A Botkier freebie? Sounds almost too good to be true, but is in fact the real deal going on now over at Luna Boston.

Check out latest new arrivals by the amazing Monica Botkier, and receive a limited edition Botkier Mini Rosette Black Rose Purse (a $95 retail value!) with any Botkier handbag purchase, while supplies last. Enter code “rockerchic” at checkout.

As many of you probably already know, I have had a bad case of the Oooo’s and Ahhh’s ever since I saw the Spring 2009 Collection from Botkier. Oddly enough though, I stumbled across this Botkier style today that I have never seen before. It is also part of the Spring 2009 Collection and it is called the Venice Hobo. What I found most appealing about this bag is the incredibly tough-girl chic aura it has about it. I just love the thin tassels raining down from the zipper pulls on the front of the bag. Plus all those zippers are not just for show, there are actually three exterior pockets on this bag. They offer the perfect places to keep the things that you need right at your fingertips.

But I suppose that was Monica‘s ultimate goal, wasn’t it? Functionality and style, that is. My only regret is that this bag is currently only available in Black. I did, however, see this bag in a yummy yellow shade on Botkier’s official website. Hopefully that means Black will not be the only color available for too much longer.

The Botkier Venice Hobo is constructed of soft, lightly polished leather. It measures 17″ x 12″ x 6″ and it retails for $595. Find it in Black at Luna Boston

The Chat: Botkier Venice

Beauty Megan Fox was spotted running out of LAX looking naturally fabulous in ripped denims, white tee, turquoise hoodie and finished off with Botkier’s James Satchel in cocoa in hand.

The James satchel can also be found in Blake Lively, Katherine Heigel and Michelle Trachtenberg closets..

Speaking of Botkier, boy do I have some sweet news for all you addicts – if you’re in the New York area, there’s going to be a huge sample sale over at 172 Mercer Street (corner of Mercer and Houston) to make way for next seasons beauties.

Here’s just a taste of what will be at the sale:

James Tote – originally $650, now $275
A buttery soft leather tote, perfect for everyday. Details include stylish pleats, two diagonal front zip pockets and a removable cross body strap.

Sasha medium duffle – originally $450, now $150
This famed convertible duffle, is available in a luxurious leather trimmed satin nylon in addition to a buttery lambskin leather.

Bianca med satchel – originally $450, now $100
An iconic style, this satchel is as practical as it is sexy. Details include two round front zip pockets, suede lining and custom hardware.

Dioness – originally $225, now $95
Comfortable and chic thong sandal with subtle silver finish stud hardware, perfect for summer. Available in ivory, yellow, lavender, black, dark champagne and black /white.

Elena – originally $445, now $195
Sexy platform sandal with a ruffle crisscross strap. Made in Italy, featuring custom materials such as printed python, printed croc and printed snake.

Dates and Times:
Thursday, May 7th- 12-8pm
Friday, May 8th-11am-8pm
Saturday, May 9th- 11am-7pm
Sunday, May 10th- 11am-5pm (mother’s day)

If you are unable to make it to the sample sale, don’t worry I’m sure Gilt Groupe or HauteLook will have one shortly.

In the meantime, find the Botkier James at: Luna Boston (30% off today only. code BostonMarathon) or ShopBop.

image: x17

I absolutely love the Botkier Kai collection, and one of my favorites pieces from the collection is the Convertible Bag. What I love most about this handbag is the gathered slouched shape featured on the front of the handbag. It definitely gives the handbag a stunning but yet unique look.

Another one of my favorite features of this handbag is the pearlized leather. Together, the pearlized leather and slouched shape really make this handbag sparkle. Other amazing features of the handbag include: a braided handle as well as a shoulder strap; top zip closure; three interior pockets; and cotton lining.

It’s convenient that the handbag can be worn 1-of-2 ways; it really makes the handbag that much more desirable. I love when I’m able to choose which way I want to carry a bag. Nine out of ten times though, I always pick to carry the bag by the handle. To me it makes the handbag more stylish, when you carry the bag by the handle, and just letting the shoulder strap hang from the bag.

By the picture, the handbag looks very small as if it were a pochette size but it’s actually a spacious handbag. The measurements of the handbag are, 13½”W X 9″H X 5″D, which gives you plenty of room for all of your stylish essentials.

The Botkier Kai Convertible Bag can be purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue for $595. The handbag can only be purchased in Pearl Grey. Therefore, if you are not in love with this color, you may just want to pass on this handbag or perhaps look into the Botkier Kai Shoulder bag which is just as stunning.

See the Botkier Kai Convertible Bag at: Saks Fifth Avenue

The Chat: Botkier Kai

After Jennifer’s interview with Monica Botkier (read about it here: Handbag Designer Interview: Monica Botkier), there was discussion over at TBF about the possibility of a clutch version of the Trigger bag. Well I have good news for all of you that were curious, the Botkier Moto (Trigger) Clutch is finally here!

Here we have a longtime favorite style, wrapped up in a little clutch. Personally, I love the idea. But there’s a bit of a problem. The Botkier Moto Clutch is much smaller than I would have pictured it. To be honest, I was thinking magazine clutch. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. However, the Botkier Moto Clutch still turned out pretty cute nonetheless. And the mint green pictured here? Yummy!

So if you’re looking for a small bag that can go from running errands to girls’ night out in the blink of an eye (the studded strap is removable), then this bag would make an excellent choice. Find the Botkier Moto Clutch at: Luna Boston, where it is available for pre-order. It retails for $375 and measures 9″ x 6″ x 1″.

The Chat: Botkier Moto

Here is another pink bag alert, and this particular pink bag is an amazing one. The pink bag that has me drooling at the moment is the Botkier Soft Pleated Hobo. It’s gorgeous, stunning, and perfect for Spring.

I’m absolutely loving how the handbag has exterior zip pockets and the fringe on the pockets give the handbag a type of Balenciaga flare to it. Some other features of the handbag include: being made of supple Italian leather; a top zip closure; measurements of 15 1/2″W x 10 1/2″H which gives you plenty of room for your essentials; and a removable shoulder strap drop.

My favorite part of the handbag is the beautiful pink color of the bag. It’s a type of rose pink color and would be perfect for the upcoming Spring 2009 handbag season. The fact tat the Botkier Soft Pleated Hobo is a pink shoulder bag makes the handbag all the more unique and fabulous.

The Botkier Soft Pleated Hobo in pink is available at Nordstrom for $595. $595 seems like a bit much for the handbag, but I won’t deny that it is absolutely beautiful. If you aren’t in love with the pink version, as seen above, have no fear the Botkier Soft Pleated Hobo also comes in Black and Silver. Check out the Black version over at Nordstrom, it too is stunning!!

See the Botkier Soft Pleated Hobo at: Nordstrom

The Chat: Botkier James

edit / end note: Today only (January 30th) get 30% off this bag and many more over at Luna Boston.

CODE: fabthings25

After Jennifer’s wonderful interview with Monica Botkier, I found myself falling in love with Botkier all over again. And I bet all you Bag Bliss readers out there are just as anxious as I am to see the new Spring 2009 collection hit the stores. But wait no more because it looks like the first of these new styles have already become available online. One such style is this lovely Botkier James Tote. Like the James Satchel mentioned in the interview, this bag features gorgeously soft pleats and flowing tassels. It also has a drawstring closure and rolled double handles. However, this version is a little larger, measuring 15″ x 12″ x 7.5″. It’s the perfect size for carrying everything you might need throughout the day! It is also a little bit pricier, retailing for approximately $50 more. You can pick one of these babies up at Nordstroms, where it is listed as the Botkier Soft Pleated Tote (Don’t ask me, I haven’t the slightest clue why). It is available in Deep Purple, Cocoa, or Black.

The Chat: Botkier James Tote

Monica Botkier’s career started off as a fashion photographer, shooting for several top international magazines. Destined to create the perfect stylish work bag, that could fit all of her necessities, Monica set out to create the ultimate bag — The Botkier Trigger Bag was born.

It was an instant hit among fashion editors and friends, and in 2003 her handbag collection kicked off. Since then her collection has continued to grow and in Spring 2008, for the Botkier 5 year anniversary she added shoes to her collection.

Today, Botkier is more popular than ever. Monica designs the most fabulous handbags for thousands of devoted purse obsessed fans around the globe — which includes her long list of celebrity fans, such as Heidi Klum, Joy Bryant, Rhianna, Leelee Sobieski, Angelina Jolie, Michelle Trachtenberg, Vanessa Hudgens, Lake Bell, the list can go on..

What’s so special about her bags is that season after season, since the birth of the Trigger bag in 2003, Monica Botkier combines creativity, wearability at a reasonable price tag.

You can find her marvelous creations at many online boutiques. Here are my favorites with the best deals: shop goldyn (oh my gosh, 40% off! code: ADD40) Luna Boston (all Botkiers on sale!), Revolve Clothing (handbags, shoes and accessories), ShopBop (a Ziggy for only $250! use code: 20OFF), Saks Fifth Avenue, PiperLime (bags and shoes on sale), My-Wardrobe (new styles just in), Nordstrom,  coming soon to net-a-porter, and finally the Botkier home site.

And I recently got the chance to exchange some Q+A’s with this designer!

CONTINUE READING FOR THE INTERVIEW
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Who says a dressy bag has to be in the form of a tiny clutch? Introducing the Botkier Satin Bianca Satchel. I think what I like most about this bag is that it looks really elegant and yet it is functional at the same time. But then again, isn’t that what Monica Botkier had set out to do when she created her handbag line? Just like any other Bianca bag, the satin version comes complete with two dome-shaped zippered pockets on the front. They may not be the most attractive portion of this handbag, but they sure are convenient! I like the idea of having my keys right there where I can easily grab them. And the fact that this bag is available in dark purple is just icing on the cake! So if you’re looking for a dressy bag that will still hold a considerable amount of stuff, then the Botkier Satin Bianca Satchel may be just the ticket.

The Botkier Satin Bianca Satchel is available in Purple, Silver, or Black. It measures 14″ x 9″ x 5.5″ and it retails for $425 (admittedly, a little bit pricey for a non-leather handbag).

Find it at shopbop.com!

The Chat: Botkier Satin Bianca Satchel Purse.