The once party girl was usually seen changing outfits up to three times a night (jealous!), and that usually included bag switching from Fendi to Balenciaga to whatever luxury handbags worked with her designer look. These days, Lohan is changing her tune. Several post-Le Cirque photo ops have spotted Lindsay carrying the same Rebecca Minkoff black leather handbag. The same tote that anyone with a few hundred dollars can purchase at Bloomingdales. She’s shedding that uber-wealthy celebutante image (maybe not by choice) and becoming an almost normal person. It’s a great designer purse that lacks the pretension or ‘Take my picture!’ appeal of her earlier choices. The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bag is $595 at Bloomingdales

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posted: October 31st, 2007
category: Other designer Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

Found: The perfect Halloween handbag. I love the wicked nature of this macabre Alexander McQueen Skull Clasp Clutch, which comes adorned with a skull clasp that’s been glitzed up with black Swarovski crystals (paging Damian Hirst!). Why the skull is killer (if not exactly practical), I absolutely adore the metallic-looking silver leather – it’s hard to believe it’s not the real thing. If you prefer, though, the clutch also comes in black with a gold skull. Decisions, decisions.

1,010 at Net-a-porter.com

posted: October 31st, 2007
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Because of its glaring steel plate front, this Prada Glace Zippers Bowler may be a Prada purse that only a Pittsburgh native could love. This handbag is a weird hodgepodge of classic, tasteful design (that smooth glace leather, available in black and gray) and funky, futuristic details like the steel, zippers, and padlocks. I just don’t think that all of these gleaming do-dahs belong on the same bag. Ultimately, I see this a beautiful timeless leather handbag that got ruined by too much “flair.” $2,390 at Bergdorf Goodman.com

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posted: October 31st, 2007
category: Prada Handbags
comments: No Comments

Dressy, adorable and…Coach? Indeed. The brand’s new Madison Satin Clutch is a little piece of heaven, fashioned with dainty satin that gleams unobtrusively, a delicate gold frame and beaded chain strap, and of course, a cute little dangling Coach charm. During the busy holiday season, you’ll definitely need something like this to take you from party to party without clashing with your wardrobe. What could do the job better than a classic little black bag? Available for around $300 at Coach.

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posted: October 31st, 2007
category: Coach Handbags
comments: No Comments

As if anyone needs an excuse to indulge in such rich colors. Who else but Pucci would give us such bold, likable prints utilizing every color imaginable? The Cream Pizzo Purse is a smart, chic fusion of cream, red and gray on a petite little purse designed to swing on with ease. It’s much more summer-appropriate than anything else, but there’s definitely no harm in planning ahead. Available for $270 at Diabro.

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Do you love luxury shopping? Of course you do, and if you are like me, part of the thrill, (besides obtaining your stylish objet desir) is knowing you got it for a bargain.

Unfortunately, in the high end luxury handbag market, finding a bargain usually means a minefield of second-hand pieces, counterfeits and uncertainty. Online auctions are not a good source, many of the listings are knock-offs, and since you are not able to inspect the goods in person, you are taking a (big!) chance with every purchase. The ‘Chinatown’ knockoffs are a bad cliche at this point, and while authorities are attempting to crack down on these at customs, the counterfeiters now have adjusted to manufacturing domestically instead

Outlets? If you have the energy to compete with the swarms of other people who are shopping for the same thing, go right ahead. Be aware though, some outlet shops serve as designer’s dumping grounds for old, unsellable and returned merchandise. On the other hand, some stores have comparable product created specifically for those shops, or re-issues of their most popular styles based on available materials. Coach is definitely one of the better outlet boutiques that belong to the second category. They use similar fabrications and styles, but perhaps a a slightly different shape or finish in the hardware than their regular retail collection. Do your homework and find out which category your favorite store belongs to.

So where does a couture-savvy, financially conscious lady go to shop then? “Sample sale!” is the cry of any smart shopper. You can keep tabs on when your favorite labels come up by signing up at these sites: dailycandy.com, topbutton.com and lazarshopping.com. For handbags, these sites had the scoop on recent sample sales for Kooba, Botkier, Mulberry, Prada, and countless other designers for handbags and clothing. The best sales are the ones run from the label’s own showrooms, accessible to friends and family only. If you have friends in the fashion industry, make sure they keep you in the loop! You can also call/e-mail their marketing department to ask about putting you on a list if the sales come up.

Are you an online shopper? You can always monitor your favorite luxury retailers for sales of course, and make sure they email you their specials. However, some decidedly, not chic e-tailers have some surprising bargains. Overstock.com (usually known for cheap kitchen appliances, etc.) is currently offering legitimate Chloe Paddington bags at $ 999 (regular price $1895) , a Fendi hobo $399 (regular price $795), a Prada leather satchel $999 (regular price $2680) and Gucci Brit bags for $999 (regular price $ 2100). Smartbargains.com, (good place for inexpensive 600 thread count generic sheets) is currently offering a two-pocket Prada shoulder bag for $729 (regular price $ 1050) . Bluefly.com has some great sales, and throughout the year, it will send out alerts for additional discounts off certain categories. For every online purchase, you can also ‘google’ for promotional codes and coupons for your shop before you checkout.

A true fashion diva should never have to choose between her handbag or her rent… she should always be resourceful enough to have both.

See the Overstock.com designer purse section

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: General
comments: 2 Comments

Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote” id=”image11295″ src=”http://www.pursepage.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/cate-blanchetts-yves-saint-laurent-downtown-tote2.jpg” />

Cate Blanchett usually favors more elaborate, edgier fashions, but here she sticks to basic (but chic) black, Clark Kent specs, and one fabulous Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote. The purse‘s black patent finish gives Cate’s look a hot modern edge, and you’ve got to love the gold hardware accents and zippers. Bonus: As Cate shows, the tote has plenty of space for all the stuff (scripts, Oscars, the ush), you need to lug around. Photo by PopSugar.com.

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: Celebrity Purses, Yves Saint Laurent Handbags
comments: No Comments

Plain and simple, yet undeniably smart, this Celine purse is more for the low-key type who doesn’t want to call much attention to herself or her accessories. If that’s you, you might appreciate the Jacquard Shoulder Bag for its simple logo print and diminutive leather accents. The clean silhouette makes it timeless, and since it’s got such a versatile color combination you can easily wear this with just about any outfit at any time of the year. Available for $590 at Diabro.

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

I am so impressed with Marc Jacobs‘s latest offerings that I can’t help be a teeny bit worried about my bank account. Self-control? What’s that? It’s nonexistent when faced by MJ’s lovely Mercer Peet Leather Tote. This slouchy, supple purse is spacious and timeless – it’s going to be as stunning and relevant two years from now as it is today. That’s because Marc Jacobs doesn’t attach himself to anything too over-the-top or trendy, instead sticking with tried-and-true details that make subtle statements. From the always-luscious leather to the demure hardware to the dainty knotted handles, there’s nothing here that won’t stand the test of time. the purse is gorgeous in maple and black and available to pre-order for $1150 at Saks.

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

Toughen up with a smart bag that means business, like the Pipeline Shiloh Tote Bag by Lockheart. The folks at Lockheart are pretty darn creative – whether it’s a hefty carryall or a demure clutch, the design is guaranteed to impress with its functionality and style. This purse looks pretty busy, with pockets, studs, buckles and a hefty flap tab closure all teaming up on an attractive gray palette. As practical and sturdy as it looks, it’s also incredibly supple and great for carrying around town. Available for $695 at Saks.

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posted: October 30th, 2007
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments