It’s that time of year when I diligently prepare “appropriate” wish lists for in-laws, family and my husband. I take into consideration whether or not it has potential for fulfillment due to perceived frivolity and expense. My in-laws are conservative in lifestyle and while they have three homes, don’t spend on high fashion purchases. My parents have been hit by the recession, so not asking for anything there and my husband thinks I already have too many purses! I tend to buy my own bags most of the time. So, what’s a fashion-minded girl to do? Since I don’t have the chance to ask for my deepest heart’s desire, I thought it would still be fun to prepare my dream wish list.

Vintage Chanel 2.55
Growing up, my mother and I were avid vintage collectors. We collected bags, jewelry and clothing from the 50’s. I learned to appreciate the value of high-quality pieces as enduring and timeless. I never ran across a vintage Chanel. Every time I get close to the new version of this dream, the price jumps up putting it more our of my reach. While I continue to lust after the new styles, I dream of finding a gently used vintage one at a fabulous price. The Holy Grail of a sort. Of course even vintage comes with a price. This vintage black 2.55 is at Shopbop for $3150 showing that had I taken the plunge years or even a decade ago, it would have been a better investment than the stock market.
Discover: Chanel at ShopBop

Nancy Gonzalez Tassled Bag
Every collection deserves an amazing exotic bag. Several years ago, I fell in love with Nancy Gonzalez handbags. It was the first time I’d seen Crocodile bags that were soft and supple rather than hard. I should have taken the plunge then when prices were half of what they are now. The lesson learned is buy what you love and buy less! This beautiful tassled bag showcases beautiful camel croco in a more ladylike style. It is an extremely lare size though, so it is sure to capture loads of attention. It measures 16″ x 9″ x 71/2″. A perfect fit for my collection! $3650.
Discover: Gonzalez Saks Boutique

Continue Reading

If you’re a Bottega Veneta fan, then you in for a big surprise once you check out one of their latest accessory pieces. It’s the Iridescent Nappa (leather) Beetle Clutch, a newbie to the upscale French couture house. The first question that came to mind was, why a beetle?! The second, where did this inspiration come from? With the little rain shower received in my neck of the woods, there has been an increase in the variety of arthropods that one sees. With that in mind, picking a favorite bug to adorn on my accessories is the least of my concern.

Taking the giant beetle out of the picture and focus on the accessory itself, I actually like how this clutch reveals three roomy flat pockets and one zip compartment. I’d say this layout keeps you slightly more organized than a single compartment would. Of course, Veneta had to apply finishing touches of its infamous interwoven leather braiding, throughout the giant bug and the edgings.

Continue Reading

Feeling a little blue? I think the emerging trend in handbags is too! I’ve begun to notice a mini-trend with some designers. Here are just a few of the great designs just out!

Bottega Veneta Woven Leather Bag in INK!
I have noticed that Bottega Veneta does a wonderful job of indicating future color trends. I was drooling over orange last winter and coveting the rich purple this season. So, it might not surprise us that by featuring this beautiful and rich inky navy blue, it could foretell what is to come! This classic bag style measures 10” x 6” x 5 ½” and is $980.00

Bottega Veneta at Saks Fifth Avenue!

Continue Reading

Luxury fashion leader Bottega Veneta has got something more than a luscious oversized hobo this season. It’s called the Braided Leather Hobo, and its appearance is quite unusual compared to their other classic releases. The Italian house presents this grained leather bag that lacks the infamous braiding throughout, but instead, the detailing is found at its edges. Opened at the top for quick access to your essentials and containing a single leather shoulder strap for comfort carrying, Veneta really lives up to its name with there everyday hobos.

Continue Reading

Lilac, plum, eggplant, mauve, orchid. Purple! I am seeing purple everywhere! When paired with monochromatic outfits, a bold splash of purple can really be worn with most colors. Black, Beige, White, Brown, Navy, Yellow, Red. Go simple or go bold! Everyone needs a great splash of color to go to every now and then. Why not make it purple?

Beginning with this spring’s Bottega Veneta collection featuring it’s delicious shade of orchid, purple has become a strong color with many major designers. The Bottega Veneta mini-woven shoulder bag is just one of the iconic brand’s styles you can find in orchid for $750. The Woven Leather Tote for $1980 an incredible daytime look that will definitely have you feeling like summer.

Anya Hindmarch’s handbags offer tailored sophistication with a bit of cuteness in her simple bow logos. Her purple offering at just $295 is an inexpensive option to get that luscious “pop” of violet to go with any outfit!

The Christian Louboutin Tinzita Shoulder Bag is a striking origami-influenced patent calf leather bag with tassle trim and the signature red lining. If you haven’t looked at these bags before, check them out on your next visit to their boutique or Saks. You will be impressed by the quality and detail. I especially love the little double-stiletto clasps! At $995, this bag will be an instant classic to punch up your evening looks.

Continue Reading

When I think of handbags that are composed of natural materials, I normally think of those chunky straw beach totes. You remember those, right? I think they were pretty popular a few years ago. Well guess what ladies! Natural materials are making a comeback for Spring/Summer 2010! But these new accessories are far from the stereotypical straw tote. In fact, they are like nothing you have ever seen before! Think organic accents, unexpected materials, and reinvented straw. Be prepared to throw all of your old ideas about natural materials out the window because these handbags are anything but ordinary. Below you will find some of my favorite pieces from this new organic elements trend. And the best part? These definitely aren’t beach bags!

Mar Y Sol Opal Metallic Clutch
This cute little straw clutch features a metallic pinstripe accent. I think it would be the perfect accessory for those summer evening outings.
Find it at ShopBop.com!
Continue Reading

Happy St Patrick’s Day

I admit, I do not have a green bag for St. Patricks Day. *gasps* Although if I planned ahead a little bit better, I would probably be rocking one of the beauties below. St. Pattys Day kinda just crept up on me this year.

So here, pictured below are my favorite green bags of the season.

Continue Reading