Archive for April, 2008

April 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Vanessa

Summer Necessity: The White Handbag
White handbags are an absolute necessity for the summer. They go with so many summer outfitsYear after year I find myself in search of a white handbag for the summer. I often have a hard time finding a white handbag I like. There are many things to keep in mind and look for when shopping for white bags. A big problem with white bags is that they can easily look cheap. You really can’t go the cheap route when buying a white bag or else you’ll get what you paid for. You have to find something of top quality but also of a material that won’t pick up every grain of dust that falls on it. The extremely soft white leathers tend to pick up dirt very easily. You want a classic style that will last you beyond one season. After shopping around for a little, these are the top 2 white handbags that I found:

1. The Bottega Veneta White Woven Leather Large Tote: This is one of Bottega Veneta’s signature woven bags. It is truly a classic, and one that will remain in your closet for years of wear. The fine leather and construction makes this bag a quality, sturdy handbag with luxury and style to boot. The minor touches of gold hardware give this bag an added touch of individuality. This bag is the perfect white handbag because it can be worn with anything, for any occasion and will never go out of style. This is my favorite white handbag. And at 20% off you can now get this bag for $1,904.00.

2. Prade White Nylon Bow Pleated Tote Bag: This bag’s simplicity gives it a timeless look. It’s basic structure and nylon exterior give create a look that you can’t really go wrong with. The bag is contrasted with a silver leather strap and handles that contrast this bag’s basic style. This bag is also 20% off and a steal at $476.00.

Both of these bags can be found at Bluefly.com.

** end note: Also check out Deysa’s post on eLuxury’s ‘Allure of the White Handbag’

[ The Bag Forum: Summer Necessity The White Handbag ]

Enter to win a free designer handbag, the latest delicious “blossom” colored, white trimmed, spring-summer beauty by Goldenbleu, sponsored by Clutch Seattle Boutique.

Last day to sign up is May 2nd 11:59pm PST.

Details here

April 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS

Antoinette Lee Designs: Vita Stitch Clutch in Canvas Stripe
Popular among celebrities like Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson, Antoinette Lee Designs handbags are becoming more and more recognizable. Here, we have Antoinette Lee’s Vita Stitch Clutch. And you know what’s great about the Vita Stitch Clutches? They’re so big and roomy! As you can see in the picture above, this clutch is a handful! Normally, you will see the Vita Stitch Clutch in leather. But this one is different, this one is made of striped canvas. So now the question is, is this a good look for the Vita Stitch Clutch? Or a bad one?

When I first saw this clutch, I thought the canvas ruined the Antoinette Lee feeling. What I mean is, it just doesn’t look like the typical Antoinette Lee bag. Actually, it sort of reminds me of Francesco Biasia. But wait… Francesco Biasia bags are actually pretty cool. Or at least I think they’re pretty cool. So maybe this clutch isn’t so bad after all. With the right outfit, I bet a stylish gal could really pull this off well. I’m thinking high-waisted, denim shorts paired with a floaty, white top. What do you all think?

The Antoinette Lee Designs Vita Stitch Clutch in Canvas Stripe retails for $242 (the leather versions retail for $275). It measures 15″ x 6.5″ and features the trademark top edge X design. You can find it (and other Vita Stitch Clutches) here: CoutureCandy.com

[ The Bag Forum: Antoinette Lee Designs: Vita Stitch Clutch in Canvas Stripe ]

Paul & Joe recently introduced the Haley Bag… or I should say, recently photocopied the design of Valentino’s Nuage Bag

Find it @ ShopBop

[ Continue Chat: Paul & Joe Haley Bag -- looks like Valentino's Nuage Purse in The Bag Forum ]

April 29, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS

Crocodile Card Cases: Nancy Gonzalez vs Saks Fifth Avenue
Crocodile (or alligator) handbags are so hot right now. Practically every designer has come out with a crocodile bag for Spring 2008 — and if not crocodile, its python or ostrich! But these are not boring brown or black bags, they are all in vibrant colors just right for the season. My favorite? I love the bright shades of orange!

So let’s say you have yourself a brand new croco bag from spring. How about some matching accessories to go with that bag? Wallets are okay, but lately I have really been in to credit card cases. So sleek, simple, and easy to switch from one bag to another. Plus I love how you can easily find the card you’re looking for while you’re checking out at your favorite store.

Pictured above, we have the brightly colored Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Card Cases and the Saks Fifth Avenue Alligator Card Case. Both cases are made of genuine crocodile/alligator. The difference? The price tag! While the Saks Fifth Avenue cases retail for a mere $150, the Nancy Gonzalez ones go for a whopping $390! The benefit of the Nancy Gonzalez version is the delicious colors that are available. But if you’re not willing to fork over the dough, then the Saks Fifth Avenue cases may be the better choice. Just be forwarned, they only come in the so-so colors of black or brown.

The Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Card Cases are available at Vivre.

The Saks Fifth Avenue Alligator Card Cases are available, of course, at Saks.

[ Crocodile Card Cases: Nancy Gonzalez vs Saks Fifth Avenue in The Bag Forum ]

Coming soon, an eco-fashion tote for the bag forum. . get in on the discussion and drop off your suggestions here..

April 29, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Vanessa

Zac Posen Handbags
Zac Posen is the prince of haute couture evening gowns. His gowns are made with the perfect material, detail, style, and precision. Zac Posen now also has a handbag line. Do you think his handbag line can live up to the expectations that we have of his evening gowns?

This first bag is the Zac Posen Attache Fifth Avenue Tote. This bag definitely screams Fifth Avenue. It is sleek and elegant in the black and white leather and croc and goldtone hardware. This bag is sophisticated, timeless, and chic. It is probably my favorite handbag from the most recent line. It retails at $1,800.00.

The second bag is the Zac Posen Pumpkin Drawstring Hobo. This bag consists of richly woven leather and soft pebbled leather side panels and tassel detail. This bag is roomy and stylish and is the perfect everyday bag. This bag retails at $1,995.00.

The third bag is the Zac Posen Bo Mixed Leather Bag. This bright yellow bag features a mix of pebbled, patent, and smooth leather. This bag is very versatile because it is so structured an basic while still so funky and stylish in this bright mustard yellow. This bag can now be found on sale for $836.50.

All of these bags, along with other Zac Posen bags, can be found at Saks.com.

[ The Bag Forum: Zac Posen Handbags ]

Kale Purse Sale Starts NOW @ HauteLook. Better Hurry!! Prices in the $100-$200 range!

April 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Fendi Plum Leather Spy Purse
When I hear the word “Spy�, I think Fendi. In the past, I’ve heard some bagista’s state that Fendi’s Spy bags and their craze towards them is over. Whether you agree or disagree with that claim, the House of Fendi is still releasing their infamous spy bags in a variety of fabrics, colors, and textures.

Take for example the Spy pictured up above. I adore it! This spy arrives off of Fendi’s Spring/Summer 08’ collection bandwagon. I like how fresh and simple its style is. In the past I have (and I know you guys have too) seen those Spy’s that come drenched in an excessive amount of tacky decors such as beads, furs, fringe, and other awkward embellishments. Adornments are nice, but they mustn’t be swimming all over the place, especially on what should be a nice couture handbag.

Fendi didn’t fail to impress me with this Spy. Even the combination of silver and gold hardware is acceptable, since I tend to like just one tone of hardware on my bags. The distressed plum leather is a perfect color for this S/S season. On this Spy, you surely won’t find any awkward decors; instead, just pretty Fendi leather dyed in a luscious hue!

Shop Fendi @: NET-A-PORTER.COM

[ Fendi Plum Leather Spy Purse in The Bag Forum ]