Custom Design

This past weekend Vlad and I attended a wedding on the west coast of Florida. While we had beautifully sunny skies, the thermometer was reaching over 90 degrees at 6:00 pm. That means two things: we were sweating profusely and summer has arrived. Living in Florida, which is known as the sunshine state, means we have an easy time getting to the beach no matter where in the state we are. Truth be told, Vlad and I are not huge beach goers, but we will use the beach and resort pools from time to time.

I have never had it in me to buy a strictly beach tote. The reason is because of what I said above, not being a huge beach fan. But I feel like it may be time to spruce up my beach bag department, which is lacking right now. Raffia and straw are perfect materials for beach bags. Designers from Balenciaga, to Jimmy Choo, to more contemporary designers like Antik Batik are making perfect beach totes.

But how much are you willing to spend on a beach bag?

Here we have two very similar looking beach totes, but one is 3.3 times more expensive than the other. Fact is, I find it fairly simple to tell the expensive one from the look for less version. Let’s break it down and see what we think:

While I can’t personally imagine spending nearly $1,000 on a beach bag, the Jimmy Choo Bazli Raffia and Leather Tote is a looker. The combination of raffia with dark brown leather leather gives a very edgy appearance that would by no means be an ordinary or lackluster beach bag. The outside brings so many unique touches to transform this bag from a raffia tote to a stylish bag. In fact, the more I look at this bag the more I think it might be too nice for the beach or pool. What I also know is that people in South Florida are always dressed to impress, and this would be one of the most fashionable beach bags out there. Buy the Jimmy Choo Tote via NAP for $995.

The Antik Batik Cerena Tote is not only more affordable but also has a more laid back design than its Jimmy Choo counterpart. The shape of this bag and pairing of the woven banana-leaf with leather trim is reminiscent of the Jimmy Choo bag but there is a bit less structure and more of a casual feel, which makes this a great beach option. Buy the Antik Batik Tote through ShopBop for $300.

Tell us: What do you carry to the beach or pool?

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Hot pink AND Leopard print. And glitter flecks throughout. Sound tacky right? It most certainly can be an awfully over-the-top combination, but somehow Jimmy Choo pulls it off in this clutch. Not meant to everyday use, not meant to be anything other than a statement piece, the Jimmy Choo Tube Clutch pulls in eyes with its outlandish pink, leopard, and glitter combination. This is one of those take-out-for-girls-night clutches. Everything about it seems too colorful, too printed, too sparkly, but it just kind of works. Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to buy it. But in my world of no price tag on anything, I would so rock this clutch with a pair of skinny jeans, heels, and a party top. Buy through Net A Porter for $1095.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

The tribal theme has caught on at Jimmy Choo and there are two accessories that not only look amazing together but also give a smashing effect. Pairing the Jimmy Choo Martha Clutch with the Jimmy Choo Corsica Sandals will make a bold impact. My attention has moved from the calming ivory and neutrals of my wedding theme to in-your-face animal prints. Opposite ends of the spectrum, sure, why not? Wear the perfect little black dress and add vavoom with your accessories, that is our motto here. This Jimmy Choo clutch appeals to my need for animal print. What I love most is the leopard printed pony is broken up in the middle of the bag with tan suede. This gives you the animal print you desire without going overboard. The clutch is zip expandable and is featured, along with the stunning shoes, in the SS09 Advertising Campaign. Buy through Jimmy Choo for $1,595.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Valentine’s Day is all about love. Whether you are spending it with the love of your life, a new significant other or with friends it is a day where we can all celebrate loving others as well as ourselves. Speaking of love and matters of the heart, it is important to be aware of that heart of yours - both when dealing with love and your health. For the second year in a row, Jimmy Choo is working with the American Heart Association to increase awareness and raise money. Today, Thursday February 12th every Jimmy Choo purchase you make will help support the American Heart Association. Whether you are looking for a fabulous handbag or some killer shoes, head to your nearest Jimmy Choo store and do your part to help.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

There is a combination of love from Jimmy Choo that results in a handbag masterpiece. The shape of the Ramona Tote, the studs from the Jimmy Choo Zulu Stud Clutch, and the weave of the Rio clutch, results in the beauty that is the Jimmy Choo Riki Patent Bag. Jimmy Choo simply took the […]

Original post by Megs

Last month I lamented over my lost Jimmy Choo Zulu Clutch. Tragic, I know. And then, last week, it appeared. Why wouldn’t I have looked in an old shoe box that had some random items from when I moved into this place over 6 months ago? Silly me. My final cleaning and finally going […]

Original post by Megs

I have not actually labeled a handbag a fug bag for a while. So long in fact that you all make wake up to a shock on Purse Blog. It is right, I am starting the week off with a fug bag. But can you really blame me? I mean, come on, I have a […]

Original post by Megs

Jimmy Choo Zulu Snakeskin Clutch
Today I find myself laying in bed with my lap top watching Regis and Kelly and not feeling like starting the day. Luckily I have no one here to yell at my desired workplace for today, so I shall just continue here for the next few hours. Last night I was […]

Original post by Megs

Jimmy Choo Sky Hobo Bag
Sorry for the late start today, but there is just so much to do so little time. As you know last week Vlad and I spent in NYC. We have amazing interviews and pictures to come (so excited to share with you all!). Things are hectic around here today as we […]

Original post by Megs

Jimmy Choo Ramona Patent Bag
While Jimmy Choo got on the map for his shoes, Jimmy Choo bags have instantly made a name for themselves. One of the favorites is the Jimmy Choo Ramona Patent Bag which has quickly become a staple of the house. And this bag can be yours, for free, this month! Purse […]

Original post by Megs