I don’t know if it’s just my neck of the woods, but between family and friends, we’ve had a little baby boom going on. Being around so many newborns I’ve been more exposed to diaper bags than normal. When you think of a diaper bag, a shapeless vinyl mass filled with diapers and wipes with baby bottles peeping out the top comes to mind.

The good news is that fashion and style have not left diaper bags out of the mix. Other than the fact that they’re baby friendly, no one would even suspect the following selections of being diaper bags. And if you have a baby shower looming in your future, you’ll be the hit of the party if you bring one of these hot little numbers.

All bags are available from www.albeebaby.com

This Fleurville MS3 in Black Bouquet looks more like it came from White House Black Market than a baby site.  But make no mistake, this bag has you and baby in mind.  It comes with a changing pad and a see-through wipe case, and has plenty of pockets, including three with elastic tops so you can tuck in a few bottles. Teflon-free and PVC-free, the bag is made of Green-LAM, an environmentally-friendly polyurethane laminate. This bag usually sells for $99 but is currently on sale for $59.99.

Looking more like a cute lunch bag, this Lexie Tote by Fleurville is shown here in Botanical Azure. The interior compartment is waterproof and there’s a SlipNot universal stroller attachment included. Inside are fleece-lined pockets, a changing pad and (again) a see-through wipe case. It’s really such a pretty little bag you probably could use it for lunch when baby outgrows it.  Regularly $129, you can get yours on sale for $79.99.

Okay, so we’ve seen some of the changes in diaper bags, but what do you think of diaper clutches? The Petunia Pickle Bottom Cross Town Clutch, shown here in Dancing in Dublin, is an adorable little bag that still does it all. There’s a large fold-out changing pad and a monogrammed wipes case (how cute is that!) plus pockets for diapers, ointments and creams. The wristlet strap even converts to a shoulder strap. There are plenty of charming prints to choose from, each at $89.

posted: March 2nd, 2011
category: Style Picks
comments: 1 Comment

Happy Turkey Day! I hope all of you are spending some time with people you love. While the best part of this holiday is the time together with my family the prospect of cooking and eating the big bird for weeks and weeks is definitely lower on my favorites list. In my fantasy, I have re-cast the role of Thanksgiving dinner as designer handbags.

First, instead of stuffed turkey, I would choose Judith Leiber’s pretty crystal Finch Minaudiere. Instead of cornbread stuffing, this purse would be filled with cab fare and lipstick. It is a little steep for my pre-holiday wallet at $3795, but hey, this is just my fantasy right?

Second, instead of those hideous tangled green beans with fried onions on top, I choose Bottega Veneta’s woven green clutch with brass knots on top for $1150 at Net-a-porter.

For dessert, I give up unattractively colored pumpkin pie for Prada’s orange pumpkin jacquard crossbody bag for $550. No carbs to worry about, none of that sticky filling to scrape off plates later.

Have a safe and stylish holiday everyone!

posted: November 25th, 2009
category: Bottega Veneta Bags, Other designer Handbags, Prada Handbags, Style Picks
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When summer rolls around, the first thing on my shopping list is a new bikini. The second? A great designer beach tote that strikes a nice balance between functionality and fabulousness. It’s got to be roomy and somewhat durable to put up with the elements, but it’s also got to be drop-dead gorgeous too. A few contenders:

Marni Printed Canvas Tote: This fab floral boasts a striking print plus canvas material that can stand up to the sand. Sophisticated, yet eclectic. Available for $600 at Net-a-Porter.com.

3.1 Phillip Lim Kanvas Leather Trim: There’s just something about this bright, effortlessly simple tote that I love. It also comes in tomato red and a bold lemon-lime green, both great summer brights. Available for $525 at Eluxury.com.

Barneys New York Classic Canvas Tote: I could see myself carrying this classic tote year after year. The tote comes in a slew of colors, including lime and demure gray, but I think this cobalt blue is so hot for this season. Available for $450 at Barneys.

Rachel Pally Print Beach Bag: What better way to jazz up a basic bikini than this on-trend watercolor-print tote? Monet for the modern gal. Available for $140 at Shopbop.com.

posted: May 20th, 2009
category: Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

Those trend-spotters weren’t kidding when they said that yellow (specifically, marigold yellow) would be the major hue of 2009. Everywhere I turn there’s a bright, sunny handbag in my line of vision. Yellow’s not exactly the most versatile color, but if you’re a fan of its bold power, snagging a designer purse in this cheerful hue could make your summer wardrobe even hotter. A few examples:

Proenza Schouler Medium Suede PS1 Bag: Spring’s must-have satchel goes from basic neutrals to in-your-face mustard. I like the punky kick. Available for $1,995 at Barneys.

Lanvin Papillote Bowling Bag: Yellow faux python with navy ribbon trim sounds a little odd, but the right style adventurer can totally pull this daring purse off. Available for $1,990 at Barneys.

Prada Naplak Medium Tote: This classic bag gets a jolt of personality thanks to its shocking yellow hue. Available for $1,695 at Barneys.

Givenchy Couture Padded Nightingale: An avant garde texture and acid yellow hue? This ain’t your mama’s Nightingale. Available for $1,975 at Barneys.

posted: May 19th, 2009
category: Lanvin Bags, Other designer Handbags, Prada Handbags, Style Picks
comments: 1 Comment

Close your eyes, shy ones, because this edition of Style Picks is totally nude. Nude handbags, that is. With the sun coming out and bronzed, tanned skin making its return, nude fashions and accessories are enjoying a little renaissance. Sadly, I’m much too pale to pull off a sexy nude jersey dress, which means I’ll be sticking to flesh-toned purses to get my fix. Some favorites:

Roberto Cavalli Serpent Bracelet Clutch: Ooh, ssssexy. This sleek evening bag is the perfect champagne-beige, and I love the dash of gold serpent bling. Available for $965 at Net-a-Porter.

Christian Louboutin Zip-Detail Hobo: Pleats and diagonal zippers converge in this creamy pink bag. Available for $1,995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Suede Satchel: This taupe satchel is a fabulous and functional neutral bag for everyday. Time to retire those heavy black and dark brown totes! Available for $1,995 at Net-a-Porter.

Marc Jacobs BE.V Patchwork Wristlet: The pink cast of this petite clutch is just right for my complexion. So soft and pretty with a white sundress. Available for $395 at Eluxury.

Kooba Kristie Shoulder Bag: Another great basic-but-beautiful everyday handbag, this baby sports a host of fashion-forward details – zips, pleating, belts. Available for $645 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: April 16th, 2009
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags, Other designer Handbags, Roberto Cavalli Purses, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

To be honest, I’m a little on the fence when it comes to the tie-dye trend that’s all the rage right now. I love me some tie dye, but I don’t want to look like I just escaped from some Deadhead’s van. Still, there’s no denying the eye-catching power of these vibrantly swirled handbags:

Foley + Corinna Mid-City Tote: I love the worn, distressed look of this ombre-style cowhide leather tote. The colors are soft, not saturated, which is perfect for a sleepy boho look. Available for $444 at Neiman Marcus.

Rebecca Minkoff Malibu Mini Morning After Bag: This ultra-trendy purse has a youthful appeal thanks to its bright green leather trim and intense sunset-esque tie-dye effect – like melted ice cream on a hot summer day. Available for $450 at Neiman Marcus.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Graffiti Wallet: Leave it to this visionary designer to make airbrush-style effects cool again. This hot pink wallet is a fun way to reference this season’s ’80s trend. Available for $335 at Eluxury.

posted: April 14th, 2009
category: Other designer Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags, Style Picks
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Want to get on this season’s nautical trend bandwagon? Check out these nautical-by-nature designer handbags.

Miu Miu Studded Shoulder Bag: Navy + sailor-esque large button detailing = smooth sailing. Available for $1,295 at Net-a-Porter.

Y-3 Striped Beach Bag: This navy and white striped canvas carry-all is perfect for a day at the beach. Leather trim ups the luxe value. Available for $330 at Eluxury.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote-ally Miss Marc Tote: Miss Marc dons a sailor hat for this fun summer tote – check out the bargain sale price. Available for $98.90 at Nordstrom.

L.A.M.B. Darjeeling Bangalor Purse: Despite its Indian name, this red, white and blue combo feels totally American. Available for $345 at Eluxury.

Kate Spade Fort Lauderdale Small Coal: With its clean navy and white color palette and “Port” logo, this easy tote screams “ahoy, matie!” Available at KateSpade.com for $155.

Charlotte Russe Anchor Tote: Okay, so it’s not designer. But how can you resist this cute anchor print at that bargain price? Available for $16.99 at Charlotte Russe.

posted: April 9th, 2009
category: Kate Spade Handbags, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Miu Miu Purses, Other designer Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

Shoulder bags, Cosby sweaters, neon galore…we’ve officially returned to the 1980s. And though I’ll seriously move to an underground bomb shelter if ye olde stirrup pants and parachute pants of yore make a comeback, these retro looks aren’t all bad. Check out these fab picks.

Marc Jacobs O.O.C. Glitter Studs Mini: Tell me this doesn’t have “Jem!” written all over it. I love the feisty fuchsia hue, and the metallic is pure party. Available for $995 at Eluxury.com.

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Shawl: Is there anything more ’80s than a Sprouse reference? Of course, a Sprouse-inspired handbag is divine, but I’ve also taken a cotton (er, make that cashmere) to this leopard-print shawl. Available for $725 at Eluxury.com.

Jimmy Choo Zulu Soft Clutch: Net-a-Porter has singled this studded clutch as a sign of the New ’80s, and I couldn’t agree more. Very “White Wedding.” Available for $625 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Alexander Wang Denim Leather Hobo Bag: A little Dexy’s Midnight Runners, a little Erin Wasson, a lot downtown girl cool. The “it” designer has created a funky little purse for aspiring blue jean baby queens, all with cleverly distressed leather. Available for $825 at Shopbop.com.

Rebecca Minkoff Neon Rendezvous Clutch: This Day-Glo clutch was made for hitting the clubs…or a Wham! concert. Available for $275 at Shopbop.com.

posted: March 4th, 2009
category: Jimmy Choo Purses, Louis Vuitton Bags, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Rebecca Minkoff Handbags, Style Picks
comments: 1 Comment

Generally, when I hear the word “eyelet,” I think sweet, pretty white Easter dresses. I think…Charlotte York. But that’s not the case with the latest batch of eyelet fashions. These black pieces prove that eyelet has a naughty side too – and for one love it.

Jimmy Choo Dessy Calf Leather Eyelet Tote: Gold-trimmed perforations punctuate this too-cool-for-school black handbag. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,375.

Tutu Blu Black Eyelet Dress: How sexy is this form-fitting dress? Eyelets make for a fierce accent. Available at Pixie Market for $179.

Hera Cotton Gradual Dot Eyelet Dress: This punky-meets-Pop-Art frock would look amazing with studded black heels. Available at Tobi for $131.

Hale Bob Black Studded Dress: The party dress gets an eyelet-studded neckline and hem. Available at eDressMe for $199.

posted: February 19th, 2009
category: Jimmy Choo Purses, Style Picks
comments: No Comments

Ugh – Valentine’s Day AGAIN? We really need Obama to Guantanamo Bay this sappy mess. But until then, we might as well flaunt our love for love (ick) with a heart-adorned purse. A few favorites below:

Forever 21 Croc Heart Clutch: It’s cute, it’s cheap, and it comes in your choice of red or black. Any questions? Available at Forever 21 for $19.80.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Heart Coin Purse: Because you know Louis Vuitton will always be your No. 1 Main Man. Available at Eluxury for $450.

Marc Jacobs Zip Heart Clutch: We couldn’t not include this heart-smothered purse, could we? Love the purple hue. Available at Eluxury for $795.

Dahl & Dane Custom I Heart Tote: Send your sweetie a shoutout with a custom-printed tote. Available at Dahl & Dane for $34.

ASOS Quilted Heart Bag: go monochromatic in this Chanel-esque valentine. Available at ASOS for $29.31.

posted: February 12th, 2009
category: Louis Vuitton Bags, Marc Jacobs Handbags, Style Picks
comments: No Comments