Yep, it was an old-fashioned case of deja vu. And to make matters worse, I had absolutely so clue why. So I studied the Botkier Brooklyn Hobo closely, hoping that it would eventually come to me.

This beautiful bag features long tassels, something that it often associated with the Botkier name. And the lacing detail via metal grommets creates an interesting horizontal pleating effect. Wait… that’s it! That is what I have seen (and also written about) before! There is another handbag out there where grommets and lacing were used to create horizontal pleats.

But who was the designer? Ah yes, it was the Michael Kors Zuma Satchel, a bag I wrote about back in August. The tassels may not be there, but the concept certainly is the same. The two bags even have rectangular metal fobs hanging from the strap. Perhaps this is all a coincidence, but you have to admit the similarities are rather eerie. Just for the record though, I think Botkier did it better. I’m such a sucker for tassels!

The Botkier Brooklyn Hobo can be found at Shopbop.com. It measures 12″ x 17″ and it retails for $495.

The Chat: Botkier Brooklyn Hobo!

The first that caught my eye and the most colorful from the batch goes to the laptop sleeve; it’s the Reverie by LeSportsac. The printed floral pattern in delightful colors stands apart from your typical solid colored common sleeves. Price tag for this pretty reads an affordable $38.

Treat your makeup to a leather snake-embossed cosmetic pouch. Brushes and lip-glosses of all lengths will fit just right in this horizontal accessory. The Botkier Bowtie pouch arrives in peacock snake or the desert snake version and retails for $45.

A large bag that’s noticeable, available in five different colors and is priced at only $28 goes to the Life, Nature, Love tote by FREECITY. Ideal for casual canvas days or for the Beach, and for as low as they go, you’ll feel the need to grab some extras to gift.

…and finally, an oversized white (but not so boring) canvas clutch that arrives with extra pockets, zippers, chains and fringe. I like the grey branches print and of course the $50 price tag this Indah clutch carries.

Discover these and more by LeSportsac, Botkier, FREECITY, and Indah by shopping online through: Shopbop

The Chat: accessory deal!

The Botkier Orion Small Shoulder Bag measures 6″ x 6″ x 5″ and it retails for $275. Find it at Luna Boston. Like it, but looking for something a little less conspicuous? Check it out in the Gunmetal version!

The Chat: botkier orion!

Where’s a good ol’ messenger style when you need one? Well it looks like Botkier has stepped up to the plate this season! Introducing the Botkier Taylor Crossbody Bag! It is the perfect size for everyday use and the crossbody styling allows you to be hands-free. I really like this bag because it has a fun bohemian vibe about it. The slouchy style features pinch pleat detailing and delicately laced fringe. It would look lovely paired with some distressed leather boots, which are also hot for Fall. What I think I like most about this bag, however, is that the style isn’t so trendy that you couldn’t still use it in the years to come.

The Botkier Taylor Crossbody measures 16″ x 11″ x 3″ and it retails for $525. Check it out in Brown at Luna Boston!

The Chat: the taylor!

10. Furla NinFea Chain Bag
Elegant and chic, this bag is perfect for those occasions that call for a more sophisticated look. It’s perfect for everyday use as well and its neutral color would look lovely paired with the all tans and browns of Fall.
price: $595 / sale price: $529

9. Jalda Crocodile Bean Clutch
The croc-embossed leather and gold hardware give this clutch a vintage feel. It’s perfect for completing that special evening look!
price: $312 / sale price: $239

8. Olivia Harris Trapezoid Satchel
With its unique shape and distressed leather, the Trapezoid Satchel would look perfect paired with one of this season’s floaty boho-chic tops. You won’t be able to resist squeezing its ultra-smooshy lambskin leather!
price: $495

7. Hayden-Harnett Havana Large Hobo
A comfy hobo that is large enough to hold all of your essentials and then some, what more could a girl ask for? And with metallics making their way back into the limelight this Fall, the Moonbeam (silver) would look perfect for day or night.
price: $498 / sale price: $448

6. Botkier Logan Satchel
Fringe is a must-have for Fall 09! The Logan Satchel provides just the right amount, without looking too hippie-ish. And thanks to its detachable shoulder strap, this satchel can be easily converted to a shoulder bag.
price: $595

5. Kooba Dale Shoulder Tote
Suede is so rich and soft, perfect for the Fall season! The Dale Shoulder Tote is perfect for a casual look, with its soft pleats and belt detailing. Check out the Taupe, it can be easily be worn with black or brown.
price: $645

4. Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote
What Top Ten list would be complete without a bag from Foley + Corinna? The Mid City Tote offers both style and versatility with its 2-in-1 design. Use the handle to carry it on your forearm or the shoulder strap to carry it on your shoulder.
price: $444

3. Treesje Studded Asher Bag
Perfect pleats and square-shaped studs give this bag some serious attitude! Its medium size makes it perfect for everyday use, while its luxurious details make you feel like a million bucks!
price: $665

2. Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag
The iconic MAB is perfectly chic for work and for play! Its clean and simple lines make it a timeless piece that can be enjoyed season after season. Try it in Plum, the perfect color for Fall 09!
price: $595

1. Rebecca Minkoff Studded Nikki Hobo
Studs are super hot this Fall! So why not combine them with one of the most-loved Rebecca Minkoff styles? This classic hobo would look stunning paired with skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots (also hot for Fall).
price: $650

Find these Top Ten Handbags, and so much more, at StefaniBags!

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.

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

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

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

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