Chloe Bags

It’s Wednesday. What better way to get over the mid-week hump than spending a little time drooling over handbags? While you sit there thinking how your nefarious boss keeps piling up the work while all you want to do is kick back for a minute, fear not, take even just a few minutes with this clutch and you’ll feel refreshed.

I am not usually one to sport really bright colors. I should probably venture out from my comfort zone a bit and add bright colors to my repertoire. Maybe I can get started with this Chloé Elongated Lizard Clutch. At first glance, the green resembled the hue of green that comes to mind when I think Art Deco and I kind of like it. The water monitor lizard clutch is adorned with gold hardware and is secured with a turnlock. I’ve been on the fence with a few Chloé handbags in the past, but this is one I am excited about. You will no doubt spruce up your outfit with the material and color combination of this clutch. I am always a little wary when it comes to sporting too much red or green around the holidays, but this shade of green doesn’t scream christmas tree or anything like that. I say this bag is a hit! Add it to your collection through Net-a-Porter for $1,575.

Chloe Heloise Bowler Bag

So, we’re all familiar with the Chloe Heloise bag. It’s been out for a few seasons now, and interest in it may have died down a bit, although it is, by all accounts, a beautiful and functional bag with a bit of a funky edge (something that Chloe does well). Something that Chloe also does well - milk an ‘it’ bag for all it’s worth (hey, not that I can blame them)! So now, we have yet another incarnation of the Heloise bag: the New Chloe Heloise Bowler. I little shorter, a little squater, and a little wider than the original, it still has all the elements that tell everyone “Hey, y’all, I’m a Chloe!” The straps and finish of the bag remain largely the same, but I’m not complaining: I thought it was beautiful when it first appeared on the market, and why tinker too much with something that you did right the first time? What caught my eye about this bag in particular is the color: cobalt blue is supposed to be THE color next season, and getting such a vivid shade in the thick, buttery leather for which Chloe is famous must be rather difficult. They pull it off with aplomb, however; the color is even, bright, and true blue. Buy through Saks for $2030.

This week has been one of those weeks where I feel like I have accomplished a lot, but at the same time there is so much more to do. Anyone else having that kind of week? Well, when I feel like all I do is run around, I need to have a handbag with me that can endure the back and forth as well as the shoes I am wearing. The Chloé Bay Medium Tote looks like it is the kind of bag that would be up for the challenge. Actually, I was a little surprised when I first saw this bag. I am used to Chloé bags being a little more ornate, but I am definitely not complaining. The light grey destressed calfskin bag looks so soft and touchable. (Didn’t that almost sound like I was describing a hair product?) The front and back zip pockets with large leather pulls offers the option of stuffing your to-do-list or something you need immediate access to within close reach. The double handles appear to be extremely durable which is always a huge plus for a daily use bag. No, there is nothing flashy or unique about this bag, but it is one is functional and youthful. Buy through Bluefly for $1,344.

Chloe Messenger Bag

Cross-body style messenger bags have always been a huge love of mine. The hands free option is always a plus and after a few minutes you forget that you even have a bag slung across your body. But there are some major drawbacks when it comes to cross-body messenger bags. How and where does the strap hit? No need for the overly split up chest.

I have been eying the Chloe Messenger Bag since it popped up online and finally decided to share it with you. Though my thoughts on this bag will not be sealed until I see it in person and actually try it on. If it splits my chest in an odd misshapen two-oranges kind of way, I am totally over this bag. But let me get back to what this bag offers. There is a cream and dark version, one slightly larger than the next. There are three gold-tone chain shoulder straps. Another foreseeable problem is the mark the chains will leave on your shoulder or arm (this happens to many with their Chanel bags). There are two pockets at the front and a long zip across the top. Love it or leave it? Buy through Net A Porter for $1695 or $1960.

I have to say, I always have an eye out for a great tote. I mean, when you think about it, isn’t it great to just throw all your stuff for the day in a bag and go? Don’t get me wrong, I love smaller bags and clutches, but for day to day use, I think totes are amazing. More often times than not, like most people, I find myself leaving early in the morning and not getting home until dinner. This being said, on any given day, there could be a lot I need to carry with me. So, when I caught a glimpse of the Chloe Oversized Leather Tote, I had to share it with you.

Without a doubt, the first thing that grabbed my attention was the fabulous blue color of the bag. Chloe designers get a gold star in my book by using such a bright, beautiful blue on this bag. The combination of silver hardware and patent trim bring a little something extra to the bag. At the same time, I love that the bag comes with a small coin purse trinket; it is as if there is a nice bonus with the bag! And of course the black canvas lining paired with the blue leather screams chic and classy - my favorite. Since the bag seems like it might be big enough, I could even drop my laptop in it as I head to a coffee shop to catch up on some work. All in all, I could totally see myself sporting this not only during one season, but instead, throughout the entire year! Buy through Net-A-Porter for $1,790.00.

I am all for See by Chloe clothing. It is more fitting for me and my lifestyle. More simple, more casual, and mostly, more affordable. And just recently I brought you the adorable See by Chloe Key chains that I really like! Cute, almost bordering on too cute, but the perfect little accessory. So for a larger array of handbags from See by Chloe I expected, oh I don’t know, easy chic styles.

Unfortunately, the See by Chloe handbag line is a major let-down. There is absolutely no inspiration behind any of the designs, they are boring, drab, and unimaginative. Each bag is just a block, then colored, then finished. Nothing to make it stand apart from other bags and nothing there to warrant the price tag. There are three versions; available in red, cream, and turquoise. I am not saying the bags are ghastly, rather saying they lack any sort of ingenuity. I would expect more. Chloe bags have become synonymous with chunky hardware, modern touches, and edgy designs. And while Chloe bags are not always first in their class, there is at least some effort behind them. These bags from the supposedly more affordable and fun See by Chloe line are a major let down. Even worse, their prices range around $700. Buy through Net A Porter (found on UK site).

When I look through the Chloe bags that we have covered on Purse Blog, I re-realize why I like this brand. The bags are funky, edgy, chunky, with a touch of modern. Yes, the leather can be unbelievably heavy, and yes, the bags can be pricey. Yet the urban touch of the bags really draws me in.

And right when I ran into the Chloe Joan Shoulder Bag, I fell in love. The relaxed everyday shape of the Joan gives off a casual feel. This is a bag I could easily see on Blake Lively (can’t wait for Gossip Girls!!). It is not the most memorable bag, or the most innovative, but it gets the job done with a check plus. The tri-colored leather body, grey, green, and black, is held together with a large gold-tone clasp to fasten and studded belt tab around the top. Dimensions are not given on the shoulder strap, but if it were long and could allow ample slouch, I would be all over this bag. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,515.

Chloe Cyndi Tote

It’s a grey, grey day in Georgia. And apparently, it’s going to be like this for the rest of the week, which might as well be forever. We need the rain, but I get in such a funk when it’s like this that all I accomplish is a lot of tv-watching and online shopping.

So, in honor of the grey skies outside, I bring you the Chloe Cyndi Tote in taupe (looks like grey to me - taupe is misleading!). I was drawn to this bag initially because of the color (grey is my favorite neutral), but what made me decide to write about it is that it gives you a lot of things to look at without being at all overdone or busy.

After you’ve been a designer bag enthusiast for a while, bags tend to run together. All too few designers do inventive, interesting things with their purses, but the Cyndi has some details that are truly editorial. Read the full article...

Chloe Riva Satchel

I continue to live my life as if there are at least 40 hours in a day. I plan for 40 hours and when I realize there are only 24 I am left feeling tired, over-worked, and behind. Mostly behind. After the whirlwind of a trip in Spain I got back to the States only to pack up and move! Not far, just about 6 miles away (meaning about 1 mile to the beach!). Moving is such a pain, but the whole cleaning out and having a fresh start is always welcomed. We have been decorating our new place, putting in new furniture, and putting things away. I have been super inspired, but the inspiration is slowly dying down as I am getting tired of the four flights of stairs (we are in a tall condo). And the lack of inspiration means I need a little break. I think many designers hit this wall too; feeling without any insight or new idea. What they should do when this happens is put down the sketch pad and step away. Though it looks as if the designers behind the Chloe Riva Satchel did not do this, as this handbag looks like every ounce of creativity went out the door just as the bag was beginning to be designed. This handbag is just so blah, which I get as I feel this way from time to time too. The thought that went into this bag looks minimal, which probably means the designers were uninspired and struggled to come up with this design, and it shows. The rectangular-structured shape is supposed to give the handbag a modern touch, but it just looks simple and boring. And then there is the top handles which look very cheap. I must say I find this designer handbag just about as dull as cheap steak knife. Only difference is this bag is expensive, $1595 via Saks.

Chloe Nancy Clutch

Ok, so maybe you are quite tired of hearing about how my traveling has taken a toll on me. Because really, I am lucky to get to travel so often and to so many amazing places. But really, I am beat! At least I slept until a quite normal hour EST today and I feel like I will get back on track sooner this trip than the last. What I realized in Spain was the lack of women who carried clutches. We went out at night a bit, and still, no clutches. Style is different around the globe, but women you all need to realize how great a clutch can be! Chloe bags are actually quite a hit in many European countries, including Germany where I travel to often, but I did not see many in Spain. The color theme of what many people wear is dark; blacks, grays, browns. So really, I totally looked like a tourist with my yellow pants on day number 1. If you want dark, you can have it, but you must have at least one great clutch in your collection, it is imperative! Ever since I saw the Chloe Nancy Clutch I have had a crush on it. The black glossy leather is perfectly paired with the gold hardware on this fold-over-clutch with perspex handles. There is that modern touch paired with the simplistic everyday design. The inside is lined with nude leather (YA Chloe for not lining this with the usual fabric!) and sports an internal pocket. This is a ubiquitous versatile clutch. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,405.