Totes

While I am not a huge fan of the blue rendition of this bag, the ivory version is subtle, sleek, and gets the job done. The Hogan Pleated Media Tote does not get me super excited or even make me want to buy it, but for the practical and simple gal, this tote could be perfect. Simple additions, like brown leather trim, gold tone hardware, and a pleated drawstring top make this handbag wearable. There is a front zip and side open pockets for quick access. Dimensions are 13″H x 15″W x 5″D. Judge for yourself if this bag is a viable option for you; for me it does not make me feel either overly joyous or make me gag. I am just sitting in the moderate middle staring at the zoom-in-window and saying, “Hum, sure, whatever”. Through Bergdorf Goodman for $895.

Like I mentioned the other day, Chloe is always re-designing their well known handbags. I have not heard much from the Silverado end of the Chloe spectrum in a while, but there is a new little rendition in town hoping to make mama Silverado happy. The Chloe Square Silverado Tote brings back the signature oversized stitching in the handles that run down the body of the bag. Choose from either the fox (tan) square leather tote offset with brown lace-style trim or the putty (off-white) tote with dark metallic stitching detail and white hardware. Laid back for a fairly varying price tag: Tan for $2365 via Net a Porter; and the Putty for $1780 via Net-A-Porter.

Like I have said many times, I grew up on the ocean. Well not on it per say, although I always wanted to live in the ocean in Stilt City but that is besides the point. My family was never much of a fisher-family, seeing that both my mom and I are allergic and we all rather have someone prepare our food rather than take all that time to slice, dice, and remove parts. All things aside, we still would go on boats often and still had friends that liked to fish and use nets to catch all sorts of ocean critters. We used to wade in the sand bars and catch little crabs and other marine life in nets. The nets we used looked like a slightly different version of the Dolce & Gabbana Vitello Canvas Tote which appears more like a fisherman’s accessory than an accessory for a lady on solid shore ground. This canvas bag sports net-like woven metallic leather and a wooden top handle. Might as well give the dimensions seeing that you need to know the size of marine life that you can fit in here; 11½”H X 15″L X 5″W. Totally hideous and if I were sitting on way too much money, I’d cut out the canvas lining and literally use this metallic net to catch something or other out there. At least I would do it and make a fashion statement. Fugly and overpriced through Saks for $1550.

Proudly sporting the ‘Art to Wear Girl Scout Badge’

Oh yes, I was in girl scouts. You better believe it. And when I was too young to be in girl scouts, I was an honorary members of my sisters troop (where my mom was of course the troop leader). One of my favorite activities was tie-dyeing. For every activity out there, there is a girl scout badge, I kid you not. You glue Popsicle sticks together with glue, you got yourself a new badge. But the tie-dyeing, now that was a badge well earned. Problem is the actual process because if you do not treat the garment properly, you end up with a brown creation, and who wants that really?! I have my hand in my imaginary girl scout troop leader badge drawer and and pulling out an ‘Art to Wear Badge’ for the designers behind the Miu Miu Camoscio Tie-Dye Tote. The folks behind the bag sure do deserve their badge, seeing that they were able to tie-dye suede with white and blue and even tie-dye the double handles. On top of this, the bag has a pleated front and a removable cross body strap (I’d keep the strap for outdoor adventures and campfires). Ah, you all catch my sarcastic drift here. Scouts honor, I am not trying to be rude, the bag is partially cute, it’s just not for me. Through Saks for $1445 (now you know that a girl scout really did not make this bag!)

I am not a child anymore and I do not have a child, so I should be able to care for a white bag. Although I hardly ever drip or spill, I *always* drip or spill on anything that says “dry clean only” or will give me the most difficult time to clean up. Yet I vow to own a white bag for this spring/summer and keep it clean. Word on the street is that Lv is releasing a White Epi line, including a White Epi Alma, which has my name all over it. But for a laid back possible messenger style bag, this Prada Leather Tote has my heart fluttering. It is simple, only adding braided leather handles to an all together white leather bag. It is practical, adding a detachable shoulder strap which can also allow the bag to be worn as a messenger. It is a great size, a perfect 11¾”H X 12½”L X 5″W. This bag will give my doesn’t-know-it-yet-future White Epi Alma a run for its money. Through Saks for $1,490.

Neutrals and black and white (or any shade of black or white) are always the safest colors. Personally, I look drab in many beige colors, but deeper browns are great on me. I look better in gray than in black. I like both white and any shade of creme on myself. We are all different, but black and white are fairly safe colors. I will admit, I’d prefer a pink canvas bag to a black/ivory, but there is some appeal in the Marni Printed Cotton Shopper. This tote bag is made with cotton canvas, a maze like pattern, and has drawstrings openings at the top. I am actually getting a tad dizzy looking at it, which makes me realize it is totally not for me, but I do think it is great for a younger age gal wanting to dress down. Leather trim and nylon handles finish off this Marni shopper. Simple, but the maze reminds me a tad of a lab mouse maze, and that is sure something that I do not want to be reminded of when carrying around my everyday. What are your thoughts? Is this a safe bag, a fun bag, a bag only for young people, a bag that you despise, a bag that makes you dizzy?

Via NAP for $474.

A sure way to make my blue eyes stand out is to wear blue. A baby blue shirt makes my eyes look completely different than a shocking ocean blue. This exact hue of blue on the Dior My Dior Tote would do wonders for my eyes, and all you other blue eyed gals out there. Stunning blue leather and silver tone hardware is a stunner. I, of course, was looking out for myself and my blue eyes, but this color would look amazing on anyone in my opinion. A frame top, top handles, gathered front, and logo bit, finish off this hit bag. The color is smashing; pre-order yours through Bergdorf Goodman for $1790.

A fashion staple are sexy simple shoes and a sexy practical bag. Do you ever notice how the perfect pair of jeans and a perfect fitting white tee can be the sexiest outfit ever? The same goes for a handbag. Refined and to-the-point is just as sassy and elegant as ornate. My go to designer for great shoes that are easy to wear for many occasions is Salvatore Ferragamo. Looks to me like Ferragamo is attempting to make its way into the handbag world with the same idea in mind; slowly conquer with usable bags. This is exactly what is being done with the Salvatore Ferragamo Dama Tote. I’d opt for the creamy and luscious magnolia leather which is intricately pieced together. The only detail that pulls the eyes in are the small tabs that continue up to the top handles and rings. Dimensions are 10 3/5″H x 15 3/4″W x 5 1/5″D. Come on in Spring and Summer, buh-bye gloomy and weird late snowy winter. Via Neiman Marcus for $1090.

This bag is downright hilarious. It is completely impractical in my life, but can not be touted a fug bag because it is just too funny. I prefer big dogs over little dogs, but if my pup were sporting some bad-to-the-bone aviators, I’d take him if he were little. Anya Hindmarch shows her creative, funky, borderline weird style with the Russo Canvas Tote Bag. You can not tell me that you do not look at this bag and laugh. But like the class clown, this bag can not be taken seriously. A sturdy canvas build houses a chihuahua print on a 14 by 13 by 4 inch body, through Saks Fifth for just under $400.

Who could you see wearing this bag?

I admit it. The first time I saw this picture of Zac Posen’s Iconic Tote, I thought, “Meh.” I think I’ve become so bombarded with candy-bright colored accessories that I feel immediately underwhelmed by tan. Then I looked again. The tan is actually quite rich – it’s no thin shade sprayed onto pale legs from a can. It’s more like a tasty caramel. This delicious effect is compounded by the contrast lining done in a rich shade of chocolate brown. In this tote, Zac Posen has managed to evoke everyone’s favorite Snickers bar. Granted, this Snickers has a whole lot of caramel, but that’s the good part anyway. Where are the nuts, you might ask. Well, the nuts might involve those golden flashes of hardware. Honey-roasted nuts can be gold-ish right? Okay, I know I’m stretching. Still, the hardware is quite charming. I love those signature hexagons on Zac Posen bags. They’re fresh and fun without being too bling-bling. Those gold details on the handles above the hexagons, I may have a bit of a problem with, but nothing fatal, and I love the useless studs on the useless hardware on the front flap. They add a nice jolt of flavor. So now we no longer have a tan bag. It’s a Snickers bag, which is much more interesting. The way the contrast trim is done really pops. It’s a bit reminiscent of Marc Jacobs’ striping line, sure, but I love that line. I also adore the gathering at the bottom corners of the bag. They add a little sprinkle of feminine flavor onto a bag that errs on the side of masculine. Anyway, I’ve been very excited about Zac Posen’s handbag line, and this tote has not disappointed. Get it for $1295 at eluxury.

By nerdphanie, the Shopping Nerd!