Custom Design

I’ve heard that turquoise is the color of spring this year. Ok, well, I heard it from something that Megs said on Twitter, so maybe I can’t claim any original research in the “color of the season” category, but turquoise sounds just about as likely as anything else. I have seen a lot of hot pink bags for spring, though, so I’d like to nominate that for second place.

Anyway, turquoise: perfectly lovely, glad to hear that it’s going to be big in the next few months. I much prefer it to orange or an alternative that looks equally terrible next to my skin. So, time to find a good turquoise handbag, I suppose, and the Jimmy Choo Rahmyn Snake-Embossed Hobo is one of the strongest contenders that I’ve found.

Most of the Jimmy Choo bags that I’ve seen recently have been trying way too hard to be special and interesting, and the thing that I find refreshing about this one is that it isn’t striving to be cooler than it is. Instead of being covered with a ton of unnecessary embellishment and hardware, Choo’s designers chose to do expertly dyed leather in a seriously drool-worthy color and simple shape, and it works so much butter than trying to make an average bag spectacular with glitter and fringe.

Embossed leather is not my favorite option, but it looks like they did a fairly unoffensive job of turning this bag into faux snake, so I’ll let it slide this time. The contrasting snake trim is a nice touch, and the texture works to make the bag less boring than it would have been in regular leather. I can already imagine how lovely this will look against white linen when the weather turns warm. Buy through Nordstrom for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Is it possible that we don’t give Michael Kors his due when it comes to handbags? I think it might be. Or perhaps the problem is that his brand doesn’t emphasize it enough – I’m not exactly sure what the issue is, but the brand hasn’t “caught” as a major power in handbags like one would expect when you consider the huge financial and marketing arm that the brand has behind it.

I talk about Princess Michael Kors himself every week in my Project Runway recap, but it’s much more rare that we sit down and discuss one of his handbag designs in a serious way, despite the fact that His Royal Highness’s brand put out a big line of bags every season. By the looks of the beautiful and reasonably priced Michael Kors Tonne Leather Hobo, we should do it more often.

For some reason, this had me fooled into thinking it was a Jimmy Choo bag for a moment – you know, a Jimmy Choo bag from back when their bags weren’t all covered in some combination of fringe, animal print and lightening bolts. My momentary joy at a reasonable-looking Choo bag was dashed, however, but it was replaced by considerable happiness that the designer was actually Kors. His handbags are almost always much less expensive, after all.

This particular hobo is even less expensive than I would have guessed. For less than $800 retail, you get a creamy, soft hobo that’s incredibly elegant and clean-lined, while still being totally functional. You also get some of the best bold hardware in the business (really, this is where Kors has shined for the past few seasons), ringed in real python and framing a handle that somehow manages to be both minimalist and detailed at the same time. The finished product feels like a surprise weekend trip to Palm Beach, but it’ll serve you well in pretty much any city that I can think of. Buy through Saks for $795.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Now this? This is more like it.

Earlier this week, we documented a rare Nancy Gonzalez misstep with the Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile and Whipsnake Floral Tote. It lacked the easy simplicity of most of Gonzalez’s designs, and it also went without a bit of the luxury for which she’s known.

Luckily, I found the Nancy Gonzalez Pleated-Trim Croc Satchel to wipe that from our memories and remind us all why Ms. Gonzalez is the biggest croc designer in the business.

What Gonzalez does best is take a super-luxe material and keep it ultra sleek. The only interruption to the beautiful exotic skin in this bag is some restrained pleating at the sides that looks almost like gills, and other than that, someone obviously used a keen editing eye when designing this bag. It’s both functional and luxe, and I don’t think that normal use would destroy it – what else could you want in an exotic? Buy through Saks for $3800.

Original post by Amanda Mull

One word for you: GORGEOUS. VBH handbags and clutches have captured my attention since day one and I’ve never looked back. I can’t remember the last time I came across a VBH handbag where I was disappointed. Can you? I didn’t think so. I was perusing Browns today and almost fell off my chair when I saw the VBH Python Clutch with Crystal Detail. This bag is beyond breathtaking.

VBH handbags have been causing handbag lovers, especially exotic handbag lovers, to drool since 2001. These amazing bags have been designed with the idea that the luxury handbag market needed a face lift. Since 2001 leaps and bounds have been made and you aren’t as likely to see every woman in the grocery store carrying the same designer bag. However, just because this need has been met doesn’t mean VBH is going to veer off course. This bag is a perfect example of this.

Pewter colored python skin is adorned with crystal detail. This detail resonates throughout the clutch in singular lines. Beyond the lines themselves, I am thrilled to see that the lines chosen were well thought out. As you carry this clutch the light will hit the crystals with every move and you will sparkle. There is a fold over flap which is secured with a magnetic closure. Open up the flap and find luscious grey suede lining. This bag is timeless and worth investing in. Buy through Browns for £1,695.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Now, look at what we have here. We’ve been covering Proenza Schouler bags for quite some time now. This is nothing new. But, I feel the need to hash out the Proenza Schouler clutch again. I was reminded of this when I came across the Proenza Schouler Patent Double Strap Clutch today. It was as if someone snapped their fingers in front of me and said, “helllloooooo, you should have written about this already, what are you waiting for?” So here I am, awakened and loving what I see. Amanda wrote about the clutch in a yellow shade a while ago, but I am loving the dark green and feel as though it deserves some more attention.

This clutch is calling out to me – no, no – more like screaming out to me. I love it. I love it so much that it hurts. Well, what hurts is that I have yet to see anyone carry it. I’ve seen nobody in my area carrying it nor have I seen a celeb carrying it. What’s the deal with that? You can see so many aspects of the ever popular Proenza Schouler PS1 on this clutch that it continues to amaze me that this clutch isn’t more widespread. I love the classic components of the larger bag that have been transposed onto the smaller one. In this case, I am all for the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Needless to say, I am a fan. Buy through LUISAVIAROMA for $1349.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

When asked about one of the most classic handbags ever, Chanel comes to mind. The Chanel Classic Flap is synonymous with timeless. If you have the budget to splurge, this is a staple for your collection.

Chanel bags are also known for their high price tags. Many of us can not afford a nearly $3,000 bag. If you are looking for an option for a Chanel look for less, Urban Outfitters has an option.

Everything about the Deena & Ozzy Tweed Chain Bag resembles the Chanel Extra Large Flap in Quilted Tweed. The price difference is a whopping $2,753. The Deena & Ozzy bag has a tonal herringbone tweed shell with quilt stitch detailing. The woven chain link strap is is also reminiscent of Chanel.

I like that stores try to give us a look for less, which is clearly what Urban Outfitters is trying to do. Though sometimes the resemblance is too close to the original for my liking. Chanel Extra Large Flap Bag in tweed costs $2,795 at Chanel boutiques. Deena & Ozzy bag is $42 via Urban Outfitters.

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Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Christian Louboutin continues to make a name for himself in the handbag world. The Christian Louboutin Loubistuds Clutch wowed us when we first viewed it. The perfect edginess was added to make that clutch a contender and a clutch that truly would amp up your night time outfits. The problem with that clutch was the price. Just over $1500, that is one pricey clutch.

We found you an option if you want the Studded clutch look for less. The Santi Beaded Disco Bag features hand-beading rather than studs and brings you the 80’s theme for fall. The top kisslock closure is reminiscent of the kisslock closure on the Louboutin clutch. The body of the clutch is satin, available in black, pink and gold.

While shopping the look for less is not always my forte, it is important for all of us to know how and when to make wise shopping choices. For a fun night out clutch, spending $165 rather than $1519 makes financial sense. And the Santi clutch is a great option, that will infuse retro glamour into your wardrobe. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $165.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

So, how do we all feel about calf hair? Until I saw the Yves Saint Laurent Calf Hair Majorelle Bag, I hadn’t considered the material in quite a while, but now it has me thinking.

Despite my recent love affair with all things Yves Saint Laurent, this bag is coming off as quite clunky to me, and I think that the blame lies with the fuzzy material.

The bag itself is a charmingly simple 50s throwback, so I have little to complain about in that regard. Its lines could be a little sharper, but I’m pretty sure that that’s not what’s to blame for the effect that the calf hair is creating.

Because the real problem is that when I look at this bag, I get the distinct visual of crushed velvet. The combination of slick black and the fur simply does not create a high-end look, and the added embossed texture probably doesn’t help either. In the past, when I’ve seen calf hair, it’s often been used in conjunction with multicolored animal print, and the combination of textures usually conspires to mask some of the odd velveteen shine that we see here. On the whole, I think it’s better of on those kinds of bags. Buy through BlueFly for $1836.

Original post by Amanda Mull

The Donna Karan Crinkled Leather Satchel has been sitting in the New Arrivals section of Saks.com for a while now, and I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about it, if anything.

I’ve been critical of Karan’s bags in the past – many of them seem to be overpriced and under designed. This one seems to have both a reasonable design standpoint and price, but I’m still unconvinced – even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

The asymmetrical placement of the pockets and zippers reminds me in no small amount of the Alexander McQueen Faithful Tote that we took note of back in July. The concept seems to be almost exactly the same in the two bags – a tough, black leather tote made out of a seemingly-random-but-not mishmash of hardware and pockets. So when two bags have such similar goals, I guess the only thing left to do is decide which one is more successful.

I appreciate that Karan used matte instead of glossy leather on this bag. It goes with the industrial/biker feel much better than the glossy alternative, and just tends to look softer and richer in general. So, plus one for her. I don’t like how the handles are set, though, and that may be the chief thing that’s holding me back from really embracing this bag. They seem too wide and thick for their height, and they ruin the proportion of the bag. If it hadn’t been for them, Karan might have finally shown signs of getting the gist of this whole handbag thing. Buy through Saks for $1295.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’ve had a bit of a crush on Yves Saint Laurent since their pre-fall bags started rolling out, and it doesn’t look to be ending any time soon. I normally prefer things with a bit more of an edgy look, so this might be a sign of maturation on my part. Or maybe the bags are just that good – maybe they’re so well-designed that it’s impossible not to find some kind of attractiveness in them, no matter what your personal taste.

I’m not sure which one it is, but I’m absolutely sure that I love the Yves Saint Laurent Flap Shoulder Bag. There’s a beauty in its simplicity that I find irresistible.

And really, how could you not love it, or at least appreciate the restrained hand that created it? The leather that YSL chose is sumptuous, textured and with slight color variations, but none of those things is present in quantities that would make the bag look over-processed or unedited. The folds that create the flap are elaborate and luxurious, but when you look at the closed bag, they all fall perfectly in to line.

The hardware on the bag might be my favorite aspect. The hook handle attachments are something that YSL has shown on several other bags this season, and I can’t get over how much I like them. They’re sculptural and elegant while still being thick and tough; it’s an effect that matches exactly with the soft but weathered leather that makes up the bag, and the details are subtle enough to not overwhelm the deceptively simple construction.

I know some people will say that this bag is boring, but I would strenuously disagree. Everything that’s done with this bag is done with the utmost care and attention to detail, and I’d rather that a designer focus on getting a few key things exactly right than bog down a bag with poorly conceived design elements just for the sake of visual interest. My love affair with YSL continues. Buy through Saks for $1895.

Original post by Amanda Mull