April 17, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Botkier Lita Pleated Soft Hobo
I tend to sort-of be picky when it comes to materials. When a fabric named nylon comes to mind, I can’t really say that I’m a fan. If nylon isn’t done right, it tends to make whatever substance look cheap. Do any of you ladies agree? Once in a while, I do run into a nylon bag that will grab my attention, and today, I spotted this one. Meet the Lita Pleated Soft Hobo by Botkier. This bags most obvious feature is its color. I tend to stay away from black nylon (unless something on the bag is appealing, of course), but when it comes to colorful nylon, well that’s a different story. It must be the grouping of fuchsia nylon and the goldish-tan lambskin leather outline that caught my attention. It’s a great combination, and say the leather was absent, I don’t think I would hold the same opinion towards this Botkier. I like this hobo’s curved silhouette, and its pleated nylon body gives off an excellent appearance to the hobo. A convenience found on Botkier’s Lita is a zipper gusset found along the entire bags bottom, which allows you to decide whether you want more compact space or extra room within this bag. So what do you ladies think about this Botkier, do you like it, or dislike it?

Shop Botkier via Nordstrom.com

[ The Bag Forum: Botkier Lita Pleated Soft Hobo ]

April 11, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: BrS

Botkier Gladiator Tote
Looking for a classic tote to use for work or school? Well, you just might be in luck! Recently, I came across this interesting looking bag from Botkier. It is called the Gladiator Tote and it is the largest bag in the Gladiator collection (a clutch, a satchel, and a small shoulder bag are also available in this collection).
So I’m looking at this tote and I was thinking. Wouldn’t it be great for carrying files, folders, and maybe even a laptop computer? The bag is just the perfect size and shape to be used as a work tote! Plus, I like the sleek lines and the interesting angles that are created by the seams. I wonder why this collection is named Gladiator. Hmm… could the lines and stud details have reminded Monica Botkier of the armor worn by Roman Gladiators? LOL! I really don’t know, but I do find the styling to be rather interesting.
Well, anyway, the bag also has some other features that would make it perfect for work. The metal corners are probably great for people who constantly bump in to things with their bags. No worries about scuffing up that buttery, soft leather. Also, the slip pocket on the back side of the tote would allow quick and easy access to things like keys or pass cards. You wouldn’t have to worry about important things like those falling to the bottom of an abyss many of us call our handbags.

The Botkier Gladiator Tote features:
Turnlock Closure
Exterior Slip Pocket
Interior Zippered and Multifunction Pockets
Key Clip
Double Straps with a 6 1/2″ Drop
Measures 14″ x 14″ x 4″
Retails for $695
Available in Cream Snake Print (sheepskin), White Patent (Italian leather), or Black Matte (lambskin)

Available here: Nordstrom

[ The Bag Forum: Botkier Gladiator Tote ]

March 12, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia

Botkier Bianca Patent Satchel Purse
For the upcoming seasons, designers are adding hints of hot blue hues to their handbag collections. And vibrant blue is a must-have color to be sporting in warmer weather that’s just around the corner. The Bianca Patent Satchel by Botkier in lustrous blue would be a wonderful addition as it’s perfectly fit for Spring and Summer. I love the patent leather because it adds not only style to the bag, but also shine to the gorgeous shade of blue. Also, what’s so fantastic about the leather is the quality since it is Italian lambskin. I’m not a fan of stiff patent leathers I’ve seen bags constructed of, though this blue hottie, however, is smooshy and crinkled.

The gold-toned hardware is a perfect match to this color, adding just enough sparkle to this piece and is a great alternative to silver. As for the structure of the bag, I really like the two pockets in the front and also the adorable extended tab with a golden twist closure. And not only can you carry it on your arm or in your hand but you can also fit it over your shoulder, which is a huge plus for me. But overall, I think both the style and quality are great and definitely live up to the price tag of $595.

Available in blue or black here: Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus

February 15, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Alicia

Nicole Convertible Satchel by Botkier
Purses with expanded holding capabilities are so convenient , versatile and chic all in one. And this season, the design house is creating and presenting convertible styles that are perfect for everyday-wear. Designer Monica Botkier has presented the convertible Nicole Satchel just in time for the spring. This bag by Botkier is not only flexible when it comes to dressing your arm or shoulder, but also in tone for the season, elegant and simple.

When I first discovered this bag on her website, it became a must-have for my needs. And before spotting this, I had yet to find a convertible bag that appealed to me. This is one bag that I could get use out of and easily pair with my wardrobe. Though, I could see how this might seem a bit too plain to some, but that is one characteristic of the bag that I admire. I think this bag has plenty to offer from it’s luxurious leather, to it’s slight details.

Botkier’s convertible piece, which retails for $565, is fashioned in crinkly, rich Italian lambskin leather exhibiting a slight luster. The back and front are detailed with pleats and a dome shaped trim. There are two handles for satchel use, and a strap with a combination of metal chain and leather that are interwoven. The interior includes a multifunctional compartment and a zippered pocket for organization of any smaller items. Featured above is the bag in champagne, and the measurements are 14.5” x 8” x 5.5”, feeding your daily needs with more than enough space.

Discover the Botkier Nicole Convertible Satchel

February 12, 2008

Forever21 Bags
Why am I not surprised? In this day in age it is not a shocker when you hear about a lower label replicating or inspiring their designs after a high-end designer’s work, especially when you are talking about Forever21.

There are other companies guilty as well, but by far Forever21 is up there as one of the top (popular) chains that mass produces cheaply made items that are highly similar if not identical, minus the designers logo, to that made by a designer. Clothes, jewelry, handbags, you name it. F21 copies it all.

F21 is recognized for their huge selection of inspired-by handbags and even been hit with a few lawsuits for copyright infringement. But is that slowing them down? No. Odd isn’t it? You would think that with all the lawsuits against the forever21 chain they would resist from copying other designers works. You would think. I wonder who buys these bags anyway. Is quality over quantity not in everyones best interest anymore? The plastic F21’s just seem like a waste of money and probably wont last more than 2 weeks of wear.

Anyway, here’s the latest inspired-by versions:

F21 does the Fendi Spy Satchel
This is no big surprise.. Ever since the Fendi Spy bag was declared an “IT bag” years ago, F21 added it to their interpretation to their product stock.

The F21 faux leather (plastic) hobo retails for $29.80. Which is still a waste of money. Right now you can find a couple Fendi Spy Satchel on sale over at bluefly.

F21 does the Marni Balloon Bag
Even the Balloon bag by designer Marni isn’t safe.

The F21 plastic sack retails for $31.80, while the Marni purse carries a retail price of $1,317 over at net-a-porter.

F21 does the Botkier Bianca Bag
On the right is a tacky plastic version of Botkier’s hit piece, the Bianca satchel.

The plastic F21 purse can be found for just under $20, while the Bianca over at Shopbop retails for $595.

F21 does the Tod’s Nylon Messenger Media Bag
Nooooo. Not my beloved Tod’s Media bag! I love the fashion brand Tod’s. Classic, been around for years and have never had a problem with knockoffs, well not nearly as bad as other designers.

The satin F21 version retails for $17.80. The real deal retails for $775. Find at eluxury.

February 6, 2008

Rhianna @ FashionWeek with the Botkier Gladiator Bag
Spotted: Rhianna arriving at the Max Azria show in Bryant Park and sitting front row at the Proenza Schouler 2008 fashion show during the Fall ‘08 Fashion Week. Bag for both occasions, the brand new Botkier Gladiator Bag!

Visit Botkier

January 4, 2008

Top 10 Cruise Bags for 2008
Sick of winter? We hear you. As we count down the days to spring and we get closer and closer to tucking our winter bags in their sleeping sacks, here comes the Cruise collection.

Take a stroll on over to net-a-porter and take a glance at their latest stash of cruise purses. Collaged above are the top 10 (+1) beauties that recently hit the virtual store shelves of net-a-porter. Check ‘em out.

1) Anya Hindmarch Lulu Leather Clutch - The hammered metallic clutch with wooden ring detailing.
2) Bottega Veneta White Tote - The white canvas tote with chocolate handles.
3) Devi Kroell Satin Frame Clutch - The satin clutch with appliqué details.
4) Marc Jacobs Gennifer Leather Bag - The quilted tote with chain link shoulderstraps.
5) Jimmy Choo Chrissy Mesh - The metallic mesh oversized clutch.
6) Zac Posen Shoulder Bag - The woven leather drawstring shoulder tote.
7) Be & D Kan Kan Portfolio Purse - The ruffled leather shoulder bag with chain strap.
Miu Miu Matelassa Bag - The large Matelasse tote with a removable long strap.
9) Mulberry Mabel Snakeskin Bag - Large metallic Mabel with two large front pockets
10) Botkier Large Sasha Duffle - The large slouchy tote with long and short straps.
11) Marni Leather Balloon Tote - The distressed large leather balloon bag.

Discover the latest Cruise designer handbags, purses, wallets, totes, clutches and more at net-a-porter

December 11, 2007

The Joy Bryant Bag by Botkier
Fact of the day, the well-loved elephant/horn charmed Botkier Bryant bag was named after American actress Joy Bryant.

The lovely Joy Bryant attended Yale University until a modeling scout from Next Models Management discovered her, then she packed her bags to pursue a career as a fashion model in Paris. Her first exclusive contracts were with prestigious brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger and the Victoria’s Secret lingerie catalog.

The Botkier Bryant collection debuted Fall ’07 and is made of Italian lambskin, and decorated with eye-catching details such as the custom elephant/horn charm, one large front pocket and one slanted side pocket on each side, double top handle strap with whipstitch detail. The main compartment includes one compartment with logo lining, multifunctional pocket, zip pocket and an interior logo plate on leather platform.

Discover Botkier Bryant Designer Bags at Saks Fifth Avenue or ShopBop
Prices range from about $500 to $600

October 30, 2007

Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Get 20% off @ ShopBop!
Who doesn’t love the thought of saving a buck or two on this seasons latest handbags, especially when you can put what you saved towards, I don’t know, maybe another bag. Right now over at the online designer fashion boutique shopbop, they are having a gigantic clearance sale where you can save 20% off this season’s gorgeous designer purses, from designers such as Kooba, Marc Jacobs, Sissi Rossi, Geren Ford, Malababa, Botkier, Cynthia Rowley, Goldenbleu, Michael Kors, Vanessa Bruno and so many more to choose from.

All you have to do is enter the promo code: ARMCANDY

Pictured below are a few of the gems that stood out in the crowd.

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: L.A.M.B. Frosted Love Capri Bag
Like most of the bags in the sale section I cannot believe this one is still available. Gwen’s signature L.A.M.B. bowler Capri bag recently got touched up with a fresh new frosted white glow. It’s a gorgeous purse at a great deal.

The frosted leather handbag features contrast patent and embossed-leather banding on both sides of the bowler. Also comes with a padlock, tassel, and metal logo detail at front. The bags tummy is canvas-lined and features 9″ zipper pocket. Measurements: 9″ height x 13″ length x 6″ depth.

Price: $625.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Marc by Marc Jacobs Lovely Lily Bag
New to fall, this lovely beauty Lily is a perfect bag for any daily adventure. This purse is available in rose and indigo, but by far my fav is the coral rose colored version.

Dressed in pebbled leather with a pleating effect that centers to the signature logo medallion. Also features double rolled double handles and a tassel adorned zip closure. The roomy interior of this bag is lined and features 6″ zipper pocket and 2 patch pockets. Measurements: 6″ height x 13″ length x 6″ depth.

Price: $328.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Gustto Large Cala Bag
This beautiful Gustto bag is styled from luxurious soft distressed leather with dual twist-braided leather straps, a cross-body strap and finished off with the gold signature Gustto medallion. The mouth of the bag keeps your personals safe with the two-way top zip closure. Another thing, this bag is very spacious but don’t worry your bag guts wont get lost. There are plenty of pockets inside the bag to keep your little things in order and within reach without have to deal with the headache of digging around for your lost key set or ringing cellphone.

Price: $760.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Juicy Couture Patent Mod Baby Fluffy Bag
The designs of the Juicy Couture handbags have changed a lot over the last year, but one bag style that comes back year after year only with a new dress and hardware, is the Baby Fluffy handbag. The same old hook-and-ring detailed bag that hugs the four corners giving it the pouch look, but this season they added the patent leather version with metal stud details and tonal suede trim throughout. Other highlights of this bag include the magnetic snap closure compartments so your goodies don’t fall out and the signature Juicy Couture logo-lined interior that features two patch pockets. Measurements: 8″ height x 12″ length x 7″ depth. This bag is available in black and ivory.

Price: $295.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Botkier Sasha Duffel Tote
What I love most about the new Botkier Sasha duffle is that it’s a gorgeous shoulder bag and also stunning handbag in one. Usually when I buy a purse that comes with the extra shouldstrap, the first thing I do if clip it off and toss it in the dustbag. But not with this beauty. It’s a perfect day bag.

Designed out of textured leather with an easy access front flap pocket with the strap and buckle details racing down the sides creating the pleated effect. Also comes with double short arm handles and a long detachable shoulder strap. The super roomy main compartment tummy measures features an 8″ zipper pocket, 2 patch pockets, and keychain. Measurements: 16.5″ height x 17″ length x 6″ depth. This bag is available in boreaux red and brown.

Price: $695.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

> Designer Handbag & Purse Sale: Giorgio Brato Metallic Tote
I, love, this, bag. It’s the modern chic shoulder purse by Giorgio Brato. Dressed up in an eye-catching metallic leather with the pleating effect under each of the shoulder strap corners. Measurements: 16″ height x 21″ length x 6″ depth.

Price: $823.00 (get 20% off by entering promo code: armcandy)

Happy Shopping!!!

Discover the Designer Handbag & Purse Sale @ ShopBop!
Get your 20% off by entering ARMCANDY

August 27, 2007

The Black Rose: Botkier’s Mini Rosette Purse
A pretty rose purse (with a touch of goth) that’s just the right size for your id, debit card and lipgloss. Wait, I didn’t mention that there is room for a cellphone. Correct. Make note of this because I wouldn’t want you guys to be disappointed. The measurements are 3″ height x 3″ length x 1.5″ depth, so unless you plan on going phone-less or sliding your phone into your boyfriend’s (or husband’s) pocket or even tossing it into one of your girlfriends bags I wouldn’t recommend this little guy. The mini rosette is teeny-tiny indeed. But hey, if you don’t want to use it as a wristlet, then add a feminine touch to one of your plain simple leather bags by simply attaching it.

I’m a sucker for these rose design bags. Remember the YSL Rose Nadja bag? This Botkier Black Rose mini purse is newest and closest you can get to the Nadja without stocking the pages of eBay to get your hands on one of the rare forever-ago sold-out YSL bags. This little purse that looks like a mini version of the nadja, is dressed in the similar floral design of fabric that spirals to create the eye catching flower design. So cute, but so small.

Discover the Botkier Black Rose Rosette
Price: $95

More black rosies…

New for Fall: Botkier has a few different bags in the Black Rose line that feature unstructured soft slouchy leather bodies with double twist braided straps and simple block-y silver hardware. And guess what! Attached to these bags is the Rosette small purse. Price range is about $310 for the small clutch and up to $695 for the large satchel. check it out here.

June 28, 2007

Hot for Fall: Botkiers Rose Satchel
I love everything about it – the double twist braided straps, the simple block-y silver hardware and the long unstructured soft leather body. Oh and not to forget that super adorable wristlet attached – how frikin cute is that?! Totally reminds me of the long-time-sold-out YSL Rose Nadja bag, which I still am to this day stalking eBay for.

The date is unknown when this bag will be available, but it will be sometime soon I can assure you that. I can also assure that this fabulous purse will be in my closet – oh yes this beauty will be mine! Even though this bag can’t be found on store shelves yet, that wasn’t stopping the blonde supermodel mommy Heidi Klum from getting her hands on one – as bag snob pointed out.

April 22, 2007

Botkier Bianca Bella Convertible Clutch

Stopped by the mall a couple days ago on my way out of town to check out the newbies to hit the store shelves at Nordy’s, and out of all the bags the only one that I wanted to sink my claws into was the new Botkier Bianca Bella Convertible Clutch. The beauty that I was looking at was the textured snakeskin embossed grey cowhide version. Dressed in a luxe soft italian lambskin fabric, accessorized with solid brass hardware, and topped off with my favorite feature the adjustable strap that converts your bag from hand held (day) to wristlet (night). This Botkier Bianca Bella clutch also features two round front zip pockets for cell phone/keys, main zip compartment along with two hidden compartments, one with additional zip pocket. Lined in suede with custom hardware, large zippers, turn lock and exterior logo plate. Piping details on flaps and handles. Price $445

Chat about this purse post in The Bag Forum

Bag Bliss the bag blog
Date Added: August 10, 2006, 2006

Botkier | Leather Clyde Tote | On Sale $424 | View!
A roomy, everyday handbag with bohemian-inspired touches. Only left in Gold. Bergdorf Goodman has this same bag on sale but only available in Met Bronze, and it is on sale for $469

In other news: The Bracelet Giveaway sponsored by StyleViolet.com has officially. Check your email boxes! The 5 lucky winners have been notified.

Chat about this purse post in The Bag Forum

Bag Bliss the bag blog
Date Added: April 8, 2006
Designer Handbag Deal of the Day!
It’s about time! Eluxury finally is doing some spring cleaning, which means it’s time for another batch of designer handbags to make their way over to the clearance section. One of the labels which arrived recently in this mark-down section is Botkier . . .

Botkier | Holster Bag | On Sale $529
Plush Italian cowhide leather is shaped into a spacious silhouette, with polished studs adding a bit of glamour to the multi-pocket exterior. A sophisticated, go-anywhere bag. Measurements are approximately 12″ x 8.25″ x 6″ (measurements do not include front or side pockets). Still available in gorgeous Metallic Twilight and Gunmetal.
Botkier | Mini Holster Bag | On Sale $449
Featuring a studded wraparound strap, roomy main compartment, and supple Italian calfskin, the Mini Holster is the best of Botkier in a beautifully sleek size. Measurements are approximately 12″ x 7.5″ x 4.5″. Still available Metallic Chestnut and Black.
Botkier | Cresent Bag | On Sale $499
Spacious, sleek, and brimming with style, the Crescent hobo is the ultimate day-to-evening handbag. Measurements are approximately 16″ (at widest) x 8.5″ x 1″. Still available Metallic Chestnut and Black.