Yves Saint Laurent Handbags

I really hate to admit that Heidi Montag inspired me to do or say or think ANYTHING, but in this case of the Yves Saint Laurent Y Tote, I have to admit, she did. I wrote about her carrying this particular bag a few days ago on Bag That Style, and ever since I saw it, I’ve been intrigued.

Megs, who identified the bag from Heidi’s pictures, was told by the ladies in the YSL forum that the bag was from last year and no longer available, but I love nothing more than a challenge. So I was delighted to find the black version on Bluefly today and thought that since I hadn’t seen the bag before, maybe you guys hadn’t either. And really, it’s worth seeing – the leather used is so drool-worthy that it almost makes me want to try and pet it through my computer screen.

Heidi apparently uses hers for traveling, and although I can’t support any other life decision that she’s ever made, I think this would make a great carry-on. It’s roomy and has two different handle options, depending on what else you’re carrying. I’d have to see it in person to decide if the leather is durable enough, but Heidi’s light-colored iteration looked pretty perfect after her flight back from Mexico. Buy through Bluefly for $1596.

Are you starting to plan for this year’s holiday parties yet? Yeah, me neither. However, if you are, I think I’ve found a clutch you might like. Yes, I was without a doubt a bit speechless when I came across the Yves Saint Laurent Satin Ribbon Clutch. I’m sure you’ve picked up on my handbag two-step thought process. Step one, do I like it? Step two, where will I wear it? I don’t attend copious amounts of galas so for the life of me I can’t think where I’d carry this clutch during the Spring and Summer months. Can you?

Well, forget about the event, let’s focus on the bag itself. Black satin and velvet swirl together to create this clutch. Apparently there is some goldtone hardware somewhere on this bag, but it is hard to see with so much else going on. The bow is “eh”. I think the clutch could actually be just fine without it yet isn’t totally ruined with it. Frankly, this clutch isn’t like many other evening bags I’ve seen and this makes me like it even more. So, if you are stocking up for this year’s holiday season (t-minus 6ish months) then this might be an option. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1530.

There is a brand that continues to churn out stunning wearable bags season after season, and it is Yves Saint Laurent. After the YSL Muse took the handbag world by storm, being one of the “it” bags during “it”-dom, the brand decided to follow up with the Muse Two. The difference between the two is in the style, with the Muse Two standing out as a chic toned-down version of the Muse. Very laid-back, striking, and a complete stunner, the YSL Muse Two did not have to fight the Muse to garner its own attention. YSL has perfected the suede crocodile-stamping, leaving the bag with a new dimension, a chic look, and a more manageable price tag.

And because I love color so much, especially blue and purple, my new obsession is the Yves Saint Laurent Croc Muse Two in a navy and purple colorblock. Um, seriously, I am in love. Yes the colors are bold and bright, possibly a bit over the top, but can you imagine the fun this bag would bring to your wardrobe? The rich hues exude their vibrance. I know that I am constantly telling you about the next bag on my lust list, but this one really has wiggled its way into the top. And I feel like splurging today while at Bal Harbour. I probably shouldn’t, but I have this horrible itch, and this YSL bag is calling my name. I may find a better Muse Two color combination in person, but right now, this bag and its in-your-face colors is the top contender. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1,995.

For a couple years Vlad and I were constantly on the go. Traveling back and forth across the Atlantic often, traveling back and forth from Ohio to Florida, and then everywhere and anywhere else. I actually prefer not traveling so often. I like being in one place, having my suit case in a closet and not permanently on stand-by for the next trip. I am a fan of long weekend getaways. Just packing up the car and heading to a new location, maybe not all that far away, but still feels like it is ‘away’. And for an overnight stay I need a new travel bag. I have professed my love of a large Hermes Travel Bag, like Katie Holmes has been seen carrying, only I really really really want a Crocodile Hac. But those bags are not going to be bought in the foreseeable future, so I must move on. I found my new love. A travel bag that will fill my weekend getaway needs. Read on...

Yves Saint Laurent Tanger Large Tote

Using satin for a handbag can lead to the material snagging, getting dirty, and wearing much quicker than a studier material like leather. But on some bags, satin seems to look so beautiful. YSL bags define their beauty in simplicity. The designs are not ground-breaking, but the designs incorporate the YSL touch on a very wearable piece. One of the many reasons I like the Yves Saint Laurent Tanger Large Tote is because of its usability as a tote. The inside adds a zip pocket and satin lining. The outside brings in the signature “Y” with double top handles and a magnetic snap closure. Dimensions are 14″W X 13″H X 4″D. This is nothing to write home about, not something I would recommend for an everyday bag, but it is a bag that will dress up an outfit and add the perfect gleam as needed. Buy through Saks for $645.

Yves Saint Laurent Small Downtown Tote

We have already covered the YSL Downtown Tote. This style made its way into the YSL lineup when YSL finally came back into the handbag market, having bags that were deemed “it” bags rather than eclectic non-wearable for the masses bags. But there is something that YSL does that so many other designers do, that sometimes I just don’t get; they reinvent a good design again and again and again. Whether it be material, color, size, the designers take a hit bag and try to make a new version that will appeal to a different crowd. Sometimes the result is brilliant, and sometimes it is a big old fail.

So let me ask you what you think of the Yves Saint Laurent Small Downtown Tote which has been reinvented with a blue ombre effect; brilliant or fail? There is no doubt that the smooth suede calfskin leather is sumptuous, the shape is no different, it is just the color effect. This bag also features double handles, two side zips, an inside zip pocket, and suede lining. I am not always a fan of ombre. I have found a few sweaters that can show ombre well but other than that I am just not super fond of it. And on a handbag? There is a way to go about it where it is subtle, not over zealous, and not a sharp change in colors. What do you think? Buy through Saks for $1895.

There is something about the Holiday Season that gets me all excited. I don’t know if it is the shopping, the sales, the parties, the presents, the overall good mood people seem to be in (minus crazy last minute shoppers) or a combination of it all. Either way, I am thrilled that the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. I personally love holiday parties. It is a great excuse to dress up, mingle with friends or friends to be and just enjoy the festive season. Yet, this begs the question, what do I wear and which handbag will I sport? I think I’ve found at least one handbag I’d love to carry to a party, the Yves Saint Laurent Evening Muse. I am totally in love with the fabulous golden metallic leather and -gasp- silk stitching. But wait my friends it gets better on the inside… plush satin lining. Gorgeous. Ok, sure, I am always a little concerned with satin and how easily it could snag (especially as lining) but, it’s on the inside of the bag, so a little snag here or there won’t even be seen by anyone else! And no matter where you are partying, be it a huge city or a small town, or where you are going, be it a red carpet premier or a family gathering, this bag is sure to turn heads! Keep in mind that the size is much smaller than the typical YSL Muse, only 9½”W X 6¼”H X 2½”D which designates it a true mini-Muse/evening bag. Buy through Saks for $995.

Yves Saint Laurent Large Soft Top Handle Shopper

I most recently have fallen in love with a specific YSL bag. Remember when I covered the YSL Volcano Tote? I ended up seeing it in Saks last week in pewter and I fell in love again. PEWTER! You know, that beautiful shimmery gray color that I obsess over. In fact, pewter is one of our colors for our wedding (though finding pewter bridesmaid dresses has proven to be much more difficult than anticipated). So now I have this huge crush on YSL and continue to seek out their bags. Simplicity is what reigns me in.

If the shimmery colors of the Volcano tote did not do it for you and you also wanted a larger bag, the Yves Saint Laurent Large Soft Top Handle Shopper may be just what you are looking for. There are a few reasons why I love this bag. First of all, the shopper shape is large but not gargantuan. The other perk about the shape is that it should fit nicely under your arm without the sides being too large and protruding in front or behind you. The body is stitched with a signature “Y” on the soft leather. There are double top handles and a double shoulder strap. Measurements are 16″W X 14″H X 7½”D. Fill your YSL obsession at Saks for $1,995.

I think we all know that Yves Saint Laurent is, uh, kind of freaking brilliant. He passed recently, but his eponymous label lives on in what seem to be very capable hands, if the Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Medium Bag is any indication. The bag is a perfectly vintage shape – I picture elegant, monied women in the 1950s wearing this bag, along with a chic pair of gloves (why don’t we wear gloves anymore? Or hats? Can we bring those things back?) and a 3/4 sleeve skirt-suit.

The thing is, though, this shape is so timeless that you don’t have to be a vintage-lover to understand its appeal. It’s simple, functional, and not at all gimmick-y. The color is a gorgeous example of one of the season’s popular berry tones, and the patent makes it extra glam and very ‘now.’ I would imagine that this bag could be dressed up or down quite easily – based on the dimensions on Saks’ website, “medium” is an accurate description of the bag and it wouldn’t be too big for dinner out or too small to take to work or to the mall. Feeling kinda sassy? Tie a beautiful silk scarf to the handle, like many ladies on the forum do with their Hermes bags. But really, this bag is freakin’ awesome on its own, and would add a great pop of color to pretty much any outfit that any of you own, so everyone out there that’s afraid of color and has lots of black and brown needs to at least THINK about this handbag, for a moment mmk? Buy through Saks for $1395.

Yves Saint Laurent Volcano Tote

YSL bags are able to please my every want a need. Just when I needed a pick-me-up, a beautiful glimmer caught my eye in Saks. I was wandering the store aimlessly, looking for a white summery dress (I did this after Labor Day, GASP!). The dress hunt left me empty handed, but when I turned the corner I found the most stunning YSL handbag. Nothing super amazing, but something eye catching and perfect to pair with a little black dress.

The Yves Saint Laurent Volcano Tote is my obsession of the week with its crackled gold leather that catches light at all angles on the simplistic body. The signature “Y” stitch accents the bag perfectly, adding a logo without being logofied, which is what many of us strive for. Because let’s face it, as much as many of us do not want an all-over logo, we do want the bag to be recognizable at times, and many of our bags are recognizable. The color is called Bronzo, and it is all kinds of perfect. In the stock picture online it looks good, but in person (and shown with the model) it is a deeper hue of metallic perfection! There are double handles with a small 5.5″ drop, a zip top closure, one inside and cell phone pocket, and canvas lining. That is the only thing I am left yearning for more; the lining. Why not finish it up with deep brown buttery soft suede? Ah well. Buy through Saks for $1,395.

Oh and there is a simple black leather version, which does not come close to intriguing me as much as the beautiful bronzo version. But for a small black bag, I still give it the go ahead. At Saks for $1,195.