Totes

When I first saw this bag all I could think of was either fish net stockings or a fish net filled with fishies. I’m guessing the ocean breeze and lack of the ususal south Florida sun is getting to me. But this Cole Haan Small Woven Tote from the Hannah Woven collection has really caught my eye as a simply chic summer bag. You can chose from either the white with gold lining or the turquoise with white lining. Personally I am leaning towards the white with gold lining, it just really meets my fancy. I’m thinking of it matching my new 7 jeans and yellow James Perse tank! Sorry for the tangent, back to the bag. The tote sports soft hand-laced leather (like I said in eiother white or turquoise), a linen lining with a metallic finish, and shiny nickle finish hardware. Topping the bag off is leather-wrapped top handles, which really adds to the over-all appeal and woven feel. Other not so totally important details include the open top closure, nylon lining, and 7″H x 13″W x 5″D dimensions. The more I look at it, the more I am justifying the purchase to myself (one of a very few of my bad traits!!) If you are feeling like me head over to Neiman Marcus and buy the bag for yourself for $250.

Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty momma! Ahh, I loved that song. When I first heard it I remember telling my mom I wanted to go to each and every island/place in that song. Mission about 90% accomplished. Bermuda is still on the list. In, fact my parents are there right now on a vacation. So I’m wondering if I showed them (mainly my mom) this bag, would they get the Bermuda aura from it. Kate Spade has usually utilized simple but classy style in her designs of handbags, but lately she has been branching out a bit.

Kate Spade has entwined summer fun with her alluring simple style. The Kate Spade Jadyn Bermuda Tote is a multi-colored island (Bermuda) print laminated tote bag. Integrating leather handles with the ‘Kate Spade’ logo and a tan leather base adds a sophisticated look to the lively bag. Including some whimsical style to the lining, Kate Spade chose to use a beige and blue polka dot pattern with a central zip fastening section and zip fastening and open pockets on either side. The tote is sized at 32cm x 24cm x12cm and available for your fun in the sun summer pleasure via Net-A-Porter for $295.

Did any of you ever do the paper-mache strings on top of a inflated balloon? Umm you know, to make the perfect easter egg basket holder? Maybe that was just me. But pretend you are in Finding Neverland and put on your imagination hat and picture that. Now look at this Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile Tote and tell me you don’t see the same thing? The key to this exercise is IMAGINATION! Anyhow, whether you followed along or not I’m really digging this fun and totally unique style set up by Nancy Gonzalez. Here is what is so cool: The tote is made of straw and then finished off with mayhem weaving of crocodile straps. The craziness of the croc straps comes together for a triple strap shoulder strap. Also this funky number has an open top with toggle closure, nothing but the finest suede lining, and an inside zip pocket. The bag measures 6″H x 12″W x 4 1/4″D and is made in Columbia. I wonder if they include some fresh Colombian coffee beans for the hefty price of $895 at Bergdorf Goodman. Probably not.

I’ve fiddled around with our Babette a little, who happened to be covered by our bags at lower screen resolutions and didn’t get to expose herself properly in all her glamorous beauty! Hence, I’ve moved her to the top – she won’t mind I think. Another improvement to our Purse Blog is that from now on, we will feature smaller crafter shops who do fancy bags and custom works, especially emphasizing on goodies that our readers submit to us. I think it is time for the smaller companies to step up and make an appearance, and we will be more than willing to help them with it.

On of the fine submits included Lia Hood’s contributions on Good Morning, Morning. Granted, the store’s name is indeed an insider joke that nobody will ever get, but the offered handbags, bookbags, pouches and organizers are very unique and worthy mentioning. Every cute piece is handmade of recycled vintage household textiles, which does Mother Nature good, and your wallet as well. Head on over to Good Morning, Morning and see what Lia has to offer.

Although I can’t always pull off the Anthropology/Urban Outfitter look, I love that earthy flowery feel. The skirts are gorgeous and the outfits are so simply put together yet so gorgeous and flowing. So why not have a cute bag to go with that feel, especially for spring and summer. I’ve discovered the Marine Shell Embroidered Canvas Tote and fallen in love with it. The tote bag is a cream color showing off multi-colored shell, sequin and beaded embroidery on the front and single shell detail on back. The embroidery is divine and screams out fun-in-the-sun. Bag has double handles and is lined in burgundy with a self-tie fastening at top. Interior of bag has a zip fastening pocket. The bag measures approximately 16″ x 10″ x 8″ and can be bought at Net-A-Porter for $106.

Why I love StyleDrops: they give amazingly awesome background information about the designers they feature. As much as I’d like to believe that I’m one heck of a writer, I’m gonna leave it to the StyleDrops authors to tell you all a little about Vivienne Westwood.

“Vivienne Westwood played a vital role in the emergence of Punk Rock in the 1970s and has gone on to become one of the most original and influential designers of our time. Her designs combine a fearless unconformity with a sense of tradition. She is renowned for her gentle parody of Establishment styles, her use of very British fabrics such as Harris tweed and tartan, her re-use of historic garments such as the corset and crinoline. Yet, her approach has always been practical, driven by a curiosity about how things work, a process she describes as ‘learning through action’. Among other honours, Westwood also was awarded a place in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.”

Now to my pick of her SS/05 collection, the Vivienne Westwood handbag entitled “Logo Scottish”. Although I am not a huge fan of plaid (it reminds me of my Catholic School uniform), Vivienne made me love her red, blue and yellow plaid on this stylish bag. The bag mostly shows off the plaid fabric pattern but also sports leather straps and sports metal hardware. The bag sizes up at 12″W x 10 1/2″H x 7″D and has an 8″ shoulder-belt/handle. This stylish wonder can be yours for $499 at StyleDrops.

Megs and I, we both *love* Coach. Reasons are several, the style, the colors, the price, the quality, and many more. Another aspect that strikes us positively is that they keep releasing mid-season styles for bags in their signature shapes. Recall the Valentine’s Day specials or the Soho line? The brand-spankin’ new Coach Patchwork Bags take a different approach. For all those gals who just can’t decide what they like better, calfskin, some metallic accents, swank suede, the new tie dye canvas or their signature fabric, Coach is now making the choice ridiculously easy by combining all of the mentioned in the Patchwork line. Awesome! I think it’s just absolutely fabulous, very sporty looking and perfect for the everyday business of yours. The tote on the very left is the Coach Signature Patchwork Shoulder Tote and weighs in at $378 through Coach directly. The Coach Signature Patchwork Wristlet is their patched up interpretation of the beloved classic and goes for a mere $78 bucks. Lastly, on the right, we gots the Signature Patchwork Demi, the mid-sized handbag by Coach for $198.

Verdict: We love ‘em all and can’t wait to get one for Lady Meggers! P.S. How would a matching Cruiser Hat look on me? Just kidding.

Way back when I was a really cool child, tie-dye rocked! Totally rad I tell ya. Don’t any of you laugh, because I know you all at least once in your life made your own tie-dye shirt, or better yet bought the Hyper-colored shirts (which were later recalled because of possible association with cancer agents – yikes!!) Anyhow, the blast from the past of the colorful weekend fun is back, but this time it comes splashed on a bag. The Donald J Pliner Tie-Dye Tote is definetly unique to say the least. I can not quite decide what I really think of it. The perks to the bag are it does not look like some of the tye-dye gear I made, but the low side is that it nevertheless is tye-dye. Silvertone circles and short leather straps help to take away from overly colorful shopper and tone it down a little. Now I do see this bag as a cute summer shopper to be worn like once to an 80’s party, but if I had to chose I would take the Fuchsia over the Cactus anyday. I hate to say it but the Cactus reminds me of baby’s poo, and really, who wants a bag that reminds them of that? The bag is made of polyester (of course it is) and leather, featuring an inside zip pocket and two slip pockets. The bag dimensions are 9 1/4″W x 8″H x 5″D with a hand-held strap whose drop is 4 3/4″. If you are feelin’ groovy then do the elctric slide on over to Nordstrom and purchase this fad little number for $125.

Close the shutters, secure the doors, bring the children inside and the dogs, too… because the elephants are out and the jungle is going nuts! Hah… you have to understand that I have a thing for elephants. I am not sure where it came from, but years ago I think my dad talked about how he wanted to be reborn as an elephant in the next life, and since then our collection of wooden, stone, toy, and fluffy elephants just grew to a point that we count 4o-some different elephants in our home, from every possible corner of the Earth imaginable. Hence, I was very excited when Megs emailed me these bags with the email’s subject saying “especially with you in mind“.

Kickin’ off the working week, we’re doing it big, and in style! The RG House of Florence Elephant Collection is in the house and they made sure to bring the whole family. Ok ok, parts of the relatives had to stay at home, but the finer selection found its way to our precious blog.

Starting to our top-left we have the Elephant Collection Shopping Bag, a generously large shopping tote with a funny edge. It is made from beige canvas with finishings in brown boar leather. This bag has a large internal section with a zippered pocket. The elephant sign is cleverly intergrated into the handle, which makes it both unique and adorable to look at. There is also a detachable strap. The Italian shopping bag goes for $589 through Forzieri.

The next relative is the shopping bag’s brother, the Suede Big Shopping Bag. Big name for a big bag. This full suede shopping bag is a whole 13 inches wider than the aforementioned bag, measuring in at 41 inches in width. Other than that, the specs are the same, it will find a new owner for 658 dollar American through Forzieri.

Bottom right, we have the universal Beige Elephant Collection Backpack. Absolutely gorgeous! The elephant trunk makes the handles for the closure of the bag… simply irresistible. The italian back-o-phant goes for 491 bucks, again via Forzieri.

Last, but certainly not least, the smallest member of the family, the Brown Elephant Collection Cosmetic Case. This way, even your daily toiletries will travel in style with you, and also will draw surprised looks once you pull out the trunk! Guaranteed! Available for $259.00.

Did you all miss me?? I must apologize right away for two things: my absence (life has been hectic), and my “better”-half’s writing, including the infamous Pussy Purse and the Tano Bondage Bag. Although it was me who found the “Pussy Purse”, I gave in and let my man write about it, which was just a bad idea. Just kidding! Therefore I am welcoming myself back to my beloved blog, welcome back me! So onto the bags!

What better way to start the week off than a feature on bags under $100?? Even better, all of these bags are under $60. Amazing. I know if many of you are like myself, you lust for designer bags, but let’s face it, we can not all afford to do that. So for you girls who are on a budget but still want a new look for the summer, why not check out these stylish and money friendly bags.

Let’s begin super cheap, as in much cheaper than most meals cost me when I eat out. Try under $20. The O’Neill Right Stripes Tote to me seems perfect for summer. With all the color and the striped pattern, the tote is simply cute. Now I know this is no Gucci supple lambskin, but cotton will do for everyday use. By featuring wood ring handles with the name “O’Neill” screened in white on top, the bag adds a little more fun to the overall appeal. The tote measures approx 8″ x 12″ and costs a mere $19.50 at PacSun.

And for a little more dress up look, Gap is really rubbing me the right way. Evening bags are expensive. Because I always had to go to so many black and white tie affairs, I fully understand the importance of evening bags. When I was younger I lucked out of course because my parents bought me the evening bags, but now I fully understand the gravity of the hefty price tag on a working girl. Why I love this Gap Ruffle Shoulder Bag is because it really could be dressed up or dressed down. The black color could easily be used for a fancier night out, and the Rubia screams out flirty fun. Featuring lightweight sheer tiered ruffles, a chain strap, a tassel zipper pull, and an attached flower, this bag has it all for $29.50 at Gap.

Let me refresh your memory. Remember back to the LC Laguna Beach Handbag I featured quite some time ago (Lolli by Reincarnation Bag)? A very similar style bag for a fraction of the price was designed by Melie Bianco. Melie Bianco has pulled through again, with her Ethnic Hobo in Mint. I totally dig it. Although many of you may not love Nicole Richie, she was seen wearing this bag and I want to nab that style oh so badly! What made me more than happy was to see the bag she was carrying (or at least a near identical one) is available for $58. I’m lovin’ it!! This is an ethnic inspired tribal bag made from soft leather like material (I’m assuming pleather) that is accented with unique stitching and appliqués. The inside is lined in nylon and has a zippered pocket and cell phone pocket and sports a magnetic closure. Don’t be fooled, this is a big bag, measuring in at 17″ x 20″ x 3.5″, which means all of your goodies will fit in it perfectly. To sum it up for only $58 this bag can be yours at About Attitude.

Let’s venture back to a small bag, the Coco Half Flap by Guess. When Paris Hilton became the new Guess girl, I was a little turned off by them, but I have to admit their bags are worth the price and are actually adorable. I’m not a huge fan of the logos, but this bag caught my eye and kept my eye looking for quite some time. The Coco Half Flap measures 2″ X 4 1/2″ X 1 1/2″ in size and is a retro-inspired paisley print canvas bag accented with metallic trim. The adorable shoulder strap made from antiqued bronze finished chain link, with metallic top and ring hardware. The bag also has a zip pocket in both the front and back and one on the interior. If I were to wear this bag, I would wear it like it cost me a fortune since it looks that elegant, rather than the mere price $55 at Guess. What a steal!

To end the special on bags under $100, I can’t pass up the JCrew Embroidered Sea Horse Straw bag. I love living on the beach but get annoyed to find a cute beach bag (I was dying for the Prada Canvas Tote but let better-half talk me out the expensive purchase). This beach bag is a corn-husk basket with leather handles and tie closure made with cotton twill lining. It also has an inside pocket and of course the outside Sea Horse straw embroidery. Sizing in at 12″H x 25″W at top, 10 1/2″W at base x 7″D, this is my beach tote pick for summer for $48 from JCrew.