Hello art deco fabulousness! The Smythson Maze handbag has been popping up on the arms of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars including Madonna, Halle Berry and Jennifer Connelly. The goat skin leather and suede bag is by English design house, Smythson. Its carved maze pattern is a definite nod to the art and architecture of the 1920s and 30s. As one of the new celebrity “it” bags, you can guess that the Maze is on the pricey side. The bag ranges from $1,435 to $1,660 depending on the size.  Ladies, if you love this bag but don’t have the cash to pick one up, don’t curse the cash gods just yet. The TV show extra is raffling off one this month and you could be the lucky winner!  Link to Extra handbag raffle http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2008/09/smythson_giveaway.php Link to Symthson handbag http://www.smythson.com/SmythsonSite/category/Maze+Handbag+Collection/

tags: Other designer Handbags ddddd author: Nikki comments: No Comments

New Yorker Monica Botkier first made her name in the industry as a photographer for magazines like Surface and Mademoiselle.  Soon, her busy and creative lifestyle inspired her to create accessories to suit her needs.  Her collection soon gained cult status, gathering fans among shoppers and celebrities alike.  Heidi Klum, Angelina Jolie and Joy Bryant have been spotted with a Botkier bag in tow.   The Botkier collection identifies itself as “An independent brand that marries luxury with utility”. The company is celebrated their five-year anniversary by launching an extensive shoe collection.  The designer took some time out of her busy schedule to participate in Purse Page’s “5 Questions” series:  

Mariana Leung, PursePage.com:  What pieces from the Fall Collection are your personal favorites?

Monica Botkier: The Morgan fringe Hobo, The Heather boots and for evening, the Gemma clutch.

ML:      With your background as a photographer, do you feel that you approach handbag design differently than designers with a conventional product design background?  Do you consider how the purse will photograph?

MB:      My approach is free from that of conventional designers. I think about the overall story of a woman’s life and her moments when she is wearing a Botkier bag or shoe. I enjoy photographing our campaigns but no, I design the accessories in 3D; reality!

ML:      Tons of cash-strapped fans rejoiced when your collaboration with Target was announced.  What were the main challenges of translating your trend-setting style and quality into a mass-market price point?

MB:      PVC was the major challenge. Simply put, it doesn’t have the beautiful hand that leather does and is such an integral part of our handbags. We take quality so seriously and it was hard to relinquish that “control”.

ML:      I have read that a major inspiration for your first collection was a desire to create the perfect handbag for yourself.  Are there any other celebrities whose lifestyle or look act as your muse?  

MB:      Not directly. I do love Joy Bryant- she happens to be a friend and at one point we designed a group for Fall 2007 called the “Bryant” which was really bohemian cool.

ML:      Many people find your bags sexy and edgy, in fact some men found the ‘Bianca’ Satchel particularly “voluptuous”  : )   Do you purposely try to inject some sex appeal into your collection?

MB:      I guess it’s somewhere in my mind all the time!

ML:      Thanks Monica!

Visit Botkier at Botkier.com

tags: Interviews, Other designer Handbags ddddd author: Mariana L. comments: 1 Comment

We’ve seen it in the ads, and now it’s available on saks.com. The Prada Nappa S Satchel is as pristine as it is stylish, and mixes ladylike glamour with an avant garde edge. The idea? Take your standard Prada satchel and make it pop by way of metallic leather and a massive ruffle that also adorns matching shoes. The result? A purse that is completely cool and would look great with jeans and a t-shirt as well as Prada’s own lace tops and pencil skirts. It’s a winner no matter what your style is, and at $1,9220, just might be worth the price tag.

Available at SaksFifthAvenue

tags: Prada Handbags ddddd author: Samantha comments: 1 Comment

These tiny divas always looks so spot-on trendy.  I am loving Selena Gomez’s nautical beachy look in this photo but can’t quite place her fabulous, striped bag.  I am totally drawn to the fisherman trend as of late.  Maybe its because I am wishing there were still six more weeks of summer left for me to sport such pieces at my summer house.  Or maybe because its a great, laid back kind of style that is perfect for daytime or a summer night.  Her canvas handbag looks like it could hold everything you’d need even your bathing suit and some sunblock. Realistically, since it is fall after all, it could certainly fit a little sweater for the breezy autumn air.

Can you name the designer?

Photo from JustJared.com

tags: Celebrity Purses, Name that Purse ddddd author: Jenny comments: 4 Comments

It’s called the Cyndi Tote and for me, it is the perfect mix of a funky office bag. The colors are a bit off, but in the way that I love. Sometimes a too perfect outfit is just that: too perfect. Throw in a funky accessory like off-beat shoes or a bag in an odd colorway and the look instantly becomes fashion forward. The Chloe Medium Cyndi Tote is a nice size for the office, and makes a great day bag. Wear it in the week with a suit, and on the weekend with a scarf, simple top and rinsed jeans. The alligator-stamped leather gives the bag a super luxe edge, and the kelly green trim keeps it modern. The Cyndi retails for $1,995 and is available at saks.com.

tags: Chloe Purses ddddd author: Samantha comments: No Comments

If you can’t make it to the Hermes sample sale event in Manhattan this week, why not have your own sample sale in the comfort of your own abode?  Bluefly is having a sale event with discounts of up to 40% off their already reduced prices. Not only are their amazing handbags on sale but their menswear, housewears and everything else, too.  A Hermes bag is a classic and this could be an oppurtunity for you to pick one up for a good deal.  It’s worth spending a bit extra, a Hermes bag will never, ever go out of style.  With over thirty bags priced from $878 to $455, you are sure to find one that fits your style and your budget.

tags: Hermes Handbags, Sales Events ddddd author: Jenny comments: 3 Comments

This Zagliani Small Tomodachi Crocodile Tote is, as its name states, made out of genuine crocodile. Here is my problem with crocodile – I’ve seen so many fake crocodile purses, that when I see the real thing, I assume it’s fake. Although this tote is a great neutral color for fall, its minimalist design, dare I say it, makes it look like a Target knock-off. Is this purse cute? Yes. Is it worth the $10,500 price tag? I don’t think so. After a quick search on the internet, I’ve discovered that you can buy an adult croc for around $500. You could buy 21, actual crocodiles for the price of this bag. Not that I am suggesting you go out and buy a crocodile, a handbag is a much more efficient way to carry your stuff. Available at Saks.

tags: Other designer Handbags ddddd author: Nikki comments: No Comments

This sweet, simple Shimmer Check Wristlet adds classic Burberry charm to any outfit with subtly and grace. Perfect for those days when you’re wearing a heavy coat and can’t deal with swinging an equally heavy bag onto your arm, this little wristlet bears Burberry’s quaint check print and is shot through with a decadent shimmer. It’s ideal for perking up fall’s muted color palettes and will look fabulous with any polished ensemble. Available for $295 at Saks.

tags: Burberry Handbags ddddd author: Tanya comments: No Comments

Kohl’s is having its Semi-Annual Shoe & Handbag Sale with up to 60% off regular prices. For those who haven’t heard, Vera Wang designs an inexpensive line called Simply Vera exclusively for Kohl’s. This year’s collection includes simple modern bags that are great for the every day, like the Large Leather Hobo regular $149, on sale for $89.40

The sale starts in stores September 26th and goes through October 11th. If you don’t live near a Kohl’s, but still want to nab a designer bag on the cheap, not to worry, the sale prices are also available online; and online the sale has already started! Visit the Simply Vera collection at Kohl’s 

tags: Sales Events ddddd author: Nikki comments: No Comments

We already have talked about how grey is one of the hottest colors for F/W 08, so it’s no wonder that handbags are cropping up by the dozen in this neutral shade. Personally, I feel grey washes me out whether it’s a Tri-Blend tee from American Apparel or a purse, so I try to stay away. For those of you blessed with gorgeously non-pale complexions, I welcome you to rock the grey bags with full force this season, as the color promises to stick around for spring. I love grey accompanies with colors like canary yellow and cobalt for a look that is thoroughly fresh and modern. This tote from Banana Republic is a great way to get in on the trend without breaking the bank. The Robson Hexagonal tote retails for $260, but it’s so roomy and versatile that it would go for a lot more than that if it were sitting in some fancy department store. The large bag is perfect for the office, and works just as well for those of us who travel like it’s our job (and for some, it is). The grey is an online exclusive color, so head to your nearest BR, try the Robson on, and then head back home and order it in the season’s most chic neutral (yes, apparently neutrals go in and out too these days).

tags: Other designer Handbags ddddd author: Samantha comments: No Comments