Custom Design

You know how people are always trumpeting the fact that particular bags are “versatile” or perfect for “day to night?” It’s kind of a lazy fashion writer’s fall back – everyone that’s reading this is easily sharp enough to figure out that every bag can be worn with more than one outfit. So I figured, why not put my money where my mouth is? Just in time for summer, here are a few ideas for wearing the Kate Spade Folly Beach Benedicta Straw Satchel for both day and night – after all, who wants to pack a bunch of bags to take to the beach?

Daytime
1. Free People Crinkle Racer Tank Dress: I could see this light little dress thrown over a bathing suit or worn as a regular dress, and versatility is important when packing for a vacation. The pattern is fun and bohemian, plus the material is supposed to be wrinkled, making it very suitcase-friendly. Buy through ShopBop for $128.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Multi-Layer Necklace: I’m pretty sure it freaks all of us out to travel with expensive jewelry, so now’s the perfect time to show off less pricey pieces. This necklace brings out the green in the dress’s pattern but could also be worn with a variety of other colors so that you don’t have to pack a jewelry look for every outfit. Buy through ShopBop for $80.
3. See by Chloe Flat Criss-Cross Sandals: Don’t make the mistake of being the girl that only brings towering wedges to the beach. Not only does this dress also pick up the blues in the Free People dress, but it lets you do all the walking you need (which can be a lot if you didn’t drive to your vacation spot) without asking for a piggy-back ride at he end of the day. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $260.

Nighttime
1. Single Silk-Chiffon Leopard Print Dress: If you can’t wear a floaty, asymmetrical, red leopard print dress after dark at the beach, where can you wear one? Tropical locales were made for bright patterns that would be harder to pull off in an urban setting, and this dress is exactly that: wild and a little sexy while still being comfortable and not too skimpy. It’s a graphic statement, but the use of cream instead of graphic white gives it a slightly bohemian note that makes the dress totally work. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $315.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Gold-Plated Bamboo Hoops: Again, leave the expensive jewelry at home. These earrings are gold-plated for those with sensitive ears and will add a touch of glamour to virtually any outfit in your suitcase. The best part, however, is the price – you don’t have to fret too badly if you lose one in the sand or forget them at the hotel. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $60.
3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Crisscross Wedge Sandals: You don’t want to be that girl that ONLY wears enormous wedges, but if you’re going to wear a dress like this, you should still bring them. They’re dark and chunky while still being neutral and beachy, which makes them perfect to anchor a dress that has such a loud print. If they were lighter or made a smaller statement, they’d get swallowed up by the outfit. Also, the darker leather ensures that you don’t look like you wandered the mall for hours, holding up your tote bag to every pair of sandals until you found a perfect match. Repeat after me: matchy-matchy is not a good look. Buy through Saks for $240.

Voila! That’s how you get through vacation with just your tote bag. How would you wear it?

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

I’m so utterly pleased to see the bags from the Fendi Spring 2010 catwalk starting to land in stores. This bag collection is my favorite from Fendi in…well, almost forever. It had a bohemian grace and ease to it that is difficult to capture, and they did a fine job.

The Fendi Wood-Frame Leather Clutch is a great example of the slightly boho vibe that the collection had, and unlike the emerging clog trend (no no no, I cannot live in a world where clogs are ok), the wooden touches on this leather handbag are totally acceptable. They might even be pretty.

I was slightly more unsure of the wood when the collection first walked than I am now. It was featured on several different styles of bags, and I didn’t know if its use on these clutches would fly once I got a better look at them. Well, as it turns out, my concerns were completely unfounded.

The walnut handles are totally chic and feel really modern, despite their retro roots. The juxtaposition of such a hard material with the soft black leather brings out the best in both, and the small gold studs that dot the confluence of the leather and wood are like little cherries on top. Buy through Saks for $1450.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’m too young to remember when MCM was a big deal the first time around, but I have been assured that it was and I have no reason not to believe it. I’ve seen those bags, though, and I have a hard time imagining them being widely popular, but, you know, the 80s were a weird time.

I’m thankful that their logo bags haven’t returned in the 80s nostalgia wave (a wave that I’m ok with, in general – I just bought another pair of Ray-Ban Wayfarers, after all), but if they keep making bags like the MCM North/South Leather Hobo, I wouldn’t mind at all if the brand became a trend all over again.

Since this bag is completely empty and not hanging on a shoulder, I think that the uber-slouchy, uber-soft leather would look a bit more tailored when worn. If it does, the bag would be nearly perfect for people that like a casual, easy sensibility to their personal style (or really, just about anyone that like wonderful leather in a neutral shade).

The knotting, tassel, and minimal use of hardware are enough to vary the texture and visual appeal of the bag. If tassels aren’t your thing, then it’s removable, but I’d recommend leaving it on – it lends a nice vertical line, not to mention a little bit of motion, to this beautiful, modern bag. There’s not a note of 80s tiredness anywhere near this one. Buy through Saks for $995.

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

You know, when it comes to handbags and the reviews we do here on PurseBlog, we can be all over the place. Sometimes we (me, Megs, Amanda and Anna) can be in complete agreement and other times we don’t see eye to eye at all. This all makes sense, of course, because, well, we all have different likes and dislikes. (I know, I am stating the obvious here, just bare with me.)

However, I feel as though we tend to be most polar on our view points with some of the big time designers, like Valentino. But, when it comes to Valentino, Amanda said it best in her review of the Valentino Laceland Tote when she said is not completely comfortable claiming she loves or hates a given Valentino creation. I feel the same exact way.

So, as I sit here contemplating how I feel about the Valentino Rouches Napa Hobo, I also wonder not only what my fellow PurseBlog writers think but also what you all think about this bag. There is a large part of me that really wants to like the bag, but there is a nagging part of me that thinks it is nothing more than heinous. So, let’s break it down.

No matter what the state of the economy is, there is something to be said for possessing one of the big name brand bags – which Valentino is a part of. The leather itself is downright gorgeous. It is supple, beautiful and flawless. As a hobo, the dimensions are pretty much spot on: 13 1/2″H x 15″W x 8 1/2″D with a 5″ shoulder drop. I wish the drop was a bit larger, but I won’t make that a point of extreme discussion. I love satin lining, so the fact that this bag is lined with black satin, I obviously like it a bit more. Yet again, is that enough to make or break a decision – no.

The ruffles. The ruffles have me on the fence. When I think about really tapping into my feminine side, I like the ruffles. When I think about how borderline gaudy the bag looks, I hate the ruffles. But that is the thing. The ruffles are *supposed* to help the bag stand out; they are supposed to make the bag unique and one-of-a-kind.

Finally, the price. Yes, this is Valentino and yes the prices tend to be a bit inflated compared to the rest of the handbag market. However, would you throw down almost $2600 for this ruffled, leather, hobo? The price is what is making me quiver. If the bag was cheaper, I would go out on a ledge and buy it. I need a statement piece and frankly, this bag is exactly that – a statement. But with everything being said, does this bag make so much of a statement that you would be willing to throw down big time bucks? If so, buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $2595.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

There was absolutely no part of me that looked at this clutch and thought Gucci. If you hadn’t seen the name of the bag, would Gucci be one of the first designers to pop into your mind?

I was overwhelmed with a sleek design, clean lines and complete structure with the Gucci Sigrid Oversize Clutch. I am not saying overwhelmed in a bad way, but perhaps more like taken by surprise.

In fact, as I analyzed this clutch, I went back through many of the Gucci bags that we’ve covered recently. It’s been months, and I mean months since we’ve covered a Gucci bag that is even the least bit structured. Ironically enough, the last structured bag was a clutch, the Gucci Crystal Evening Clutch.

Yet this one, this one is even sleeker. This evening bag comes in glossy white or black patent leather. I love the asymmetric flap closure with metal and enamel detailing. The asymmetry of the flap gives just a hint of a geometric feel without being too avant garde. This oversized clutch (15¼”W X 6¼”H X 1″D) would compliment so many outfits that I don’t even know where to start. And as you know, I love well known designer bags that aren’t splashed with their logos all over them. So, this clutch just keeps getting better and better. Buy through Saks for $595.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

My oh my, it has been a few months now since we’ve covered a Chloé bag. My infatuation with Chloé bags started when Megs purchased her gorgeous Chloé Paddington a few years back. When she came home with it, I absolutely loved it and was hoping that one day I too would have a Paddington of my own. As I started to take note of the brand a bit more, I decided I didn’t have to set my sights on a Paddington because there were several others out there I could love just as much. However, all this got shoved to the back on my mind as I my love for Marc Jacobs, Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin continued to grow.

But today, I found myself getting back to the basics. Well, at least back to Chloé basics.

Ok, first things first. I don’t think the Chloé Ethel Large Leather Hobo is going to have the same kind of influence that the Paddington did/does. But, this bag has reminded me of how good Chloé bags can be when it comes to a simple design executed wonderfully. The glazed leather is soft, shiny and supple. The goldtone hardware helps bring out the color of the leather without overpowering it. (However, I do have to say I wish the zipper pulls were a little different, they seem a little odd on this bag.) The structured shoulder strap is a nice addition to the overall slouchy look of this hobo. This is a great bag to tote around all day as well as one which could compliment many night worthy outfits. Buy through Saks for $1395.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

For those of you who think that Alexander McQueen handbags might be a little too out there for your taste, I may have found a bag for you.

Looking at the name of the bag, I was wondering what was really meant by the word camouflage. Did it have to do with the colors, the design, some hidden meaning? It is not that McQueen camouflaged his genius or his innate ability to take design to the next level. Perhaps the word surrounds the idea that the bag is a bit more understated than most of us might be used to.

The Alexander McQueen Camouflage Skull & Rose Tote has understated beauty and edge written all over it. In fact, at first glance I barely noticed the skulls intertwined with the rose print design. The combination of rose and skull print on the canvas provides a great way to introduce femininity and edginess at the same time. Since the skulls aren’t as prominent as the roses, they do require a double take in order to be noticed. The canvas has wonderful brown leather trip and a great chain strap with 7″ drop. Everything works together in perfect harmony for a fabulous tote that would look good on the shoulder of so many women no matter what your taste may be! Buy through Saks for $930.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

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