November 2010 - Page 2

Kate Spade makes an elegant, neutral flap bag

May 9, 2011Nov 23, 2010 by Amanda Mull

It seems like nearly every brand is making some version of the chain-handled flap bag notoriously popularized by Chanel decades ago, and for people who love the look but don’t want to pay Chanel prices, it couldn’t be more conveniently. Particularly when brands like Kate Spade get in on the fun – Spade’s ladylike aesthetic works perfectly with the scale and feel of a flap bag.

The Kate Spade Evangeline Shoudler Bag is an especially lovely specimen. The taupe color might skew a little bit into old lady territory, but I’m hoping that in person, it would be a very modern greige. If that were the case, I’d be able to get behind this bag 100%.

Christian Louboutin’s on the right track with metallic watersnake

Nov 22, 2010Nov 22, 2010 by Amanda Mull

As we’ve noted in the past, Christian Louboutin’s success with bags has not been as pervasive or consistent as his success with shoes. For whatever reason, not every company that successfully designs one proves skilled at the other, a phenomenon for which Louboutin has at times been the poster boy.

The Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Watersnake Shoulder Bag, though, succeeds where some of the brand’s handbag designs tend to fail. I’ve been a fan of this particular shape from Louboutin since it began gracing stores last year, and this silver watersnake iteration easily constitutes the bag’s best version yet.

Marc by Marc Jacobs mixes greens for a fun clutch

May 9, 2011Nov 22, 2010 by Amanda Mull

Every time I see a bag like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Tangramarama Anna Clutch for the first time, I get a little bit irritated. Not because I don’t like it; on the contrary, I love it. But seeing an interesting, inventive, highly functional bag like this come from the brand makes me wonder why more of its bags can’t be this great.

Don’t get me wrong, most of MbMJ’s bags are functional and reasonably priced. But this clutch has a little bit more going for it in the way of stand-out style, and the line’s accessories could use some of that across the board.

What’s In Her Bag: Jessica Quirk of whatiwore.tumblr.com

Nov 19, 2010 by Vlad Dusil

DVF offers an inexpensive way to punk up a little black dress

Nov 19, 2010 by Amanda Mull

I know I just wrote about a Diane Von Furstenberg bag a couple of days ago, but for some reason, bags tend to come in spurts, either by brand or type. If I write about a black tote, there’s almost always a brand new black tote that I like much better waiting for me the next day. If I find a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag I hate, there’s always a great one coming right after it.

It happens too often for me to shrug it off as coincidence; the universe is clearly out to get me. At this point in the work week, though, I think the Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Love Knot Minaudiere deserves a post, no matter what DVF bags might have come before it.

Balenciaga Spring 2011 is full of color, texture

Nov 19, 2010 by Amanda Mull

Over its ten year history, the great strength of the Balenciaga motorcycle bag has been its ability to be something of a sartorial Rorschach test. Because of the design’s simple lines and ability to morph from shape to shape while still being unmistakably Balenciaga, a prospective customer can see in it whatever she would like to see, and Nicolas Ghesquiere & Co. have taken to releasing it in every color, material and silhouette possible. All the better to collect, my dears.

Balenciaga’s Spring 2011 handbags continue that tradition in leather both perforated and traditional, suede, straw, python, crocodile, velvet and canvas. Did I miss any? I might have. The collection also ranges in color from subdued, rich carmel to acid green snakeskin and hits just about every note in between. Whether your personal style is prim, punk or such that you might be compelled to buy a very expensive fanny pack (please don’t), there’s an option for everyone who has ever loved a motorcycle bag in this massive line. Over 40 pictures, after the jump.

LaLucca Art Bags

Nov 18, 2010 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Prices of handbags continue to grow (as well as prices of my Starbucks drinks among other things). I spend much more time thinking about my handbag purchases now, contemplating both price and quality. We first covered LaLucca a while back and they are more than worth coming back to discuss again.

The aptly named LaLucca Art Bags are comprised of a usable clutch shape which has been interpreted in canvas and leather and hand-painted by artist Aleksandar Kirilov. That makes each bag a unique design, as Kirilov transforms each cut pattern into a 3-D art piece. The colors and prints vary from subtle to bold. Best part is you can own a truly one-of-a-kind bag for $375. In today’s handbag market, the price is beyond agreeable and the design stands out.

Hermes in Rhode Island

Nov 18, 2010Nov 18, 2010 by Vlad Dusil

PurseBlog’s guide to getting your hands on Lanvin x H&M

Nov 18, 2010 by Amanda Mull

With the much-anticipated, much-coveted Lanvin x H&M collection debuting at select H&M locations across the country on Saturday, budget-conscious women everywhere are champing at the bit, wondering if they should brave the early-morning lines to get their hands on a piece of Alber Elbaz’s foray into the budget fashion world.

Our institutional advice on that matter is yes, absolutely, go get your ruffled cocktail dresses before everyone else gets them. But don’t do so without being prepared for the task that you’re about to face. Luckily for you, we have some tips for coming away with exactly the pieces you want (and maybe a few that you’re undecided about).

You’ve made it to Thursday, so enjoy this VBH satchel as a reward

Nov 18, 2010Nov 18, 2010 by Amanda Mull

The work week: it’s hard. That’s why we need to be occasionally rewarded with images like this one, of the utterly perfect VBH Crocodile Keyhole Satchel. Since this is a Spring 2011 piece and the closest match we can find at an online retailer is the same bag in ostrich, we’re going to estimate this … Read more

If you liked yesterday’s bag, you’re going to love this super-discounted Beirn tote

May 9, 2011Nov 18, 2010 by Amanda Mull

When we discussed Badgley Mischka woven watersnake yesterday, I mentioned that Beirn makes a similar bag with a similar materiel. Lo and behold, what do I find on the OutNet today but three of the Beirn Jenna Woven Watersnake Totes in a cadre of primary colors. Normally these bags go for almost exactly the same … Read more

Dolce & Gabbana does rustic raffia in a ladylike way

Nov 18, 2010Nov 17, 2010 by Amanda Mull

I’m still not entirely convinced that I would pay more than $300 or so for anything made out of raffia (Except for possibly a thatched hut on a tropical island. Do they make those out of raffia?), but that doesn’t stop thousands of women from doing so every year and dozens of brands from cashing in on their desires for a luxurious beach bag.

I’m also not sure that I’d take the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Raffia Flap Shoulder Bag anywhere near the water, but if a fabulous beach party were top pop up somewhere (Preferably with a bonfire, I love a bonfire.), then this might be the type of bag that I would be inclined to carry. If, of course, I could bring myself to over a thousand dollars on straw. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s a really big “if.”