
Just heard about this great summer sales that’s happening now over at Bluefly. Take an extra 20% off all regular priced items or 40% off items that are already reduced with the code FAMILY
Happy Shopping ~ here are some of my favs from the sale
BCBGMAXAZRIA Sequined Clutch
Available in black, sandalwood rose gold (pictured above), silver and gold.
The Deal: $77 (original $128)
Botkier Stella Convertible Crossbody
Available in black, white and coral (pictured above)
The Deal: $218 (original $358)

Hearts, grapefruits, cotton candy, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), and cute little bunny noses. These are the things that come to mind when I think of the color pink. It is probably one of the cheeriest colors I can think of. Right now, it would seem that a lot of handbag designers agree with this sentiment. Wait, I thought the hot color for Spring 2012 was yellow? Don’t worry, it still is! But pink is going to be a hot color this season too! Pink is already popping up everywhere. Sure, pink isn’t a novelty when it comes to handbags like yellow is. The color is still pretty though. I, for one, am happy to see its return as a color trend. You really can’t go wrong with this color. Give it a try, you’ll find carrying around a pop of pink has a strange way of lifting your spirit even on the gloomiest of days. Here are a few suggestions to get you to think pink!
Tod’s 24H Shopping Grande Tote in Dark Rose
Bigger isn’t always better. But in this case, it definitely is! This large shopper is perfect for carrying all your essentials.
$1,625
Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique Tote in Acid Pink
The Atlantique Tote is quickly becoming a timeless classic. You can never go wrong pairing a bright color with a structured shape.
$1190

It’s no secret I have a special affinity for Tod’s Bags. My first high-end designer bag was Tod’s and I still have it! It’s quite worn though and I’ve been looking for a replacement. 2012 will be the year I do just that.

Who is my Bag Designer of the Year? I have so many favorite individual bags but do any of those translate to the comprehensive title? One great bag doesn’t make the cut there has to be multiple bags in a collection. There are designers who have multiple style that I love but aren’t necessarily new designs. I think the designer of the year has to be a trendsetter and have a collection of bags that I covet. It could also be a newer face on the bag scene that is making a splash. So, who makes me want to max out my credit cards??
My frontrunners for Bag Designer of the Year:
Tods. My first designer bag was a Tods and they have really upped their designs this year with fresh styles and shapes, new leathers and a modern edge to classic shapes that will be a staple of a wardrobe for years to come. The Shopper Tote, the Ivy, D-Bauletto, Ava so many amazing bags. Beautiful everyday handbag styles but what about a clutch? for $1300.00
♥ Tod’s AGJ Media Bag available at Saks Fifth Avenue!
Yves Saint Laurent: Always beautiful, quality handbags and I’ve been infatuated with the Roady hobo bag for more than a year now. The Muse is a must have for any fashionista…but what’s new? This Muse Two combines the colorblock trend with a satchel in fun red, linen and navy shades. $1895.
♥ Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two at NET-A-PORTER!
Celine: The Trapeze and Luggage Totes are arguably the most coveted bags of the year. Worn by major models and celebrities, these bags are striking in their chic design and new shapes. But, Celine is very limited in availability. New styles are pretty much limited to in-store shopping at some of the most upscale boutiques and department stores in extremely limited quantities. Availability is definitely an issue. The black calfskin portfolio can be found on Bluefly on sale for $2430.
♥ Celine calfskin portfolio at Bluefly!
Reed Krakoff: One of the newest designers to make a huge splash on the bag scene. Reed Krakoff is the designer behind the most successful brand purchased by everyone from college girls to celebrities. The new line launched with huge success. I also love many of the designs and the bags are great quality too. The Boxer Tote is a beautiful new style and I still covet the mini-crossbody in black. Check out this beautiful red Boxer on mytheresa for $990.00
♥ Reed Krakoff BOXER at My Theresa
Alexander McQueen: You know I adore the clutches. The skull box clutch and De Manta clutches are my absolute favorites, but I’ve yet to see a satchel, hobo or shoulder bag that elevates the entire line above others.
The ocelot printed De Manta is striking and reasonably priced on sale for $367.99
♥ Alexander McQueen De Manta at Zappos!
Fendi: I remember Fendi as a huge line from the late 80s and hadn’t seen much innovation over the years. But this year was special. The Silvana and Chameleon were major successes and the new striped bags are fun and fashion forward. $2300 at Saks in multicolor tote in cobalt blue.
♥ Fendi Silvana at Saks
And the Winner is..

I don’t deny that I love classic handbags. I love the sleek lines, tailoring and the never-go-out-of-style security that when I buy a quality bag, I’m going to carry it for years. So, it was incredibly difficult to narrow down my choices for classic bags for giving. These are some of my favorites and they show that classic isn’t boring!
Gucci Diana Bag
A beautiful classic bag featuring Gucci’s timeless bamboo handles features this striking cobalt blue. I’m completely obsessed with this color and don’t think I will stop for a long time to come. Another season-less color that goes with more than you think! For the special girl who loves classic style but with a fashion forward sensibility, this is the perfect bag! $2,150 at Saks Fifth Avenue

During those warm summer months, nothing beats a brightly colored straw tote! It is the ultimate summer-only accessory! The only problem is that they aren’t appropriate for all occasions. Sometimes you need a chic style, even a professional-looking one. After all, many of us bagistas have that annoying thing called work that we have to go to and it doesn’t care if it happens to be a gorgeous summer day outside or not. But not to worry, you can still have a summer-only handbag and feel very work-appropriate at the same time! How? Try a classic, structured style in a neutral summer fabric! My favorites are linen and burlap. These fabrics are light and luxurious, yet so unexpected. Pictured below are a few of my favorite styles, check them out!
Rebecca Minkoff Linen Morning After Mini Bombe Bag – $374
A favorite among Minkettes, the Morning After Mini Bombe is a great classic style. I love the oatmeal linen canvas paired with the contrasting black patent leather trim. Sleek and simple, this style is perfect for carrying your everyday essentials!

The first grown-up designer handbag I purchased was a Tod’s bag. I had owned trendy bags, vintage bags, baby bags and many other types of bags. It was time that I bought something of substantial quality and timelessness. Tod’s was my choice. It’s funny how it instantly transformed a simple outfit of denim and a tee. I walked a little more confidently, I took a little bit better care of how I dressed. When I walked into an upscale department store, staff was considerate and attentive. That bag affirmed my belief that every woman deserves at least one great bag.
I think this Tod’s Shade Tote is another example of an amazing bag that will wear beautifully over time. It has a classic feel but is stylish at the same time. This bag is structured in a unique shape that is somewhere in between boxy and round. It’s a modern take on the tote, that will be timeless. Beautiful with denim and casual wear as well as perfect for office attire. It’s completely on trend in a beautiful shade of nude.
The rounded, double-top handles are comfortable to carry with a 5.5″ drop. Tonal stitching accents the base of the handles in a subtle way. An incredibly roomy bag measuring 20″ x 14″ x 9″ will give you plenty of room for shopping or even as a sophisticated baby bag option. The interior features fabric lining, a zippered pocket and hidden magnetic closure. Silver-toned protective feet on the bottom keep your bag clean.

Ellen Pompeo was spotted sharing a laugh with her hairdresser, Harry Josh, outside the Katsuya restaurant located in West Hollywood. The pair had enjoyed a sushi dinner together on Saturday night. For the occasion, Ellen’s attire was casual and comfortable. She wore a black and gold striped tank top and faded blue jeans. Nothing too trendy! But what about Ellen’s handbag? It appears that the Grey’s Anatomy star has jumped on the nylon handbag bandwagon with her Tod’s Nylon Luna Media Bag. And although it is not a new style, this bag still looks pretty sharp on Ellen’s shoulder! This bag truly is a hobo style, with its deep crescent shape. I love all the zippered pockets on the front side of this bag, they are just too cute! I also love the black patent leather trim and the gold tone hardware. You don’t see gold and black together very often, so this looks really fresh!
Shop the Tod’s handbag Boutique at Saks Fifth Avenue!
image: justjared

All my life, I’ve been a devotee to leather handbags. Only straying to fabric bags for the good old diaper bag or beach bag and perhaps a utilitarian tote. I turned up my nose at canvas, satin, nylon and other non-leather bags. Oh, yes! I was a snob about Prada nylon too! I now have to apologize, admit I was small-minded and must re-frame my opinions! There are so many great new (and durable) fabrics in handbags that deserve a second look. Designers that were entrenched in leather now embrace nylon and other materials. It could be that they were simply looking for less expensive alternatives than leather or even more eco-friendly materials, but I believe they’d made some great design choices as well!
Yves Saint Laurent Muse
Yes, the classic Muse bag is now available in nylon! Same great shape and style for $1195. The leather version is $1550. Not a significant different, but it looks great just the same! Perhaps you can pick up a great pair of sandals for the difference?
Shop It: YSL Boutique @ Saks!