I do love See by Chloe, whose bags are more attractive and more reasonably priced than the main line. The Suzie Leather Messenger Bag represents well what I love most about the label. This is a classic, simple bag by all accounts – the shape is almost old-fashioned, the color epitomizes demure and it ticks all the boxes where practicality is concerned. Yet it feels a little hip and posh too, maybe because of the rosy hardware and cute bow lock. It’s just the modern touch this bag requires. Available for $495 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: May 6th, 2013
category: Chloe Purses
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What’s not to love about the Deux Lux Memo Messenger Pouch? This fabulous messenger bag is bright and cheery just in time for the warm weather. The mango and seafoam faux-leather color combination works well with the zigzag woven raffia, which makes very versatile. I love the drawstring-cinched top because it makes it easy for me to get my wallet in and out quickly while managing to not spill the contents of my entire bag. Visit Nordstrom to get yours for just $110.

posted: April 16th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
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Sassy and sporty, the Rebecca Minkoff Snakeskin Mini Messenger Bag is the ultimate springtime bag! With its sleek strap and three-compartment interior, it’s quite functional. What really sets it apart is the fantastic take on purple – it’s not quite pastel, so you don’t feel like it’s only appropriate to carry at Easter. But it’s also rich and deep enough that it can be worn at least into early fall. Available for $250 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: February 5th, 2013
category: Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
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Spring/summer 2013 appears to be all about fine craftsmanship at Salvatore Ferragamo. The label’s team has fashioned a collection of simple, minutely detailed handbags that achieve modernity with those very same low-key elements. Maybe they don’t jump out the way some other Ferragamo designs of yesteryear do, but they speak to creative director Massimilano Giornetti’s ability to make even plain look perfect.

A plain black handbag? They’ve clearly never heard of such a thing. The Rustic Kamelia Top Handle Bag feels almost haunting thanks to a pair of involved copper buckles that punctuate the midnight backdrop with old-world elegance.

More intriguing is the Embroidered Corda Fergie Hobo, which boasts intricate top stitching on the front and smooth tonal leather on the reverse. A complex series of buckles and hardware bring this slightly dreary color to life – perhaps not enough to make it the life of the party, but certainly enough to make it more noticeable.

When in doubt, opt for a sassy bag that works overtime as a shoulder or crossbody bag. The Python Ruth Messenger Bag is by far the most impressive of the lot. Who doesn’t love the idea of aged gold studs brightening up a piece of sleek, glossy python?

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: December 31st, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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So I have a Tory Burch gift card that I’ve been hanging on to in the hopes that something fabulous would soon come my way. I’ve seen many fab items over the months, but nothing that I feel is worthy of a big splurge (bear in mind this card is worth $50, which is barely a drop in the bucket on Tory’s site). Recently my sights have settled on the Louiisa Messenger, a bright fuchsia purse in my favorite fold-over design with a strong, detachable chain strap. I’m still mulling it over (do I reallllly need another pink purse?), but this is easily one of the most attractive options I’ve seen so far. Available for $435 at Tory Burch.

posted: December 12th, 2012
category: Tory Burch Handbags
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Intriguing! I’m definitely on board with anything that’s knitted, and so I’m pretty enthusiastic about this creation by Brunello Cucinelli. The designer’s Knitted Messenger Bag puts a fresh and homey spin on the traditional messenger, giving it a cozy touch with cashmere knit that’s subtly lit with sequins. I really would never spend this kind of money on it, but it’s fun to dream. Available for $2197 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: November 29th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Unless you’re a massive Tory Burch follower, I can’t think of a reason you’d really covet her Stitched Logo Foldover Messenger. It’s not an unattractive bag by any stretch, and the logo is really quite discreet, but it’s a bit dull just the same. Unless you’re Tory-happy and have built a wardrobe full of her tunics and flats, this is probably not going to appeal. Available for $395 at Bloomingdale’s.

posted: November 6th, 2012
category: Tory Burch Handbags
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Attention, loyal readers – we heard you loud and clear! The purse chosen for our lookalike shopping spree this week was the Christian Louboutin Farida Messenger Bag! This splendid piece was first spotted for $1,590 – but have no fear: we’ve found five affordable lookalikes for you. Be sure to share your favorite of these colorful messengers in the comment section below!

1. Tignanello Utility II Cross Body $99

2. BCBGeneration Julia Crossbody $54.99

3. MacCase Premium Leather Shoulder Bag $249.95

4. Dooney & Bourke Nylon 3 Tone Triple Zip Handbag $68

5.  Jessica Simpson Sheila Crossbody $60.99

posted: September 24th, 2012
category: Shopping List Roundups
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Moms, rejoice! School’s back in session. Now that you have so much more free time on your hands (right?), it’s definitely appropriate to do some shopping. Why not start by picking up this Rebecca Minkoff School Boy Satchel? Not only is it a reminder of this blessed time of year, it’s also got a shoulder strap to keep your hands free, whether you’re wandering the mall (fantasy) or handing out after-school snacks on the playground (reality). Available at Bluefly for $277.

posted: September 20th, 2012
category: Rebecca Minkoff Handbags
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Kooba had me at first sight with this incredible bag! The Leroy is the sporty-chic bag of my dreams. It’s designed to perform, with a messenger-style silhouette and plentiful pockets to hold those tiny items easily. It’s also built with style in mind, though, which is made very obvious by the sexy suede. Sexy? A messenger bag? I know, unreal. But In lush plum, this really is. If suede isn’t your thing, try the black or brown leather. Available for $428 at Zappos Couture.

posted: September 20th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments