Hayden Harnett came onto the handbag scene a bit ago and while they’ve been a hit among some, I haven’t been thoroughly convinced. However, this Floripa clutch definitely caught my attention. Made of contrasting tan and black leathers, and trimmed in a complimenting patent leather, this geometric block print clutch feels a bit retro and a bit art-deco. At 16 inches long and 12 inches high, I think it may be a perfect bag for my Thursday night art gallery crawls in Chelsea — fun, unusual and just a bit arty. Ringing in at just $427, it’s a shame Hayden Harnett did not produce more colors for this style.

posted: March 27th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
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I have nothing but fabulous things to say about Kate Moss‘ Yves St. Laurent Downtown Bag in gray ostrich, and I love that she’s looking uncharacteristically chipper strolling Amsterdam with her BF Jamie Hince (believe me, Amsterdam will do that to you ;o) ) but… what’s with the Cruella De Vil coverup? Kate’s style has always been off-kilter and fabulous but this particular ensemble is just off-kilter, sans fab. I would venture to say it’s almost offensive. I suppose if Kate were getting points for originality……

Photo from PopSugar.com

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posted: March 27th, 2008
category: Celebrity Purses, Yves Saint Laurent Handbags
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If you’re hoping to turn some heads, there may not be a better accessory fit for the job than this L.A.M.B. Los Feliz Wilshire Bag. It’s a cool, pulled together tote with a distinctly sporty vibe. Thanks to the nylon material, it’s suitable to carry year round. The color may be more appropriate for the summer heat than a blustery winter day, but you can count on this spacious bag to hold your essentials in style no matter when you have it on you. The nylon is thick and sturdy, and the interior is lined with a jazzy black and white stripe print. This cute tote is $495 at Shopbop.

posted: March 27th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
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Discreetly glamorous, this Prada Satin Box Clutch is a simple, polished piece that reflects the shift towards brighter color palettes. The lavender hue is fresh and springy, so it’s great for a warm, breezy night out and paired with a light dress and wrap. It’s distinctly less glamorous than most satin clutches due to its box shape, but that keeps it interesting and useful when you require something less indulgent. And you’ll love the feel of the satin against your skin! Available for $556 at Bluefly.

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posted: March 27th, 2008
category: Prada Handbags
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Julia Roberts is in my neck of the woods, filming Duplicity. Yesterday was a beautiful day in New York City and Julia toted an Hermes Birkin that matched the color of the skies for the occasion. While we’ve seen Julia out with Hermes before, this is the second time she’s been spotted with a Birkin in recent weeks — the 40cm Vert Olive and now a lovely Blue Jean. I wonder what other Birkins Julia has in store for us.

Photo from PopSugar.com

posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Celebrity Purses, Hermes Handbags
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In case there were any doubts, I am a bona fide purse fanatic. But let’s face it: not too many of us have a purse budget that allows us to drop thousands every month on the latest handbag whim. Precisely why I love pretty little things like this Hayden Harnett Capri Coin Purse. It satisfies my guilty pleasure with its bold, satiny twill print and cute kisslock closure and pushes back that urge for a new handbag for a little while. At just $28, it’s a much healthier indulgence too! Available in other fabrics and colors as well.

posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
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OK, I know heiress Reena Hammer isn’t crazy famous yet, but her boyfriend is. Jonathan Rhys Meyer is on the hit series, The Tudors, and more than that, his girlfriend has great taste in handbags. While her look could use some severe work, we all know that a hot purse spices up any look, and it’s done a world of good for her. The Balenciaga brief bag is one of the not-quite-as-common Balenciaga handbag styles. While the standard hardware looks great, I really love this bag with the giant hardware. Whether it’s silver or gold, my only rule is that it contrasts the bag allowing both the hardware and the purse itself to pop. This one does just that!

Photo thanks to BuzzFoto.com

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posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Balenciaga Handbags, Celebrity Purses
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Lauren Merkin clutches are the go-to for the girl on a budget. Why? They’re fabulously made, pack tons of style, and don’t kill our bank account unlike several clutches that run well into the four figures. This one retails for $250 at shopbop.com, and it’s the ideal year round clutch. The Lucy Patent Clutch from Lauren Merkin is great to have on hand any day of the year, and it will also be the one that every one of your girlfriends bugs you to borrow on a regular basis. The hinged frame is a nod to old school detailing, and the interior is super modern with metallic lining.

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posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
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Lovely, girly and versatile are the perfect words to describe this sweet Lauren Merkin Diana Sponged Lambskin Clutch. The almond color is a bit softer and more blush-toned in person, and it’s perfect to carry everyday. That’s thanks to the many options this handbag offers. Unbutton the interior loop to remove the strap and you’ll have yourself a pretty little clutch for everyday use. Loop the strap through a couple of times for a doubled (or even tripled) handle and it’s an instantly petite shoulder bag. Or just loop it through once and swing this bag over the shoulder or across the body. Besides being so fun to play with, it’s also elegant. The glazed leather insures that! Available for $250 at Shopbop.

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posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Other designer Handbags
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Easily putting other clutches to shame, this elegant Bottega Veneta Butterfly Knot is an artistic, graceful purse with a huge presence. The simple butterfly design and knot clasp are done in aged brass, which is a perfect partner for the blush-toned leather. This solid clutch feels surprisingly luxurious to the touch, and its old world charm is just irresistible. The equally lovely Farfalle Knot features a slightly different knot clasp and a simple ivory hue. Both are available for $3600 at Bottega Veneta.

posted: March 26th, 2008
category: Bottega Veneta Bags
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