August 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa
Choosing a Classic designer Handbags
Why do some handbags have the title “classic?” Are they named “classic” once a slew of women run to the stores to get that one bag on everyone’s wish list for that particular season? Or maybe they are named “classic” when women want the same handbag over and over again especially when it comes out in different patterns? Or maybe the most logical definition for a “classic” handbag is a bag that is worn year after year by women, becomes iconic in the fashion world, and never goes out of style.

Finding a classic handbag that will never go out of style is hard to find. It’s even harder when you are looking for that classic handbag that you will love forever and never get sick of. The best place to find an everlasting handbag is from a designer who has iconic handbags. Women always flock to the handbags that every girl wants, or that have been in style for years. Some of the designer brands that have classic handbags are Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and YSL to name a few. Some people may not consider Marc Jacobs to be a classic handbag designer, but I beg to differ. When Marc Jacobs introduced the “Stam” handbag he provoked women across the globe to update their wish lists and dream about another gorgeous bag.

Don’t forget “classic” designer handbags cost a pretty penny so when looking for that special handbag, be sure you are looking for something you absolutely love. Just because everyone else loves it, doesn’t mean you too are going to love it for years to come. Most handbag loving women, like myself, sometimes impulse shop. You convince yourself you love that one handbag, you buy it, and a month later you HATE it! I’m always on a handbag budget and I always find that it’s best to “think” about a bag. I look at the bag numerous times on the computer, check it out at the store tons of times, and even try it on a few times to see if I’m absolutely in love with. What is the point of spending hundreds maybe even thousands on a handbag if you won’t wear it much? After many hard shopping impulses I have learned my lesson. If you think it’s a “classic” bag you will love forever, do some testing before you purchase it!

Some handbags that you never have to fear of being outdated are the: Chanel Classic Flap Bag; Chanel Large Shopping bag; Hermes Birkin; Louis Vuitton Alma; Louis Vuitton Speedy; and the YSL Large Tribute. This is a very tiny collection of some classic handbags in the fashion world, but there are much more out there. With a little research, and store visiting you too can find your favorite classic handbag to purchase.

Here are some of the bags, I listed above, that I consider classic:

Pictured Above: Hermes Birkin
Find it: eBay, from eBay seller 88caviar

There isn’t much to say about the Hermes Birkin, it pretty much speaks for itself. It’s gorgeous, and oh so classic. It’s very hard to get one, even if you are on a waiting list. Be careful though, there are many fakes out there! Gorgeous, and breathtaking.. what more is there to say.

Pictured Above: Marc Jacobs Patchwork Stam
Find it: eLUXURY

Some people may not think Marc Jacobs can have the privilege of listing a bag as “classic” yet, but I disagree on all counts. No he hasn’t been around a ton of years, but he created one of the most memorable handbags that will be remembered for a long time to come. That handbag is the Stam. He brought out the: Quilted Stam; the Quilted Little Stam; and my favorite the Patchwork Stam (pictured above). He also has some beautiful Stam like bags coming out this fall. The Stam bag is gorgeous, spacious, and unique. What more could you want in a bag?

Pictured Above: Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Find it: eLUXURY

No one can deny that the Speedy by Louis Vuitton is a “classic” handbag. Audrey Hepburn made the Speedy (25) happen after it was made for her and ever since then it has been one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular handbags. The Speedy comes in many Louis Vuitton styles including Epi, Monogram Mini Lin, Monogram Multicolor, Damier Azur/Ebony, etc. The Speedy is definitely one of my favorite handbags, and it’s a handbag that will be around for years to come.

[ The Bag Forum: Choosing a Classic designer Handbags ]

August 24, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Furla Carmen Trapuntato Gigante Shopper
Furla was never a designer brand that caught my attention. I always thought Furla had beautiful bags but they were never really my style. While browsing Nordstrom.com earlier today I came across a beautiful handbag. Little did I know that beautiful bag was, to my amazement, by Furla. The handbag is called the Carmen Trapuntato Gigante Shopper and it’s perfect for the “extra large” handbag lover. The handbag is complete with a magentic snap closure, protective metal feet, quilted leather, and it’s made in Italy. What more could a bagista ask for? My favorite part of this handbag is the gorgeous quilted leather in cherry. For some reason cherry is one of those colors that is making my heart sink for the upcoming Fall 2008 handbag season. It you are not to keen on the cherry color, have no fear, the bag also comes in Onyx (black) and Terra (brown).

What’s amazing about Furla is that their handbag prices aren’t that high compared to the competition out there. This stunning handbag retails for a mere $745, which is a great buy for a big, gorgeous designer handbag. This handbag is so big you can fit your whole dresser plus your lap top in it and still have plenty of room. I am so in love with the Furla Carmen Trapuntato Gigante Shopper that I’m so tempted to go buy it! It’s definitely a gorgeous handbag to have for the fall, wouldn’t you agree?

Check out the Furla Carmen Trapuntato Gigante Shopper at: Nordstrom

[ The Bag Forum: Furla Carmen Trapuntato Gigante Shopper ]

August 22, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Curly Pochette
It’s no secret that my favorite color is pink. When I see a handbag in the color pink, no matter what brand it is, I fall in love. Something about pink bags just make me druel. A pink handbag that I am currently wanting a relationship with is the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Curly Pochette in Rose. I’ve always wanted a pink leather handbag and clutch! The Miss Curly Pochette can be both and it’s making my heart go pitter patter. The Miss Curly Pochette conveniently comes with a detachable shoulder strap, so you can wear it as a clutch or handbag. The Pochette also has a gorgeous nameplate dangling from it, but not to worry it can be removed if your not in favor of some “bling” hanging from your bag.

If you are dreaming lovely thoughts, as I am, for the Miss Curly Pochette wait one second because it does come with a hefty price. It may be gorgeous but remember it is by the stunning Italian designers’ Dolce & Gabbana. The Miss Curly Pochette comes with a price tag of $995. Yes, the price can make you gasp a little but there is no denying that the Miss Curly Pochette in Rose is drop dead gorgeous.

See the Miss Curly Pochette at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Dolce & Gabbana Miss Curly Pochette ]

August 21, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Juicy Couture Medium Freestyle Hobo
I’ve never really been a fan of Juicy Couture handbags. They have always struck me as a bit odd and outrageous. But, I have to give it to Juicy Couture lately they have been shaping up and making some fabulous handbags. One of the handbags by Juicy Couture that I think is absolutely stunning is the Medium Freestyle Hobo. I love the shape; I love the style; I love the texture; I pretty much love everything about this handbag. The diagonal seems throughout the handbag and the logo-engraved push-lock closures really give this bag a unique look. All the detail put in this lovely bag can definitely make it stick out in a crowd.

One thing I have always disliked about Juicy Couture handbags is their price tag. This handbag may be candy for a bagista’s eyes but it comes with a hefty price of $450. Some people may want to put that money towards a bag they really want, but if you’re like me this bag is making you think twice! If you aren’t too fond of the color, no worries this handbag does come in more appealing and less fragile colors. Another one of my personal favorites in the black but there is also a color “fieno” which is more of a brownish color. No matter what color you choose, there is one definite thing, that is bag is nothing but beautiful.

See the Juicy Couture Medium Freestyle Hobe at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Juicy Couture Medium Freestyle Hobo ]

August 19, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Michael Kors Newbury Woven Clutch in Black
It’s not a secret that Michael Kors is one of my ultimate favorite designers. I may not love every handbag by him, but I’m always finding myself loving at least one of his handbags every season. This season I’m dueling over the Michael Kors Newbury Woven Clutch in Black! I’ve always wanted a clutch but I could never find one that I absolutely adored. As soon as I set my eyes on the Michael Kors Newbury Clutch I was took! It’s the absolute perfect length for a clutch, measuring with a width of 11 inches. Usually when women think of a clutch they automatically think of a purse they can’t carry much in. Surprisingly, this clutch has a lot of room. There would be no problem putting a compact, lip gloss, phone and wallet in this clutch and still have room! It’s definitely a GREAT clutch for a night out on the town or just simply amazing when you don’t feel like carrying much.

The best part about this lovely clutch is it’s price! It’s definitely affordable for the clutch lovers! It has a great price tag at $228, which is a great buy for any clutch especially a designer one. I’m really considering purchasing this gorgeous clutch, are you?

Check out the Michael Kors Newbury Clutch here: Macys

[ The Bag Forum: Michael Kors Newbury Woven Clutch in Black ]

August 16, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM Bag
One of my favorite bags at the moment is the Louis Vuitton Tivoli. Something about this bag just makes me love it to pieces and want it like there is no tomorrow. Maybe it’s the unique shape, or maybe because it’s like a more modern twist of a Speedy 25, or maybe I love it because it’s just absolutely fabulous. I never knew this bag existed until I saw a family friend with it, and I found myself staring at it constantly. I’m always drawn to satchel like bags but this is a satchel like no other. It has a bowling bag shape, a really cute zipper, and the best part about this lovely bag.. it base studs on the bottom of the bag to be sure your bag never gets dirty on the bottom. Every bag should should have base studs on the bottom in my opinion so us women never have to worry about our bag getting filthy! Tivoli PM too small for you, no need to worry they make this fabulous bag in a bigger size, the Tivoli GM.

The most amazing part about this bag is it’s price tag. It’s a gorgeous Louis Vuitton bag at a reasonable price. This lovely bag comes with the not so harsh price tag of $970. Beautiful bag… Great price.. who would want to pass this bag up? Fair warning though this stunning handbag is sold out everywhere. You must get on a waiting list or have pure luck to run into one.. one day at a boutique. Great news, it’s not a limited edition so if you can’t get this bag now due to popular demand, you defintely will one day!

You can check this beauty at: eBay

[ The Bag Forum: Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM Bag ]

August 16, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz
I’ve always been a lover of Louis Vuitton but due to the outrageous price increases lately it has caused me to look into other handbag designers. Marc Jacobs is one of those handbag designers that I am absolutely loving right now. His bags are just gorgeous with a bit of fabulous on top! Something I always loved about some handbag designers is that they have an expensive line, but they also have a more reasonable line. Marc Jacobs is also one of those designers that has two lines. He has a more posh Marc Jacobs line as well as a stylish but more affordable line Marc by Marc Jacobs.

The handbag featured above is the Dr. Q Lil Riz, yes it may have a weird name but this bag is absolutely stunning. What is even better about it, is that it is part of the Marc by Marc Jacobs and comes with an affordable price of $428. As of right now the bag is availble in Purple and Tan on eLUXURY but it also comes in black if you are lucky enough to find one! I’m absolutely loving the Dr. Q line by Marc Jacobs and I’m craving to get a piece of it. Are you?

Check this bag out at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Choosing the Right Handbag for Your Body ]

August 13, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Faridah in Cranberry
Yes, this is my second Marc by Marc Jacobs post for the week, but it was very much needed for the Totally Turnlock Faridah in Cranberry. I’m a pink lover so it is now wonder why I’m drawn to the Turnlock Faridah. Even though I’m never really drawn to shoulder bags, I’m loving this particular bag. Everything about this bag is amazing! A huge plus for me is the two front pouch pockets with twist-lock closures. Sometimes I get so lazy that I just start packing stuff (especially my phone and papers) into my front pockets until I feel the need to open my bag up and throw everything in. I’m all over any bag that has a magnetic closure, and wha-la! The Turnlock Faridah is complete with a hidden magentic closure! Lastly, the bag is accented with logo textile lining with scrambled “Marc Jacobs” letters.

If you are not loving the Cranberry as much as I am, no worries, the Turnlock Faridah currently comes in: Black, Elderberry, and Fools Gold at one of our favorite sites eLUXURY. What’s even better about the Turnlock Faridah is its amazing price! You can currently get this bag at eLUXURY for $448. Thoughts?

Check this bag our at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Faridah in Cranberry ]

August 6, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa
Fall 2008 Designer Handbag Report
Every time Fall comes around every Bagista thinks of what bag will be her “IT” bag for the season. Mostly all handbag lovers think of sporting around that gorgeous dark handbag that they absolutely adore. Some bagista’s might bring out some of their old stash that they only bring out at the end of the year and some might crave that new fall handbag they have seen all over the magazines and online.

I have never been one into trends in fact I hate trends. Having to wear specific colors in every season always seemed odd to me, especially when you live in a state (like me) where the climate is pretty much scorching hot all year round. For people that actually live in season changing climates trends are very popular. One of those trends are to go with dark colors in the fall. Every major designer brand always comes out with fabulous Fall handbags. My favorite colors for this years Fall 2008 handbags would black (as usual) and PURPLE! Purple is literally everywhere! It is claimed to be the Fall handbag color of the 2008 season. It seems like every designer brand out there is coming out with a purple handbag this fall. Some brands that have LOVELY purple handbags this fall are Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, and Mulberry to name a few.

Purple isn’t the only color to wear for Fall, there are also more traditional colors like brown, black, gray and pretty much anything that screams DARK. If it’s dark, dim, and dusky it’s a must for FALL!

For myself, I always look for big handbags, and the Fall is no exception. I love big handbags, especially in patent leather. Living in Florida, I don’t feel the need to follow trends, it’s 100 degrees all year round. But if I’m in NY, I must have that big, dark handbag, especially as I mentioned above, in Patent Leather. I absolutely love patent leather, it’s easy to care, stylish and sexy! I’m always on the lookout for a new hot patent leather handbag that comes out every Fall.

I have many favorite handbags for this Fall. My ultimate favorite is the Louis Vuitton Embrossed Speedy in Black but of course it comes with a hefty price tag of $2,700. If you have the mula, this is a definite MUST for Fall 2008.

Photo Credit: Style
Coming soon to eluxury

Another favorite of mine is the Purple Dr. Q Groove by Marc by Marc Jacobs. I’m really loving all the purple this Fall and this bag is just decadent in my opinion.

Photo Credit: eluxury
Find @ net-a-porter, eluxury, Saks Fifth Avenue or ShopBop

Rebecca Minkoff is a recent love of mine. I’m absolutely addicted to looking at her Morning After Mini. The style of this bag is absolutely amazing. It’s very practical and just all around beautiful. This bag and brown looks yummy!

Photo Credit: Rebecca Minkoff.
Find @ shopbop

What are your favorite fall handbags?

[ Continue the chat in The Bag Forum: Fall 2008 Designer Handbag Report ]

August 5, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Louis Vuitton Batignolles Horizontal Handbag
I have never really liked the Monogram canvas collection by Louis Vuitton. Something about it just seems boring to me, but there are some bags that make me want to rethink my opinion. One of those bags is the Louis Vuitton Batignolles Horizontal handbag. This bag has a huge downside of not having a zipper or magnetic closure. In order to close the bag you must do so with a snap hook closure leaving your belongings visible to the general public. On the upside though this bag has plenty of room to carry your everyday belongings and much much more. What is even better about the fabulous bag is that is comes with a great price tag of $795. As most of you may know most handbags in a Louis Vuitton store are well over $1000. With a low price tag and great style who can resist this bag? What I love even more about this bag that it is accented with stunning buckles with shining bright hardware that can be adjusted. This bag is a definite must have for the Louis Vuitton collector!!

Check it out over at eLUXURY.

[ Continue the chat in The Bag Forum: Louis Vuitton Batignolles Horizontal Handbag ]

August 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Prada wax pleated leather dual handle tote
Lately, I’ve been loving Prada bags. Everything about them just screams gorgeous to me. One of my favorite Prada handbags at the moment is the Prada Wax Pleated Leather Dual Handle Tote in Ivory. The color; the hardware; the structute; the style.. let’s put it this way I love pretty much everything about this bag. It’s very rare that I think a white bag is stunning, in fact I never like white handbags. The whole dirty factor really bothers me, but with this particular bag being leather you have nothing to worry about. A few wipes and the bag is clean. Also, another amazing feature is that the handbag has a hidden magnetic closure. Magnetic closure’s always come in handy for the women, like myself, that never like to close their handbags. No matter what bag I carry, my zipper is never closed. Call it laziness, I call it more stylish.. hehe. The magnetic closure gives women the assurance, that the bag will always close on it’s one. In any handbag, to me, that is a huge plus.

The Wax Pleated Leather dual handle tote retails for $1,495. Yes, it does sound like a lot for a white handbag, but Bluefly is selling this gorgeous bag for a not so bad $1,196. Still may seem like a lot, but with a beautiful bag like this, who can resist?

Check out the lovely Prada Wax Pleated Leather Dual Tote at: Bluefly

[ Continue the chat in The Bag Forum: Prada wax pleated leather dual handle tote ]

July 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Prada Chevron Quilted Nylon Bowler Bag
My definition of Prada is classy, elegant, and drop dead gorgeous. I have always loved Prada for their nylon handbags, as weird as that may sound. Most people despise Prada for their nylon handbags because some simply think a nylon handbag isn’t worth the “money”, especially when the bag can cost in the thousands. Yes, it may sound absurd that a nylon handbag can cost so much, but when you look at the structure, and style of most Prada handbags they are like no other. One of those nylon handbags that is stunning from every angle is the Prada Chevron Quilted Nylon Bowler Bag.

The bowler bag is not only a lovely handbag, but it is also very unique. It’s accented with gorgeous gold hardware, has double handles as well as a detachable shoulder strap, and even has a zip top closure with an optional combination lock. Maybe it’s just me but it’s not everyday that I see a handbag come with a combination lock. Most purses do come with signature locks, but a combination lock strikes me as being quite different.

I absolutely adore this handbag, especially that is comes in two fabulous colors: black and ivory. To me the black screams elegance, and the white yells classy. Both are stunning in every way, and the best part is that the price tag is reasonable. Thanks to Bluefly you can get either one of these bags at the affordable price of $876.

You can check both of these colors out at: Bluefly

[ The Bag Forum: Prada Chevron Quilted Nylon Bowler Bag ]

July 27, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Catch Satchel
Louis Vuitton has always been my choice for handbags but recently I have my eye on another designer, Dolce & Gabbana. I have Dolce & Gabbana eye glasses and I just recently purchased Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses, now I’m craving a Dolce & Gabbana handbag. The other day I found myself searching on websites to find the perfect Dolce & Gabbana handbag, and it was then that I stumbled on a beautiful bag on eLUXURY. I bring to you the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Catch Satchel. The Miss Catchel Satchel is beautiful in every way, shape and form. The satchel has gorgeous silver hardware, a double zip top, detachable buckled leather strap, and it is complete with a logo plate dangling from the handle.

I’m obsessed with satchels, and this satchel is to die for in my opinion. The color is gorgeous, and the over all structure of the handbag is stunning. What is even better about the handbag is that it’s on sale at eLUXURY. The decadent handbag retailed for $2,750, but it is now on sale for a not so bad $1,650. Want even better news? eLUXURY is having an extra 25% off of “sale” handbags. This lovely handbag comes out to an even better $1,257, but you only have until Friday to get an extra 25% off any red line bag on eLUXURY. I’m seriously considering ordering this bag!

You can check out this GORGEOUS handbag at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Dolce & Gabbana Miss Catch Satchel ]

July 24, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Milla Pochette PM
I don’t like little handbags, in fact I pretty much despise him. I occasionally use a small handbag when I go out at night, or simply do not want to carry a lot. It’s not very often but sometimes I can’t help but fall in love with some overly small bags. One of those bags I have fallen in love with is the Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Milla Pochette PM. Yes, it may be microscopic for a bag, but it’s perfect for when you don’t need to carry much at all. Some people may consider it an accessory, but with the adorable chain in comes with, I must say, I disagree with them. The chain strap is big enough to be adjusted for shoulder, wrist, or clutch carry. Obviously, being a small bag it doesn’t give you the pleasure of carrying a lot, but does allow you to carry your essentials. The most this bag holds is a cell phone, compact, some cash, and your favorite lip gloss. For a tiny bag the price of $355 is a little steep, but if you are a Louis Vuitton collector you will definitely want this cute little bag in your growing collection.

See this bag at: eLUXURY

[ The Bag Forum: Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Milla Pochette PM ]