as offered by Zappos.com.

Vin Baker Erin Too – Shoulder bag in distressed leather, single strap, silver tone hardware – $417 via Zappos

Vin Baker Kate Hobo – Large hobo shoulder bag of soft leather and tassle accents, silver tone hardware, magnetic flap closure – $466 via Zappos

Vin Baker Jill Distressed Shoulder Bag – Shoulder bag made of distressed metallic leather, slim 12″ drop shoulder strap and slim magnetic closure – $300 via Zappos

Vin Baker Shannon Croco Hobo – Croc embossed leather, silver hardware and interior leather lining with back wall and cell pockets – $480 via Zappos

To my best knowledge, the quality of these bags is pretty good but whether to drop pretty significant amounts on a less known brand bag is your choice. More of them here.:)

It happens rarely that I look at a certain bag and immediately feel the urge to be irresponsible with my finances. The new Fay Shoulder Bag in slightly sheened white vinyl with allover beige suede trim just did it to me! A snap-close flap secures bag’s contents, while its outsides bear two exterior pockets under flap, the rear reveals an exterior pocket. The interior is held in green and red plaid fabric lining, whereas a patch pocket and zip-close pocket keep everything in place. The adjustable trimmed shoulder strap is connected with gold-toned buckles and measures approximately 38′ inches in length. The fine italian made shoulder bag goes for $548.00 at BlueFly.com – that’s 20% off the regular retail. Not so irresponsible on the wallet afterall…

If you are an avid handbag fashion follower, you will know the hype about the Mulberry bags. I love them. Simple but still detailed, I know that is an oxymoron. Leather bags never seem to go out of style, and the Mulberry bag is made of fine leather and beautiful studs which sets it apart from the rest. This particular bag makes me want to dress über cute and go out on the town to show it off.

The Mulberry Roxanne is one of the major hypes in the handbag industry at the moment. Offered also in oak brown and rose pink, the creamy vanilla leather has my pick. The beautiful color is accentuated with brass hardware and two pockets on the front. Also the bag features double leather straps with brass loops on end. What I love are the buckles placed all over the bag. There are press stud fastenings under the faux buckles on two external pouch pockets. Then also there are press stud fastenings on the three straps which secure main body of the bag, with of course the signature Mulberry logo on each rivet. Because the bag is unlined, you will have to be very careful what you place inside and hopefully not spill anything or it could damage the leather easily. But there is a small zip pouch on the inside to hold lipstick or a wallet or cell phone. The dimensions are 34cm x 18cm x 17cm and the bag can be purchased at Net-A-Porter for around $1045.