Archive for March, 2011

Sometimes it feels good to find a classic, simple handbag that we know we would use non-stop. I know for me, I do have some designer handbags but I always find myself using the more simpler bag more. My Louis Vuitton “Multicolor” Speedy barely gets used but then my Michael Kors “Uptown” Astor Shoulder Bag gets used repeatedly. I’d like to believe that although the Speedy is a classic, iconic bag there are way too many colors on it, whereas my Michael Kors bag is strictly black.

I’ve never owned a Kenneth Cole handbag but when I saw the “No Slouch” Satchel I was intrigued. There isn’t much to it, quite simple actually, but yet it’s perfect to use as an everyday bag. I love that you have the option to use it as a satchel or a shoulder bag and I absolutely love that it’s so plain. The only decoration this bag has is the tiny studs featured on the handles and that’s perfect. The studs add a tiny bit of detail to the bag they are just the right amount to not go overboard.

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Last week we mentioned the Stylefind (InStyle’s sister shopping site) “It Bag” Search sweepstakes to find the 11th “It Bag” for 2011 and this is your little reminder that the hunt it coming to an end soon – tomorrow Friday the 1st. So get your votes in right now!!

Five top celebrity stylists have already selected 10 of this year’s hottest must-have purses, now it’s your turn to get in on the action and vote for whichever bag you feel deserves the 11th place. Which obviously should go to the Yves Saint Laurent Roady! I am obsessed with that bag and strongly feel like it needs to be crowned “It Bag” status.

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I never use to like small bags but I have a current obsession with evening bags. I’m not even sure why since I hardly ever go out at night but they sure are stunning to look at. Something about evening bags just catch your eye. Perhaps because the designers put more detail in them or the fact that they look like small pieces of art. The ONE by JJ Winters “Evening Mini” Bag definitely caught my eye and for the price I love it to pieces.

It’s very small with not much width to it. To be honest, I’m not sure what you could possibly fit in this bag without it looking to bulky but it sure is fabulous. The most you could probably fit in it is some credit cards, cash and a cell phone. Anything else would probably stick out.

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A trip to New York isn’t complete without a visit to Soho. I love stopping in the little designer boutiques where you can find items that aren’t readily available anywhere else. As I love the 3.1 Phillip Lim Camera Bag Cross-Body, I had to stop in the boutique. There, I found a beautiful clean space filled with sophisticated edgy pieces. One of these was the Berry Wristlet.

The store version was available in two colors: pink and mint green. Quite a contrast against the multitude of spiked studs covering the bag. It’s a perfectly edgy and girl piece for the girl who doesn’t want to carry rocker black. And if you like spikes and want to add it to your wardrobe in a small way, the Berry Wristlet is the perfect choice to make a statement!

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I never use to be a big fan of Kate Spade. Her bags have always been cute but they were never appealing to me. Lately, I’ve been noticing the designer brand has been releasing some eye catching bags and clutches. One of the bags that is making me drool is the Kate Spade “Lemondrop” Frame Clutch. I absolutely love clutches but this clutch brings adorable up a notch.

Even though I love this clutch in white, I thought I would feature it in green because I felt it was more eye popping. The color really sticks out but so does the pineapple clasp. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a piece of fruit used as a clasp before but it’s definitely cute.

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If you ever owned a fanny pack in your lifetime you’re either proud or uncomfortable in admitting that the hands free solution to your most important essentials is in fact quite handy. Perhaps the majority of all fanny packs out there don’t win as the most attractive accessories in your closet, but change has come through the design creations of By Malene Birger.

It’s the ultra modern version of the infamous fanny pack; meet the Tummy Waist Bag. Judging from the name alone, I wasn’t too convinced that the Tummy Waist Bag sounded any more polished than the fanny pack. Upon discovering what the Tummy Waist had to offer, it’s quite the piece. At a glimpse, it resembles the mother creation of the fanny pack. It bears the cylindrical slouchy silhouette and an accessible leather strap.

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I’m not too fond of the outdoors and I’ve never been camping. I would never go on a safari but I do have an obsession with most wild animals. The way they just roam around free in Africa is kind of fascinating. Very different than what you would see in the zoo. Ever since I was little I’ve loved lions and zebras. My astrological sign is a leo, so of course I would love lions, and I always thought zebras were beautiful. They were like the prettier or more exotic version of the modern day horse. To this day I would love to have a zebra roam around in my backyard. Would be kind of amazing to wake up too, especially since it’s perfectly legal to have one.

When I saw the “Meiko Safari” Tote By Malene Birger I squealed!

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My love of handbags is more than just being attracted to “pretty bags”. The designers creativity, intent, design and fabrication are all fascinating to me. That’s why my personal interview with Monica Botkier is so special.

The Botkier office space is clean and well organized with lots of white walls, glass and white sofa inviting visitors to sit down. It’s the perfect blank canvas to be creative. Monica war warm, energetic and ever so easy to talk to about how she started Botkier, her vision for the company and of course, the bags!
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Hold the name brand calling for a second and give this piece one more glimpse. Surprisingly, this bag doesn’t belong to a juvenile centered handbag mogul; it’s actually presented by the creations of American fashion designer Alexander Wang. This is definitely not your typical Wang, if you ask me. The Wang I admire brings out the best hardware and structures an edgy piece can present, not so much ecstatic vibe and color. We don’t dislike the Walker Doodle Print Backpack; it’s just a very different interpretation of what Alexander Wang is about. As every well known name out there has fulfilled, a funky and loud piece is a must have in every designers collection.

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