Shoulder Bags (Page 13)

Looking at the designers we know and love is all well and good, but sometimes, honestly, it gets a little boring. When you become familiar with a designer’s aesthetic, it’s hard to be surprised at new bags unless the brand decides to take their line in a new direction. As a result, I’m always look for a good indie designer that’s doing things a bit differently than the big guys, and I’ve found one in Michelle Vale. Take the Michelle Vale Pavolova, for instance. The piecing and seaming on the front flap are incredibly precise and different than anything I’ve seen as of late, and the size and shape seem perfect for me, since I don’t carry much, not to mention perfect for the flap bag trend without ripping off a certain other designer…

My favorite part of the bag, though, is something small. It comes with both silver and gold chain attachments so you can switch them out depending on the outfit and jewelry you’re wearing that day. Brilliant!!! Sometimes I shy away from wearing the bags that I have with gold hardware because I never wear gold jewelry, and this would be a fantastic way to solve that problem. Does anyone know where I can get a big silver chain for my Stam??? Buy through Michelle Vale Pavolova Handbags for $850.

Lately, Marni has been going slouchy and I like it. Sure, growing up my mother, grandmother and various family members would always tell the kids, “don’t slouch”. Well, I’m going to go against that and tell the folks over at Marni to keep slouching their way into our hearts and our closets! A little while ago, Amanda brought you the Marni Slouchy Leather Bag. Although that bag received mixed reviews from our readers, I had to bring you another Marni bag. The Marni Slouchy Shoulder Bag demonstrates how a bit of asymmetry can actually work. The caramel slouchy leather with silver-tone hardware, shoulder strap, zip across the top and turnlock fastening all come together nicely. In a season full of bright, Bright, BRIGHT colors, it would be nice to add a neutral bag to your wardrobe. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1410.

I like what I am seeing here. There is nothing over the top or too extravagant about this handbag, but again, I like what I see. The Vanessa Bruno Square Shoulder Bag is one that I would like to swing onto my arm as I head out for the day. For starters, the color is simply gorgeous. Turquoise is a color that could be hard to work with, especially with such a large bag like this, but everything comes together nicely here. The turquoise leather, gold-tone hardware, square shape and buckle fastening pockets work fabulously together. I am definitely the kind of girl who loves looking for something a little different and a tad edgy. I think this handbag hits the spot. I don’t usually carry large handbags when I go out in the evening, but with this handbag in toe, I could make an exception. And like I’ve said so many times, I love a handbag that can be paired with several outfits. Awesome! Buy through Net-a-Porter for $965.

Today is another late start for Purse Blog. I spent the morning finalizing plans for my bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, all personals, and centerpieces for the wedding. I have changed my mind weekly going from deep hues of red to light and airy ivory. It has been a lifesaver deciding to nix the whole color scheme for the wedding and end up with a more simple, elegant, and beautiful color palette. I know you want to hear more, but I can not share until after the wedding. But I can say that ivory is playing a major role. Toned-down and stunning, ivory is a color that is not as stark as white but muted and beautiful for many events, materials, and accessories.

Why so much talk about ivory, simplistic, and elegance? I think the Anya Hindmarch Jackson Shoulder Bag fits into the same mood and category as our upcoming wedding. Designed with shiny, patent calf leather this Anya Hindmarch bag is a stunner. There is a dual-colored logo plaque and chain strap. Dimensions are 15¼”W X 10″H X 1½”D. Buy through Saks for $1,150 or directly via Anya Hindmarch UK.

Today is gorgeous. I just went on and on about it over at Purse Blog Savvy so I won’t ramble much more about that. However, gorgeous weather does put me in the mood to find bright and fun bags. I guess this is why the Marni Leather Shoulder Bag caught my eye. Actually, it was the bright green color that really caught my eye. The green metallic soft suede has silver detailing throughout the bag. You might not be able to notice from this image, but this is actually an oversized shoulder bag so there is ample room for whatever you might want to tote around. This bag also has a cut-out flap-over front and is fastened with a clasp. To add a little bit of contrast, the leather handle is adorned with silver links. In the past, I haven’t been a huge fan of Marni bags, but I think this one is growing on me a bit. I really think the greed suede has tipped the scale towards the “like” side as opposed to “dislike”. What do you think? Has this Marni bag grabbed your attention? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,815.

Just yesterday I wrote a post on Purse Blog Savvy about a handbag by Antik Batik Eryx Pouch which I found to be rather gaudy. Although some readers disagreed with my thoughts about the bag, I am still sticking to what I said, I’m not fond of that handbag at all. However, today, I found a bag that based on yesterday’s review you might think I would hate. In all reality, I really like the Sonia Rykiel Dita Shoulder Bag. Doesn’t it seem to have a bit of a rocker-chick vibe going on? Obviously, you would only be able to wear this bag with a fairly simple outfit, but I don’t see that being a problem. Think about it, a pair of dark pant, a black shirt, killer pumps and this bag; what a knockout combination! The black calfskin suede studded multi-colored crystal embroidered shoulder bag is accented with chain-detail handles. If you need a little more room, the bag has snap closures at the sides which widen the bag while a magnetic top fastening keeps everything where it belongs – in the bag. Now, to get this rocker-chick look there is a bit of a drawback… the price. I guess it is no surprise that a handbag adorned with crystals will come at a hefty price; buy through Net-a-Porter for $3,915.

I feel like we have let you all down. You see, I have known the beauty and edginess of CC Skye for quite some time. CC Skye, the young and brilliant designer, has become known for her trendy handbags being spotted on celebrities and her bangles which are the perfect arm candy. And while we will be bringing you many more bags from CC Skye (and a fun giveaway for the next post, stay tuned next week), today I bring you my CC Skye obsession. The CC Skye Large Bardot Bag lives by the CC Skye motto, ‘edgy but elegant’.