Custom Design

There are several brand sections that I never miss when I go to a department store – we all have our favorites, and I can’t leave without checking up on Balenciaga and Valentino because they make my favorite bags, but I also don’t miss an opportunity for Bottega Veneta leather-fondling. One touch is all you need to know why the brand’s bags are so pricey.

I usually prefer it when Bottega makes their bags out of solid pieces instead of their famed intrecciato because it makes the quality of the material that much easier to appreciate, and that’s exactly what they’ve done with the Bottega Veneta Crevo Flap Shoulder Bag. It still has the woven touches that make it unmistakably Bottega, but the subtly grained flat leather is the real star of the show.

This isn’t the super-buttery leather that most Bottega bags feature, but it looks pretty scrumptious in its own right. It’s made of deerskin, which isn’t super common but feels amazing, and there’s plenty of it. I like the woven details around the edges of the flap and the bag itself, but I particularly like the way that the combination of flat and woven leather shows of the subtle variations in the color – it’s not usually possible to say that about black bags. Buy through Saks for $1780.

Original post by Amanda Mull

There are several brand sections that I never miss when I go to a department store – we all have our favorites, and I can’t leave without checking up on Balenciaga and Valentino because they make my favorite bags, but I also don’t miss an opportunity for Bottega Veneta leather-fondling. One touch is all you need to know why the brand’s bags are so pricey.

I usually prefer it when Bottega makes their bags out of solid pieces instead of their famed intrecciato because it makes the quality of the material that much easier to appreciate, and that’s exactly what they’ve done with the Bottega Veneta Cervo Flap Shoulder Bag. It still has the woven touches that make it unmistakably Bottega, but the subtly grained flat leather is the real star of the show.

This isn’t the super-buttery leather that most Bottega bags feature, but it looks pretty scrumptious in its own right. It’s made of deerskin, which isn’t super common but feels amazing, and there’s plenty of it. I like the woven details around the edges of the flap and the bag itself, but I particularly like the way that the combination of flat and woven leather shows of the subtle variations in the color – it’s not usually possible to say that about black bags. Buy through Saks for $1780.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Running an online fashion magazine about handbags can be tricky at times, since handbags are only a sliver of the fashion world. Luckily, women (and men!) love handbags as much as we do and designers continue bringing us new purses to talk about. Even with the vast array of designs, there are slow slumps when we wait for more new bags to arrive and we must scour the internet looking for something different.

That is why I am happy to stumble upon the De Couture Chain Strap Hobo. The brand has only been covered three times on our site, the last post being from a year ago. There may not be many bags from the brand, but this is one that I want to cover.

It is simple why I like this bag. It is large, slouchy, and has a funky cool metal chain strap.

Some handbags have so much going on that I can review them for paragraphs. This, however, is not one of those bags. All else I can tell you is that the soft frame is made with calfskin and the shoulder strap is actually a leather strap covered with chains. All I hope for is the leather to be as soft and supple as I imagine, and then I can say that this bag is a great buy. You all know how I love a slouchy bag, so really, what more could I ask for? $963 via Luisa via Roma.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve done it! I’ve found a Versace bag that doesn’t make my eyes roll or my stomach turn or my brain hurt just from looking at it. It’s simple! And functional! And kind of attractive! I could wear this bag and not be embarrassed about what it says about my taste level and also, my level of common sense.

But none of those things are what’s best about the Versace Giselle Lock Hobo. No, in fact, the best thing is the price. Shocking, right? Versace will normally charge at least two grand for any old thing, so color me shocked that the price tag for this attractive, reasonably functional bag falls so far below that number. Could it be that their accessories designers are finally realizing just how lucrative the handbag market can be if they give us products that are beautiful and fairly priced?

Don’t get me wrong, this is not the bag that’s going to save Versace’s company. It’s not even all that great of a bag, period. But it is a marked departure from the overwrought, over-designed bags that we’ve seen from the bag in the past, and the price point indicates at least a partial recognition that their products have been, well, asking too much for what they are.

But on this one, the price is good and the navy leather works nicely with the gold hardware. There are enough buckles and flaps and extra doo-dads that the Versace aesthetic is still present, but it’s no longer shouting for everyone’s attention. Instead, it’s understated and merely one part of the bag, instead of the design’s whole point. Buy through Nordstrom for $1350.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Soft, slouchy, quilted lambskin in a creamy shade of ivory? Where do I sign up for the Burberry Quilted Leather Tote? Do I need to get on a list or contact the proper authorities? Is there a special code I have to say?

I’ve got to admit that, between Marc Jacobs and Chanel, it might be kind of easy to think that we’ve seen all the quilting that we need to see. Usually, though, those quilts are a bit more on the rigid side, whereas the ones on this bag look soft and lovely (and this bag is lambskin, so I bet it doesn’t disappoint in real life.)

This design isn’t groundbreaking, but it is pretty neutral and attractive. The quilting provides texture, and I particularly like the tied belt, which mirrors the closure method that a lot of women use on the company’s iconic trench coats. I wish that the leather trim around the top looked less stiff, but I’m willing to entertain the idea that it gives the bag’s opening a structure that a lot of hobos lack. I wish the handle was flat instead of rolled, but overall, this bag is a nice, neutral option for a lot of different women. Buy through Saks for $1095.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’ve got a confession to make before we talk about this bag: My favorite bag from my personal collection is a purple hobo. Mine’s Balenciaga instead of Fendi, but it’s safe to assume that I have a bit of bias when it comes to bags that look like the Fendi Mia Chain Strap Hobo. I’ve found my purple hobo to be so useful and easy to wear that imagining how many different outfits this bag could go with isn’t particularly hard.

More than anything, however, I look at this bag as even further evidence that Fendi has finally hit their stride, after a few years of searching for the right tone. The materials are nice, the logo is there but it’s not the basis for the entire bag, and it looks like something a lot of different women would be proud to carry. Have we entered something of a Fendi renaissance?

We’ve mentioned this possible Fendi revival several times (including earlier this week with the Fendi Floral Baguette), and I think I might have finally seen enough to believe it. Fendi has managed to change its aesthetic from overworked and logo-ridden to classic and pretty with a little flash of the unexpected here and there, and I think it’s an enormous improvement.

This is obviously not one of their runway bags, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored – simplistic, solid-colored bags in beautiful leathers sell well for almost every brand, and I think that this hobo, in addition to the entire Mia line from which it comes, are a strong, classic foundation on which the brand’s handbag line can be built. Buy through Nordstrom for $1590.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Every time I see a patent hobo that’s supposed to slouch a bit in order to be wearable, I die a little bit inside. Why do designers keep doing this to us? Patent doesn’t slouch. That’s one of it’s innate qualities – it’s a structured, polished material for structured, polished bags.

I really like the maybe-tacky (shut up, I like tacky) effect of the burgundy zebra print on the Jimmy Choo Zebra Patent Hobo, but I can’t help but imagine that the stiff-looking handle would probably perch itself on my shoulder instead of molding to my arm, just like the body of the bag below it. As much as I try to make myself use bags like that because I enjoy them aesthetically, I just can’t do it.

Again, the color is totally to-die-for, and I think that a big, simple bag is the only way to properly show off the variation in the material. I would have preferred, however, that the bag was rendered as a tote – longer handles would take care of the need for the shoulder strap to bend and the body of the bag to sag. I like the shape of the bag as it is, but the combination of the shape and the material seem to be a bad idea. Buy through Nordstrom for $1295.

Original post by Amanda Mull

One of the last Oscar de la Renta handbags we covered on PurseBlog (other than fashion show recaps) was in 2008. In the world of fashion, and everyday world, that is a long time ago. Apologies to all of you for leaving Oscar de la Renta off our site and apologies to Oscar himself, because we love you! Now it is time for a re-introduction to Oscar de la Renta bags and it is coming at just the perfect time. Because a couple of years ago I did not remember loving his accessories collection as much as I do now, so now I can rave about his creative genius.

With its simple design, luxe materials, and chic finish, the Oscar de la Renta Taylor Bag has caught our attention.

Everyone needs a good everyday bag, it is something we speak about often on PurseBlog and focus on for our readers. When I get emails asking about what kind of bag I would tell someone to buy, it truly depends on what you need. The Taylor fits the definition of an everyday wearable bag and a go-to classic. There are multiple versions of the Taylor, including gorgeous exotic ostrich skin, which can be used not just for many seasons, but many years.

If you are looking to add an everyday bag to your wardrobe, I would opt for the Deerskin Taylor. All of the Taylor bags have handmade handles, which I absolutely adore. The twisted handle, made of leather and chain, adds the perfect break in a simple design. Ultimately, the handle adds style without being overly trendy. The body of the bag is simple and spacious. On the inside you will find logo lining, a zipper pocket, and a cell phone pocket.

In the Deerskin, white, red, black, and brown are available. There is also a canvas version which fits into the natural materials trend perfectly. And of course there is ostrich, which I can say nothing other than it is incredibly gorgeous. The last two versions of the Taylor include python and a really interesting Mosaico Embroided Gold Lambskin version. The dimensions also fall in line with the idea of this being a perfect everyday bag, measuring 16″W X 11″H X 5″D. What it comes down to is which material/color of the Oscar de la Renta Taylor bag is right for you.

I am personally loving the red deerskin version, as red is a color hard to perfect and Oscar picked a shade that is totally sassy.

All are available via Oscar de la Renta online. Canvas $1,690, Deerskin $1,590, Embroidered $2,190, Python $2,950, and Ostrich $5,450.

Deerskin (white) – $1,590.00

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

It’s funny how six months to get used to the idea of a handbag changes things. When I first saw the fringed bags in the Marc Jacobs Spring 2010 runway show, I was a little unsure. Given more time acquaint myself with the design, however, I sort of love the bags. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve merely become resigned to their existence or because I have actual affection for them, but I’m going to go with the latter.

The most prototypical example of this collection is the Marc Jacobs Boho Woven Hobo, and I think it’s also the strongest. I think I may have been correct when I predicted in my initial review of the bags that the fringe would be somewhat shortened for retail, and that allows the bag’s illusion of basketry to take center stage without the hanging leather creating too much of a distraction.

For me, this bag’s ability to create a luxurious leather version of a straw tote holds almost all of its draw. Straw bags from major designers can get obnoxiously expensive, and I’d rather pay a little more for a woven leather version any day of the week. The color variation in the two layers of leather is perfect – subtle enough to keep a somewhat natural color profile, but still different enough to make you want to figure out how the bag was constructed.

Then there’s the subject of the fringe. It’s the one aspect of the bag that many people complained about, but viewed in the context of impending warm weather, it looks appropriate and fun instead of somewhat silly, as it did during the September runway show (maybe, just a little bit). I’d prefer it if the bag’s strap was leather instead of nylon webbing, but it will undoubtedly feel pretty comfortable on the shoulder. So, who’s going to be the first to pick up one of these? Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1795.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Hey MCM, Donna Karan called. She wants her bag back.

I’m a firm believer that there is nothing really new under the sun, and that well-worn Biblical adage is doubly true when applied to the fashion world. Everything is recycled, reinterpreted, or deconstructed, if not outright ripped off. The best designers manage to borrow from the past and create something new and interesting from their influences. The worst? Well, we might have an example of one of them here in the MCM Leather Crossbody Hobo. When I saw it, I couldn’t help but assume it was one of Donna Karan’s bags – her brand used EXACTLY the same dying technique on several bags last season. Obviously, I was mistaken.

Take a look at this bag. Also, this one. Now look at that bag up there. Those Donna Karan bags were released in the fall, which means that they had been in the industry pipelines for about six months after their initial presentation for buyers and editors. So, knowledge of those bags has been around for about a year, long before this bag was probably conceived.

Fashion’s timeline is wonky, and this could be an unfortunate case of the company sourcing the same leather in ignorance, but that’s just not passing the truth sniff test for me. In a competitive industry that values exclusivity so highly and where lead times are so long, you’d have to think that the Powers That Be at MCM were probably aware that someone else had used the exact same leather with the exact same effect in the exact same color scheme. Karan’s bags were all over the internet and on the websites of several of the industry’s largest retailers at the time that these bags were probably being designed, and if MCM wasn’t aware of them, then someone was seriously not doing his or her job.

Don’t get me wrong – I love this effect. I just loved it more when it felt original. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull