Totes (Page 26)

A hue similar to a piece of candy, the Marc Jacobs Parker Leather Tote uses a lilac leather that is creamy and luscious. Gold hardware is a beautiful touch with the lilac leather, giving it a bit of a elegant feel on an otherwise casual bag. The most alluring design on this handbag is the hand knotted detailing at the base of the shoulder straps. The chunky knot detail adds a stunning touch, that gives the bag a funky casual appeal. There are two front zip pockets on either end, an inside zip pocket, and a zip top closure. Dimensions are 15″W X 11″H X 7″D. This handbag is a different feel from Marc Jacobs, it is a younger bag, more like something from the Marc by marc Jacobs line, with a grown up touch. Is the touch grown up enough to pay the big sister price?

Yummy at Saks for $1250.

Lambertson Truex is a designer that hones in on clean lines and elegant products. While canvas is not always easy to keep clean in light colors (like white), it still is a great sturdy material. The Lambertson Truex Bradley Canvas and Leather Tote carries a cute appeal, with a white canvas body and gold metallic leather trim, and an amazingly low price tag. There is a double shoulder strap, a snap closure, and two interior mesh pockets. When looking to buy a canvas bag, the price should indeed be low. I can not justify spending over $1000 on a Prada Nylon bag nor can I justify spending over $400 on a canvas handbag. Perfect for Lambertson Truex, because this tote costs a mere $295 at Saks (white is available for pre-order, but brown is readily available).

Still on the exotic hunt, it is important to help anyone who wants an exotic handbag to find one in their price range. There is always a multitude of options, you just need to look for them. Luckily, you have me scouring the web for new handbags and designers that offer products in a wide range of prices. While many of us lust after high end designer exotics, the prices make me cringe, thinking that a car is a better option. Forzieri offers a wide variety of Italian luxury brands, including many that sell exotic skins. The Ghibli Reptile Tote Bag is designed with Indian python skin and accented with brass studs and a zip front pocket. There is a long shoulder strap, which has the ability to be sized. I would throw this bag on over my shoulder and wear it day-to-day. The price is quite reasonable for an exotic, costing less than many Prada Nylon bags.

Buy through Forzieri for $1274.

Exotic handbags have always been a very important trend. Attempting to find an exotic handbag that fits the mold for you is always a challenge, typically the price getting in the way first. This handbag caught my eye for one specific reason; it resembles a very well known designer. The Bamford Ombre Crocodile Tote is made with an exquisite green/gray shade of ombre crocodile. There are top handles, a hanging key tag, and a drawstring top. While this bag does not look like an exact replica of a Hermes Birkin, upon first look it does feel reminiscent of one. The price is still exorbitant, but it is about half the price of a Hermes Birkin. Pre-order through Neiman Marcus for $16,500.

How many of you are starting a new year of school? My cousin is going to be a freshman in college, and has been on a search for the perfect tote. I was the student who carried around a Prada Nylon Messenger Bag, which at a Big 10 School was a tad over the top, but I loved it and found it to be super practical. A school bag should be different than your friends, with a look and feel that is inherently yours. I love the Jas MB Cracked Leather Tote because it appears to look worn in while still offering a cool ivory cracked leather with a perfectly practical detachable canvas strap. The brown accents are perfect against the ivory leather, and because the leather is given a distressed look, if it gets a little dirty it will only add to the worn-in-appeal. There is an option of two top handles. To throw in your necessities, there is a small zip fastening compartment on the front, and a large zip fastening across the front. Dimensions are ideal for a school bag, 16.5″ W x 16.5″ Handle drop x 12.5″ H x 6″ D. The price is great; buy through Net A Porter for $525.

A black handbag is a staple bag. No matter what the trend of the season is, it will never go out of style. A simple yet sophisticated black bag, the Ghibli Washed Leather Tote sports soft washed leather with a slouchy appeal. On the sides there are pockets for easy access, along with brass studs throughout and leather tassels to give off a rugged feel. The best part of this handbag is its price, which dubs it a bag deal. While many designers have their prices skyrocketing, reaching into the realm over $2,000, this handbag comes in under $400 and gets the job done just as well as many of the exorbitant price tag items. Available via Forzieri for $356.

Image courtesy of Flynet Pictures

Sheryl Crow only wants to have a little fun before she dies, so she spends many of her days doing what she loves, going to the recording studio. After fighting breast cancer, Crow is headed back to the studio knowing that cancer will change her music. While not done up head to toe, Crow shows us that she does not always look air-brushed but looks fabulous nonetheless. Toting a Henry Cuir Puzzle Tote, Sheryl Crow asks a photographer to feed her parking meter on her way into the recording studio. This funky tote by Henry Cuir pieces together softly quilted leather to resemble puzzle pieces. If you love this handbag, it is on sale at Barneys for $995. And if you love this tote and love alligator, the Henry Cuir Alligator Puzzle Bag is also available at Barneys for $4500.

More pictures below.