Custom Design

With Twitter taking off, it is only plausible that some new social media offshoots will pop up. We have seen some that we are not blown away by, but recently I was introduced to TweetMyBag, which is right up my alley. TweetMyBag was launched in collaboration with Rebecca Minkoff this month. Through February 14th, you can upload a photo of your handbag and receive 25% off on Rebecca Minkoff bags as well as be entered into a RM bag giveaway. Easy enough, upload a photo (even a photo taken with your phone) and get a discount on a Rebecca Minkoff bag and be entered into a giveaway.

Also, Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2010 Fashion Presentation is today from 4-5 (show will steam at Minkette.com). After the show TweetMyBag will have an exclusive look at some of the Fall 2010 items for you all!

Visit TweetMyBag!

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Can’t make this stuff up, folks.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, Dooney & Bourke chairman and co-founder Frederic Bourke has been sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Travel Act by bribing Azerbaijani oil officials.

Who knew that being rich from selling mid-range handbags could eventually get you in so much trouble with your money? And wouldn’t it have been more fun to be arrested for, I don’t know, buying a bunch of drugs and expensive call girls like the rest of the rich people in this country?

I kid, of course, but here’s what happened. Bourke invested part of his handbag fortune (to the tune of $8 million) into a company called Oily Rock Group Ltd., which sought to profit when the Azerbaijani state-run oil company was eventually privatized via the purchase of privatization vouchers from the public.

The company then allegedly paid millions of dollars in bribes to government officials in order to ensure that the oil holdings were indeed privatized, and apparently both our government and theirs frown on that sort of thing. The oil never got privatized, Bourke never profited, and now he’s supposed to spend a year in the clink, to add insult to injury.

Whatever benevolent legal authority presided over the case has seen fit to release Bourke on $10 million bail, pending his appeal on the verdict, which only goes to show you that the rich really are different than the rest of us – they don’t have to go to jail when they’ve been convicted of a crime and sentenced to go there. They get to sit at home and reap the benefits of their handbag business while they wait and see if their lawyers can get them out of it.

Ok, so that was probably way harsh, but someone had to say it. If you disagree with me and feel like being supportive of Bourke, or perhaps you want to help him pay his legal fees, you can find Dooney & Bourke bags here. And if he’s really innocent, then I hope they figure that out quickly. Let it be a lesson to all of us – sinking millions into questionable oil holding companies that have shadowy relationships with foreign governments might get you in some trouble down the road, and all the handbags in the world can’t save you. Except that the profits from them can pay your lawyer fees, so maybe they can.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Alber Elbaz, all is forgiven. I’ve groused and complained and wrinkled my nose at my fair share of Lanvin bags lately, but the Lanvin Amalia Python Shoulder Bag is good enough to absolve the brand of all their Chanel-aping sins.

The combination of simple shape and intricate material, plus a few Lanvin-signature extra, have me absolutely salivating for this bag.

Despite my general distaste for neutral that aren’t black or grey, I can’t help but adore the Army green color that Lanvin chose here. It reminds me of the jungle, which is reinforced by the luscious, texture-heavy python hide that is the bag’s primary material. The combination of the two isn’t too “safari” to be chic, but it’s just thematic enough to show a solid point of view with a bit of French flare on top.

Oddly, perhaps my favorite part of the bag are the little tchotchkes with which the bag is adorned. I’m normally not one to encourage a designer to hang random crap from their bags, but the little brown die and silver coin sort of work with the brand’s winking humor. If anyone can pull it off, it’s Lanvin, and they do it quite well here. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2790.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Is the Jimmy Choo Diego Straw Tote new, as it’s “pre-order” status on Saks.com would seemingly indicate? I’ve certainly yet to encounter it, and I check online retailers for new bags every day. And if it is brand new, then why is it just showing up now? August, really? People are surely still taking vacations to the beach now, but hasn’t the time for buying straw bags sort of passed?

Particularly for buying a straw bag that will cost, after tax, over $1000. That seems like a beginning-of-the-summer purchase, if you’re inclined to spend so much money on a straw bag at all, and most people contemplating big bag purchases seem to be looking forward to the next season and thinking about black leather, studs, and industrial details, not cutesy straw. The timing of this bag seems incredibly ill-advised, and since the design isn’t particularly strong, I’d bet that it’s destined for a long life on the sale rack. Buy through Saks for $975.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Every brand uses exotics in a different way. Nancy Gonzalez crocodile looks different than Balenciaga crocodile. Chloe python looks different than Carlos Falchi python. And Gucci python is my favorite of all. Somehow, they manage to find skins that look somehow fuller and more touchable than some of their peers, and it’s always clear that their bags did indeed come from a living reptile. And I feel like it’s at least a bit more respectful to the animal to make a bag that really highlights the natural beauty of the skins that are used.

And Gucci has maintained their history of beautiful python bags with the Gucci Galazy Python Hobo. Sometimes natural patterns can be hidden when they’re done in black, but the finish here has a bit of a shine to it, so it reflects enough light that the scale differentiation is easy to see. Some brands treat their bags in such a way that the python scales lay perfectly flat, which has clearly not been done here. I’m sure that that sort of treatment makes bags for durable, but it also makes it feel less luxurious to me, so I’d rather that part was left out, even if it means the bag won’t last quite as long. I’d rather have it be as beautiful as possible for as long as that look will hold up. Buy through Saks for $3500.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I am very, very interested to see what Phoebe Philo will do during her tenure at Celine. I loved the Philo years at Chloe; after all, they did spawn some pretty legendary handbags (the Paddington, anyone?). Celine made some bags I liked quite a bit last season, which was a nice turnaround from their normally staid but bland fare. I’m having some trouble figuring out if this bag is from Celine’s last collection before Philo or their first collection with her, but either way, the Celine Dimitri Python Hobo is another step in the right direction.

The thing that struck me first is the color – it’s a beautiful medium grey with strong blue undertones, and the temperature of the color is cool enough to be perfect for the forthcoming colder weather (well, forthcoming for those that don’t live in my area of the country. We have several months of scorching heat ahead of us). It’s also light enough to highlight the differentiation between the python scales, which is something I believe all bags made out of exotic materials should do – after all, if I’m paying out the nose for it, I want to see the natural beauty of the skin showcased. Indeed, most of the bag is sublime – the thick straps, the shiny silver hardware in unexpected shapes, the tonal suede accents. The only thing that gives pause is the fringe emanating from the handle attachments. I don’t hate it at all, I’m just not sure about it and think that it possibly could have been done better. I can’t imagine how, though, so maybe I’m asking too much. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $4200.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Last week I spilled the beans… a little bit. Like I said, I just can’t keep good secrets to myself. So here is the great news and all the down right fabulous details. April is Linea Pelle month here at Purse Blog! What does it all mean? Well, how does this sound, a different Linea Pelle handbag is up for grabs each week during the month of April. That’s right, not just one giveaway this month, but four! We had the privilege to see these bags in person and let me tell you, I want them all, seriously.

The first Linea Pelle handbag you can get your hands on is the gorgeous Alyssa Tote in purple. In typical Linea Pelle fashion, the leather is the perfect combination of soft, supple and durable. The attention to detail in the handles and along the bag adds the right amount of spice. Speaking of handles, you have options here. Go for the double handles or the single shoulder strap. Clearly, this tote has ample room for whatever you need to carry with you throughout the day while not seeming overwhelmingly large.

How do I enter: Click here, head over to Linea Pelle, and find your favorite item under the “What’s New” section. Then come back and enter your answer in the comments section below this post.

A couple things to keep in mind: One entry per person and you have April 1st - April 7th to enter to win.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

We continue to have the pleasure of meeting some of our favorite designers, designers that I have always admired and looked up to. Meeting Be and Steve of Be&D was a total treat. The duo are inherently different yet compliment each other wonderfully. And because just one interview was not enough, we are able to share another fun read with you! Both Be and Steve from Be and D let us in on some of their Valentine’s Day traditions, thoughts, and wants.

From Be Inthavong, Co-Founder/Designer Be & D

Valentine’s Day, worth the hype or overrated? I think Valentine’s day should be viewed like any other holiday. Do we really need a designated day out of the year to remind us to love our parents, to exchange gifts, to be thankful, and to love? I think any designated day to anything wonderful is worth it!

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as a child: I loved buying Valentine’s day cards and passing them out in class. But when I was younger, I had just moved to America and spoke no word of English. I would pass out birthday cards and get well cards to my classmates for Valentine’s Day! I was glad the teacher didn’t call me out on it!

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as an adult: I’m such a hopeless romantic sucker. I love to make plans to go out and celebrate. I love dressing up, having dinner at a nice place, having drinks at a cozy bar, and all the romantic things I could think of.

The most romantic Valentine’s Day you have seen, heard about, been a part of: Last Valentine, I came home to my Special Valentine who stayed up all night blowing up tons of balloons and flooded the apartment with them. And then dinner was prepared waiting for us on the rooftop of the apartment. I felt like I was in a chick flick that I was watching! It was amazing!!!

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: Honestly, I don’t know! It’s so hard to plan something romantic when you are with one of the most thoughtful and romantic person on earth! I may need help:)

The best Be&D bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: Our glam chic Garbo Shoulder Portfolio Bag!! It can be carried as an oversized clutch or a shoulder bag. It’s offered at a great price for our hand-hammered studed piece that says, “Valentine’s Day Rocking Roll Sexy”.

From Steve Dumain (”D”), Co-Founder/Designer Be & D

Valentine’s Day, worth the hype or overrated? Valentine’s day to me is like fruit cake at a holiday dinner. Whether I like it or not - someone’s gonna be eating it. Sooooo overrated:) but I love to celebrate the history of love whenever I can.

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as a child: My Mom made chocolates for both valentines day and Easter. She used to make Dolly Parton chocolate lollipops - and the bosoms were chocolate covered cherries.

Your favorite part about Valentine’s Day as an adult: Sweet tart little heart candies with nice notes on em’!

The most romantic Valentine’s Day you have seen, heard about, been a part of:
Well - since I’m not loony about Valentine’s day - I’ll give you a little list of what I think are some of the most romantic movies of all times. Breakfast at Tiffany’s - you’ll know why Casablanca - ouch, cry your eyes out; Grease - just see those moves - and for my mom, one of her favorite romantic crying movies of all time was a little secret film called Somewhere in Time, from 1980 - staring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour. I have to admit - I remember tearing up and hiding it.

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year: Chocolate, chocolate, and wine.

The best Be&D bag for a Valentine’s Day gift, why?: I’m not gonna lie, Pink is NOT my favorite color (though I love the right kind of fuchsia or hot pink) - so I would say our new Black Garbo satchel - with gold studs. It’s super soft lambskin and calf, sexy with attitude.

Original post by Megs Mahoney

When we first entered the crowded showroom back in November, we did not quite know what to expect. Our previous experiences of meeting new fashion designers had overall been pleasant ones, we did not think that meeting Steve Dumain and Be Inthavong of Be & D would be any different. Still, knowing the smashing success […]

Original post by Vlad

I think I’ve now just about seen it all. Heidi Montag was recently photographed with a new huge Chanel shopping bag, which really comes as no surprise or shock. What did and continues to shock me - her fresh Chanel manicure. Why? Why? Why? Sure, I took a few marketing classes during my college years, […]

Original post by Shannon