Valentino Handbags

Well, there is no denying it, Summer is on its way out and Fall is on its way in. Living in South Florida, we are still dealing with scorching temperatures, but in other places I am sure the temperatures are beginning to fall which means it is time to bring out your Fall wardrobe. And when you think fall, you think warm, rich, cozy colors and materials. This fall, suede is supposed to be huge. I actually like suede, but am a little wary because I hate the idea of spilling something and then having to clean it up. Either way, I have been keeping an eye out for suede handbags in order to figure out if I should add one to my collection or not.

As I was browsing some of the newer suede handbags, I came across the Valentino Cassis Couture Bag. I am relatively speechless. Although much it is a much different material, I feel the use of suede is in a way like velvet; less is more. No, I don’t want a velvet handbag, but hopefully you see where I am going with this. I would prefer the Valentino Cassis Couture Bag without the suede being woven into a structured silhouette and definitely without the braided handles. To me, the bag looks way too “busy”. The color is rich and bright, but there is just too much of it. Even if you did try to pull this off, you would have to wear a *very* basic outfit because any other flare would being nothing but overwhelming to the eye. The bag is accented with golden hardware which should stand out more, but frankly, it doesn’t. For me, the bag is a no-go. Although my search for a suede bag continues, you can buy this bag through Saks for $1,895.00.

Valentino Cassis Couture Bag

Valentino handbags should not be confused with the other well known “V” designer, Versace bags, which can be tacky, over-done, and far too ornate. Not always, but lately, Valentino handbags fit into a category of dazzling. I am not always raving about Valentino, but there is a feminine allure that somehow always catches my attention . This handbag fits into stunningly perfect category, as I have deemed it, Valentino Couture Bag, previously. Revamped in plush cassis suede, the Valentino Couture Bag defines beauty with a woven top and braided handles. Both the shape and added dimensions make this bag stunning. While the bag is not casual, it could still be paired with a business suit by day or look ravishing at an top notch bar or restaurant at night. Again, this is a handbag that I do not have much use for. I live the casual lifestyle, and adore it. But I can close my eyes and picture myself dressed to the nines and accessorizing with an elegant piece like this. There are double top handles, a top zip closure, and one inside pocket. I expected the inside would be lined in suede, but I am feeling disappointed by it merely being lined in cotton canvas. Dimensions are 15″W X 12″H X 6½”D. Buy through Saks for $1,895.

Valentino Patent Histoire Bag

I, along with most of the handbag loving world, really fell in love with the Valentino Histoire Bag after seeing Angelina Jolie and Zahara carrying matching versions. In that photo alone I was ready to go find Valentino, beg him to make me a mini version of the bag, and then have a baby girl really quick. The problem was finding Valentino and convincing him (oh yea, and having the child). So instead I just kept looking of the mother-daughter pictures and falling in love. But the Histoire Bag has not always been my cup of tea. It has quite a bit going on and can be overwhelming. And the colors never really suited me. But then I saw the light amethist and rose options on the Valentino Patent Histoire Bag and I found a reason to fall in love with this Valentino bag. These are both perfect spring and summer colors! The bag by no means looks dainty, so it is a great mix of feminine colors on bold handbag. The topstitching is done in black and there is gold tone hardware. The braided leather details and two front flap pockets are integral parts of the Histoire and make it what it is. Typically these aspects were a tad overpowering, but with the purple and rose versions it tones it all down perfectly. I fell back in love with this bag and now I am determined to find Valentino and tell him I need mini versions of these colors. Let’s see how that goes. Buy through Saks for $1795.

Earlier today I told you the crazy patterns and designs are a huge hit for spring. Some are really stunning, some are quirky but cool, and some are downright fugly! The overwhelming opinion on the Jimmy Choo Face Canvas Bag is that it is a huge miss and totally creepy. That makes me certain many of you will hate the Valentino Rosette Tote also, with its plastered fuchsia rosettes. I am all for playing with some leather to make it bunch to look like a rose, in ONE place on the bag. But this fug bag is all about the roses, and it makes me think the bees will live in your bag and build hives. Not only will you need to keep the cute hummingbirds away, but go grab some hive killer! This bag is killer. The black patent leather trim and gold-tone hardware only make it look older and more Driving Miss Daisy mixed with Red Hat Society. It is just hideous from every angle and for each aspect. So far my take on many of the crazy themed/faced/designed/printed bags for the next season are totally drab. I am waiting for one to catch my attention. Pre-order through Saks for $1,950.

Tuxedo is the perfect adjective to describe this handbag. Put together, classy, and maybe even a little up tight. Yet this stoic look works out well, for a very put together outfit and lady. The Valentino Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag is named perfectly, for its pintucked and bow accent to give the bag a tuxedo style. While I can see the tuxedo resemblance, I also see the resemblance of a simple bowling bag with a bow slapped on top. So I am on the fence, and need a nudge to either side. The magnetic frame closure adds a structured look, along with the goldtone logo plaque. Dimensions are 16″W X 13″H X 4″D. Available at Saks for $1795.

Now nudge me to the right side of the fence, because I am stuck in the middle.

Larger picture below!

I am positively certain that this fever I have is not affecting my vision and love when it comes to this handbag. The feminine touches that are added to this handbag give it such a stunning feel. The soft nappa leather with the woven and gathered details is intricately designed to make your mouth water. The Valentino Couture Bag is now on my must have list, luring me in with its lush appeal and delicate style. The creamy colored leather is the perfect touch, which will melt in your hands while you carry this handbag during the cold seasons. It will stand out from the snow covered trees and compliment your grays and plum colors divinely. The braided top handle is like the cherry on top of the sundae, just the perfect touch to seal the deal. I am a little disappointed with the mere cotton canvas lining, but I must keep telling myself that the outside beauty makes up for the lower end inside lining. Dimensions are large, which will only further make this beauty stand out, measuring 26″W X 16″H X 9″D. Dream-worthy at Saks for $1950.

A handbag that I am not crazy for, but a sleek and fresh design, the Valentino Histoire Bag has been spotted on celeb after celeb (and their mini-daughters). And now Jessica Simpson has been spotted toting her dog, Daisy, and her black Valentino Histoire Patent Bag. While I am not a fan of taking my dog out to eat with me, I must admit Jessica looks ditzy-cute enough, sporting her slick patent leather bag with its infamous braided leather trim. The shoulder straps are also braided and the inside features cotton canvas lining. If this bag were to appeal more to me, I would opt for it in the gold version. That packs a punch. Bag available in gold or brown at Saks for $1795.

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We all know Angelina Jolie loves her Valentino Braided Leather Shoulder Bag. Not only does Angie love it, but now Zahara does also. While carrying Princess Z around NYC, the mother-daughter-duo sported chic style and matching designer handbags. Now I am not always a fan of matchy-matchy, but in this scenario it is so perfect I am completely drawn in and dead set on getting matching bags for my kids, my friends kids, my grandchildren, etc. Angelina and Zahara both rocked out the Valentino Braided Shoulder Bag while in New York City, only difference is Zahara carried a mini-version. This handbag, also dubbed the Valentino Histoire Bag, has been a huge hit for the house. If you ask me, you will not find this mini-version of the Histoire in stores, it may very well be one of a kind made solely for little Zahara. All I can say is lucky girl! Buy the ‘large’ version at Saks.

Edit: I just spoke with my SA at Valentino in Bal Harbour and she informed me it was specially made for Zahara!

More images after the jump!

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Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt took their brood to Lee’s Art Shop in midtown New York City last Friday. Maddox, Zahara and Pax were in tow and swarmed by eager onlookers and paparazzi. While rumors fly about Angelina’s disappearing waist line, her style stays true to herself. Angelina sported a Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses with a sleek black dress and an ivory Valentino Braided Leather Shoulder Bag. While initially I was not a fan of this handbag, I must face defeat and admit that I was vehemently wrong about it. The braided handle along with the buckle detailing and flaps are completely hot for fall. Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $1695.

What I am wondering is where is Angie and Brad’s own flesh and blood, Shiloh? Why is it that I never see her been toted around by her parents?

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Known for her curvaceous body, sultry lips, role on a hit TV show, and sometimes ’stand-offish’ attitude, Katherine Heigl can make shabby look chic. The Grey’s Anatomy star was spotted shopping with fiancé Josh Kelley in wide leg jeans, a comfy tank top, and a stunning red Valentino Pinktucked Shopper. The silver tone hardware accents the red pebbled leather formed into a pintucked body. Black patent leather trim, gold tone hardware, and top handles complete this bag that Katherine took a liking to. Sassy in red via Bergdorf Goodman for $2295.

More of Katherine and her fiancé canoodling below!
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