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.

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

Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel
Ever since the Botkier sample sale on Gilt.com a couple months back or so, I’ve took more notice to Botkier handbags. Before the sample sale I had heard of Botkier handbags but never took the time to really check the handbags out. While browsing Nordstrom, I saw this beautiful handbag in one of their ads. You know the ads where it’s just the models’ legs and feet to put emphasis on the handbag she is carrying and the footwear she is wearing. In this particular ad, a pleated style looking satchel was featured and I absolutely adored it. While searching the Nordstrom website for this handbag, it was to my surprise that this stunning handbag was by Botkier and it was called the Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel. The Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel is a beautiful roomy satchel with protective metal feet and even a front flap pocket. The handbag also features a six inch shoulder strap drop so if you don’t love the satchel like style, you most likely will be able to put the bag on your shoulder too! Also, if you love your handbag to be organized inside, the Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel features an interior zip, cell phone and PDA pockets, and a key clip.

The Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel is actually priced at $625, which isn’t that bad these days for a beautiful handbag. Overall, I give this handbag a very high score and if you love satchel’s as much as I do, I’m sure you will love this handbag too!

See the Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel at Nordstrom

Chat Now: Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel

November 2, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

Botkier Metallic Large Jackie Hobo
Well, well, what do we have here? Why it is yet another metallic handbag just in time for fall! Of course, metallics look great all year round. But I think it is the fall and winter months when metallics really shine. Plus they look simply stunning when paired with a little black dress. And since holiday parties are just around the corner, I’m sure all those metallic bags hiding inside everyone’s closets are going to be venturing out into this world in full force very soon. So what does everyone think of the Botkier Metallic Large Jackie Hobo? Personally, I find this bag to be very appealing. Snake-embossed leather has been teamed-up with a gorgeous pewter color. The combination brings me feelings of delight, although I can’t really explain why. I also like the clever zippered gusset on the side. Troublesome sweater you don’t want to wear or carry anymore? A quick zip of the gusset will give you the extra room you need to store your sweater inside your bag. I can definitely see where this would come in handy as the holiday season rolls around.

The Botkier Metallic Large Jackie Hobo is available in Pewter Snake. It measures 16″ x 14″ x 4″ and has a 5″ strap drop. The interior provides some functionality (typical of most Botkier styles), featuring multiple pockets, a key hook, and a pen slot. It retails for $675. Check it out at shopbop, where it is also available in Yellow and Black.

Chat Now: Botkier Metallic Large Jackie Hobo

October 14, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs

Botkier Large Kika Satchel Handbag
Photographer turned handbag designer, Monica Botkier, has created some very feminine bags this season. One of these bags, shown above, is called the Large Kika Satchel. It has a curvy silhouette, detachable locket charm, and a large bow adorning the end of one handle. Strangely enough, when I initially saw this bag, I had no idea it was a Botkier design. In fact, at first glance, this bag looks like a Juicy Couture handbag (especially now that they have been producing some much milder designs lately). I think it’s that bow. It just makes it look more “Couture Princess” than “Botkier Functional and Stylish”. Don’t you all agree? All in all, I don’t think this handbag is all that bad. The Black is definitely more appealing to me than the Pink/Grey version. I’m also a sucker for pleats, so I am partial to that portion of this bag’s style. The little locket charm is cute too and, at the moment, I am up in the air about my feelings for the bow.

The Botkier Large Kika Satchel is available in Black and Pink/Grey. It measures 12″ x 11″ x 3.5″ and the double handles have a 6″ drop. It may resemble a Juicy Couture handbag, but it definitely has a Botkier price tag — this baby retails for $645.

Find it over at Revolve Clothing.

Chat Now: Botkier Large Kika Satchel Handbag