Author Archive for Kimberly

Colorblocking is such a big trend. You can colorblock your clothing. Shoes and handbags are colorblocked as well. But what about colorblocking the inside of your handbag? Maybe you are a person with a bold bag already or perhaps you have a basic black bag as your go-to. With the jumble of things we put in our bag on a day to day basis, it makes sense to clean it out, put in beautifully colored pouches and make it easy to organize too! Beauty and brains collide inside of your bag!

There’s no real system to it. Choose pouches that have colors you love and pretty soon, it will look like the inside of a Skittles bag! The other amazing thing about pouches is that it makes it so easy to change bags and not forget something in the previous bag. Here are some of my favorites of the moment!

The Tory Burch Saffiano Pebble Pouch with admittedly NOT a pouch. But it is a great zippered case that will keep you organized and I am absolutely in love with the cobalt and orange colors. For $95, this little case will add a lot of pop to the inside of your bag!
Shop the Saffiano Line @ SAKS

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Whether or not I’ve experienced a mild or harsh winter, I am always, always, always (get the point?) so ready to see some vibrant, fresh and even soft colors for Spring. Just give me color!

Botkier’s 2012 product line gives us everything we need to start and finish the season with fresh styles and colors in addition to tried and true black and brown. A more restrained use of hardware like zippers, tassels and and metal trims compliment beautifully shaped bags in so many styles, it will make your head spin. Colorblocking is used in ways that compliment the shape and style of the bags too. Clutches, hobos, satchels reign supreme. If you need a satchel, it’s going to be very hard to choose. I already have my eye on several favorites!

The Leon small satchel in Garden green with a tiny pop of cobalt blue is a great choice for Spring & Summer. It’s lady like shape isn’t redundant with everything else on the market. A top handle and shoulder strap make it convenient. This bag may end up being your go to daytime bag. It’s lady like with a little bit of a pop! Also available in a hobo and satchel version with shades of persimmon, noir and tobacco.

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There are some amazing quilted handbags with their own iconic quilting. Chanel and Marc Jacobs come to mind as some of the most recognizable. Until now, there hasn’t been a lot of variation in the quilting. The Lanvin Happy Medium shoulder bag stands out in this regard.

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It’s no secret I have a special affinity for Tod’s Bags. My first high-end designer bag was Tod’s and I still have it! It’s quite worn though and I’ve been looking for a replacement. 2012 will be the year I do just that.

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Who is my Bag Designer of the Year? I have so many favorite individual bags but do any of those translate to the comprehensive title? One great bag doesn’t make the cut there has to be multiple bags in a collection. There are designers who have multiple style that I love but aren’t necessarily new designs. I think the designer of the year has to be a trendsetter and have a collection of bags that I covet. It could also be a newer face on the bag scene that is making a splash. So, who makes me want to max out my credit cards??

My frontrunners for Bag Designer of the Year:

Tods. My first designer bag was a Tods and they have really upped their designs this year with fresh styles and shapes, new leathers and a modern edge to classic shapes that will be a staple of a wardrobe for years to come. The Shopper Tote, the Ivy, D-Bauletto, Ava so many amazing bags. Beautiful everyday handbag styles but what about a clutch? for $1300.00
♥ Tod’s AGJ Media Bag available at Saks Fifth Avenue!

Yves Saint Laurent: Always beautiful, quality handbags and I’ve been infatuated with the Roady hobo bag for more than a year now. The Muse is a must have for any fashionista…but what’s new? This Muse Two combines the colorblock trend with a satchel in fun red, linen and navy shades. $1895.
♥ Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two at NET-A-PORTER!

Celine: The Trapeze and Luggage Totes are arguably the most coveted bags of the year. Worn by major models and celebrities, these bags are striking in their chic design and new shapes. But, Celine is very limited in availability. New styles are pretty much limited to in-store shopping at some of the most upscale boutiques and department stores in extremely limited quantities. Availability is definitely an issue. The black calfskin portfolio can be found on Bluefly on sale for $2430.
♥ Celine calfskin portfolio at Bluefly!

Reed Krakoff: One of the newest designers to make a huge splash on the bag scene. Reed Krakoff is the designer behind the most successful brand purchased by everyone from college girls to celebrities. The new line launched with huge success. I also love many of the designs and the bags are great quality too. The Boxer Tote is a beautiful new style and I still covet the mini-crossbody in black. Check out this beautiful red Boxer on mytheresa for $990.00
♥ Reed Krakoff BOXER at My Theresa

Alexander McQueen: You know I adore the clutches. The skull box clutch and De Manta clutches are my absolute favorites, but I’ve yet to see a satchel, hobo or shoulder bag that elevates the entire line above others.
The ocelot printed De Manta is striking and reasonably priced on sale for $367.99
♥ Alexander McQueen De Manta at Zappos!

Fendi: I remember Fendi as a huge line from the late 80s and hadn’t seen much innovation over the years. But this year was special. The Silvana and Chameleon were major successes and the new striped bags are fun and fashion forward. $2300 at Saks in multicolor tote in cobalt blue.
♥ Fendi Silvana at Saks

And the Winner is..

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I don’t deny that I love classic handbags. I love the sleek lines, tailoring and the never-go-out-of-style security that when I buy a quality bag, I’m going to carry it for years. So, it was incredibly difficult to narrow down my choices for classic bags for giving. These are some of my favorites and they show that classic isn’t boring!

Gucci Diana Bag
A beautiful classic bag featuring Gucci’s timeless bamboo handles features this striking cobalt blue. I’m completely obsessed with this color and don’t think I will stop for a long time to come. Another season-less color that goes with more than you think! For the special girl who loves classic style but with a fashion forward sensibility, this is the perfect bag! $2,150 at Saks Fifth Avenue

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As the season approaches, there will be plenty of holiday parties from casual to formal. You’ll need a showstopper clutch (or two) to add life to the party! Check out some of my favorites this season!

Anya Hindmarch Rossum
Everyone needs a striking gold clutch and this Anya Hindmarch woven version is striking and versatile. The gold tone provides the perfect amount of metallic pop against anything casual to formal for your holiday parties. Striking with denim and elegant with silk.The woven detail and tassle will catch attention and provide interest to your outfit! Of course, I’m a little crazy about woven leathers. It’s also the perfect bag throughout the year for $550
Shop the Anya Hindmarch Boutique at Netaporter!

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Fendi has been producing some beautiful bags lately and the new Duffle Satchel is a striking bag that stands out from the crowd of satchels. More fashion forward designs are available and Fendi has even embraced the color block trend in a more subtle way that isn’t quite as trendy as the bold colors we have been seeing lately. There are several options of colors to choose from so that you can go from subtle to bold!

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If you’ve seen much of Ralph Lauren’s collections lately, there is a strong bohemian and western influence in much of the line. Handbags have western tooling and hardware details. And while this is called a Bohemian Bag, and you could style it that way, it see it more as a magnificently beautiful casual bag that pairs beautifully with denim, and casual dresses. My personal style would definitely NOT be called bohemian and I would absolutely carry this bag almost everyday!

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