Craving a little edge to temper all that summery sweetness your wardrobe has accumulated lately? You’ll find it here. The Jimmy Choo Biker Chain-Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag kind of lets its name do all the talking (c’mon – biker? chain? leather?), but it’s really appropriate enough to wear everyday. Even the addition of multiple glam-rock chains doesn’t diminish its versatility. Instead, they elevate the bag and make it a little more interesting than your basic black satchel (which, while practical, is always a snooze). This, though, will remain forever exciting, timeless and chic. Available for $1795 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: May 25th, 2012
category: Jimmy Choo Purses
comments: No Comments

This radiant shade of blue has popped up everywhere lately, in much the same way that Granny Smith apple and fluorescent yellow seem to have flourished on store shelves. This blue, though, is the most wearable of the bunch, so if you want to wear something bright you’d have a hard time going wrong with Marc Jacobs Baroque Single Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag. I personally don’t love having such tiny bags on my arm – I feel if you’re going to carry something so demure, it should really be a clutch or hand held – but some women just prefer petite sizes. If that’s you, meet your new summer bag! Available for $795 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: May 25th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: No Comments

A dash of seventies-inspired elegance punctuates this Marc Jacobs Safari XL Calf Hair and Leather Shoulder Bag, which is prepped to make a strong statement this season and beyond. Naturally, the star of this show is the zebra-print flap. It couldn’t look stronger or more dramatic here, what with its cream leather backdrop. The textured silver trim is truly gorgeous, and makes such a refreshing change from what we usually see. Who knew a zebra-printed bag could look so fierce? Available for $1995 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: May 25th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
comments: No Comments

Talk about bold! This little lovely by Jimmy Choo makes an impossibly grand statement the moment it enters the room. At first glance, the Cecile Printed Calf Hair Mini Shoulder Bag really has a lot going on – but it’s one of those extravagant messes that incorporates a little bit of everything and somehow works. The curtain of gold fringe alone would be enough, but it’s that bundled gold chain strap that really appeals to me. Available for $2075 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: May 25th, 2012
category: Jimmy Choo Purses
comments: No Comments

You may follow our sister site, Outblush, for news on the latest couture and hipster fashion, beauty products, and more, but what if your sole obsession in life is purses, purses, and more purses? Hel-lo, you turn to us here at Purse Page! Welcome to Personal Shopper, Purse Page style!

Serena wrote to Outblush, saying: “I am absolutely smitten with the Balenciaga Azur Bag City Classic. It is however incredibly expensive. Could you recommend some options in the $100.00- $150.00 range? I love citrus hues, soft blues, and matte grays. Outblush came to my rescue last year when I was looking for a fab trench and I am hoping you can work your magic once again. Thank you!”

Hi Serena! We’re going to help Outblush out with this one, because not only are we crazy about purses, we consider ourselves pros at finding lookalikes (see our weekly Lookalike Shopping Sprees here)! We’ve rounded up six budget friendly versions of the Balenciaga Azur Bag City Classic for you to choose from. We realize we went a tad over budget on the B. Makowsky but it was too beautiful to leave out. We’re thrilled to lend a hand with your shopping quest and we hope you find a purse you love!

1. GUESS Avera Box Satchel $63.99

2. B. Makowsky Glove Leather Hobo w/Zipper Pocketsand Stitch Detail $175.80

3. Stylish Women Tassels Tote Shoulder Bag $65.99

4. Hurley Arlington II Frame Bag $47.99

5. Fossil Monika Small Convertible Leather Satchel $134

6. NICOLI Large Leather Bag $118

posted: May 24th, 2012
category: Balenciaga Handbags, Luxe for less, Other designer Handbags, Personal Shopper
comments: No Comments

I’m about to take a trip to New York, and I’m seriously considering picking up this Kooba Ava Convertible Tote for the trip. The fact that I can unfold it and pack it to the gills as my carry on for travel, and then use it as a satchel while I’m wandering about town. The fact that it has both a handle and a strap means I’ll be able to go hands free for all of my shopping adventures. Now the big decision is if I’ll get it in blue, black or tan – all excellent choices! Available at Bluefly for $328.

posted: May 24th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Even though I’m not that much of a colorblock fan, I do like the way it’s used in this Hobo by Olivia Harris. The cream colored insert is framed by rich caramel leather, but the part I like best are the touches of sky blue in the handles and tassels. The chain link straps add another form of texture to the bag and in addition to making  it comfortable to carry. This honey of a hobo can be yours for $495 from endless.com

posted: May 22nd, 2012
category: Olivia Harris Handbags
comments: No Comments

Hot summer bags under $60

Summertime is just around the corner and it’s a time to sit back, chillax, and enjoy the sun and sand for a while. Casual days turn into casual nights, boots and shoes will be tucked away to make room for sexy sandals, and brown and black leather bags will be replaced with light and lovely purses. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to switch your handbag wardrobe; I took a little stroll over to Zappos.com and found a nice selection of purses for under $60. Here are just a few – go check out the rest!

The Echo Design Graphic Diamonds Beach Sack just screams summer. The turquoise-patterned cotton canvas bag can carry everything you need for the beach and will look great with a light and breezy summer dress as you head out to a sunset dinner. It’s available in light magenta and royal blue as well, and you can probably afford all three, since they’re just $58 each.

How can you not love a bag named the Life is Good Seaside Shoulder Bag? With an easygoing style and artsy design, this sweet purse is not just a pretty face. Its sturdy cotton canvas and chunky rope straps are made to last. Available in Cloud White for the unbelievable price of just $34.

I love the colors of the Vans Beach Bird Tote. This simple multicolored straw bag features deep shades but still keeps the summer vibe going, especially with the white rope handles.  Jeans and a tank top and you’re ready to go – just $44 and it’s yours.

posted: May 18th, 2012
category: General
comments: No Comments

Va va voom, indeed. It’s safe to say I’m obsessed with the Va Va Voom Foldover Chain Clutch, masterfully designed by Valentino. Essentially the fashion house that can do no wrong, they’ve once again managed to craft a bag so gorgeous that it’s almost impossible not to love it. Made with sumptuous, slightly glossy red leather, this stunner can be carried by hand, over the shoulder with the detachable chain strap, or as a tote! Just snap the foldover lid up and you’ve got yourself a cavernous carryall. Relatively simple stud embellishment toughens it up a little bit – just a bit, but enough to make it extra special. Available for $2042 at LUISAVIAROMA.

posted: May 16th, 2012
category: Valentino Handbags
comments: No Comments

I had to remind myself that it’s 2012 and that it’s actually time to start looking ahead to 2013 already (if the world doesn’t end in December, that is). Here’s hoping it doesn’t, because Fendi Resort 2013 is really reason enough for the world to keep calm and carry on. It’s all fabulous, and that is not something I normally say about Fendi. Take a peek at some of my favorites!

Let’s start safe. The Sequin Baguette is one of the most reliable and familiar bags of the collection. It’s dazzling, thanks to its coat of rust-toned sequins, and it’s remarkably sophisticated in its overall presentation. Nothing has been left to chance here – there’s even a mini mirror inside the bag, engraved with the word “Baguettemania.” Cute!

Moving into roomier territory, the Small Alabama Tote offers the professional woman a chance to really polish up her wardrobe in 2013. Absolutely immaculate from strap to base, it’s made of sumptuous leather and features a detachable shoulder strap. Despite being “small,” it’s still spacious enough to hold the day’s essentials with ease. I wouldn’t stuff a pair of spare flats and lunch in here or anything, but the rest – cosmetic bag, wallet, phone, etc. – will all slip in nicely.

I’m loving this dramatic take on colorblocking. The Chameleon Clutch is just effortlessly chic, with a sleek shape that provides the perfect setting for bold yet neutral panels of color. From the tan to the whiskey to the black, it all somehow just works – and how often can you really say that about those colors? Resort or no, I’d carry this all the way into fall. Simple and gorgeous.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: May 15th, 2012
category: Fendi Handbags
comments: No Comments