It’s become increasingly clear that the best way to pull off neon is to pair it with a neutral. Unlike those full-on, high-voltage looks of the eighties, today’s neons are best worn discreetly. This Melie Bianco Callie Neon Trim Messenger Bag shows how it’s done, by placing vivacious jolts of hot pink onto an understated beige backdrop. The bag itself is not the prettiest I’ve seen – I don’t love the silhouette, and the handle looks strange for some reason – but the colors work remarkably well with one another. Even if you don’t buy the bag, use it as inspiration for your neon-powered looks this season. Available for $88 at Nordstrom.

posted: May 3rd, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Carry the Luck of the Irish with you every day.

St. Patrick’s Day is March 17^th and there’s no denying it’s a cause for celebration among those of Irish descent and those who want to be, at least for the day. There will be plenty of “Kiss me I’m Irish” pins, plenty of green and oh, yeah, a beer or two. Here are a few bags that will get you in the spirit.

The Ashley M Bow Tie Evening Bag has shimmery sequins that almost look like shamrocks, and the frame bag is all dressed up with a ribbon handle finished with a sweet poufy bow. Even though this would be cool to wear on St. Paddy’s Day, at just $22.50 you could easily use it just about any time. You’ll find it at ebags.com.

You’ll be the hit of the party with the Beer Mug Purse. Looking just like it’s brimming with frothy brew, this satiny drawstring bag is a fun way to show your spirit. Since it’s just $16.99 at Amazon.com, you know you’ll want to bring it out every year to celebrate in style.

The Black Irish Shamrocks Commuter Bag is something you could easily carry all year, and even use for work. You can score this lucky messenger at Zazzle for $90.50.

posted: March 9th, 2012
category: General
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Absolutely everyone was buzzing about 3.1 Phillip Lim at Fashion Week. The designer’s fall/winter 2012 collection was a strong presentation of crisp, no-fuss designs that felt at once glamorous and professional. The clean, sharp lines, interspersed with unexpected pieces like blanket coats and loose-flowing pants, made for quite a versatile mix. And the accessories, as usual, didn’t fail to impress. There were far too many to obsess over; these are just a few worth a second look:

The 31 Hour Bag could be renamed the Rest of Your Life Bag and it would make total sense. Made with luscious aubergine leather, this oversized everyday bag moves from work to weekend with effortless grace. Perhaps it’s the contrasting flap that lends it a certain casual-meets-polished vibe; whatever the reason, this gently slouched carryall will work with any conservative-sophisticated look in your arsenal.

Reliable as ever, the Pashli Messenger nods to menswear-inspired elegance with its sturdy silhouette and relatively simple design. In fact, in a color other than reddish eggplant, it wouldn’t be out of place in even the most manly man’s closet. Complete with an adjustable strap and a wide outer pocket, it’s a low-key, functional bag that makes the daily grind less of a hassle.

Though Lim’s amazing fold-over clutches ultimately caused the most buzz, the Vendetta Large Convertible Bag also managed to turn a few heads. It transitions from practical shoulder bag for day to tough-as-nails clutch by night thanks to its detachable strap. It’s basic, but it’s also classic and well worth a little splurge.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: March 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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When I think of the colorblock trend, I think of bold pops of color. I think of clever designs that make it possible to pull off unexpected hues with ease. That’s exactly what I got with the Marc by Marc Jacobs Werdie Colorblock Messenger Bag. At first glance, it’s kind of simple – gray and cream leather aren’t exactly a good time – but the addition of glazed orange leather trim sends the entire thing in a completely different direction. And given that orange is one of spring’s hottest hues, this is definitely one way to wear it without going overboard. Available for $498 at Nordstrom.

posted: March 7th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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Wow! I am absolutely in love with the Tablet Messenger Bag from the Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. It’s just as sleek and well-designed as you’d expect, starting with a lean silhouette that houses any electronic tablet snugly and keeps it safe from bumps and jostles. The dual outer pockets make it completely different from the vast majority of tablet bags, as does the detachable shoulder strap. The result is a crisp, sporty bag that goes absolutely anywhere. Available for $378 at Nordstrom.

posted: February 28th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: 2 Comments

It’s time to upgrade that bag your laptop came with. For something stylish and chic, consider the Golden Ponies Number 3 Leather Satchel. This messenger bag is handmade in Mexico and is able to convert into a polished but pretty satchel. It’s available in upwards of seven different colors, but I think this mint green is a fresh and surprising neutral. It’s $85 on Etsy.

posted: February 16th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Polka Dots! Bugs! Vegan-ness! This cute little messenger-style bag has many things going for it, especially as we approach spring. You have enough ladylike fancy bags. Go for some whimsy with your next bag purchase and get this All the Buzz Satchel, which is a-flutter with springtime fauna and dots in shades of navy, green, and tan. It contains no animal parts, so it’ll suit your animal lover lifestyle. Available at Modcloth for $80.

posted: February 1st, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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I’ve never truly believed I’d own a Prada bag, but this adorable Prada Gendarme Stripe Canvas Covered Pushlock Tote makes me think otherwise. I can totally see myself sporting this purse and even paying the hefty price tag in order to do so – it’s just so cute! It features lovely striped canvas, polished goldtone hardware, a covered pushlock with metal logo lettering, a front pocket, a top handle, an adjustable crossbody strap, suede lining and metal feet. I’m a sucker for those stripes and the golden hardware; they pair effortlessly together! Pick one up for $1,116 at Bluefly.

posted: January 23rd, 2012
category: Prada Handbags
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You’ve got to love Phillip Lim: the designer really knows what it means to steal the spotlight. His bags are unmistakable, what with their intricate detailing and nervy, creative designs. For Pre-Fall 2012, he’s whipped up an amazing lineup for his 3.1 Phillip Lim collection.

Perhaps most noticeable is the Break Up 31 Minute Bag. I’m not crazy about the image of a woman weeping with such immense sorrow – do we really want to showcase such heartache? The comic book-style print, though, is pretty cool. Use it to amplify a Plain Jane ensemble and bring some curious stares your way (if you happen to like that type of thing).

Messenger bags usually appear more collegiate than chic, but there’s a way around that if you happen to require one for your everyday needs: carry the Pashli Messenger. Don’t rule out this business-cool bag, which is loaded with pockets and features an adjustable strap for comfort.

The best of the lot is the Pashli Satchel, a fiery little number that adds some smokin’ hot elegance to your everyday look. Consider this the ultimate work-to-play bag – it’s sexy and ladylike, but feels polished and conservative, too. That’s a difficult combination to achieve, but this practical design makes it work.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: January 19th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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It is coooold out there, so anything with the word “tropical” attached to it is very welcome. This Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Suede Handbag in Tropical Green is a warm burst of verdant sunshine that takes the chill off our grey days. Do you think if you put your hands inside it, it would feel like plunging your hands into the white sand of some far off tropical beach? Yes, but only if you fill your bag with warm sand. You could also fill it with a wallet, keys, and beauty essentials, but that’s completely up to you. Available at Zoe for $1,995.

posted: January 18th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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