“Practical” can be a dangerous word in the language of women’s fashion. Sometimes it equates to dull-as-dishwater boring, but occasionally it really just means sensible. I’d say it applies in that sense to this SAS Sportswear Crossbody Hobo, a bag that brings a hint of glossy, upscale chic to an otherwise everyday accessory. You really can’t go wrong with a classic black hobo, but this ups the ante with some serious shine. Find it for $78 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Take a quick glance at Charlotte Olympia’s vast collection of shoes and accessories and you’ll likely think one thing: glamour. This isn’t newfangled, Sex and the City-style glamour, either; this is old school and subtly sexy, the type that evokes images of 1940s screen sirens who could turn heads without even trying – but it all comes with a twist. She slaps unusual heads on her bags, weaves up spellbinding spider’s webs on her knit caps, and embellishes shoes with piano keys. Somehow it all exudes the magnificent elegance of old while retaining a sense of fresh modernity. Need a taste? Try the Charlotte Olympia Pandora Bruce Perspex Box Clutch, a plainer offering finished with a leopard’s head clasp. Whether you’re wearing an LBD, a sizzling red party dress, or a gleaming metallic number, this will complement it beautifully. Find it for $695 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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When picking a neutral bag for fall, don’t feel like you have to sacrifice texture for versatility. Embossed leather, like on the Tucker Paisley Diva Crossbody Bag, goes with everything and plays the Western trend well without looking silly. Paisley isn’t the world’s most popular print, but on this dark and monochromatic bag it adds interest to a purse that would be pretty run of the mill otherwise. Get one for $175 at Bad Joan.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Much as I adore Stella McCartney and admire her steadfast commitment to animal-friendly design, I can’t help but notice a certain monotony in some of her work. Take her Monogrammed Cotton-Canvas Tote, for example. My distaste for obvious logos aside, I can’t possibly support a bag that is made of canvas, trimmed with faux leather and finished with a price tag that reads $1085. You must be kidding me. Available at Net-a-Porter.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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The classic Yves Saint Laurent Muse bag goes the way of the trend! The new Muse Two Satchel incorporates strong blocks of color in fall-appropriate shades of forest green and deep purple. Bits of tan ease the transition and keep it from looking too wildly multicolored; this is, after all, a polished bag designed to last for life. Despite its attention to the colorblocking phenomenon, it exudes a classic presence and will likely be a favorite for years to come. Available for $1895 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Yves Saint Laurent Handbags
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Fall continues to be the season of the seventies. I could leave it at that and regale you with a few pictures of the wide-legged pants, tie-neck blouses and sturdy platform heels taking every woman’s closet by storm, but instead I’ll focus on the Chloe Darla Brushed-Leather Shoulder Bag. It neatly captures the decade’s glamour in its sturdy, structured silhouette and rich-meets-neutral color palette. The strip of wide mahogany at the heart of the chocolate brown leather is a genius touch – it brings it all together nicely and allows the gold hardware to stand out. Available for $1995 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Chloe Purses
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Eco-chic doesn’t have to mean boring organic fibers in dull colors. Take, for example, the Monica Purse by Urthbags. While Urthbags’ other offerings are often bright, busy bags made from old magazines and paper, Monica utilizes the insides of juice boxes to create a plain, metallic surface which is then woven into the bag you see today. A great conversation piece, this bag is ready to go out on the town with you and your most daring LBD. Regularly $56, you can use coupon code SUMMER25 through September 30 to get this and any other Urthbag for 25% off.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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This may not be a purse, but it’s definitely worth a mention for its cuteness factor alone. Designed by the ever-reliable Juicy Couture, this little zip-up case, adorned with romantic floral artwork, opens to reveal a set of floral-print earbuds. The packaging is petite, so it’s wonderful for on-the-go gals who are tired of those beyond boring black earbuds and want to introduce some luxury to their technology. And “Sounds Like Couture” Earbuds? Cute overload with that name! Available for just $38 at Shopbop.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Juicy Couture Purses
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Miu Miu has quite a few surprises up its sleeve this fall. That’s evident in the case of their Asymmetric Oversized Wool-Felt Clutch, a bag which would be fairly boring if not for its unusually-shaped frame. The soft curve lends it a modern, architecturally chic feel – so much so that it could easily be the conversation piece of the night amongst the room’s fashion elite. It features a detachable shoulder strap, but this looks incredibly clunky bouncing against the hip. It’s just made to be carried and shown off that way. Find it for $1495 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Miu Miu Purses
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Confession: I do not own an e-reader. While this was once no big thing, I find that I am increasingly the odd one out in my group of tech- and not-so-tech-minded friends. Apparently owning an iPad is no longer enough! If I did own an e-reader, I am quite sure I would immediately go out and splurge on this Rebecca Minkoff Zebra E Reader Case, which is at once functional, attractive and reasonably priced given the name. Keep this in mind for the holidays, too! Find it for $75 at Shopbop.

posted: August 31st, 2011
category: Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
comments: No Comments