Totes (Page 24)

We adored the Lindsay Lohan ad that sported the silver and gold Miu Miu Metallic Patchwork bag. The colorful metallic version may have been too much for many of us to stomach, or use everyday, so I am thrilled to see Miu Miu has released the Miu Miu Patchwork Tote in black leather. The patchwork adds a special touch, which gives the bag an everyday casual feel, and there is a removable strap for usability. I love this bag for an everyday bag, that will have a slouchy look right around your hip. I see it as a perfect practical bag, with a leather that is light, and sparsity of hardware which makes the bag light. The price is also great for the size of the bag (19″x12.5″x5″). Buy through Net A Porter for $1,445.

Also available in chic patent leather!

There is something incredibly chic and sexy about a woman wearing jeans, a white top, and heels. Pair it with your oversized sunglasses and the perfect bag you have a perfect look. When choosing an outfit so simple, the bag can change your look. A bag that is black or neutral will give you a more elegant look, while a bag with a splash of bright color will give you a fun playful look. Right when I saw this outfit paired with this handbag, I was immediately head over heels in love. The Miu Miu Spongy Leather Rounded Tote is the perfect bag for your jeans and tee shirt outfit adding a vibrant splash of color. The rounded tote is a great everyday bag, that features two handles to hold, and the perfect compartments with a zippered middle section. The inside of the bag makes it perfect to organize, which is what we all need from our handbags. Rather than having to grab in your bag hoping to find what you are looking for, a handbag like this allows easy access and order. The gold hardware is subtle, seen on the handles and the Miu Miu logo. Buy the bag through Net A Porter for $1,015.

To finish off the look, pair this bag with Notify Opium Wide Leg Jeans $230 via Net A Porter and a Miu Miu Fitted Cotton Shirt $375 via NAP.

It seems that people merely follow the ‘green’ trend if it is in style. While I wish everyone was more environmentally conscious at all times, because they actually care for the environment, I will take the green trend as it gets people thinking a tad. Wrapped up in Al Gore’s film and thoughts that it is time to start to help the planet, designers and stores are jumping on the ‘Go Green’ trend. Barneys is sporting an entire section, “Green Holiday”, to offer a plethora of items ranging from designer denim to handbags that are environmentally friendly. Finding a great ecological tote is a great way handbag lovers can show they are looking out for the environment. The Henry Cuir Ecological Tote is designed with natural leather that is tanned without chemicals and sports an etched design with a French message that reads, “I am the earth. I love myself and I respect myself.” The quote itself bring about a feeling of chi. There are double handles and the dimensions are 15.5″ x 15.5″ x 5.5″. 8″. This tote is exclusive at Barneys and is a step in the right direction. $850 at Barneys (shop the rest of the Green Holiday at Barneys HERE).

A couple months ago Botkier sponsored a giveaway you all, and the reception was amazing! It seems the simplicity behind their Sasha Duffle just fits your lifestyle and wants perfectly. So I kept looking at the bag (keeping the bags for a month during giveaways is TORTURE!), and fell in love also. The Botkier Sasha Duffle converts from a shoulder bag to a tote easily, offering optimal room, and gives a perfect slouch with its Italian lambskin leather. The black version is obviously perfect for everyday use, but the pewter adds such a bang that it is a great metallic option. When choosing a metallic, especially if you are not sure that is 100% you, go for an option that is more affordable in a shape that will last seasons. The pewter adds a little bling, and the black and brown are toned down but perfect for everyday use. There is the option of double top handles or a shoulder strap. And when you open this bag, the inside compartment is huge and filled with organizing pockets. There is a zip pocket, an open pocket, and a cell phone pocket. Just a fabulous everyday bag with a much more affordable price than the others. Buy the silver via Saks for $695. Brown and black are available at Net A Porter for $695 also.

I have settled into spending most of my handbag money on timeless classics. Whether it is the brand or the shape, handbags can be an investment. Stay away from the “it” bags, or limit yourself to them, because they will go out of style. While one handbag may be all the rage for one season, for the next season it becomes a dust collector in your closet. For many, one of their grail bags may be a crocodile bag. And while a Hermes Crocodile Birkin is my dream, the price tag is not even close to doable for me right now. And it is not doable for most people. Yet there are beautifully made exotic handbags that are much more affordable, designed beautifully, but do not have the huge fashion house name. There has been a huge buzz surrounding the Zagliani Crocodile Tote which implements a design that will carry over season after season in a beautiful exotic matte crocodile skin. On the inside there are many pockets (phone, camera, pen, cards, and a zip pocket), which means this large tote is very usable. The Zagliani handbag line is designed by dermatologist Mauro Orietti-Carella. With a background in dermatology, Mauro injects the exotic skin with silicone which results in a completely supple buttery soft feeling. And on the inside, there is just as luxurious of a feel, with suede lining. This bag is exclusively online at Saks, and you better nab it while you still can. Just a stunning piece of exotic work, perfect to pass down for generations to come. Buy at Saks for $11,300.

Resort bags are slowly trickling out for all of us to see. And while the winter has not even hit yet, I am dreaming of our spring trip (destination unknown). There was a huge price hike on the Prada Nylon line last season, but for their resort line the nylon prices are again reasonable. I love the aquamarine coloring on the quilted nylon of the Prada Crispy Nylon Tote. Nothing super fabulous, but perfect to wipe off any spill, making this great for those who are toeing around their kids. The top handles are made with tonal leather and there is a removable shoulder strap, which comes in handy when you need to be hands free, and an ID tag. Also available in black. Both at Saks for $760.

This season surrounds a sexy secretary trend. There is something about a woman in a body hugging skirt and shirt, with her hair pulled back, glasses on (of course), and high heels, that drives a man wild. And while I think the sexy secretary stereotype is more fitting for a triple X film, the chic secretary style, rather working woman’s style, is always in. The splash of color that we can not stop raving about is purple, and the plum patent leather on the Be & D Small Twiggy Patent Tote is just what the boss ordered. Be & D handbags have always appealed to a younger crowd, offering a chic and funky style that proves to be very wearable. This tote has a removable metal chain link strap with brings the edgy hardware to the forefront, while the tonal stitch detailing and paneled leather is toned down yet stands out. So if you are sporting the sexy secretary look (even if it is just for Halloween), this handbag is perfect for you. Then again, it really is a great burst of color in a great and easy to transfer from season to season style, so you can wear this now and a year from now with a variety of outfits. Available through Net A Porter for $870.