Though there’s something a bit humorous about the sudden onslaught of colorblocked everything (really, this “trend” has been around for decades), it’s hard not to be swayed – some of these pieces just demonstrate the look so beautifully. The Fendi Big Mamma Colorblock Bag is a wonderful example of the technique done right. Combining simple neutrals with a pop of bright blue, Fendi manages to transform their otherwise ordinary Big Mamma bag into something lighthearted and fun. That’s a rarity anyway, where Fendi is concerned, so this bag is really impressive on all counts. Available for $1600 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: May 14th, 2012
category: Fendi Handbags
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Finding the perfect white bag for summer

No matter what styles come and go – animal prints, neon colors, exotic leathers – one thing remains a constant: you need a good white bag for summer. You would think it would be  easy to find a purse in a solid, simple color, but not necessarily.

Brighton’s Anju Beaded Soft Bucket is a sweet tote whose dazzling jeweled panel steps it up a notch. Use it as a simple bag for a day of shopping and then throw in the extras you need for dinner and dancing later on. You’ll use this bag for years to come, so the $385 is an investment.

The Light and Airy Daydreamer by Juicy Couture is made of perforated leather, giving it a black and white effect. If you’re not married to the idea of a SOLID white bag, this is one sharp satchel. The look does appear to be light and airy, and at $348 it doesn’t have to remain a daydream.

Calvin Klein still offers stellar designs, and the Geo 2 Leather Satchel is a perfect example. This soft and sexy bag is a class act, and the goldtone grommets and hardware just add to its stylish good looks. There’s plenty of room in this purse, and it truly wouldn’t look out of place no matter where you were. At $228 it’s a steal.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Juicy Couture Purses, Other designer Handbags
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As he did with his Laura shoulder bag, Jimmy Choo makes earthy look elegant with the Lucky Woven Rope and Elaphe Clutch. Very similar in design, this sleek bag shares the former’s natural construction and intriguing tassel-detail wrap. With its minimal color palette, it’s the kind of clutch that offers endless versatility. It’s not exactly the most glamorous Choo in history – nor is the most “Choo-ish” of Choo bags – but it certainly makes its mark in the sea of lookalike straw purses that begin to crowd the shelves come summer. Available for $1550 at LUISAVIAROMA.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Jimmy Choo Purses
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I’m not sure what’s more appealing about the Louis Vuitton Altair Clutch: the fact that its material is so beautifully faded or that it’s not a blatant look-at-me Louis Vuitton bag at all. That’s part of its charm, since most LV bags are of the obvious, occasionally obnoxious, variety. The Altair Clutch is stamped with the famed monogram pattern, but it’s barely visible on the dark fabric. Very chic, but not necessarily just an evening bag. You could easily use this during the day. Available for $2190 at Louis Vuitton.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Louis Vuitton Bags
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I swear that I’m obsessed with approximately 90% of Kate Spade‘s spring/summer collection so far. I seem to recall saying something similar last year, which can only be good for Kate Spade and bad for me. Good thing I have some semblance of self control or I’d probably be dropping a cool $378 on the equally cool Wicker Park Sherri, an unusual rounded tote made from both rope and wicker. It’s trimmed with only a hint of leather, but its main selling points are its fun shape and jolt of splashy blue. While not quite a beach bag, it’s definitely the kind of thing I’d carry while roaming the boardwalk on a balmy evening. Available for $378 at Kate Spade.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Kate Spade Handbags
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Orange isn’t typically my go-to color for purses, yet I’m sure finding myself intrigued by this lovely bright Andie Leather Tote! This beautiful bag features soft pebbled leather, a magnetic button closure, and side gusset detailing. If you’re loving the bag but can’t warm up to the color, don’t fret – this gem is also available in a much more neutral and subtle gold. Pick one up for $465 at Milly.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Giant shoulder bags are not necessarily appropriate for first dates. Simplify with the Big Buddha Angle Clutch! The pop of color says “I have attitude…” but the shape and size say “…but not so much that I’ll stalk you for at least two months if we break up.” The drop-in shoulder chain makes it easy to bring onto the dance floor, while the magnetic snap closure keeps all your professionally-printed personal phone number cards safely tucked inside. Shown in grey and coral, it is also available in brown/teal, fuchsia/blue, and orange/pink. Available for $50 from Zappos.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Could this bag BE any smaller (said in my best Chandler Bing voice)? I suppose it’s the size that makes the Ventidue Leopard Fluoro Spike Bag work, though, because anything larger would be massive overkill. There’s already a lot going on here, what with the leopard pony hair flap and crazy orange-red leather body. On the positive side, it has a long gold strap, which is almost always chic. Oh, and it’s also spiked with gunmetal along the sides. Kind of a bag that wants to be edgy but falls short because it’s just so flipping small! Available for $398 at Pixie Market.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Boy, Marc Jacobs has really hit it out of the park this season! I’m loving so much of his Marc line – and not just because it’s reasonably priced. The Ozzie Aurora Satchel is great for those of us who enjoy the look of an exotic skin (like moi) but don’t necessarily want to walk around toting the real thing on our arms. I particularly like how authentic the faux ostrich embossing here looks, especially on a neutral color like this. There’s a lean strap so it can be worn crossbody, but I tend to avoid wearing large bags like this in that manner – it just feels too bulky. In hand, though, this satchel finishes any look beautifully. Available for $428 at Nordstrom.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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I wish I could afford a vacation. Any chance to get away is always nice. But seeing how budgets are tight, I’ll just rub the sumptuous leather on my hand-dyed, hand-laced, and hand-tooled Cleobella Mexicana Small Wallet while I daydream about margaritas on the shores of Puerto Vallarta. Available from Revolve for $110.

posted: May 11th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments