You’ll have to excuse RED Valentino for being so obsessed with bows and scalloped trim. The scallop business seems to be the detail of the moment, and bows are of course their thing. The frills are no problem, since the Lace Ruffle Clutch ultimately is quite the cutie. I’d have preferred it in a shade other than nude, but there’s no denying the successful contrast of black lace against such a neutral backdrop. Available for $495 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 31st, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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Playful as ever, RED Valentino doesn’t fail to impress with its Full Grain Calfskin Shoulder Bag. Primarily neutral, it’s punctured by a slew of polka dots that showcase a flirty pink backdrop and finished with a striking gold-tone chain strap for a touch of elegance. Even without the hardware, this bag would be hard to ignore thanks to its charming, vintage-inspired appearance. Available for $495 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 30th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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All of the Valentino Aphrodite bags are quite appealing to me, but the Aphrodite Leather Bow Bag definitely earns top honors. Not only is it a gorgeous shade of brazen red, it’s elegant. The bow may be large, but it’s not obnoxious or floppy; it just serves as a chic finishing touch to a vintage-inspired silhouette. Available for $1845 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: January 19th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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Oh, how gorgeous is this? I absolutely love the new Valentino Girello Embroidered Nappa Shoulder Bag. The laser-cut floral flap rests atop a lace lattice backdrop, which creates a soft, romantic effect. While I love something like this for after hours, I wouldn’t hesitate to carry it on a sunny spring afternoon. Available for $2595 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 18th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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Some bags just scream “forever” – both by virtue of design and by virtue of price. The RED Valentino Calfskin Bow Tote definitely assumes that title, although it’s probably best saved for women who don’t mind, um, a huge floppy bow. Otherwise, steer well clear of this tote with the oversized embellishment. Though I appreciate the practicality of a navy bag for everyday use, I’m not especially crazy about the bow. I’d save that kind of money for something much more dignified. Available for $450 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 17th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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What’s going on here, Valentino? Where’s the big bow? The pink? The froufrou? The designer’s Mini Panther Leather Clutch is pretty darn amazing even without all of the usual details – and maybe even because it lacks them. Oh, don’t get me wrong – there’s a bow there, but it’s stuck behind a fierce, growling panther. Love it! Available for $1275 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: January 6th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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Hey there, stud! Er, make that Rockstud – Valentino’s Rockstud Studded Leather Shoulder Bag, to be precise. In all its pristine white glory, it serves as the perfect backdrop for a pattern of hammered gold pyramid studs. Consider it the perfect springtime bag, ideal for your glamorous excursions. Available for $2595 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
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You’ve gotta love Valentino. The endless spate of bows is probably very tiresome to some women, but those who love the girly touch will appreciate the fresh beauty of the Aphrodite Large Tote. It’s a simple, everyday-appropriate black bag with a dash of chic that comes courtesy of a dainty, simple bow. The detail isn’t too obtrusive, so this bag is completely suitable for the office. Available to pre-order for $2345 at Nordstrom.

posted: December 29th, 2011
category: Valentino Handbags
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This little looker is known as the Valentino Bow Satin Clutch, and it’s everything you’d expect of a classic Valentino design. It features delicately colored antique-rose satin, an eye-catching oversized bow embellishment, a single internal pouch pocket, full interior lining, and a crisp gold zipper at the top, and it comes in a designer-stamped dust bag. Now that you’ve been better acquainted, you’ll find it for $845 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: December 23rd, 2011
category: Valentino Handbags
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I had the immense pleasure of playing with the Valentino Lacca Nuage Medium Hobo in person recently, and, well…oh, my. It’s utterly gorgeous. The combination of glossy, cotton candy-pink fabric, the signature Valentino bow, and the smart shape all contribute to its perfection. Though I usually prefer a softer bag, I do make an exception for this eye-catching piece. It’s absolutely made for spring, but I’d carry it all winter long if I had it in my clutches. Available for $995 at Nordstrom.

posted: December 8th, 2011
category: Valentino Handbags
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