Author Archive for Kimberly

If you saw the July cover of Bazaar with Miss Britney Spears posing in an amazing Dolce & Gabbana star covered gown, you will know why this bag caught my attention. That gown is striking for a cover shot, but highly impractical for almost anything but that. Here is an opportunity to own a little bit of that feeling and have some fun with it!

How many black clutches do you own? If the answer is none, this bag is NOT for you. Every girl needs at least one basic black clutch in her closet. It’s a go to for evening when the fun ones just don’t work with your outfit. Of course if you have one already and maybe some sparkly ones as well, this might be the bag for you! It’s whimsical and striking. A conversation starter!

Continue Reading

Madras, plaids of every color for spring and summer is the pattern of vacations, resortwear and summery attire. One would not think it was appropriate for Fall, but leave it to Prada to find a way to make it so!

Crafted of solid color and two-tone finely woven leather, Prada has created a line of Madras bags lustworthy of any bag lover. If you are a woven bag fan (like me) you will feel like you’ve been hit by Cupid when you see and feel these bags! The leathers are finely woven in India, then sent to Italy for final fabrication. These bags feature weaving all over the bag and straps. Various styles perfect for individual tastes!

Continue Reading

The Burberry Prorsum collections have provided us with some edgy British chic in trench coats with a twist, spiked and over-sized plaids and studs, bold design elements and heels all with a nod to the British classics. This adorable clutch is no exception to the over-the-top styling. While we’re in the midst of a sweltering summer and white is perfectly fine to carry, this bag ships AFTER Labor Day. If the proper, etiquette abiding, tea-loving English say it’s okay to carry white in the Fall, then it really must be true!

Continue Reading

Structured bags are the rage. Even The Queen of England’s conservative lady bag is a sellout everywhere. Maybe you embrace this trend full on or maybe you kind of like it but just don’t want to completely commit. If so, take a look at the Chloe Janet Bag.

The Janet is softly structured with clean edges, geometric shape and luxe leather. Somewhat inspired by the duffel bag, it’s large, I mean extra-large. Measuring 14.5″ x 11.5″ x 11″ you could almost pack for a weekend with this big baby. It’s perfect for the girl in the city who needs to carry a her heels on a rainy day!

Continue Reading

Whether or not you are a fan of Coach handbags, it’s undeniable that Reed Krakoff has not only launched a stellar collection of handbags, but a full collection including footwear and clothing that feature modern, clean styling blending masculinity with a touch of feminine chic.

Many styles feature neutral shades, but it’s the brilliant pop of color that really grabbed my attention. This is a season where color-blocking reign supreme and this bag is an ultimate accessory to do just that. Pair it with neutrals, denim and for the more adventurous, cobalt blue, vivid green, sunshine yellow…you get the picture.

Continue Reading

Valentino is a name synonymous with Italian high design. As of late, we’ve seen plenty of bags featuring a floral motiff. This is something different. It’s edgier. And I like it.

The VaVaVoom Small Flap Bag is a an attention grabber. Even if you aren’t into animal prints, this one is done so well and beautifully, it’s sure to get a look or many dozens! The spotted goat leather (similar to ponyskin) fetures a beautiful ocelot patter with more light than dark coloring. It is a beautiful neutral compliment for many outfit. Whether paired with denim or a chic little black dress, this bag is more useful than you might first imagine.

Continue Reading

The satchel is a hot bag. The satchel is a hot bag. The satchel is a hot bag… We keep hearing this over and over and seeing it represented by many handbag designers. The styles range from classic, preppy, outdoorsy, sophisticated, and executive in design. Fashion forward and colorful? Not so much. Enter a rising star designer: Meredith Wendell.

Pop style, color-blocking immediately set this bag apart from most satchels. Strong contrasting colors or black, white, silver and grey or vibrant red, cobalt, turquoise and periwinkle make bold statements while offering the high functionality of a satchel.

Continue Reading

The fashion world is abuzz with the current showing at the Met in NYC of Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty now through July 31. If you have an opportunity to see this amazing perspective on McQueen’s artistic creations, you should definitely plan to attend. McQueen was a genius beyond genius at creating edgy, gothic creations that are a marriage of dangerous visuals, meticulous construction and graceful beauty.

Much like McQueen’s fashion designs, the clutches have become an iconic handbag much like a classic Chanel, Bottega Veneta’s woven leathers or Birkin. These delightful creations are for the fashionista who wants a little bit of edge whether she is in a graceful grecian gown or dark and edgy couture. Each new version extends the McQueen design style, pushing the boundaries of accessories to art.

Continue Reading

I love my bags. Designer labels, luxurious leathers, woven details, exotic skins, metallic finishes. So many beautiful finely crafted features. But what’s a girl to do when traveling to a destination that might have wet climates, require hiking through woods, boating or avoiding stickiness that pervades summertime amusement parks? Does she risk her beautiful bags for a day of fun? Of course, the answer is a resounding “no”. But what options does she have other than a quick run to a discount store? There are plenty of well-made, attractive options for the outdoorsy types out there. One of them is Kipling!

My first Kipling bag was a pink camera bag that had multiple compartments and could hold a hefty video camera, regular camera wallet and items for the kids. It proved especially useful when traveling to the Florida keys. Luggage for my daughter, satchels, and wallets for her followed as well. Each has been incredibly durable and useful for their purpose. They have survived airlines, school bus rides and sleepovers. So, while considering what I might carry on a trip to Wyoming & Montana for hiking the mountains and watching sulfurous geysers erupt, I immediately thought of Kipling!

I do love a good hobo bag and the Kipling Kuwana shoulder bag just might do the trick. It has a very clean shape with black on black design elements and a simple albeit cutesy monkey charm. The bag is roomy enough to hold a couple of water bottles, wallet, camera and other essential for the day! It’s very lightweight, so I can carry a lot of “necessities” like (sunscreen and bugspray) without too much extra weight. Measuring 16″ x 12 1/2″ x 6 1/2″, it might be my perfect traveling companion for a mere $98!

Continue Reading