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It seems like my Bottega Veneta wish list grows by the bag each month. While I’m not wild about the color palette of this Leather Intrecciato Bucket Bag, I love the weaving’s intricacy - it’s impressive in person and really stands out. It’s ideal if you’re going for that beach-chic look that will garner you more than your fair share of envious stares, but you’d have to make peace with the fact that it’s $4200 first. Considering it’s versatile enough to carry all through spring and summer, the bag be worth it for a select few. Available at Net-a-Porter.

It’s here guys and gals! The Bottega Veneta sample sale and it kicks off today. Go early for deals on the label’s classic woven leather bags, and there will also be gobs of clothes, shoes and small leather goods. It makes me want to relocate to NY!

Bottega Veneta
January 8-10, Th-Sat 10-6
697 Fifth Avenue
(54-55 Streets) 3rd Floor
Womens & Mens Clothing and Accessories
Sample & stock sale

Bottega Veneta’s fabulously sharp collections - womens and mens ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and other accessories. Credit cards only.

In case the appeal of the classic Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch has ever been lost on you, the label invites you to take a closer look at the newest incarnations of the bag. In mouthwatering, color-crazy shades that have an undeniably youthful spirit, the clutches suddenly look more playful and fun than ever before. This green apple version is a great example. It will pair beautifully with spring’s florals and lighter garments. Add it to a mute colored ensemble for an unexpected burst of cheerfulness - it will throw the whole thing off in the most fabulous way. Also in orange. Available for $1150 at Net-a-Porter.

You can’t blame Bottega Veneta for going the animal print route after churning out so many simple (albeit ridiculously glamorous) handbags. This Leopard Print Montaigne Limited Edition Bag embraces the brand’s fondness for woven leather but gives it a touch of the wildlife. It’s attractive, but I think I’d prefer to see something brighter and more lively if they’re going to do prints. This is quite somber - and I’m not sure how many of us will pay $5500 for somber! Available at Bottega Veneta.

The chic animal print is understated and low-key on this Bottega Veneta Zebra-Stripe Woven Hobo. The perfect choice for anyone who loves a touch of wildlife in their attire but doesn’t want to make big, loud statements, this slouchy bag is made with woven nappa leather and adorned with zebra stripes. In my world, animal prints need to be loud and obnoxious to really work as an accent with otherwise understated ensembles, but someone in search of the opposite will find it in this well-constructed purse. Available for $2380 at Neiman Marcus.

As the previous owner of Bottega’s signature woven tote, I can say they just do not last. Some part of the weave always wears thin and the leather edges start to look worn well before the bag hits its 1st anniversary. It is a sad state, as Bottega offers some of the most beautiful bags out there. I also love that this brand has developed a look that has no self endorsement on any of its product. It is a unique combination of signature style with no signature logo. But my disappointed in shelling out a few thousand to then have to discard the bag with yesterdays trash left me broke.
This seasons Atene Ayers Bucket Bag (otherwise known as the Origami Leather tote at net-a-porter.com) in Fall Red, however, has forced me to consider investing again. The elegant origami folding and stitch work leads me to believe the edges will not fray (as they are finished with snake skin leather binding). Also the folds are all seamed inside, so nothing can catch and pull your bag apart. I must say, this bag is breath taking and may just last for a few years without pulling my heart out.
Origami leather tote available at net-a-porter.com for $3950

Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Chloe, Jimmy Choo…just those names alone are enough to send our fashion-loving hearts atwitter. But throw in an extra 20% percent off and we’re ready to swoon. Well, get those smelling salts ready, gals: Net-a-Porter.com is hosting a Summer Clearance sale on select designer purses, shoes, and clothes, letting you save even more moolah on already discounted styles. Just use code “SUMMER” at checkout and the price will drop by 20%. Offer good until August 31st. Shop the sale now at Net-a-Porter.com.

Jimmy ChooRamona metallic leather bag
Was $3,500
Now $2,100 40% OFF

Chloé Large Bay leather tote
Was $1,970
Now $1,379

This Bottega Veneta dark brown buttersoft leather bowler bag gets two big fat thumbs down. This bag looks vintage, and not in a good way. It looks like something a mom might have carried in the late 70s. The woven detail looks really cheap and it makes the bag look too long. Almost as if, the bag should have ended before the woven part and that was just a last minute addition. The poopy color is very blah. One positive is that the bag could surely hold a lot. Available at Bluefly for $2,704

Thomas Maier has done it again with this Intrecciato Pyramid Clutch. While his larger totes have become the woven leathers of choice amongst many a low-key fashionista, there’s something special about owning one of Bottega Veneta’s lesser-known shapes.

While I don’t have the budget for an-over-the-shoulder Bottega right now, I can see myself splurging on this clutch and using it as my wallet-cum-makeup bag for the next few months.

Ladies, I like my purse to tell a story, not to show off. Here’s my scenario: Drinks on a crisp fall Thursday evening turn into dinner. I stash my workbag in the trunk, and lovingly clutch this dark wonder in my hand as we (my enchanting imaginary friends and I) jaunt from one fabulous spot to the next. Note: The hangover I’ll probably be nursing the following Friday is NOT part of this fantasy. But Champagne and Bottega’s Intrecciato Pyramid Clutch? Nothing could be better.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Pyramid Clutch now available for 530 Pounds on net-a-porter.com.

Ladylike purses don’t always have to be as sturdy and structured as we might imagine them to be. I’m loving this Bottega Veneta Cervo Quilted Bucket Tote for that reason. Graceful and soft, with a decadent expanse of buttery leather that could make any woman weak in the knees, this spacious bag is a welcome change from the usual woven designs favored by BV. While I’ll always love those, I have a soft spot - no pun intended - for anything that is this luxurious and pillow-like to the touch. You also can’t really go wrong with this brand - there’s never a doubt of the quality, workmanship and timeless beauty. Available to pre-order for $2150 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Shop more designer purses from Bottega Veneta