March 2011 - Page 4

Look for Less: Accented Shoulder Strap Bag

Mar 17, 2011Mar 17, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

One of the hottest handbag trends right now is studded detailing. I know that this is nothing new to the fashion world, rather it is a trend that tends to go in and out of style often. The studs we are seeing as of late are a bit different, more refined and subdued, and often being used as shoulder strap accents. This is precisely the look for less I am bringing to you today: the accented shoulder strap bag.

While the Tory Burch Louisa Shoulder Bag does not technically have a studded accents on the shoulder strap, it does have a deco chain and leather strap. On the other hand, the Valentino Rock Stud Shoulder Bag is all about the studs on the shoulder strap. I know so many of you were sick of the over-studding, but both of these bags offer a touch of tough with a glam overall appearance.

The $3,000 Valextra Card Holder

Mar 17, 2011Mar 17, 2011 by Amanda Mull

In order to be a consumer of luxury goods, or even to be seriously interested in them, one has to be a tad permissive on pricing. We tell ourselves a lot of little fibs about why a particular bag is worth a particular amount of money when, in reality, accessories are a realm in which prices often have little to do with the cost of a bag’s manufacturing and materials. To a certain extent, that’s a bargain that we’ve all accepted, but most people have some sort of arbitrary, self-imposed price threshold where a piece goes from “prohibitively expensive” to “offensive.”

For me, the Valextra Crocodile Credit Card Holder crosses that threshold. While Valextra is a brand whose craftsmanship and exquisite materials often do warrant higher prices than its competitors, over $3,000 for something which cannot even be accurately called a wallet is beyond the pale, and I feel comfortable saying that there’s almost no chance that the time, effort and crocodile skin that went into this piece could be worth anywhere near what Valextra is charging, no matter how beautiful it might be. (And it is quite beautiful.) What say you? Take our poll, but first take a look at the larger photo after the jump. You want to be accurately informed when you vote, after all.

[poll id=”74″]

PurseBlog celebrates St. Patrick’s Day!

Mar 20, 2011Mar 17, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, PurseBloggers! Erin go bragh! Ireland forever!

Ok, I’m not Irish. Not even close. (German, actually. So I am pale, just not Irish.) But St. Patrick’s Day is kind of fun in a silly, green-beer-and-shamrocks sort of way, and so is all of the green that comes with it. In honor of the man who drove all the snakes out of Ireland (Which is a myth, by the way, but whatever. Most people still think Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s independence day, too), let’s take a look at our favorite green handbag, shoe and accessory on the market right now. Share your favorite green accessories with us in the comments!

Want It Wednesday: A Patterned Proenza Cocktail Dress

Mar 16, 2011 by Amanda Mull

We usually try to find a handbag or at least something handbag-related for our Want It Wednesday series, but sometimes, even the most ardent of bag lovers gets distracted by all of the other wonders that the fashion world has to offer. Today, I’m totally captivated by the Proenza Schouler Fall 2011 behind-the-scenes photos by Tommy Ton over at Jak & Jil, specifically this one of a model in a deceptively simple blanket-print dress.

Exclusive: Net-A-Porter’s Annual Bag Guide Video

Mar 16, 2011Mar 16, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I have the exclusive first look at Net-A-Porter.com’s Annual Bag Guide Video for you all and I know it will put a smile on your face.

Need a spring bag wardrobe? Try these six bags under $600

Mar 16, 2011Mar 16, 2011 by Amanda Mull

For a season like Spring 2011, it’s hard to pick just one bag. Covetable trends in color, texture and print abound, and when a season comes along with so many good options, it’s tempting to lunge at every new bag you see. If you want to spread the wealth around a little bit and get a few bags for your money, we have six different designs, all under $600, that would be great on their own or even more drool-worthy as part of a larger warm-weather accessories wardrobe for the season.

What bag closely resembles star fruit?

Mar 15, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Do you know what bag closely resembles star fruit?

Can’t decide on one color? Wear them all with Miu Miu

Mar 15, 2011 by Amanda Mull

By now, everyone is well aware that Spring 2011 is all about mixing patterns and colors in order to come up with cheeful, slightly deranged ensembles, and for maximum insanity, you really should include your handbag in the fun. That could be accomplished by simply buying something bright and mixing it with lots of other bright pieces, of course, but picking up something like the Miu Miu Woven Leather Shoulder Bag, which uses lots of colors in and of itself, is a much more adventurous choice. And who doesn’t need a little adventure in their lives on a boring Tuesday?

Fill in the blank: The Hunter Boots Halle Leather Tote is…

Mar 14, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Fill in the blank in the comments below: The Hunter Boots Halle Leather Tote is _______.

Valextra offers pristine perfection for Fall 2011

Mar 14, 2011 by Amanda Mull

It’s difficult to review a collection like Valextra Fall 2011. Perhaps because Valextra is only a leather goods company instead of a full design house, its products tend not to vary with the trends of brands who also produce ready-to-wear; instead, the Italian line produces season after season of austere yet feminine handbags and accessories using only the finest leathers and techniques. And I don’t say that lightly – many brands that command big bucks for their handbags aren’t using the finest of anything.

With Valextra, though, the proof is in the products. With no gimmicks or extraneous visual elements behind which to hide, the leather and stitching have to be first-rate beyond a shadow of a doubt for customers to pay the brand’s often steep prices. With most of these high-precision designs, though, having one in my closet would be worth every penny. They’re the kind of bags that you carry for the rest of your life.

Versace gives us a spring bag with a pop art sensibility

Mar 14, 2011 by Amanda Mull

We all know that I tend to be a little tough on Versace, but it comes from a place of love. (Usually.) The brand has a great and utterly glamourous history, and with the right people in place, it could be a source of lovely bags and shoes that would make us all sublimely happy. The company has struggled in recent years, but lately I’ve noticed a significant uptick in the look of its accessories. For example, the Versace Patent Flap Shoulder Bag is a functional piece that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The squiggly red lines reminded me of the work of 80s pop artist and social activist Keith Haring on first glance, and although I don’t know for a fact that Haring’s work has anything to do with this particular bag, it would be particularly fitting if there were some connection. Haring’s 80s heyday was marked by an artistic output featuring bold shapes and bright colors, and much the same could be said for Versace as a brand.

What’s In Her Bag: Jessica Perez

Apr 3, 2011Mar 11, 2011 by Vlad Dusil

P.S. Jessica won the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011 Model Search and will be featured in next year’s SI Swimsuit edition. Please join us to congratulate her on her victory!