Custom Design

It has been a long time since we covered an ostrich skin bag on PurseBlog. I just realized that. We spoke about some ostrich bags seen in Fall/Winter 2010 runway shows, but before that we hadn’t shown one since December. And while many of you do not like the look or idea of ostrich skin, I always had an affinity to certain ostrich skin bags. Maybe not so much anymore? Because as I sit here looking at the Prada Struzzo Executive Tote I am totally underwhelmed. And underwhelmed by both the skin and the design. Actually, Prada in general continues to let me down.

I popped into the Prada boutique last weekend with a couple of friends and made my way around the store quicker than any other store we went into. The collection was part odd part lackluster. And all I kept thinking is what happened? I used to find joy in so many Prada designs and used to look to Prada each season with anticipation.

The design of this exact bag is not a bad design, it is just not a design that gives me much excitement. Right now I am looking to add some different designs in my collection, bags that have more zest, and Prada doesn’t seem to have it. This tote is simple and seemingly there is nothing to complain about. The golden metal hardware gives a sophisticated touch along with the business-like shape with the East/West body and double top handles. The inside has jacquard lining and a zip pocket. Measurements are 9 1/2″H x 14 3/4″W x 6 3/4″D.

You end up paying for the name and the skin in this bag, a whopping $5,995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

First of all: oops. I goofed. Between having surgery and trying to keep up with the various global Fashion Weeks for a month, I forgot to write about one of the biggest handbag brands in the world, Prada. My bad. So let’s pretend like we’re still in the thick of Milan Fashion Week and discuss went went on at the Prada show, ok? Please, no one tell Miuccia that we’re late.

I’m always relatively down on Prada bags, mostly because I think that the brand makes enough money and has enough creative ability to do way better. They make great basics, but beyond that, things tend to go a little off the rails. I’d link you to some of those examples, but you probably already know what I’m talking about all too well. Well, it looks like I’m going to be a lot happier with the brand in six months’ time, and hopefully that means that you all will be too.

Instead of the transparent vinyl and questionably bedazzled closures that we saw from the brand’s last major collection, this line of bags was much more subdued and mature. There were three types on display: first, a small shoulder bag in patent leather with contrasting trim at the strap and closure, with lines that were reminiscent of the 60s aesthetic that we saw throughout most of the major collections. Then there were a few non-leather satchels in muted multicolor prints. Finally, the best bags of the show were hewn of sumptuous woven leather, proving once and for all that it’s possible to do high-end weaving without aping Bottega Veneta. Sign me up for one of those immediately, if not sooner.

Alright, feel free to go back to remembering that Milan Fashion Week ended like two weeks ago.

Photos via Style.com.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I say a lot more negative things about Prada bags than I say positive, but I promise that I don’t have anything particular against the brand. In fact, my first “designer” bag was a Prada crossbody, and I still have fond memories of it.

They’ve been doing more wrong than right in most of their high-profile bags lately, but they still make some great stuff that doesn’t grab as many headlines. I got a chance to examine a bunch of their bags up close this weekend, and I was particularly taken with the classic lines and superb construction of the Prada Saffiano Soft Frame Clutch.

Actually, “particularly taken” would be an understatement of my feelings. I’m in love with it – deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love that I didn’t expect to find for a Prada bag. In my heart, that kind of love is usually reserved for Balenciaga or Valentino.

Please believe me when I say that the pictures don’t do this bag any sort of justice. I saw it in smooth black leather, which was ridiculously rich and perfect for this sort of oversized, take-anywhere, day-to-night clutch. It struck me as the sort of bag you’d look at and be able to tell that it was expensive, even if it had no logo. I’ll admit that it looks a bit boring in photos, but in your hand, it’s a great bag.

When I opened it up, I was even more pleased. The slightly retro, structured closure stands open to reveal a leather-lined interior (the black version has red, which is much more exciting than the taupe inside of the cream-colored version) with several pockets and enough space to hold more or less everything that you could put in a medium-sized shoulder bag. You probably wouldn’t want to fill it that full, but a little extra space in a clutch is never a bad thing.

Overall, I think I may have found the perfect clutch for me, and it was in one of the most unexpected places. Perhaps it was a cosmic reminder that in fashion, you should never count anyone out completely. Buy through Saks for $1350.

Original post by Amanda Mull

After viewing Prada’s Spring 2010 runway show, I couldn’t help but think to myself, maybe the handbags were a joke after all. Maybe they won’t produce them. Perhaps, if we’re lucky, they’ll ship the REAL bags to retail and we’ll all be left with the daffy memory of those silly-looking bags that Prada so irreverently sent down the Milan runway.

Well, my wishful thinking was all for naut – the plasticky, rhinestoned monstrosities have landed. The Prada Spazzolato Tote might be the best of the bunch, and to say that’s faint praise would be the understatement of the season.

I’m not sure why anyone thought that it would be a good idea to take patent leather (yes, at least this one is real leather) and make it look sort of like a cheap pleather imitation of carrera marble, but that appears to be exactly what they’ve done here, and they’d like you to pay upwards of two grand for it. In order to entice you more, they’ve taken a fistful of rhinestones and bunched them indifferently at the bag’s closure, for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious.

To be fair, the shape isn’t terrible and the bag is lined in leather, a detail that more and more designers are choosing to ignore. Also, this bag isn’t see-through like a bunch of the other ones from this particular collection. Those are absolutely the only positive things I have to say about it, though. Buy through Saks for $2395.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I love when Prada sticks to what it is good at: clean lines, great leather and fabulous color. I have to say, I came across the Prada Saffiano Lux Tote today and let out a sigh of relief.

Actually, I’ve seen this bag before, but I forgot about it. So, when I came across it again, all I can say is BRAVO Prada, BRAVO! Unfortunately, I’ve come across too many Prada bags that have missed the mark lately. In fact, they’ve missed the mark so much that I virtually stopped looking at them. Today folks, today is a different day.

This classy bag comes in both blue and red leather – so take your pick! I am more into the blue, but that is my preference. The tonal topstitching adds a hint of texture but it is the golden hardware that absolutely has me captivated. I love how the hardware runs from the handles onto the top of the bag so gracefully. The hardware isn’t too chunky nor is it too flimsy. More than anything, the bag is classic, it is timeless and it is elegant. Everything about it is luxurious and I would starting looking at Prada handbags more often if they kept up with their strengths. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1495.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

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

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

As most of you know, we are rounding out a fabulous month of Linea Pelle giveaways. Each week, a new bag, a new look, a new chance to win. And today, Creative Director Andrew Cotton provides a guest post and some fun insight into what’s new with Linea Pelle. (Oh, and don’t forget to register for this week’s giveaway, if you haven’t already!) Enjoy!

Show everyone how all that working out this winter paid off from your buff arms in a hot new tank to your toned calves in a sexy pair of heels. Treat yourself to a spray tan for a healthy glow! OR grab a tube of Clarins or even Jergen’s Glow. Either way please swear off all those dangerous uva/uvb rays! Promise me!

This season, you’ll want to start sporting new fresh looks for Spring going in to Summer, so grab your flirty skirts & comfortable tanks & tees and of course your favorite new Linea Pelle Dylan, Alyssa or Janis handbag & start workin it! You don’t have to spend a fortune to update your look!

Grab a hot new handbag, pull your hair back (or get those curls professionally straightened!) and strut your stuff! Throw on some studded bracelets to mix with your jewelry. Toss on cozy lightweight cashmere and think clean, chic, simple. Whatever you do, keep it comfortable! Go for layers, a little leather here, zipper details there, graphic stripes or prints, mix it up! Your favorite jeans & a new kick ass pair of heels & remember color! color! color! Honestly you can’t really go wrong, it’s all good! Be bold, be beautiful, be yourself! I’m on my way to New York to tape an EXTRA! Segment, be on the lookout. (And no, Mario Lopez & his 12 pack of abdomens will not be there.)

Then, there’s also a great PR event w/editors from all the best mags, like Elle, Bazaar, Vogue, Marie Claire, Town & Country, Lucky, Self, People Style Watch, Teen Vogue, O!, MTV, Inside Edition and more, to show all the new Fall 2009 Collections of Dylan & Jacklin and other hot new styles coming for Fall and Resort, so wish me luck & see you soon!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Kicking off Linea Pelle month last week was a blast. As much as we loved sharing the amazing Alyssa handbag that was up for grabs, we REALLY loved reading all of your comments. And like so many of you said, there really is a plethora of amazing Linea Pelle handbags to feast your eyes on. Well, we are just gearing up. This week, as promised, we have another gorgeous handbag you can win. The Linea Pelle Lola Tote is an fabulous tote I know so many of us would hold onto, dearly.

Again, no surprise here: the leather, soft; the stitching, seamless and the style, flawless. I know I’ve said it more times than any of us can count, but I really value a bag that will hold up. The Lola is certainly one that will do that. You can dress it up, dress it down and without a doubt you still have a knock out bag. Basically, you can put as much or as little into the bag as you want to and the shape holds up. So, ready to enter?

How do I enter: Click here to check out the interview we conducted with Andrew Cotton. Then come back to this post and in the comments section below, tell us one of your favorite parts of the interview.

A couple things to keep in mind: One entry per person and you have April 8th - April 14th to enter to win.

Just like last week, if you find yourself saying, “I MUST HAVE THIS BAG”, head over to Linea Pelle Online, and if you buy this bag, you’ll receive $25 off when you enter this code at checkout: LPLOLA.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

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