The mighty clutch holds the power to embrace any textures and colors it’s creator desires, with the capability to look attractive and most importantly, to be wearable. Derek Lam definitely knows this as he has displayed his creativity towards one of his latest, the Beatrice Clutch.
What’s not to love about this textured, multi-hued accessory? A gorgeous shade of mustard suede that makes up the fold over flap and top handles surprisingly contrasts finely with the washed-out panels of what is either a croc pattern or a poorly constructed wall of blocks. The Twisted arched metal detailing up front gives this clutch a powerful touch of sophistication and makes the product look twice as expensive.
Whether it’s a reaction to the economy, a growing plague of back & neck pain or simply a natural response to extremely oversized handbags, every major designer is showing a mini bag this season. Sure, they have had little bags for evening, the cross-body last season, but the mini bag for day is the next great thing. Or to use an over-tired analogy, the mini-bag is the new “black”.
There are so many great offerings out there it’s hard to choose for an review. You can obviously find sparkly and satin ones for evening, but leather, nylon and pony hair are readily available in a host of colors choices. Strap lengths can be long enough for cross-body, shoulder length or short. The beauty of a short strap mini-bag is that it is small & lightweight enough to easily carry securely on your forearm still rendering you hands-free when necessary. The user must be more particular about what they stash in their mini. Small wallets or card holders, a lipstick and your phone is about all you will carrying.
Blending classic lady-like chic with a touch or rocker studs, the Valentino Rockstud Small Leather Mini Bag is featured in a beautifully sophisticated sand color perfect for resort through summer. The silver accents up the ante by appealing to those of us ladies who have a little bit of edge. This 8″ x 4 1/2″ x 2″ bag is loaded with pockets to increase its functionality. There is an outside open pocket, an inside zip pocket and four inside open pockets all secured by a flap with a silver tone turn-lock closure. All of these details come with a price of $1395, but I think you will find that it will be in your wardrobe for many years to come. Also available in black.
Derek Lam is an American designer with fashion forward designs that are luxurious and wearable. His styles are sophisticated and modern with many featuring unique styling. His twelve years designing for Michael Kors have established his American design sense that brings new and interesting ideas to the fashion industry. While his designs have edge, they are not over the top.
The Isla Fringed Bag by Derek Lam is so unique and special, it will be a conversation starter wherever you go! It represents his design aesthetic of modern shapes, but the richness of the leather and the edgy boho vibe make perfect for a casual style that’s definitely “out-of-the-box”.
The Derek Lam Nadia Leather Hobo is getting a lot of attention by many style savvy professionals. Rachel Zoe has lauded this bag on her blog and other fabulous bloggers are writing about this sharp and edgy bag. A fact that caught my attention after I started to research it! So, this review is definitely due for our readers! Others are lauding the beautiful, unique, soft and subtle hues of the tie-dye version for $3,950 at Derek Lam or the basic but sleek black version of this bag. However, the dark brown cognac color is the one that really spoke to me as a bag you could carry every day!
At first glance, I’m a tad bit reminded of the bag Anne Hathaway carried in Devil Wear’s Prada, but in reality it is a balanced bag with asymmetrical details. The off-kilter front pocket adds a wonderful graphic architectural element to this sophisticated vertical hobo styling. I adore the movement and softness of the tassle which is absolutely the perfectly length to balance the bag. Some tassles are overpowering and oversized for their bag but this one is just right in my humble opinion!
Continue Reading
November 4, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: bRs
Derek Lam Large Bowler Bag
Once a designer under Michael Kors, Derek Lam launched his own line just 5 years ago. His clothes are so gorgeous and feminine and his shoes are super cute. But it is his handbags that grab my attention the most. I like how simple and clean most of his styles are. And how they can still somehow make bold statements. Pictured above, I have what Shop Bop titles the Derek Lam Large Bowler. This bag, however, is actually called the Mara Large Tote and it is part of the Fall 2008 collection. I love the trapezoid shape and the signature tab closure on the front pocket. You can’t see this in the picture, but this bag also has a push lock closure that secures the main compartment zipper. If you ask me, it is always nice to have that secure feeling, especially when you’re traveling. The only thing that bothers me about this bag is that odd looking tab located between the handle bases. Nobody seems to know what it is for sure, but it looks like an ID window to me. Any ideas? But in every other respect, this bag looks like it would make a great everyday bag.
The Derek Lam Large Bowler (Mara Large Tote) measures 15″ x 13″ x 6.5″ and has an 8″ strap drop. It is available in Black (shown) or Cognac. It retails for $1,895.
Find it at ShopBop in the Designer Boutique section.
Chat Now: Derek Lam Large Bowler Bag
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
