Custom Design

While the main purpose of our trip to NYC a couple of weeks ago was to find an apartment, Vlad and I knew we had to make a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue NYC to see the Botkier + PurseBlog Limited Edition Bag. Not only did we find the bag on display on the front table of floor five among the contemporary designers, but also is it featured in one of the window displays right off of 5th Avenue!

As far as high points in our blogging life go, this is one of the very top. I wanted to scream with excitement and tell everyone walking by the window that the bag on display was designed by the readers and members of our website. But I didn’t – I should have, right?!

The bag is still available for sale online but it is also for sale at the Saks 5th Avenue Flagship store in NYC. If you are in the area, you must check it out!

Thank you again to Botkier and Saks for the amazing partnership. And of course, thank you to all of you – who made this collaboration one of the most reader and brand involved processes I have ever been a part of or seen!

CLICK TO BUY THE LIMITED EDITION BOTKIER+PURSEBLOG BAG!

    

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Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Oscar de la Renta continues to prove he is not only ahead of the curve but also completely able to relate to all of us who spend our days glued to gadgets.

Today we have the exclusive preview of the second batch of Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutches. The first iPad cases (which Oscar endearingly calls a clutch) were spotted on the runway of the Resort 2011 show. Just before that show, Oscar himself purchased an iPad which prompted him to create a fashionable clutch to cover his new omnipotent tablet.

    

The Oscar de la Renta iPad Clutch garnered internet-wide fandom for its sleek but fashionable design. The first set was available exclusively and in limited edition via OscardelaRenta.com and sold out quickly.

Here is the good news for all of you: We have the first look of the second set of iPad clutches and I happen to adore these even more than the first batch! Debuting tonight on the site, the second group of de la Renta iPad Clutches become available for purchase. This group has gone glam in three python versions and one crocodile embossed leather version.

It may seem like calling these cases clutches is off, but it is not. When you think of an iPad case, it sounds like more of a protection layer than anything else. But Oscar de la Renta lives and breathes fashion and combines it with function in these exotic and upscale iPad Clutch designs.

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These clutches are meant to be part of your ensemble and to be used as a statement piece. The python options offer three different colors: vivacious red, pearlized taupe, and a deep pearlized rose. Then there is the black crocodile embossed leather version, which is perfect for a man or woman. The clutches are simple yet striking and the perfect accessory to your wardrobe. And at $390 for the python version, we think it is a rather reasonable price.

With technology moving at such a fast pace, it is exciting to watch one of fashion’s all time greats lead the pack with an exotic design that is hard to resist for the latest Apple must-have gadget.

Buy exclusively via Oscar de la Renta online: Red python for $390, Taupe Python $390, Rose Python $390, Black Crocodile Embossed Leather $290.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Original post by Vlad Dusil

The brand to turn to for exotic skins is Bottega Veneta. I have never been let down by the skins Bottega Veneta chooses for their bags, from leathers to exotics. When the Fall Winter 2010 collection went down the runway, I had a hard time keeping myself from actively drooling on my keyboard. Not only did I see gorgeous designs, but also there was use of color that worked perfectly for fall and winter while not being drab. One of the colors that immediately caught my attention was a rich hue of blue.

It just so happens the blue bag that I found myself yearning for was also designed in a gorgeous exotic skin. Welcome the Bottega Veneta China Soft Crocodile Fume Loop Bag to your screen. Gorgeous, right?

I have had the privilege of holding a soft crocodile skin from Bottega Veneta before. If you have not, pop into Bottega Veneta next time you can and ask to hold one of their exotic skin handbags. One of the strong points of the brand is their focus on finding the best skins available, clearly this bag showcases that. Even from the photo, you can see the quality of the skin used.

This style hobo is very familiar for all of us. In fact, this bag reminds me of the popular YSL Roady Hobo with its single shoulder strap. You had to know the price was coming next and you had to know that it would be high. Once available, the bag will be $35,000 at Bottega Veneta.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I got an email last week of a PurseBlog reader looking for a sneak peek at an upcoming Louis Vuitton bag. Lea asked and we can deliver! Welcome the Louis Vuitton Damier Rivington which is said to be available starting August 1st.

You know why I love this bag? There is a large shoulder drop and a seemingly good sized body with the sturdy Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas. The Damier canvas is a favorite of mine. It works well with many outfits, seasons, and years. Keep your eyes out for more from Louis Vuitton items hitting stores this summer! Shop via Louis Vuitton online.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

The Proenza Schouler PS1 bag has made a strong name for itself. With a large following, the design continues to entice fashionistas worldwide. When you have a design that does not need to be edited, the only way to spruce it up is by changing the colors and materials. That is precisely what Proenza Schouler continues to do, and with these slight changes I find myself on the edge of my seat each season seeing if the perfect color is being released.

Luckily for both me and all of you, Net-A-Porter is giving PurseBlog readers an exclusive first look at the new colors of Proenza Schouler PS1 bags coming to their store.

Net-A-Porter expects both medium and large sizes along with leather and suede options of the Proenza Schouler PS1. While each size and material will not be available in every color, there will be many options. Colors include black, merlot, light brown, navy, olive, lavender, anthracite, and embroidered.

Ok decision time. WHAT COLOR? I have been yearning for a PS1 in leather and think I am ready to take the plunge. As much as merlot sounds amazing, I realized I have many bags in that hue. Olive is great for fall, but is it best for fall and not for more seasons? And then there is the light brown, which is a classic and finishes the school bag look perfectly. You all must give me some opinions and guidance!

Once these bags hit Net-A-Porter we will be sure to alert you. Until then, you can pre-reserve the bag of your choice or get further information from the NAP Fashion Advisor team. Call +44 (0)203 471 4638 or fashionadvisor@net-a-porter.com for International and 1 800 471 9303 or fashionadvisor.usa@net-a-porter.com for USA.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Now that Saks officially has announced their participation, we can break the silence and share the extremely exciting news that we’ve had to keep secret for a few weeks.

The Botkier + PurseBlog Limited Edition Handbag, which was democratically created by our readers in a two phase process, will be exclusively carried and sold both at the Saks 5th Avenue flagship in New York City and Saks.com, starting in July!

We can not begin to describe how exhilaratingly wonderful this is. Needless to say, when we first discussed a possible collaboration with Monica Botkier and her crew, we did not envision the final product to be exclusively carried by one of the biggest fashion retailers worldwide. We are even more thrilled because it was YOU, our loyal readers and fans, who participated in the creation of this unique bag.

Stay tuned for a full video reveal of the Botkier + PurseBlog Limited Edition Handbag. A very special thanks goes out to Saks and Botkier for making this possible!

Original post by Vlad Dusil

It has been a little while since we have updated you on the Botkier + PurseBlog Exclusive Sasha Bag. Finally we can preview this exciting collaboration, it was all of you who contributed after all. The exclusive bag is just about ready to be sold and we got to see a first prototype. We can say with confidence that it is far more amazing than we could have ever imagined.

If you missed the voting experience, you can read up on Phase I and Phase II.

With just under 10,000 total votes, the final decision fell to the popular Medium Sasha Duffle in distressed grey leather with gunmetal hardware and braided detailing. The color includes a slight hue of taupe, resulting in a beautiful leather that the small swatch could not do justice.

Be patient, the entire bag will be revealed soon. Stay tuned for an entire look at the bag designed by PurseBlog readers and Botkier!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Happy Friday PurseBlog readers! In addition to being happy for the simple fact that it is Friday, I am really happy to share an exclusive with you. Today through May 13th, you can receive 30% off any of the Linea Pelle Joey Bags! In typical fashion, these bags are fabulous and versatile. And hey, with Mother’s Day around the corner, perhaps this would be perfect for a last minute gift.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Everyone can go into a store and buy a handbag off of the shelf. Many of those bags we buy are very meaningful to us for different reasons. I now have a handbag in my collection that is so meaningful, so special, and so rare, it has a slight golden glow coming from behind it whenever I look at it. This bag did not come from a shelf. It was part of a special order process, considered personally by Tomas Maier himself, for ten PurseForum members.

The Process

In November of 2009, the Bottega Veneta Forum on TPF began considering a group special order. It had been done previously with smaller accessories, but the goal now was to see if it could be done with a proper bag. And so the process began, with one diligent member of the PurseForum and a Bottega Veneta store manager. The amount of emails that went back and forth was mind boggling, as every single option for the bag was customized and had to be approved by BV Corporate.

The long, tedious process resulted in the most timeless, versatile, and exclusive Bottega Veneta Stretch Knot clutch. If this bag was in production by Bottega Veneta, it would be bought up in an instant. Unfortunately (for the masses), there are only 10 of these bags made, and as with every Bottega Veneta special order, this bag will never see production.

The Specs

This very limited creation carries the fancy name Bottega Veneta Nero Intrecciato Karung Stretch Knot Clutch. It may seem a mouthful, almost intimidating. Ranking among the most popular bags by Bottega Veneta, the Knot Clutch is a personal favorite because of its truly timeless appeal and elegant design.

The skin for our special order was chosen to be Nero Karung Luster in a full body Intrecciato. The hardware is dark brunito, which is equivalent to gunmetal. The inner lining calls itself “black moire”, a wavy-patterned silk which seems more durable than simple silk. The inside also resents a fancy silver plaque, made from silver with personalized characters (I chose to have it say MEGS) and limited edition verbiage. The price for our special order was negotiated at $2,200.

The significance this clutch holds for me is not just it being a special order, but also that it was created with a group of PurseForum members. Over the past five years, the forum has grown into a massive social network, still with small enclaves where different interest groups have found their ‘place’. Each sub-forum carries a different tone and feeling. This entire special order process with Bottega Veneta showcases why this community is so unique and offers so much more than just bag talk.

This clutch will always hold a special place in my heart. A very exclusive and fabulous piece of Bottega Veneta is mine, alongside only nine other people in the world.

Can’t say that happens every day.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil