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Ooh la la! This Jean Paul Gaultier Besace Shoulder Bag is a stunning example of Parisian panache. Available in either gold or black leather, this darling shoulder bag sparkles. Details include a chain link strap, silver-tone hardware, and an extended tab closure with chain and clasp. I like the way the purse has the extra layer of leather running down the middle, while the sides are gathered. Tres chic.
This cheeky Italian designer in known for his tongue-in-cheek parodies of other designers. Often, the creations are visual puns to the point of tacky. However, this particular Moschino Gunmetal Sweetheart bag is definitely stylish enough to hang with the best of them. The gun metal leather is still the luxurious quality you would expect from a high-end label, as well as the hardware. The heart-shaped lock and key feature is a play on the popular charms of Luella and Juicy Couture. The front flap, while it looks sophisticated when folded down, it is cut to resemble a cow’s udder when flipped up. Very funny.
Once an established fashion house finds its “IT” item, they can run with it for the next few years as long as they keep it fresh. This Balenciaga Motor Bag seems to be a refreshed version of their motorcycle bag from a few seasons ago, with some updated styling and colors. This one is a little smaller, and the bright green color is definitely a new pop for this spring. Maybe it’s more of a ‘moped’ bag instead of a ‘motorcycle’ bag. Actually, with the green and treated leather, it kind of looks like a frog on a lily pad. Now THAT would be a really fresh take for a fashion house…
Behold the fabulous Prada Canapa Stampata Frame Bag. It’s a seeming ode to Italy’s joyous celebrations, most notably the Carnival of Ivrea. The vivid colors and vibrant design recall the excitement and hubbub surrounding the much hyped Battle of the Oranges, a competition which witnesses Ivrea’s communities pelting each other with oranges. It’s all great fun and merriment, and so is this unique, irreverent purse. Infused with personality, the Prada Canapa Stampata Frame Bag is $1750 at saks.com.
Navigate the red carpet - or simply show off to your friends - like an old pro with the Jimmy Choo Tiggy Metallic Suede Clutch Bag. For all its grandeur and lavishness, this elegant clutch is still quite delicate and unassuming in its glamour. The crystal and chain adornment is stunning, and on the eye-catching metallic suede background, it really shines. Available in your choice of black and gunmetal (my personal favorite), this bag is $885 at jimmychoo.com.
So basic, yet so chic. I love the subtle hipness of this YSL Tribute Flat Tote, especially since the brand’s handbags are usually a bit stuffier than this downtown cool number. Available in black or white, the Tribute Flat Tote is made of ultra-soft buffalo leather. There’s a lot of restraint in the adornments, which is nice - there’s just a side zipper, logo tag with a gold Y on it, leather handles, and gold hardware. You don’t need anything else.
Had just about enough of canvas and leather to last you a lifetime? Take a peek at the Fendi Floral Spy Bag. This über-feminine handbag is constructed of gauzy, silky crêpe de Chine. The irresistibly soft, luxurious material is thin, but it’s coated to provide the bag with some substance and strength. Of course, few high-end handbags are without at least a touch of leather (faux or otherwise), and here it accents the handles and flap closure. My issue is with the odd color combination. On a bed of baby pink scatters misshapen, unattractive dots of pale blue floral print. Paired with the brown leather and blue and white pinstripe details, the result is a near-fashion disaster. The material, though, is lovely. Available for $2070 at saks.com.
For their next trick, Prada will simulate an eighties-inspired tie-dye effect on an otherwise very elegant bed of rich brown suede. The trick, unfortunately, fails to surprise or delight. The Scamosciato Tie-Dye Hobo seems like a test handbag that somehow accidentally made it into rotation. It’s as if every element that was discussed as a mere possibility somehow ended up on the same table and finally on the same purse. The result is this mishmash of materials and details, including the aforementioned white tie-dye (why, Prada?), eyelets, topstitching, brown suede, gold hardware and drawstrings. I love Prada and would gladly cough up ungodly amounts of cash for their gorgeous bags - but not for this one, and certainly not for $1460! Available to pre-order at neimanmarcus.com.
What could be better than a totally trendy clutch in a bright, wearable hue? Coated in rich shade of sunshine-happy yellow, the Posh Turn-Lock Wristlet from Marc by Marc Jacobs is a great alternative to a purse. It’s sleek and sweet, and it’s the right size to accommodate just the essentials. Available for $168 at bergdorfgoodman.com.
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What a cute spring tote! This Kate Spade Griffen Tote charms with its black and white poppy motif. The bag itself, which has an open top and gold hardware, is canvas while the pretty floral pattern is done in leather. I can’t think of a better way to get into the spirit of spring - especially if you hate girly pastels.
