Ladies and gentlemen: June Cleaver, wife to Ward Cleaver and mother to Wally and Beaver. Barbara Billingsley’s character on the famous American sitcom Leave It to Beaver is more than just a character, she’s an American ideology. I’m sure many mothers have at one point or another dreamed of living the seemingly effortless role that she portrayed, I can even recall my own mother comparing herself to the picture-perfect, apron-wearing, house-cleaning, cookie-baking, always put-together June Cleaver. Yet, as much as we all adore her, we must not forget that’s she’s fictional, and if she were managing a household today she’d be more akin to characters such as Lynette Scavo from Desperate Housewives, Tami Taylor from Friday Night Lights, Gloria Delgado-Pritchett from Modern Family or even perhaps Nancy Botwin from Weeds. The modern mom is probably best known for having to balance her kids, marriage, pets, home, health, education, career, and whatever else gets thrown at her and also is expected to be fashionable. I don’t know about you, but that’s enough to remind me to thank my mom for everything she’s done this Mother’s Day! I’ve also found some stellar purses for those modern moms who are constantly on the go – they’d make great gifts too!

1. Coach Madison Gathered Leather Carryall $598

2. Worthington Double Handle Leather Satchel $55

3. ELLE Therese Crocodile Hobo $69

4. Kate Spade Mott Street Riley $425

5. Nicole Lee U.S.A. Two Tone Dot Day Satchel $60

6. Fossil Modern Cargo Crossbody $148

Photo from Passport Magazine.

posted: May 3rd, 2011
category: Coach Handbags, Kate Spade Handbags, Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags
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Yes, even country stars like Tammy Wynette were slaves to the famous fashion of the eighties. Tammy’s is that fairytale story of fame: an innocent farm girl faces rejection time and time again, then moves to Nashville despite her letdowns and thankfully is discovered by a record producer who changes her name and makes her famous. That’s not to say however, that this Country Music Hall of Famer didn’t earn her place and title as the First Lady of Country Music. Tammy launched a string of Top Ten hits and earned multiple Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as multiple other awards and honors. Aside from her music, Tammy also designed and sold her own line of jewelry and was the mother of four children. She died in her home in Nashville, Tennessee on April 6, 1998, but to this day, she is one of country music’s biggest-selling female vocalists. Here, in her honor, I’ve found some sizzling hot purses, fit for any country diva!

1. American West Ladies Over the Rainbow Caramel Brown Leather Hand Tooled Handbag $189

2. Ladies Scully Brown Leather Tassel Handbag $130

3. Wrangler Rock 47 Kick Stud Saddlebag $69.99

4. Bone Rhinestone Buckle Western Handbag $59.98

5. Western Trenditions Studs & Stitches Drawstring Bag $218

6. Gucci Snaffle Bit Small Shoulder Bag $1,880

Photo from Tammywynette.com.

posted: April 19th, 2011
category: Celebrity Style, Gucci Handbags, Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags
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1977 was a fabulous year. Some A-list celebs made their debut this year (Orlando Bloom, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Shakira were born). The first Apple II computers went on sale, the first MRI scanner was tested in Brooklyn, and Voyager I and Voyager II were launched unmanned to explore the outer solar system.

Punk music was born and bands like the Ramones, the Clash, Elvis Costello and the Sex Pistols rocked out. Other popular musicians included Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles, and the Bee Gees. Popular movies included Star Wars, King Kong, Rocky, and one of my favorites: Saturday Night Fever, which last truly dictated the style and trends in the discos and on the streets. The disco divas wore wrap dresses, zippered jumpsuits, tube tops, Spandex trousers and Candies platforms, and they carried crossbody bags and clutches that complimented their extraordinary ensembles. Here are some bags that would be a hit if we partied like it was 1977.

1 – Roxy Burning Crossbody $26 on sale

2 – Botkier Bleeker Crossbody $175 on sale

3 – Jessica Simpson Katie Crossbody $41 on sale

4 – Felix Rey Polka Dot Frame Clutch $230

5 – Elliott Lucca Woven Leather Hip Pouch $88

6 – B. Makowsky Martina Crossbody $158

7 – Betsey Johnson Sequin Crossbody $90 on sale

posted: April 6th, 2011
category: Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks
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Ah, the inimitable Josephine Baker. Can you imagine the delicious uproar she caused back in the day? The beauty of African-French descent was born in the United States in 1906, when racial tensions were still high. She rose above them to become the first African-American woman to dominate the silver screen, and she became internationally known for her stage shows, like the Folies Bergère productions where she wore her infamous danse banane costume. Glittery and flamboyant, Josephine was a true tour de force once described by the great Ernest Hemingway as the “most sensational woman anyone ever saw.”

While Josephine was often known more for what she didn’t wear than what she did, her flashy, glamorous style would be right at home with these clutches.

1. Topshop Black Embroidered Fan Purse $20
2. Inge Christopher Classic Scallop Beaded Clutch $80
3. Black and Gold Foil Cheetah Double Frame Clutch $13
4. Judith Leiber Plumes Clutch $2,995
5. Juicy Couture Luxe Sequins Clutch $138
6. Charlotte Olympia Python Banana Baker Bag $883

posted: March 30th, 2011
category: Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks
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Never has a nickname fit a woman more than Eleanor Parker’s “Woman of a Thousand Faces.” The American actress launched her career with her debut film role in 1942, and from then on she was off and running. Parker was a talented actress, a stunning face, and of course, she was famously versatile. However, it may have been her mad gift for adapting to her roles that kept her from ever quite becoming a major star. After all, how could audiences know what to expect of her – that is, if they even remembered that she was the same actress they’d seen in other films? She did land several honors, including a Golden Globe, an Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy nomination, three Best Actress Oscar nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The beauty is probably best remembered for her part as the Baroness in 1965′s The Sound of Music. If there is a lesson we can learn from Eleanor and in turn apply to fashion, it’s that sometimes, less truly is more. Take a look at the purses I found below – they’re sizzling, but definitely not too hot to handle. Plus, they compliment Eleanor’s soft, whimsical, romantic look above.

1. Derek Lam Evie Clutch $890

2. Prada Small Nappa Gaufre Mini Shoulder Bag $1,495

3. Glint Pleated Frame Clutch $68

4. Sondra Roberts ‘Pleated Wave’ Satin Frame Clutch $78

5. Juicy Couture ‘Riviera – Large’ Leather Wristlet $128

6. Marc Jacobs ‘Sandy Quilting’ Quilted Metallic Clutch $595

Photo from Mademan.com.

posted: March 8th, 2011
category: Juicy Couture Purses, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags, Prada Handbags
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The 1970′s were filled with disco music that made you want to boogie all night long. Donna Summer was the Queen of Disco, and while she may have sung “Last Dance,” as far as the Disco World was concerned…it was the first. Donna graced the fashion world with awesome style as she strutted her “hot stuff” on and off the stage.

I would love to relive the disco days with all of those flashy fashions: velour jumpsuits, monochromatic leisure suits, bell-bottom pants, sequinned pants, gold jewelry and chain handbags. Since we can’t travel back to the 70′s, we’ll just have to settle for sporting nostalgic styles; below is a collage of handbags that disco queens would have danced the night away with.

1 – All Deco-ed Out Purse $58

2 – Glitter With Glamour Clutch $42

3 – Global Elements Disco Shell Evening Bag $40

4 – Nanette Lepore Chain Mesh Crossbody $236 on sale

5 – Whiting and Davis Mesh Hobo $239 on sale

6 – Very Important Purse $50

7 – Conversation Hearts Purse $27

8 – Franchi Handbags Molly Mesh Crossbody $162

9 – ASOS Premium Marbled Perspex Hard Case Bag $93 on sale

posted: February 28th, 2011
category: Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks
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Lena Horne

In 1933, Lena Horne began what was to become a long and successful career as a singer, actress and social activist. Recognized for her ageless beauty as well as her flawless voice, she was most known for the hit song “Stormy Weather.” Whether she was appearing in movies, in night clubs, or on television, she was the ultimate star and always dressed the part. Horne passed away on May 9, 2010, at the ripe age of ninety-two, but her music lives on – and she will always be remembered for her talent and her consistent simple elegance.

Her fashion sense was a combination of old-style glamour queen and classic beauty. I think she would have loved any of the purses below for their simple but feminine styles. The glamour of yesteryear may not be so prominent today, but every once in a while it’s fun to add a little pizazz to your wardrobe! If you want a little more star quality in your life, why not start with one of the bags shown here?

1. Dsquared 2 Medium Fabric Bag $490

2. Small Lacey Leather Bag by Rebecca Minkoff $138

3. Just Cavalli Deep Jade Clutch $550

4. Issey Miyake Large Leather Bag $590

5. Arcadia Medium Leather Zebra Frame Bag $245

posted: February 15th, 2011
category: Celebrity Style, Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags, Roberto Cavalli Purses
comments: No Comments

I’m not quite sure that too many of us gals would actually carry a purse while skiing, but this old fashion ad from 1957 got me thinking – what designer handbag options are available for those us who want to maintain our high fashion image while we’re on the go? Is it practical to pack a purse, or should we just resort to a wallet? Women of the 1950′s weren’t often seen without a purse in hand, but for today’s modern woman, it’s a lot more common. Are we giving up a slight slice of our femininity if we choose not to pack a purse at all times, or are we embracing our equal place alongside our male counterparts by leaving our bags behind? Check out the bags I found for girls on the go below. They’re sure to stay by your side no matter where your adventures take you! Oh, and make sure you sound off in the poll at the bottom!

1. Cole Haan Village Sheila Crossbody $198

2. Xhilaration Buckle Side Top Handle Crossbody $15

3. Botkier Haven Crossbody Bag $295

4. Coach Poppy Leather Pocket Bag $148

5. Prada Messenger Bag $680

6. CC Skye ‘Motorcycle Chic Onie’ Leather Crossbody Bag $595

7. Juicy Couture Leopard Print Velour Crossbody Bag $128

Photo from Getty Images.

posted: January 25th, 2011
category: Coach Handbags, Juicy Couture Purses, Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Prada Handbags
comments: No Comments

Grace Kelly is one of the most fabulous style icons of all time. And there’s no denying her love affair with Hermes handbags. However, when this pretty princess stepped out for cocktail parties and evening events, she did stray far enough to carry an elegant evening bag.

Her beautiful evening bag is bead-adorned and rather sophisticated. As you can see, classic evening bag silhouettes haven’t changed all that much! Here is our take on some of the styles Grace would carry to a special occasion in 2011.

1 – J. Furmani Beaded Evening Bag $26 on sale at eBags

2 - BCBGeneration Violet Furry Convertible Frame Clutch $58 at Macy’s

3 – La Regale Bead Hobo $32 on sale at Endless

4 – Santi Beaded Clutch $205 at Endless

5 – Nordstrom Pleated Silk Frame Clutch $88 at Nordstrom

6 – Whiting & Davis Framed Evening Bag $148 at Endless

7 – La Regale Mini Beaded Clutch $60 at Endless

8 – La Regale Frame with Bead Fringes $56 at Endless

9 – Annabel Ingall Paillette Pleated Clutch $168 at Nordstrom

10 – Carlo Fellini Marilyn Bag $31 on sale at eBags

posted: January 19th, 2011
category: Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

To say that Mae West was ahead of her time would be an understatement. The actress, best known for her sexy double entendre, made her first movie when she was 38 years old. Many famous actresses today find it difficult to find significant roles in movies as they reach their 40’s, but Mae was just beginning what turned out to be a long and untouchable career.

The bawdy bad girl got a bit part in the 1932 movie Night After Night. She was unhappy with her one line and was given permission to change it by the director. The revised scene had a hat check girl remark, upon seeing Mae’s jewelry, “Goodness, what beautiful diamonds,” to which West responded, “Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie.”

West was off and running and kept true to her sexy self as she earned her reputation as the Queen of Camp. The combination of playful sexy banter peppered with perfect comic timing helped West to maintained her status into her 80’s.

If she were around today, there’s no doubt that Mae would have a definite fashion sense that would live up to her larger than life persona. Here are a few of my picks for the legend.

Versace Alice Small Flap Front Calfskin shoulder Bag $1,195 available at Nordstrom.com As sleek and sassy looking as West was herself, I think she would have loved carrying this classy little number by Versace.

Betsey’s Night Out Frame Bag available at BetseyJohnson.com for $98. Mae would look great on a night out carrying this frilly little clutch. The leopard print coin purse tucks neatly inside.

Elsa Framed Clutch by Alexander Wang on sale at Saks Fifth Avenue for just $646.99. If Mae were to carry this tight little clutch, those around her might think that she ignited the flames!

Fontanelli Kisses Italian Calf Leather Handbag $370 at Forzieri. When I saw this bag I thought of Mae West because of her exaggerated sexuality. Oddly, the official description focuses on witty women (which West certainly was also).

Gilda Fur and Sequin Flap Bag by Marc Jacobs available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1395.99. A little bit of glitz and a little bit of poof and this little bag would have no problem fitting in Mae West’s wardrobe.

posted: December 24th, 2010
category: Oh, This Old Thing: Vintage Looks, Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments