April 2011 - Page 4

Bally adds contrasting trim to a prim leather tote

Apr 13, 2011Apr 12, 2011 by Amanda Mull

At first glance, I didn’t even see the little white wings on the Bally Rachele Two-Tone Leather Tote – against a white background, they all but disappear into the scenery. Turned sideways, though, their effect is unmissable and perhaps a little awkward. Does anyone but me feel like this bag is wearing a nun’s habit?

That’s probably just me, but the white wings coming off the sides of this bag have me confused. I love a crisp, neutral bag with contrasting trim, as we all know, but the implementation of the trim in this particular design makes me want to grab on and give it a tug. Or maybe try and push it back into the bag, like it’s stuffing that has come undone. Either way, it looks like all the white stuff is sticking out where it’s not quite supposed to be.

Proenza Schouler launches the wallet heard ’round the world

Apr 12, 2011 by Amanda Mull

I don’t know if I’ve ever heard or read so much buzz over a wallet; the gentlemen at Proenza Schouler sure do know how to work the fashion hype machine for maximum effect. On Friday came an exclusive tidbit via Vogue.com that Jack and Lazaro would be releasing a new wallet on the company’s website Monday, along with a single stock photo and conspicuously lacking price information to make us all salivate over the weekend. It certainly worked on me; as whispers and excitement spread across the fashion internet after the initial announcement, my impatience grew. I couldn’t wait to see all the colors or find out how much I would need to dish out to get one.

The PS1 Continental Wallet is like the older sister to Proenza’s original wallet, which was more like a billfold because of its single interior compartment. This one, though, is a full-fledged iteration with compartments for coins and cards as well as your standard cash slot. The first run will come in five colors, all of which you can see after the jump, and retail for $585 via ProenzaSchouler.com.

Bag Battle: Jil Sander Spring Market Bags

Apr 11, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

[poll id=”77″]

What’s In Her Bag: Amanda Mull of PurseBlog

Apr 15, 2011Apr 8, 2011 by Vlad Dusil

Gallery: DvF for Spring 2011

Apr 8, 2011 by Vlad Dusil

For Spring 2011, we see Diane von Furstenberg emphasizing much more on her bags and accessories line, which we welcome very much. We see many new bags, as well as some old ones with new features. The popular Stephanie relies now on much lighter leather, making it much more wearable than the previous interation (which … Read more

Bag Battle: Celine vs DSQUARED2

Apr 8, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

In the realm of our Bag Battles, I feel like this one might the easiest for many to decide which bag comes out on top. In the past couple years Celine has reinvented themselves with a grand entrance into the bag world. The bags are hard to track down and people are clamoring for them … Read more

My DvF Stephanie in the rain

Apr 7, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Earlier this week we popped into the Diane von Furstenberg showroom to see all of the amazing accessories arriving soon (we have a huge spring look for you all coming tomorrow). DvF continues to nudge her way into the competitive handbag market effortlessly, bringing fresh designs that are grabbing attention.

You can now bid on Jane Birkin’s Hermes Birkin on eBay

Apr 7, 2011 by Amanda Mull

EBay: It has everything! That nail polish that you should have bought two years ago but didn’t, the pillow shams that match your duvet cover for half the retail price, an unlocked iPhone 4 that you shouldn’t bid on because it’s a scam, it’s all there. And now, it has the Hermes Birkin. That’s right – not an Hermes Birkin, THE Hermes Birkin. Owned by Jane Birkin herself, who famously inspired the bag on a flight in 1984. Birkin is auctioning her iconic bag to support relief efforts in Japan. But because Birkin is so very French and bohemian and eccentric, this bag is not without a few modifications.

Ladies, here is today’s reminder to clean out your handbag

Apr 7, 2011 by Amanda Mull

For those of us who carry designer accessories, it can be rare that what we’re toting inside our bags is worth more than the bags themselves. Sure, it would cost $600 to replace my cell phone, but my Balenciaga Day Bag in Fall 2007 Violet? Priceless, people. For one metro-Atlanta woman, though, even the ritziest … Read more

Reed Krakoff: High style for under a grand

Apr 12, 2011Apr 7, 2011 by Amanda Mull

As I say often (and in fact, as I said yesterday), basic bags are a design challenge that we often ignore, but we shouldn’t. The problem is that even women who want a more traditional bag don’t want to think of their choices as “basic,” so taking a simple shape and elevating it to the next level becomes something that almost any designer has to be able to do in order to satisfy his or her customers. And with such a glutted handbag market, doing that while simultaneously standing out in the crowd is difficult. There are plenty of mediocre bags out there to prove it.

The Reed Krakoff 510 Leather Tote, however, is one of the pieces that succeeds. That it pulls off a very Valextra look while maintaining a three-digit price tag is even more impressive; I can’t help but think this would be at least a $1300 from almost any other brand.

Gallery: Ferragamo does Black and White for Fall 2011

Apr 15, 2011Apr 6, 2011 by Vlad Dusil

Contrasting and nonchalant. Femme sensibility and homme rigor. Splendid exotics and symmetrical patterns. A whole lot of black and white by Ferragamo, presented in B/W on PurseBlog. Enjoy:

Design your own Proenza Schouler PS1 to support Japanese earthquake relief

Apr 6, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Charity for charity’s sake is always rewarding, but charity that rewards you with a Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel made to your exact specifications is even better. Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez, the creative duo behind Proenza Schouler, have stepped up to the plate to auction off the chance for one lucky bidder to design a … Read more