I long ago arrived at the realization that Zac Posen will forever be a champion for women’s dresses, but less a master of truly amazing, stop-traffic handbags. Nothing wrong with that, but I realize he should be lauded for what he really does best. Still, the Z Spoke Zac Posen Eartha Crossbody Foil Croco has a little edge that makes some of his other designs – and certainly other croc-embellished options – pale in comparison. The nutty color, intricate foil texture and lithe chain combine to form a compact yet powerful piece that makes a nonchalantly chic statement. Available for $325 at Piperlime.

posted: May 10th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Longchamp got creative when they jazzed up their classic silhouette with the Le Pliage Patch Exotic Bag.
Ideal for daily use and perfect for travel, the bag is composed of lightweight nylon and trimmed in Russian leather.

Inspired by the art of origami, a color-blocked patchwork design brings dimension to the face of the bag.

What I like most about the Patch Exotic is the way two different animal prints come together so elegantly when united under one color palette. It’s understated, unique, sophisticated, and it’s obviously my latest purse-crush. If you share the same feelings for this bag, check out Longchamp to make it your own for $610. (I’ll try not to get jealous.)

posted: May 8th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

If this didn’t come with a changing pad and a bottle holder, I’d be completely convinced it was a regular old handbag. The storksak Kate Colorblock Baby Bag is, hands down, one of the most fashion-forward options I’ve seen for the busy mommy. It’s made with polyurethane, but the combination of creamy ivory and buttery tan give it a nearly authentic appearance. What’s inside matters most, of course, and there’s plenty: baby essentials, snap pockets, an easy-to-wipe lining and slip pockets galore. Available for $220 at Bloomingdale’s.

posted: April 30th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Nothing says summer like a straw handbag, but when I’m at work and out and about, I like to carry a bag that doesn’t appear to double as a beach tote. This Rafe New York Bryn Dowel Bag is the perfect summer satchel with its colorful striped straw accented by sophisticated leather trim and smart details. It’s just right for everyday essentials but will also hold a few magazines, flip flops and sunnies for poolside fun. Available from Zappos Couture for $295.

posted: April 30th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Sensible, smart and available in a spectrum of classic colors, the Reiss Sal Short Handle Handbag is the accessory world’s answer to that old “what to wear” conundrum that befalls so many of us every morning. You know – when your closet is packed with enviable outfits, yet nothing quite seems to work. This bag comes in handy when you’re not sure what to pair with said outfit, be it a pair of jeans and a date-night top or a cute spring dress. It’s all business, sure, but with its buttery leather, minimal gold hardware and fold-over styling, it also bears all the hallmarks of a feminine essential. Available for $350 (sale!) at Reiss.

posted: April 23rd, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

A little fringe is all it takes to capture a little sixties style. That’s evident, I think, from a glance at the B-Low the Belt Twiggy Clutch. It’s got the long and lean detailing that could easily have gone the furry Cousin It route, but instead stays grounded and pretty wearable. It’s not quite dressy, but I wouldn’t call this extreme casual either – it’s more a fine balance of the two, in that it’s perfect with jeans but also could pass muster with, say, some sort of boho dress. More casual then dressy by far, but still with a little flair. Available for $195 at Shopbop.

posted: April 23rd, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Bet your iPhone never looked this fancy. Upgrade your phone case with the Karen Millen Sleek Modern Smartphone Case in tan leather. Branded with the Karen Millen signature, this case may not protect your phone from bumps and nicks, but it’ll sure look like a million bucks nestled between 100% genuine leather. Case fits iPhone 3 & 4 models, available for $49.95 at Karen Millen.

posted: April 8th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Are you ready to take on the world? With the Alviero Martini 1A Classe Rogeo Drive – Large Geo Print Satchel on your side, you’ll look like a true globetrotter. Designed with it’s signature geo map and double leather straps, the Classe Rogeo Drive has tons of storage with a single compartment, zip pocket and two open pockets on the inside. It also comes with a 2 year warranty for $550 at Forzieri.com.

posted: April 5th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

This month’s Lucky magazine urges readers to snag a “briefcasey” bag and make it a part of their wardrobes. The suggestion is fine, the butchering of the English language is not. Anyway, if you’re interested in following their advice, you may want to take a look at this Topshop Snake-Embossed Faux Leather Satchel. It’s got all the hallmarks of a no-frills briefcase, but is decidedly more feminine with its textured finish and subtle brass accents. The tan color ensures you’ll carry it year round, while the spacious interior holds everything from your iPad to a battered paperback to a makeup bag filled to capacity. Available for $68 at Nordstrom.

posted: April 3rd, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Compartmentalized to perfection, the Miu Miu Pumice Pebbled Leather Expandable Shoulder Bag offers extreme organization. It features pebbled leather with polished goldtone hardware, dual flap pockets with turnlock closure at front; zip pocket and logo accent at back, foldover flap with magnetic snap closure, snap-down expandable sides, protective feet at the base, a removable 11″ top handle with 6″ drop and a 30″ shoulder strap with 15″ drop. Plus, the inside is sateen lined with one zip and three organizational pockets. This design means business! Find it for $1,355 at Bluefly.

posted: March 28th, 2013
category: Miu Miu Purses
comments: No Comments