Gallery
Up and Coming Designer: Kara Ross
by BrS on April 10, 2009 11 comments
Founded in 2003, Kara Ross New York, LLC is a rapidly growing luxury good company. The designer is known for her eclectic designs and use of alternative materials. Interestingly, however, Kara Ross is also a certified GIA gemologist. This probably explains her apparent love of incorporating beautiful stones into her pieces.

Best known in the handbag world for her gorgeous clutches, Kara Ross is also known for her unique jewelry designs. And just last year, her designs won the FGI Rising Star Accessories Award. What an impressive accomplishment! Especially since her company is in its earlier stages and still has much more growing to do!
Although it was difficult to choose just one bag by this designer to write about, I chose to feature the Gemma Clutch because it appears to be one of her most popular designs. This delicious little clutch is available in a wide variety of colors and fabrications. What I love most about the Gemma Clutch is the genuine stone embellishment on the front of the bag. I also love its simple, envelope styling and hidden magnetic closure. This clutch is so gorgeous, I’m not sure if I’d be able to save it for special occasions only. I would be tempted to take it out with me all the time!

Shop Kara Ross at *NET-A-PORTER.COM*. There you will find the Gemma Clutch available in Turquoise or Biscuit.

The Chat: Kara Ross
New Trend Alert: Fringe Handbags
by BrS on March 31, 2009 12 comments

A little birdie told me that fringe details will be hot for Spring 09. My first reaction? Oh no, not again! I’ll admit it, I have never been much of a fan of fringe. And yet, these past few seasons kept having a few fringed styles showing up here and there. But this year, the fringe somehow seems different. Instead of screaming “hippie”, these new bags have more of a western feel to them. So I thought, maybe — just maybe — I should give fringe a second look. The key to making this look work, in my opinion, is to limit the rows of fringe to just one or two.
Above I have pictured two fun, fringe-filled styles. The first is the J.J. Winters Suede Fringe Bag. I think Vanessa Hudgens wore it well with her floaty top, skinny jeans, and boots. The bag measures 16.5″ x 11″ and it retails for $420. Find it in Grey at Pink Mascara.
The second bag is the Linea Pelle Janis Fringe Clutch. This simple clutch features a single row of fringe around its outer edge. I’m not sure why, but fringe seems so much more fun when it comes in such a small package! The clutch measures 10.5″ x 6″ and it retails for $235. Find it at Linea Pelle, where it is available in a variety of colors.
And for those of you that think maybe you’d like to give the fringe trend a try, but you’re afraid of making a major investment…

Check out this bag from Urban Outfitters (pictured above). This beauty is only $60! Find it at UrbanOutfitters
The Chat: Fringe Handbags
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
by BrS on January 21, 2009 20 commentsListen up guys! Does your sweetie love handbags and accessories? If you answered yes, and perhaps even rolled your eyes a bit, then keep reading! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Don’t worry though, you still have plenty of time to pick out that perfect gift. I’m just here to tell you about all the wonderful Valentine’s Day themed accessories that are available right now. Everything from bag charms to coin purses, there is something for everyone and every budget. What better way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day? Okay… okay, there might be better ways. But an adorable accessory would definitely be icing on the cake! So get out there and surprise the heck out of your girlfriend/wife! Below you will find some of my top picks. Now if only my husband was listening…
From Coach:

1. Ombre Heart Charm – $30
2. Pave Signature Heart Locket Key Chain – $58
3. Breast Cancer “Love” Scarf – $78
Shop Coach at Macy’s
From Juicy Couture:

1. Valentine’s Day Envelope Charm – $58
2. Chocolate Heart Box Charm – $62
Shop Juicy Couture at Nordstrom
From Louis Vuitton:

1. Passion Square Scarf – $305
2. Coeurs Bag Charm – $355
3. Heart Coin Purse – $450
Shop Louis Vuitton at Louis Vuitton & eLUXURY
The Chat: V.day Gift Ideas
ps. Don’t forget to change your TBF theme to “Be My Valentine”
The New It Color: Cobalt Blue
by BrS on January 12, 2009 23 commentsSpring 2009 is just around the corner! It won’t be long now before all the new handbags for Spring will be hitting the store shelves. It seems that a lot of trends from Fall 2008 will be carrying over into the new year. As I have been browsing around, however, it appears that a new color may be rising to the top of everyone’s want lists very soon. I just have two words for all you bagistas out there: Cobalt Blue. It has been sprouting up within the collections of several designers lately. And the girls over at TBF? Well, quite frankly, some of them are just plain batty for this color. Could Cobalt Blue be our next Dark Purple? Only time will tell! If you ask me though, this color definitely has the potential to become something BIG. And why not? It is absolutely gorgeous! Here are a few bags I found that are currently available in this vibrant shade of blue:

Rebecca Minkoff Nikki – $600
It’s big, soft, and ultra slouchy! The Nikki has been a long time favorite of bagistas everywhere!
Available exclusively at Luna Boston

Marc Jacobs Jen Bag – $775
Classic shape meets eye popping color! Who says a chic bag isn’t meant to turn heads?
Check it out at *NET-A-PORTER.COM*

Nancy Gonzalez Flap Shoulder Bag – $2,950
Ready for a (mega) splurge? Nancy Gonzalez has just the bag for you!
Find it at Saks.com.
The Chat: Cobalt Blue, the It color
Great Deals: The Piperlime Lime Tag Sale
by BrS on January 5, 2009 11 commentsWinter is probably my least favorite season. The cold, the snow, the fighting with my husband to turn the dang heat up. Nope, there isn’t much I like about this time of year — except all of the wonderful sales! Everywhere you go, it’s an endless buffet of sales. Even Piperlime is having it’s famous Lime Tag Sale going on right now. And the best part is, there is no need to brave the elements to shop this sale! Great deals are just a mouse click away! Here is a taste of what the Piperlime Lime Tag Sale has to offer:

Olivia Harris Turnlock Flap Hobo – Only $209.99 (Orig. $425)
Post in a previous blog entry of mine, this bag is both versatile and fun. Plus the teal blue color is gorgeous!

Hayden Harnett Lorca Turnlock – Only $269.99 (Orig. $335)
This small and spunky bag is one of my personal favorites. Perfect for gals like me who don’t need to carry around a lot of stuff all the time.

Kooba Ashley – Only $429.99 (Orig. $625)
Posted in another previous blog entry of mine, this bag looks so chic with its soft pleats.

Gustto Estiva Leather Beach Bag – Only $229.99 (Orig. $465)
This large tote would be great for shopping trips at the mall as well. Plus there are three great colors to choose from!
Find these great deals, and many more, at Piperlime
The Chat: Piperlime Lime Tag Sale
Great Gift Ideas From Louis Vuitton
by BrS on December 4, 2008 7 commentsDecember 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs
Great Gift Ideas From Louis Vuitton
Now that the holiday shopping season has been declared offcially “OPEN”, it is only a matter of time before I begin creating my own little wish list. Thoughts of what Santa might bring me invoke these wonderful feelings of joy and excitement. Of course I know I probably won’t be getting what I would REALLY like for Christmas this year, but a girl can dream can’t she? One of my favorite fantasies is a wonderful gift from Louis Vuitton. What girl wouldn’t want something Louis Vuitton sitting under the tree with her name on it? So I thought it would be fun to list some great gift ideas from the beloved French fashion powerhouse. You know, just in case Santa thinks I have been an extra good girl this year. Plus it might give all of you out there some ideas for yourself. Perhaps your husband/boyfriend/significant other could “accidentally” stumble upon this post. Or maybe even Santa himself! You never know!
Here are some of my favorites:

Monogram Speedy 30 – $700
Very spacious and such a classic style!

Epi Leather Passy GM – $1,710
Such a sleek and sophisticated style!

Damier Canvas Neverfull MM – $700
And I here I was thinking the Monogram version was nice! The Damier is gorgeous!

Monogram Vernis Zippy Organizer – $880
Great for keeping everything secure in one spot! Plus the colors available are awesome!

Papillon Bandeau – $145
The butterflies may not be for everyone, but this is such a fun accent piece!
And for him…

Damier Graphite Jorn – $1,480
The new Graphite collection is so pretty, yet masculine!
Find all of these great gift ideas from Louis Vuitton (plus many, many more) at eLUXURY.
Chat Now: Great Gift Ideas From Louis Vuitton
Designer Interview: CHia New York by June Chang
by Deysa on December 1, 2008 13 commentsDecember 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa
Designer Interview: CHia New York by June Chang
Are you gal’s fans of hardware, braidings, and various types of European leathers on handbags? I definitely am, and if you are too, listen up as I’ve got a couple of stuff to share. For the past couple of days, I’ve been pretty psyched out at the fact that I was given the privilege of conducting an interview with June Chang, designer and founder of CHîa New York. Pretty cool, huh? Miss. June Chang is a Taiwanese native who gained her inspiration off her families fine jewelry business. Collaborating bold hues with fine materials was taught to her, and in her works these artistic designs are still present. If you prefer deerskin, cowhide, buffalo or the delicate and smooth texture of lambskin, among her collection, you can find a variety of leathers to fit your taste. So you’re either a big bag type of girl, or you prefer the appeal of a feminine clutch, June Chang fulfills the wants of her customers by presenting various designs by CHîa for the consumer needs.
***June Chang Interview***
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Share with us some exciting details of what to expect from CHîa New York for the upcoming season?
June Chang: For CHîa New York’s Fall09 collection, it’s a balance between sparkle and particle. You can expect more tailored, medium size and light-weight handbags For me, light-weight is the key.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: All of your bags are unique in their own way, but which design from your personal collection is your favorite?
June Chang: There are a couple of details that I’m obsessed with on each style of handbag I design. I tried to reach a balance and not overly design my collection. So, each style is unique yet simple. Blair is my favorite for Spring09.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: I read that your grandmother was a great inspiration to you, tell us about her style.
June Chang: My grandmother always taught me to observe things from different angles and to reach a balance in my life. Her style is modern, simple but extravagant. She loved to keep her outfits simple to showcase her own-designed jewelry.
She always mixed eastern and western elements into her daily life. She would mix a tailored & modified laced Chinese Qi-Pao (very much like a shift dress * down to the ankles) with a shawl and a pair of peep-toe heels. A simple but vivid color stone ring would be worn on her index finger to
contrast her laced shift dress.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: What are three of your favorite trends at the moment?
June Chang:
A) Convertible – Satchel/ messenger bag / Shoulder bag * all in one
B) Contemporary Clutches – less formal but with attitude
C) Turned locks or buckle as closure details
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Name some designers that you admire.
June Chang: Comme des Garçons by Rei Kawakubo, Valextra, Judith Leiber, and Lyell by
Emma Fletcher.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: Which handbag are you carrying at the moment, and who is it by?
June Chang: CHîa New York * believe it or not; ever since my first bag was born, I’m always carrying my own handbags.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: List some stuff that we can find inside June Chang’s handbag, right now.
June Chang: Agenda, cell phone, lip gloss, sun glasses, hand sanitizer, small sketch pad, pens and my leather swatch book.
Deysa @ Bag Bliss: If you weren’t in the fashion industry, what would you be doing instead?
June Chang: Hmmm. very interesting. I switched from financial banking to fashion. I don’t know if I still would pick that route again at this timing. I would
definitely like to be a teacher in the future.
CHîa New York by June Chang:

The Moca- Who said petite handbags had to have petite straps? The fact that this satchel is essential for times of small needs and that its straps aren’t thin and fragile, is a plus in my book. Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather.

The Ima- We are kicking the size up a notch with this beauty. It’s striking, elegant, and one of my favorite CHîa pieces. Foiled metallic Italian lambskin gives this shoulder bag a luscious appeal, making this a great evening piece, as well as a day clutch. I love the extra elegance of the metal chains and a detachable shoulder strap can be found on this piece as well. …and of course, how cute is that bow?

The Asianna- Made of Italian Buffalo/Italian Cowhide leather, the Asianna is my favorite big bag by CHîa. Its details are beyond amazing. First of all, that rich and glossy hue is striking. I’m a fan of braided handles and the thick braids found on this piece are just perfect. A front pocket with the turn lock hardware and the shape of the satchel itself is excellent! If you love the Asianna, you can find it in grey and black as well.

The Nora- For the tote lovers, CHîa presents the Nora. Made of Italian embossed deerskin leather and measuring 14” x 16” x 3”, it’s big but not bulky. Double detachable shoulder straps can be found on this bag and it retails for $488.
You can purchase CHîa goods via the internet at: Chiainc.net
Chat Now: June Chang Interview: CHîa New York
Introducing the Coach Resort 2009 Handbag Collection
by BrS on November 25, 2008 10 commentsNovember 25, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs
Introducing the Coach Resort 2009 Handbag Collection
Way back when my love for handbags was in its infancy, I absolutely adored Coach Bags. But as time passed, their novelty began to wear off. I mean, what fun was there in owning a Coach bag if everyone and their sister had one as well? Plus my tastes had begun to grow more and more extravagant. They had simply lost their appeal. But lately, I have found myself taking a second look at Coach. And for good reason! Not only are their new styles fresh and exciting, they are absolutely gorgeous as well. These bags are probably some of the most beautiful bags I have seen from Coach in a very long time. If you don’t believe me, then head on over to Coach’s official website and check them out for yourself. I guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised.
But with so many great new bags from Coach to choose from, you are probably wondering if they could ever possibly top themselves. Well, guess what! I think they just may have! Introducing the new Coach Resort 2009 Collection, which is due out next month. Soft leathers, pretty shades of pink, and illuminating metallics, this collection has it all. Beware of sensory overload, these bags will definitely delight and dazzle. But what I find most appealing about the collection is all the new shapes that is has introduced. Their silhouettes are so simple, rounded, and unstructured. They just look so soft. Suppressing the urge to squeeze them may prove difficult. These are definitely not your typical Coach bags. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come:

Resort Leather Shoulder Tote in punch (left) – $598
Resort Shoulder Bag in blush (middle) – $448
Graphic Op Art Shoulder Tote in multi (right) – $798

Resort Python Shoulder Tote in silver – $2200

Parker Karung Shoulder Flap (left) – Available in March
Resort Python Clutch in silver (right) – $1100
Also check out Coach’s new online charity called Coach Cares!
A group of ten celebrities (including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Ryan Reynolds, Mandy Moore, and Eva Longoria) have chosen their favorite Coach styles. During this coming holiday season, the proceeds from of each of these bags sold online will be donated to the celebrity’s charity of choice. What a fun way to brighten up the holidays! For more details click here
Check out everything Coach at: Coach Official Site
Chat Now: Introducing the Coach Resort 2009 Handbag Collection

























