Archive for January, 2011

Now that the busy Holiday season is behind you, it’s time to take a break from all that crazy gift shopping and focus on yourself. How would it feel to be on the receiving end of an amazing gift, like a gorgeous new Haven by Botkier!?

Our good friends over at StefaniBags are gifting the Botkier Haven Satchel made from luxe soft Italian Lambskin in Pearly Grey (retail $545) to one of you lucky Bag Bliss readers… and all you have to do is follow these two simple steps to get your name tossed in the drawing pool.

First you must visit FaceBook and “LIKE” both BagBliss and StefaniBags. I’m sure you’re already our FB friend!

Deadline: Giveaway comes to an end February 12th at 3: pm pst / 6: pm est

Then when you’re done signing up, enjoy 20% off sitewide (except for preorders) at Stefani Bags when you enter BAGBLISS20

Rebecca Minkoff is one of my all time favorite designers that makes a bag that I’m obsessed with. She is the designer of the classic and gorgeous “Morning After Bag” and “Morning After Mini.” One is big, one if small but both are equally classy. Every time she brings out a new collection, the MAB and MAM are always featured in different colors or with different designs.

Now she has a brand new take on the MAB and I’m in love with it! The “Bombe” looks slightly different than the regular MAB but I think it’s fabulous. Change is always good in fashion, especially when it’s a new year.

For some odd reason, when I saw this bag I immediately thought of the Dick Tracy movie. I can totally see this bag being carried by someone who loves 20′s or even 40′s fashion. The bag definitely has that old, classic look to it and that’s what I adore about it.

Continue Reading

Recently named as the Best Designer for 2010 by Handbago, Adriana Castro has been making a major splash with her beautifully designed handbags. The winner was decided by the public with over 50,000 votes cast. Ms. Castro was chosen as a winner alongside Hermes and Chanel for the Timeless Classics awards.

Ms. Castro is from Columbia and spent many hours as a child visiting her father’s crocodile farm. Her feature rich colors that reflect the natural beauty and color paletes surrounding the Amazon. Her heritage coupled with her Accessories design studies at the Art Institute of Miami International University have resulted in stunning timeless handbags several of which were featured in Sex and the City 2.

If you watched Sex and the City 2, you would have seen several Adriana Castro bags throughout the movie.

Adriana Castro handbags are special pieces with limited production and are only available on her website, Henri Bendel & Saks on 5th Avenue, and upscale boutiques. If you are lucky enough to own one, it is something you will cherish for years to come.

The Spring/Summer collection just became available and here are a few of my favorites!

Nina Clutch in Various Skins
A beautiful simple clutch that features a detachable stap with a 20″ drop and suede lining. It’s roomy enough for a few essentials including your cell phone. Measuring 8″ x 91/2″ x 1 1/2″ It’s available in a wide range of colors and skins priced at $750 for python to $1270 for lizard and $1625 for crocodile.

Continue Reading

Ever since I won a gorgeous Swarovski clutch right here on The Bag Forum, I’ve been obsessed with clutches. They’re adorable and can really stand out with the right outfit. I recently carried my clutch in Vegas to an intimate show and I received so many compliments on it! Even the main performer loved it! You can always have a gorgeous outfit but the right accessories finish an outfit. That’s what I believe at least.

Swarovski clutches are pricey! Not as pricey as Judith Leiber‘s but they still cost a pretty penny. I learned of designer Sondra Roberts about a year ago and she she makes beautiful clutches that are all reasonably priced!

Continue Reading

There are two designer brands that I’m dying to have a bag from and that’s: Chanel & Hermes. I think every fashionista secretly wants a Hermes “Birkin” but every woman out there who loves fashion also has an appreciation for vintage Chanel pieces. When I think of vintage Chanel, I envision Jackie O. and one of the most iconic high end designers that is known for vintage pieces.

When I came across the WGACA Vintage Chanel Bag my mouth literally dropped. I remember seeing my Aunt with vintage Chanel’s and how I always wanted to steal one from her. This one was absolutely gorgeous and it obviously was kept in great shape because it doesn’t even look old!

I’ve always been a fan of golden hardware featured on a black bag, but when it’s on a Chanel bag it’s even better! The chain strap is a Chanel must, if you want the true iconic style of the brand.

Continue Reading

Jerome Dreyfuss is no stranger to Bag Bliss! I have written about his attractive, yet functional handbags before and I have always enjoyed doing so. He is, however, a stranger to Net-A-Porter. Well, at least he was until just recently! That’s right, Jerome Dreyfuss has come to Net-A-Porter!

Famous for his use of super soft and supple leather, Jerome Dreyfuss introduced his handbag collection to the world in 2002. Interestingly, the French designer gives each of his pieces a male name. Reportedly, his intention was to make the man in your life come in second to your coveted accessory. Wow, talk about ego trips! Then again, I have been known to baby a handbag or two in ways that seem on the verge of insanity!

Continue Reading

There are some designers I’m currently obsessed with and Tory Burch is definitely one of them. I’ve been all into the classic fashion lately and I think Tory Burch is one of those brands that personifies classic style.

I’m never one into small bags because to be honest the inside of my bag is usually a mess. I usually carry large handbags and I throw everything I can in them especially receipts! I’m so bad with storing loose change & receipts in my bag that it ends up looking like I shopped all day when in reality it’s just a collection over the course of a couple months.

Continue Reading

It is no secret that I love, love, love exotics. I never stop obsessing over the latest and greatest examples. Walking into a Nancy Gonzalez boutique is like the world’s best candy store for me. Beautiful colors and texture and the totally unique aspect of every single bag draws me in. Her collection includes 150 different styles and over 200 colors. A veritable rainbow of luxury.

The designer is a native Columbian who looks to her rich colorful country and resources for inspiration and materials. In my humble opinion, a Nancy Gonzalez handbag should be one to which every bagista should aspire to have in her collection! With so many options, what’s a girl to choose? A basic clutch beginning in the $900 range or a major piece that tops out at over $4,000? A beautiful bright color or basic neutrals such as black or brown? It’s such a personal choice, I’m going to leave that up to you to decide and simply showcase one of my (current) favorites!

Right now, I’m loving sapphire blue handbags ranging from cobalt to deep navy. I’m looking away from my obsession with hobos to more ladylike styling. I’m still loving the oversize bag though, it’s hard to go small for any length of time in my world. So, the Crocodile Bowler Top Handle Bag in denim is the perfect bag for me!

The lady-like styling with over-sized and rounded shape softens it just enough to make the bowler perfect for casual denim days to dressy Jackie-O shift dresses. I love the beautiful color because it is more than black or brown yet remains neutral enough to wear with practically any color.

Continue Reading

As most of you know by now, our amazing Katherine Kwei Giveaway for the Amber Switch (4-in-1) Bag in yummy vanilla calfskin from the Spring 2011 Katherine Kwei Collection has come to an end. And we have crowned a winner!

Congratulations to…..
Continue Reading