|
|
Visit us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Earthy bamboo handles add interesting contrast to the overall very smart Gucci Textured Leather Tote. It’s just one small detail on a pretty large bag, but it instantly discerns the bag from its corporate counterparts. As serious as it is, it also feels mildly relaxed thanks to the handles – like something that you could potentially carry on the weekends, although maybe only if you live on an island. Available for $2290 at Net-a-Porter.
Depicting the sort of nonchalantly cool chic that only this label can really pull off, the McQ Alexander McQueen Albion Textured Leather Shoulder Bag flies remarkably under the radar for all its sexiness. It’s not overt, which may be a bit atypical of McQueen, yet it evokes the same bold avant-garde appeal that makes the brand’s designs so unforgettable. Great for a fan who wants something that doesn’t feature a glowering skull on top. Available for $645 at Net-a-Porter.
I suppose you could do a lot worse than carry a gigantic leather bag designed by Rochas. Yet I don’t think the Zig Zag Metallic Textured Leather Tote is exactly my first choice, either. For starters, it’s not exactly versatile. It looks like it’s made of aluminum! And then there’s the size. A compact bag in this color would be perfectly acceptable. But something large enough to hold a laptop? No, thanks. Available for $1245 at Net-a-Porter.
Aquatic stripes bring the new Kate Spade Grove Court Mandy Crossbody Bag right to life, and not a moment too soon! It’s summer, isn’t it? Or at least it’s almost summer, and therefore all of us are ready to pack our closets full of preppy stripes in bright hues. I love this bag for a number of reasons, but mainly because it’s fun and practical at once. You can stash it with just enough essentials to get you through the day, but it keeps you from looking sloppy when you’re just trying to feel cool as can be on a steamy day. Fabulous, and pretty well priced. Available for $198 at Nordstrom.
I didn’t want to like this Melie Bianco Kayla Initial Coin Purse. I wanted to be all “OMG” and “how tacky” about it. It looks like something you’d pick up at a boardwalk souvenir shop in some sleepy beach town. Yet here I am, contemplating the possibility of owning my very own “T” coin purse. I guess it somehow won me over despite my initial impression. Could it be the fairly reasonable price? Maybe. Grab one for yourself, give one as a gift, throw it in a stocking at the end of the year. It’s a fun little addition that most women will enjoy. Available for $34 at Nordstrom.
Because protecting your iPad or other similar devices is of utmost importance in this harried world where almost everyone is focused solely on themselves and their own crazy lives, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Lace Crossbody Tablet Bag comes in especially handy. Not only is it surprisingly attractive for a PVC bag, it’s even updated with lace for a lavish look. I love this purple version, which features a demure Marc by Marc Jacobs logo plate on the lower corner and a stay-put push-lock closure that ensures your tablet remains safe. Available for $298 at Nordstrom.
And the award for “cheapest bag that looks expensive” goes to the Steven by Steve Madden Talia Satchel! Rock on, Steve Madden. Not only have I become a slave to your fun summer wedges and impossibly killer heels, I’m also now a believer in your handbags. Can’t say I ever really was before, but I’m convinced Talia could be a game changer for lots of people. I love this spacious bag and all its bells and whistles – from the useful outer pockets to the compartmentalized interior and the versatile range of colors. This taupe version shifts perfectly from warm to cool weather, so you can use the bag all year. Available for $88 at Nordstrom.
It may not be made of the real thing, but that doesn’t stop this Expressions NYC Snake-Embossed Faux Leather Clutch from being quite the catch. In fact, it could end up being one of your favorite cheap buys of the season. It has all of the right ingredients for a great bag, from contrasting colors to an animal pattern. The peach and nude combo here is especially warm-weather chic, and I think it would make a lovely addition to your assortment of ladylike summer dresses and dainty heels. Available for $45 at Nordstrom.
If Saint Laurent were attempting to design a bag in honor of one Betty Draper, they did a marvelous job. The Betty Textured Leather Shoulder Bag feels suitably refined, but also a bit sexy in that unassuming, offhand way. Maybe it’s the turned up sides of the flap.; they make the bag just a little different without seeming odd. And let’s face it – there’s nothing odd about Mrs. Draper’s classic, sexy style. Available for $1990 at Net-a-Porter.
In a world where fish are revered for being both cute (Nemo) and healthy (salmon), it’s really no surprise that they’ve finally become fashionable, too. Where else is there to go but up, right? Designed by Sylvia Toledano, the Miss Fish Swarovski Crystal-Embellished Box Clutch is another option on the shelf of playful evening bags typically populated by Judith Leiber’s cats, telephones and genie lamps. This is just as disarmingly cute, and the fish herself appears to be just as fancy as the event she’ll no doubt attend with you. Available for $1650 at Net-a-Porter.
