Shoulder Bags

I’m having some trouble with the Stuart Weitzman Fiocco Bag. I can’t figure out what it’s made of, and the Internet isn’t being particularly helpful. The Bloomingdales.com description calls it hornback, and from what I have gleaned from some Googling, that’s the less-desirable part of a crocodile. Most fine handbags are made of the smooth, flat belly portion, and the hornback is just the opposite – the ridged, rough, bumpy back scales. We’ve all seen it used before, usually in men’s shoes and wallets…and this doesn’t look like hornback. It looks like faux snakeskin.

And I’m not saying that to be judge-y, because I actually quite like the bag. I like the layering and the double chain-and-leather straps and the natural colors of the hornback/snakeskin/God-knows-what. But I can’t find this bag anywhere else on the Internet, including Weitzman’s official site, so I remain unconvinced that this is actually made of any kind of crocodile. But if it is, then it’s a pretty awesome deal for a croc bag, even if it’s hornback. $1055 for an exotic, and an attractive, useful bag at that? Not too shabby. Buy through Bloomingdales for $1055.

We’ve already talking about the Chloe Sally Bag in it’s original incarnation a little over a month ago, and you ladies seemed intrigued by it’s simple design and clean lines. Because of that, I couldn’t resist the urge to show you the runway version of the bag: the Chloe Sally Bag in Safari Print. Some people like pattern bags, some don’t. I do, but I’m not sure I’d pay this price for one. Despite the price, though, I think the bag is really well-executed.

The pattern is large enough and contains a small enough amount of colors that it would still be wearable with a number of outfits and colors, and the colors of the bag are attractive in their own right. The bag’s flap is made of Ayers snakeskin, which is a type I’m not familiar with, but the scales look smaller and flatter than python. This may or may not make the snakeskin more durable, but my best guess would be that it would result in less flaking. Also, I just kind of generally like it when a brand uses a snakeskin other than python – it shows a bit of creativity. This bag might be a BIT theme-y for me, but overall, I think it’s theme-y done well. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2560.

Sometimes when I pick a bag to write about, I know I’m asking for trouble. I don’t mind the disagreement, though – I possess that rare and endearing quality of always thinking I’m right, no matter what (that IS endearing, right? No? Oh). So I present, without fear, the Mulberry Metallic Croc Print Bayswater. Super shiny? Yes, it is. Stamped with an exotic texture? Yes, that too. Too big to pull it off? Probably, but I really like it anyway, and you can’t convince me otherwise.

Despite the fact that its texture is mirror-slick and not distressed like the metallics I usually prefer, the fact that they used a gunmetal silver instead of a bright, blue-based silver is really winning me over. The texture reminds me of a much less expensive, much more useful version of the Balenciaga Metallic Crocodile Wristlet we’ve talked about recently. I’d choose the Bal in a second, but since I don’t think my credit card limit is that high, the Mulberry version seems like a fun substitute that might actually hold some of my stuff. Buy through ShopBop for $1250.

I find myself often thinking about whether or not a non-leather bag can be worth big bucks. I’ve come to varying conclusions – if it’s covered in Swarovski, then maybe. If it’s entirely handmade, maybe. If it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, maybe. And despite the fact that I really like the Lanvin Calisson Woven Satin Bag, I don’t think I could pay $2600 for something made of such a delicate fabric.

In this case, I think the large size of the bag makes me even less likely to pay the big bucks – a big bag is an even bigger liability in a material that’s that likely to be damaged. It’s too big to be coddled and saved for special occasions, and an everyday bag needs to be durable and usable. Satin is the wrong material on the wrong bag in this case, and if it was soft, woven lamb leather instead, I’d be here telling you how brilliant it is. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2630.

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.