Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring ol’ monochrome bag. Don’t get me wrong, I love my shades of grey and black, but every now and then I feel like my outfit needs a burst of color. I live in Seattle and everyone wears black, grey and brown during this time of the season, and what better accessory than a color popping handbag.
Here are my picks this week:
WGACA Vintage Chanel Bag. $2700
A vintage Chanel is just as fabulous as a bag fresh outta the boutique. Sometimes I prefer it when it’s a unique style that not many people own. This bag is a rarity – only 1 available!
There is no doubt that Proenza Schouler is currently enjoying a cult-like status in the handbag world. Who doesn’t want to get their hands on the highly coveted PS1 Leather Satchel? It truly is an iconic piece! But there is more to this designer than simply this one style. Proenza Schouler has a wide variety of handbags to choose from. If you’re not one who likes to follow the trends, then perhaps going with an alternative style from this designer would make a fun way to put a little spin on your personal style. One handbag that caught my eye is the Proenza Schouler quilted mini PS1!
I absolutely love the look of the Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchel! The classic messenger bag shape and luxurious leather make it an iconic piece that just about any bagista would treasure for years. There are also other PS1 styles floating around out there such as a tote and a crossbody pouch. They all have the same “look” as the PS1 Satchel. It is this look that I have come to associate with this designer’s handbags. So when I stumbled upon the Proenza Schouler PS11 you see here, I did not immediately recognize it as being from this designer.
I know what you’re thinking. Why would I pick such an “ordinary” handbag as my favorite of 2011? Let’s face it, I absolutely love bright colors and unusual designs when it comes to handbags. Or at the very least, some funky hardware (Hello, Alexander Wang!). I write about them all the time. Sure they are fun, but truly loving a handbag long-term requires a little bit more than just bells and whistles. It has to be timeless and practical enough to wear with just about anything. This is why I chose the Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Satchel as my top pick for 2011!
Don’t miss out on the sale that everyone is talking about! Over at Net-a-Porter they added a few more items to the sale section. And some of the items are marked 70% off retail. Yea, so it’s a pretty big deal. Here are a few of my favorite picks from the sale:
New bags in stock over at our favorite designer boutique, net-a-porter!
Three times a week, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Net-a-Porter gets a fresh batch of designer bags, clothing, shoes and accessories -it’s three days a week that you want to get there as soon as you can to check out the selection, because on some occasions the items do sell out really fast.
Just in today, Monday the 17th:
Proenza Schouler PS1 Suede Satchel – $1,595
In dusty rose suede! A fresh feminine makeover for spring. I absolutely love the style and color. Simply gorgeous. Find her in the Proenza Schouler Boutique!
Diane von Furstenberg Philomena Clutch – $425
The philomena is phenomenal! Dressed in snake-print leather with irregular gold studs.
Shop the DVF Boutique
Let’s face it, most of us shop based on want rather than need. Frankly, I deplore shopping for something that I NEED. It usually involves a hyper search through websites and local stores looking for something that I love an want to fill a basic need.
So, how do you assess what you really need? It’s really a process of evaluation and elimination. What do you have? What do you use? What needs repair? What need to go? Answering these essential questions, will help you figure out what you need and keep you focused on a goal rather than being distracted by all the beautiful an fun bags out there.
I’ll use myself as an example. My larger bags include a few that are beginning to see some wear and tear so it’s time to make decisions on what I repair or remove from my options. Every wardrobe needs a black, metallic, tan/brown and a pop of color at minimum in my opinion. I have these, but the tan/brown options are truly in need of repair or removal. With spring coming up soon, I feel I need to focus on this area as I will be using it the most. So, in a few simple observations, I’ve drilled down to my need: a brown toned medium to larger size bag with handles.
After that, it still isn’t easy to decide. Do I want dark brown to light tan? Do I want gold or silver-tone hardware (if any)? Cross-body, shoulder, top-handle? There are still dozens of choices to make. The brown bag I’ve carried the most is a Katherine Kwei double-top-handled Edna bag that I’ve practically destroyed, yet still gets compliments.
I’ve narrowed it down to these few options. The final stage of this courtship will be in-store actually putting it on, feeling the comfort an weight of the bag. Tell me what you think?
The Proenza Schuler PS11 is one of the hottest handbags right now. (bagbliss post: the new it bag?) In fact, getting my hands on one would be very difficult, but I’m drawn to it anyway! I love the richness of the brown leather and the structured design and beautiful hardware make it very attractive. The shoulder strap would be comfortable for both shoulder or even cross body carrying. It’s 11″ x 7″ x 4″ so it would carry everything I need, but it is a bit smaller than my typical day bags. Perhaps it is time to downsize? $1850
Proenza Schouler Boutique at Net-a-Porter
The Fendi Calfskin Silvana Tote is a lovely lay-bag that has such fine craftsmanship. It’s another flap bag an I haven’t owned one in a long time! I love the top handles and the long handle option. The leather is so rich looking and it has an interesting pebble grain on the sides of the bag to contrast with the smooth grain. Minimal hardware provides just the right accent. Not too dressy an not too casual. It’s $2090
Find here at LUISAVIAROMA
Proenza Schouler PS1 Satchels are the go-to bag by fashionista’s everywhere. Historically hard to find and sold out frequently, you would be hard pressed to find a more desirable satchel…until the PS11 came to town.
The PS11 is a sleeker, more polished cousin to the PS1 and features cross-body styling; arguably, this season’s hottest new bag style. It’s easy to imagine the PS11 carried by editors, fashionista’s, bloggers and the stylish girl bopping into Starbucks for her morning caffeine fix. It’s on the go chic at it’s best.
While thinking about the idea of a gift guide for the working woman, I immediately thought of Zappo. Zappos has a huge selection of brand names with more high end designers added all of the time. Items are received so quickly, you will swear you just completed the order online! Shipping is free both ways and returns can be made within 365 days of purchase. So, easy and convenient for the working woman if the gift isn’t quite what she was needing!
Zappos has so many items to choose from, but I immediately went to the satchels. A working woman needs to put her life into her bag to meets the needs from 7am to 7pm. Let’s face it, does 9 to 5 really exist anymore? It should be roomy but have lots of compartments for organization. If she can slip in her laptop or ipad, it’s a huge bonus. File folders – perhaps. The bag should be ready for the job she wants and fulfill the needs of the one she has. And stylish? A must!
The Botkier Haven Satchel is a slim option that will hold your business items nicely. At 13 1/2″ x 11 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ there’s room for your laptop, cosmetic case, wallet and other essentials. Made of Italian leather for a luxe feel. It has a 16″ drop shoulder strap and a handle. This bag will take you places for $549!
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
