Sequin, tons of sparkle and silvertone hardware – what more could you possibly want in a handbag? The Valentino Leather Sequin Embellished Shopper Bag could aptly be defined as a “diva.” The silver and black embellishments shine brilliantly and add a touch of glamour to this shopper. It features leather cinching straps, double handles, and a magnetic snap closure. You don’t take this bag out on the town, it’s the other way around! Available for $3180 at Overstock.com.

posted: May 8th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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Obviously camouflage prints have come a long, long way since their inception so many moons ago. Who could ever have predicted that designers would take such liberties with what was originally a print designed solely to conceal weapons? From that standpoint, the Valentino Large Lock Canvas and Leather Shoulder Bag is quite a sign of the times. Do I love it? No, but the dash of pink involved in the design overpowers the print and gives it an acceptably feminine appearance. Available for $2047 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: April 18th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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I’m all for remaining true to yourself, but this is kind of ridiculous. The RED Valentino Straw Point d’Esprit Bow Shoulder Bag looks like something that would make you cringe in an old prom photo. Not only does it look like someone vomited Pepto Bismol all over it, it’s also got an oversized and frankly somewhat hideous floppy bow on the flap. I don’t care if the bow is made of point d’esprit, a normally very seductive and romantic material. It just looks silly here. Unless you’re headed to an eighties revival, you have no excuse. Available for $395 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: March 14th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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Begone boring black bags! Make a vow to be more adventurous with your style in every possible way – even when you’re going with the basics. This Valentino Studded Leather Tote puts an entirely fresh spin on the usual, tracing coolly detailed studs down the center of immaculate, slightly glossy leather. The detachable strap is on the thin side and strikes me as entirely useless, because once this hefty bag is filled up you’d be a loon to carry it on your shoulder with a chain. However, I wouldn’t dare to remove it; the chain adds a little extra interest to what could have been just a plain black bag. Available for $2295 at farfetch.com.

posted: March 13th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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Be sure to reserve a spot for the RED Valentino Point d’Esprit Straw Tote in your summer wardrobe. It’s almost like you HAVE to – it’s that cute. Better than its wide, chiffon-like bow that looks like it belongs at an eighties prom is the sheer versatility of it all. This is a bag that moves from boardwalk to bistro with ease, so you don’t have to worry about running up to your room to swap your beach-side bag for something else. Available to pre-order for $495 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: February 25th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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As you might expect of Valentino, the label’s pre-fall 2013 collection is rife with drama. Featuring strong designs, dark palettes and an overall moody spirit, the line isn’t exactly chipper – but then again, neither is autumn. Just as much in line with the season as it is with contemporary trends, Valentino pre-fall 2013 includes an array of essential bags that should appeal to both fans and newcomers alike.

At the very top of my personal shopping list is the Embroidered Lock Shoulder Bag. Doused in heavy black crystals on a tonal background, this is truly one of the fiercer designs to come from the house of Valentino. There isn’t a bow in sight, and it manages to look both sharp and ladylike at once.

Equally stunning, albeit a bit less exciting, the Rouge Studded Shoulder Bag celebrates bright lipstick red and makes no apologies for it. It’s sexy and strong, with a pyramid-studded hand clasp and a slinky gold chain for a little extra shine. I’m not in love with this – maybe because of the overwhelming studs – but it fits nicely into the overall collection.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: February 22nd, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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You never know when the mood will strike. You’ll be headed out the door with your boring evening bag when suddenly you’ll wish you had a translucent butterfly-shaped bag in your grasp instead. Good thing Valentino has you covered with the Jewel Plexiglass Butterfly Clutch. Dazzling with its Swarovski-sprinkled exterior and bright gold metal, it serves more as a statement than a functional piece, but who wouldn’t want to show off a seriously $$ Valentino? Available for $5295 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: February 20th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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It was only a matter of time before this happened. We started seeing a surge of translucent bags a couple of seasons ago, and now it seems like all of the serious, big name designers are cashing in on the look, too. This Valentino Rockstud Small PVC Lock Crossbody Bag would be at the top of my list if I needed such a thing – if I were cool with having my belongings put on display for the world to see. What’s nice about this is that it’s rather compact, so you won’t look too disorganized and sloppy with all manner of things stashed inside. There just isn’t room for much! But for the sake of remaining faithful to your Valentino, try to keep it neat: use an interior organizer or cute zippered pouches to keep everything in its place. Available to pre-order for $1795 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: February 20th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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It doesn’t get glitzier or more fabulous than this, and it certainly doesn’t get more Valentino than this! The designer goes for all-out glamour with the new RED Valentino Shiny Sequined Bow Clutch, a dazzling hand-held bag that can be worn as a shoulder bag using the chain strap (which does not detach, but can be tucked discreetly inside). More impressive than the ostentatious, adorable bow is the gorgeous color, which is sort of the handbag version of a trendy rose gold hue. It’s one of my favorite hues, so much so that I’m tempted so splurge on this. It’s the ultimate party purse! Available for $450 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: January 30th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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If you’re thinking of hitting spring hard and have already gotten a head start on the season’s essentials, it’s time to add one more to your list: this RED Valentino Embroidered Effect Leather Top Handle, which I just discovered and, much to my dismay, feel a slight need to purchase. Few of us actually need white satchels the way we need black totes or shoulder bags – they just aren’t as versatile – but this sweet bag earns points for its textured finish and gold bow adornment. If you’re into girly-girly designs, it’s almost too sweet! Available for $550 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: January 29th, 2013
category: Valentino Handbags
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