Hobo International’s Bibi is the newest addition to their collection of minibags. Its distressed leather and glitz free keyhole closure make it a cute, casual way to carry around your most basic essentials. I’m sure crossbodies – especially their miniature counterparts – will be plentiful on college campuses this season. Ditch the oversized messenger for this petite purse and carry your notebooks by hand for a much lighter, sleeker load. Bibi is available in three other colors and is $128 at Hobo International.

posted: August 12th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Graphic patterns are a fine art, indeed. Too much can be blinding, too little can be ineffective. Falling somewhere in between is this Trina Turk Marla Metro Coated Canvas Tote. At first glance, I’m reminded a little bit of Pacman thanks to a confusing maze of lines that the little yellow fella himself probably couldn’t navigate. The more I look at it, though, the easier it is on the eyes. Sure, the pattern is complex and nonsensical, but why does everything always have to make sense? Sometimes it’s just fun to go with the flow…or in this case, the lines. Available for $275 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 12th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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The Betsey Johnson Heavy Metal Cheetah Laptop Case is pretty quintessential Betsey. Bright, pink, bold, and borderline tacky, it’s a far cry from the world of boring black laptop cases. It would make a wonderful off-to-college present for this year’s freshmen; plus, I would bet it wouldn’t be the first choice of most library laptop thieves. However, recent college grads might want to avoid it as they head out into the working world; it’s a little young and perhaps more appropriate for those who are both secure in their jobs and their femininity. Get one for just $88 at Betsey Johnson.

posted: August 12th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Take a trip down memory lane with a little help from this luxurious Valentino Suede Shoulder Bag. Awash in chestnut suede and topped with sinewy gold chain straps that look like jewelry, it mixes a touch of seventies glamour with a tinge of eighties power suit personality. Indeed, it is the sort of bag a real high flyer might consider adding to her wardrobe, either to complement her don’t-mess-with-me work wear or her unquestionably cool weekend attire. Either way, this spacious, stunning bag is worthy of any occasion. Find it for $1995 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Valentino Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

I want to scream when I see bags like this. I really do. I want to walk straight up to Coach (if, ya know, Coach were a person) and ask them why they can’t retire the played out crazy prints with the brand name splashed all over the place. If I were in my teens, it’s possible the Poppy Pop C Layla would really appeal to me, what with its hodgepodge of cutesy brights and obvious logo placement (not to be dismissive, natch; Coach logos are never invisible, but I prefer a subtler touch). This little number does nothing for me, though. Available for $198 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Coach Handbags
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Fall brings with it a particular breed of handbag. Gone are summer’s lazy-day totes and slouchy satchels. In their place is the polished shoulder bag, which is practical, ladylike and always pulled together. Now, that may all sound kind of yawn-inducing, but the right designer can make it look new every time. Par exemple: the Cole Haan Heritage Quilt Jenna Shoulder Bag makes basic leather look visually chic thanks to its thick, quilted ribs. A simple buckle at the flap finishes it perfectly. It’s effortlessly good looking, in a way that’s simple but not at all boring. In four colors. Find it for $298 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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I assume that Hobo International’s Peggy was named for Peggy Lee; it’s screaming to be worn with an evening gown and some silk gloves. While undeniably mid-century inspired, I’m glad Hobo went with this more saturated fuchsia rather than a predictable and overly sweet Mamie pink; otherwise, this glossy leather evening bag with its faux pearl closure would be much too literal in its vintage charms. I do, however, love that they went with a very authentic-feeling, but not at all clichéd, graphic print for the lining. Check it out and pick one up for $138 at Hobo International.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Proof that croc isn’t always the edgy touch it would seem to be: this Nine West Croc-Embossed Crossbody Bag is the very height of conservative style, despite its finish. It’s pretty much a basic shoulder bag with a few updated details. Is it attractive? Yes, but it’s not particularly interesting. Even a buckle accent and a bold keychain can’t save it from utter simplicity, which, as we all know, isn’t always far from mediocrity. Find it for $148 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Trendy? Check. Quality? Check. Convenient? Check, check! This Prada Nappa Antique Tote meets all the criteria for a fabulous fall bag! It features double top handles, a removable adjustable shoulder strap, a magnetic snap closure, multiple pockets, and leather lining. I love the crisp, rich emerald color – it would look positively dashing with my eyes (insert wistful sigh here). Looking to make this bag your own? You can find it on pre-order for $2,295 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Prada Handbags
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Forget you, boring black clutch. In fact, forget you, too, metallic clutch. We’re moving on to the Deux Lux Gypsy Clutch, which offers us more bang for our buck and a lot more elegance, too. Beautifully detailed with a bundle of gold chain tassels, this slightly slouchy clutch is dressy enough to carry to an upscale affair, yet just versatile enough to work for a daytime event, too. The gold adds such a gorgeous finish to the faux leather backdrop. Lovely, and well worth the reasonable price! Find it for $115 at Nordstrom.

posted: August 11th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments