Isabella Fiore has gained a large worldwide following in the past year, after several of her bags appeared on the arm of a certain movie star’s new wife. Before that, Isabella Fiore was more of a cult brand, and while many gals love her purses, I’ve never been a fan. This Isabella Fiore Full Bloom Vanessa Satchel is a prime example why. The design is somewhat interesting, but the rest of the bag is attacked with prints and whipstitching making it a disaster zone. Add the tassels and horrible color scheme, and it’s enough to make you want to swear off handbags altogether! This print is just out of this world, and looks like something from an overstuffed ’70s couch. Fiore handbags can never seem to strike a cord with me, but this one is just something else!

If hideous patterns strike your fancy, the Full Bloom Vanessa satchel is available at neimanmarcus.com and retails for $575.

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posted: December 23rd, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
comments: 2 Comments

Right around this time of year, I rummage through my closet like a mad woman, searching in the recesses of my wardrobe for a different dress to wear to yet another holiday party. Cocktail or ballgown? Satin or silk? Color or black? Strapless or sleeves? Thankfully, choosing the perfect handbag to go with the dress is not nearly as nerve-wracking. This Isabella Fiore Teresa clutch is fool-proof when you’re rushing out the door. The laser cut pattern against the chenille is rich and warm while the slender shape adds elegance. Add a pop of chic with the patent leather trim and gold hardware and you’ve got a sure hit, whether paired with a bold-colored cocktail dress or the go-to little black dress. A purse this versatile is a steal at $325. Purchase it at e-luxury.

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posted: December 9th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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There must be something in the water over at Isabella Fiore lately. Out of nowhere the line’s handbags have started to look all classy and pulled together – a far cry from the artsy, unconventional designs of before. The Isabella Fiore Mirror Magic Carrie Purse is a great example of these changes. They’re clearly all for the better, because I doubt a sleek, polished bronze clutch with a sparkling snowflake would have had any business in a previous Fiore collection. It’s a great addition to a festive holiday wardrobe…how much more party-perfect can you get? Available to pre-order for $425 at Saks.

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posted: October 12th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Isabella Fiore is admired by most people, but I’m usually not a part of that group. Lately, though, Fiore has been fashioning some seriously stylish purses. They’re less wacky and tacky, more chic and even glamorous at times. While the new Woven Tote may not fall into the latter category, the bag is still more practical than most of Fiore’s other designs. I love the look of woven leather, and here it’s richly bound together in thick strips and accented by small drawstring tassels and gold hardware. If this positive trend continues, my Fiore collection is sure to grow! Available for $725 at Neiman Marcus.

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posted: October 9th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
comments: 1 Comment

Looks like Isabella Fiore may have finally broken free of her way-out-there style – at least temporarily. It was a surprise to discover that this glossy bag came from Fiore, whose designs are usually more free-spirited and creative than trendy. The Let Go My Deco Celine Purse makes a nice change, however, and still manages to make a statement despite its lack of crazy embroidery and oddball details. You can never go wrong with a bold cherry red hue – it injects life into the most staid outfits but remains practical. A couple of side pockets amp up Celine’s functionality, making it a handbag with beauty and brains. Available for $625 at Saks.

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posted: October 4th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Isabella Fiore isn’t exactly the line I turn to when I’m in a real fashion bind, but when the brand starts churning out purses with names like In a Pinch Sassy, it makes me wonder if I should reconsider. This bag is something along the lines of what we usually expect Fiore to create, with its over-the-top attention to detail. Another designer might stop at tassels, but Fiore’s work is not complete until bows, patent leather strips and gold chains are all involved. The rest is surprisingly attractive, considering it doesn’t sound so pretty on paper. And this is definitely one I’d grab in a pinch. Available to pre-order for $595 at Saks.

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posted: September 11th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Ruffles are extraordinarily hard to pull off, and this Isabella Fiore French Twist Austin Frame Bag fails with a giant thud. Available in black or boring beige soft tumbled lambskin, the purse resembles some intestines you might see on “CSI.” There’s no refinement, just lots and lots of extravagant ruffles. The front of the handbag isn’t much more appealing, featuring braided leather details. It’s just unsightly, and tries too hard to be feminine.

$655 at eluxury.com

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posted: September 6th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Isabella Fiore makes some truly beautiful, ethnic-inspired handbags with a lot of hand-crafted details. This Isabella Fiore “Jeni” hobo is no exception. This purse features a pattern of whipstitching and banded leather details. It resembles and abstract version of a big Mayan horoscope dial. The changes in color of the brown leather stitching are subtle. However, the final effect of this is that the embellishments look richer, and more textured. While you could consider this bag a small work of art, the hobo itself is generously sized and contains an ample amount of pockets for practicality.

$595 at eLuxury.com

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posted: July 29th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Whether it was inspired by the song of the same name or someone’s mosaic-tiled bathroom, this Isabella Fiore bag makes me wonder if perhaps it’s not all that hip to be square, after all. The Hip To Be Square Tote is lavishly coated with multicolored squares in neutral shades of black, cream and tan. Two open side pockets grace the exterior of this roomy bag, which has an artsy feel to match its admittedly unique design. It’s not beautiful (and most certainly not hip), but it certainly is eye-catching. Pre-order it for $650 at Saks.

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posted: July 23rd, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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Unique, unexpected, perhaps a bit bizarre – all of these come to mind when presented with anything created by Isabella Fiore. The designer’s Main Squeeze Dominique Purse, though, just left me impressed. It’s by no means particularly outstanding, but it’s an instant attention-grabber. An amazing amount of ruching and gathering gives the leather an insanely supple look that just begs to be squeezed. And how could you resist not giving this fun purse a gentle little squash? Truthfully, the brown version reminds me of a raisin. I’ll stick with this chic black. Available for $595 at Saks.

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posted: June 29th, 2007
category: Isabella Fiore Bags
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