Custom Design

You guys, it is the most beautiful day in the history of forever right now. A week ago it was snowing in Georgia, and now it’s 70 degrees and perfect, without a cloud in the sky. Come lunch time, I am going to be violating many a fashion rule by wearing white and flip flops long before Easter while I sit on a blanket at the University of Georgia’s leafy campus and eat a packed lunch. I will have a picnic with myself and my laptop, so it will be like all of you are joining me, right?

Ok, so, the weirdness of working at home aside, this is the weather that makes me want to put on my best spring purchases thus far and find some grass. I generally hate the outdoors, but for a few precious weeks before Georgia’s heat gets oppressive and insufferable, I can’t help but enjoy the gleaming promise of a new season. The only thing that could make it better would be having the Jimmy Choo Cecile Woven Bag by my side.

img src=”http://www.purseblog.com/images/2010/03/Jimmy-Choo-Cecile-Woven-Bag.jpg” alt=”” title=”Jimmy Choo Cecile Woven Bag” width=”527″ height=”339″ class=”aligncenter wp-image-21502″ />

Bringing this bag to a picnic is probably not the wisest decision unless you’re very careful to keep it on the blanket and far from the food, but I’ve never been that good of a decision-maker (or particularly careful), so I’d probably do it in an instant. And with the basket-mimicking white woven leather and preponderance of shiny gold hardware, this bag is screaming for its turn in the sun – direct lighting is where this bag is going to look its best.

Don’t get me wrong, this bag would also be a champ under artificial light, but when a bag makes such a clear bid to be paired with the bright colors of spring and summer, I can’t help but hope that it gets at least a few moments outside with a fastidious owner that will make sure that the bag remains unsullied by the unpleasant realities of outdoor living. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my picnic blanket. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

If you’re like me, you can’t help but love getting a sneak peek at the season’s best bags before they come out. That can be hard to do something, but luckily Net-a-Porter has devoted the current edition of their weekly online magazine to showing their customers Spring’s best bags and trends. They’ve also got mini-features on PurseBlog favorites Nancy Gonzalez and Alexander Wang, in addition to lots of gorgeous shots of bags that have yet to hit stores. What are you waiting for? Take a look at their magazine.

Original post by Amanda Mull

This gloomy day just got a bit gloomier.

It’s really nasty here in South Florida today. While we don’t have snow or bitter cold, we have torrential rain that just doesn’t seem to want to let up today. I was hoping to come across a great bag to boost my mood, but instead, I came across a Christian Louboutin bag that I don’t really like. Now, you have to understand, that is saying a lot because I usually love all things and everything Louboutin. I want to like this bag. I am actually trying really hard to like this bag, but I just don’t think I can.

I see what the designers were trying to get at with the Christian Louboutin Mia Mirrored-Leather Shoulder Bag, however if not paired with the perfect outfit, the bag will appear a bit cheap. And the thing is, no Christian Louboutin handbag is cheap, this one included.

The mirrored-leather shoulder bag is in fact a nice bag for a night out on the town, but I don’t think I’d drop the money it would take for it. In typical Louboutin fashion, the bag has the signature shoe clasp at the frame and is lined with signature red twill. But there is something about the mirrored silver leather that reminds me of something I would expect to see at a middle school or high school dance. I’ve seen so many other Louboutin bags out there that are so much better than this one. Do you agree? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $960.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

This bag is worth discussing. I came across the Burberry Prorsum Medium Osprey Leather Tote and I had an overwhelming need to look at it closer. While I couldn’t put my finger on why I needed to look closer, I knew I had to.

As much as I can appreciate the signature Burberry plaid, I really love how they continue to put out other fabulous bags that might not jump out as Burberry until you look at the label. This bag completely fits that bill. This silver leather tote has the slightest fringe effect throughout the bag. I barely think fringe when I see the bag, but we can work with it. I love how chic, eccentric and unique the bag is. You definitely do not see something similar every day.

The one handle looks completely fabulous and supple has a 5″ drop. If you choose to put it on your shoulder, it will fit snugly, but it won’t be uncomfortable. The ruching at the sides pull the leather and its fringe in a clever way to draw the eye and curiosity in. Open up the bag and you will find black designer-stamped lining, two internal sections and a couple of pockets. This bag made an appearance on the runway and I’d love to have it make an appearance on my arm. I might dare to say this is one of my favorite Burberry bags I’ve seen in a while. Do you like this look or do you prefer the traditional Burberry bags? Buy through Net-a-Porter for 1695.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Lucite and I are having a moment lately. Well, not just Lucite, but any kind of clear acrylic – it may be best known as the main component in stripper heels, but it also has many lovely modernist applications, particularly in home decor.

It also has its place in a slightly more retro aesthetic, which the Judith Leiber Streamline Frosted Lucite Clutch displays beautifully.

Not only is this bag a bit of a departure from the super-bedazzled object clutches that made the brand famous, but it’s also a little different than the ultra modern furniture that I’ve been looking at because the Lucite isn’t crystal clear. The folks at Leiber have frosted it, preventing your belongings from being obvious to anyone that might glance at your bag.

And if you’re carrying this sublime slice of Art Deco loveliness, people will definitely look. The designers edited this bag perfectly – the clear rectangular crystals at the sides are just enough to provide Leiber’s signature sparkle while still making it totally accessible to anyone that wants a little 1920s retro goodness in their lives (or wardrobes). Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2595.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I am undoubtedly a Lanvin fan. However, the thing about that is that while I do love Lanvin handbags, I don’t necessarily always go out looking for a new Lanvin bag. The great thing is, they always seem to come to me. When I least expect it, a fabulous bag pops up and takes my breath away.

This is essentially what happened when I came across the Lanvin Pouchette Python Small Shoulder Bag. Admittedly, the first thing that caught my eye was the multicolored pompom. In fact, the pompom brought a smile and induced a bit of a giggle. I haven’t seen a pompom in so long and I actually loved the fun and flirty take on the otherwise high school-esque item. But, that is just one element; this bag is so much more.

After I moved passed my pompom intrigue, I found myself fixated on the blue shiny python material. This material hugs the shape of the small shoulder bag so perfectly that it seems like they were literally made for one another. I’ve mentioned it before, but I am always a little bit wary of large bags made out of python skin, I never want the python to look too flaky or like it was just slapped on the bag. This is not a concern that I have with this bag at all.

The bag has a shoulder strap with white chain-link ends, a fold-over flap and a press-stud fastening. To be honest, I am not really a fan of the white chain-link ends, they seem a bit plastic-y to me, but it might be something I can get over. It is the luscious blues and greens all over the bag that make the smallest annoyances worth looking over. This bag would be so cute with certain outfits while completely elegant with others. And once again, like most Lanvin bags, this is one that can be used for seasons to come. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2695.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

You know what I really appreciate? The return of the oversized clutch. I’ve got lots of keys, a keyless-entry fob for my car and a Blackberry with a case on it, all of which have to leave the house with me no matter what. I’ve encountered a fair number of miniscule handbags that wouldn’t have fit one of those items by itself, let alone all of them together – don’t even think about adding in a lipgloss or card case.

The designers at Miu Miu know my struggle, obviously, which is why they’ve been so kind as to create the Miu Miu Oversized Sequin Clutch. Finally, I can carry a sparkly little bag that’s not actually too little to be useful.

Miu Miu did a good job of keeping the colors of this clutch neutral so that it won’t overwhelm an outfit – when a bag is this big and this shiny, also choosing a statement color would perhaps be too much for a lot of potential customers. The subtle gold, silver and green variation could go nicely with a lot of different outfits without upstaging the other elements of an ensemble. In addition to all of that, if you need your hands free for something, it has an optional strap. Sign me up, please. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Megs wrote about this bag a bit ago, but I couldn’t help but cover it as well. So, earlier today I wrote about the Yves Saint Laurent Yes Large Leather Tote. While writing about this tote, I expressed my concern for its price. Well, the same concern has popped up with this Fendi bag.

Ok, first and foremost, I like seeing a Fendi bag that hasn’t been covered with its logo. I’m over logos. So realizing the bag up for discussion is a Fenid AND you can’t really tell unless you look around the handles makes the bag discussion worthy – at least in my book. This is hands down a really cute shopper but my jaw dropped when I saw the price tag attached. How much would you think this bag was going to cost you?

I really didn’t think the Fendi Twins Woven Raffia Shopper would be more than $1000. Low and behold, it was more than double my guesstimation. This really broke my heart because, frankly, I really wanted it for the upcoming Spring and Summer months.

This sand glazed woven raffia shopper has two black leather top handles and light gold-tone hardware. As previously mentioned, there are designer-embossed details at the handles and whether you would use it or not, a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap. As you’ve heard me say before, I am so glad a large shopper like this has some sort of fastening at the top, in this case, magnetic. How cute would you look carrying this bag to a farmer’s market, to the park, to the library, shopping and maybe even to the pool? The answer: super cute. I just can’t believe how much you’d need to throw down for it. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2560.

So, tell me… worth the price or not?

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Ladies and gents, I need you to weigh in here. I cannot decide whether or not this Yves Saint Laurent handbag is genius or simply not enough for what you are paying for.

Yves Saint Laurent is one of those brands, one of those brands that is almost always worth a second look. This is the case because the first look might take you in the wrong direction, but the second look, the second look could reveal sheer genius. While I want that to be the case here, I just don’t think that is the case.

The thing about the Yves Saint Laurent Yes Large Leather Bag is that it actually is a bit of genius. It is the kind of day-to-day genius that so many bags lack sometimes. This bag is slouchy, yet structured. The colors are neutral, yet versatile. But, is it worth the price? I love handbags, I really do. And I have no problem spending big bucks on a bag I love, but is this bag worth it’s price tag?

The olive-green leather tote has a contrast pale-green leather trim and two pale green handles. You might not be able to tell, but if you press the studs at the side, you can actually adjust the size of the handles – always a nice, understated detail. Clearly the bag is functional, and it is also fashionable, but I am stuck on the price. I can see tons of women carrying this bag and loving it – loving it for seasons to come, but I have some reservations. What do you think? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1525.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

I’ve never been an overwhelming fan of Tod’s. While I can see why some people would really like them, and I don’t doubt that they’re well-made, they’re usually missing a certain something that makes a bag work for me. I like a bit of pizazz in my handbags, and Tod’s keeps their look very, very low key.

I do very much like the Tod’s Shade Tote, however. It’s got that little certain something to it that makes me find it appealing, and I’m still not sure exactly what that is. The color? Shape? Maybe a combination of the two?

Yep, I think it’s the combination. The color reminds me of Hermes’s ever-popular potiron, which automatically gives the bag a super-luxe feel. It’s not exactly the same, but it conjures ideas of the same sorts of outfits in my head, and that’s enough for me.

The shape is also a bit more interesting than your average Tod’s bag, and in a way that’s quite interesting without being uncharacteristically flashy for the brand. The leather looks extremely high-quality, which beautifully completes a stylish, subtle bag that’s head and shoulders above the average offering from the brand. Buy through Saks for $1095.

Original post by Amanda Mull