Totes (Page 19)

Every now and then, I have a visceral reaction to a bag. Sometimes it’s a grimace, sometimes it’s a smile, and this time, with the Pierre Hardy Neoprene and Patent Tote, it was an exclamation of “YES!” and then some contemplation as to why exactly I had that reaction to begin with. Maybe it’s because the bag is just so freakin’ geometric and architectural – the lines are incredibly clean, and it’s made out of materials that lend themselves to precision. The hot pink section of the bag is neoprene, which I believe is the material used to make wetsuits, and the black trim is patent leather. In an odd way, this is hitting me as a good beach bag, although I highly doubt it is intended to serve that purpose. But with the neoprene, why the heck not? It’s so enormous and neon that I have no idea where else or for what other purpose I’d wear it, but for some reason, I love it. It’s just so NEON. So completely, unapologetically neon. It’d be one of those bags that I’d be completely thrilled and excited to buy, and then wear twice, because there are really only two places I could wear it. I’m not entirely sure where those places are, but I’m sure there are at least two. It hasn’t hit stores yet, so I don’t have any pricing information for you, but odds are it’ll be prohibitive for a bag made out of a wetsuit, no matter how fabulous that bag is.

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Sometimes you want a dainty, understated bag. Sometimes you want something delicate or subtle that won’t draw too much attention. And then, other times, you just want a big ol’ shiny animal skin behemoth of a bag. For those times, consider the Ted Rossi Python Shoulder Bag. Hardware? None. Pockets? It doesn’t have any of those either. What it does have, however, is several square feet of of black python skin with a great shine to it – almost patent, but without the thick texture that often comes with it. The snakeskin still looks supple and textured like a natural skin should, and the addition of a bit of metallic draws the eye even more to the differentiation between every scale. If you’re going to own a python bag, after all, you might as well own one that makes everyone go, “Hey, look how awesome that enormous, shiny python bag is!” On the practical side, I imagine it’d hold everything you could want to carry around on an average day (and probably more) and be super comfy to wear – python is notoriously light as a feather, and the wide straps would distribute the weight of all your loot evenly on your shoulder. So, what are you waiting for? Buy through Singer 22 for $2495.

Canvas: how much are we willing to pay for it? I found myself wondering that when I saw the Lanvin Gourmet 22 Faubourg Tote today. My initial reaction was that it was adorable and French in a wonderful way, and that it would be great with a white top and jeans. My second reaction was, “It’s $680. What is it made out of? Oh, canvas. Nevermind.” But then I thought again, because don’t tons of handbag enthusiasts spend tons of money on Louis Vuitton canvas bags every year? Net-a-porter’s description indicates that this canvas bag is treated, and while it pay not be as durable as Louis Vuitton canvas (because, after all, what is?), how do we decide what’s an acceptable amount to pay for a bag that’s not leather? Does the brand matter? Does Louis Vuitton’s canvas get a pass because of its history or status? I’m not sure how to answer these questions, but I do know that I wish Lanvin’s adorable tote was a little less expensive. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $680.

The first thing I like about the Alexander McQueen Elvie Patent Leather Tote is its name. Elvie. That’s adorable, right? It’s playful and British-sounding and maybe something Sir Bob Geldof would name a kid (he did, after all, choose Peaches and Pixie in the past). And the bag itself doesn’t disappoint either – in whimsicle grass-green patent leather, all I can see when I look at it is springtime. But let’s talk a bit about the construction, because that’s also a big part of this bag and is done very well. McQueen has managed to take patent leather – a material that is inherently stiff, firm, and difficult to work with – and made it look like it was easily draped over this bag’s frame. A difficult task indeed, and when you add in the bag’s cute, bright lining and ability to work as a “bright neutral,” Elvie is a big winner. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2160.

There has only been one bag in the past few months that I completely and totally can not get off my mind. Many of you may know which bag I am referring to; the Salvatore Ferragamo Oversized Carlotta Alligator Tote. I have this small part of me, like 1/10193867th of me, that holds to the fact that this will be my wedding day gift from Vlad. Since the chance of that is minuscule, it would make sense to find a bag similar without the unbearable price tag. Sunny and cheery, the Salvatore Ferragamo Origami Tote retains the shape of the Carlotta that we love with a price tag that does not cost the price of a nice car. I still love the huge oversized version, for my travel bag, but this would be a day to day bag. The Italian leather is plush and divine and the bag itself is roomy. This is not really a close second, as the Carlotta is on a pedestal in my mind, but it is a viable option. Pre-order through Saks for $1890.

The magnitude of today will truly be seen in the years to come, the history books and teachings. And no matter who you voted for, this inauguration is one of historic proportions. One of our favorite designers is a supporter of the 44th President Barack Obama and has shown her support by designing the DvF Obama Love Tote Bag. The proceeds from the Obama Love Tote will go towards the Inaugural Committee. Dimensions are 12″ high x 19 wide” x 4 1/2″ deep. This item will ship the last week in January. Pre-order through DvF for $70.

The bigger news in the fashion behind the Inaugural day is Michelle Obama’s clothing choices. This morning she was spotted in a yellow/gold metallic outfit from Isabel Toledo, an award winning American fashion designer and creative director for the Anne Klein company. The bigger question is the gown she will wear tonight at the Inaugural Ball. We will keep our eye out on her fashion choices.

The funky and edgy designs from Alexander McQueen usually catch the eye. There was the Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch which paired an otherwise simple structured clutch with a skull closure. But this bag is a treat. It is a treat because I would not expect it from the likes of McQueen. The Alexander McQueen Melrose Tote is a completely wearable everyday bag, implementing a comfortable shape with green leather. The green leather jumps out and grabs your attention right away. But it is the perfect pop of color. And then open the bag up and you will find bright pink cotton lining. Ok, so it resembles a watermelon. But still, bright and fun. It is not the color combination that I am drawn to though, it is the shape. The slightly tapered top means this bag will fit very comfortably under your arm. There are double shoulder straps with an 8.5″ drop. The bag is big enough for everyday use, 16½”W X 15″H X 6″D. Buy through Saks for $1435.