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

You might remember a couple months back when we talked about a new amazing partnership with high end luxury, Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine. The newest issue just hit the stands and I have to say, it keeps getting better and better. Since we are in the midst of the Holiday Season, it should be no surprise that this issue is all about extraordinary gifts, people and places. Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine continues to gather amazing articles that you need to see.

For our article, we picked three occasions during the holidays and a fabulous handbag to go with it. From a family gathering, an office party and of course New Year’s Eve, you’ve got to check out our picks and some more great photography by Vlad (see page 96).

Check out Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Happy Labor Day to all of our US readers! Labor day does not only mean a three-day-weekend but also the last holiday weekend of summer and an old stipulation that we must all put away our whites. We have all been drilled with the old custom that after Labor Day we should not wear white. Where did this tradition come from?

There are many explanations for this tradition, ranging from weather to status symbol. Some say that white clothes do not help protect against cold weather. Light summer clothing was advised to be put away after Labor Day to prepare for heavier clothing for winter. Originally, the garments that were restricted were white dress shoes and pumps. Over time, the rule began to include white clothing in general.

Another theory is that older society families were much more concerned with fashion etiquette than recent generations. They wanted to educate the new rich with rules about fashion which was intended to guide the high society. Since the 1950’s and 60’s, the steadfast rule has slipped away, as many find it outdated and refuse to follow it.

Cream and ivory has always been accepted as a winter white option and continues to be seen for fall/winter fashion lines from many major labels. Over time, the rule forbidding white clothing after Labor Day has transitioned to being an old adage, as many disregard the no white after Labor Day rule and are even applauded for wearing white after Labor Day.

For us, the rule is to be bring white into your winter wardrobe in moderation. Be aware of the materials you are wearing (for example linen is a best for tropical climates and better for summer). Overall, remember to bring in the fall/winter clothing as the seasons transition. Most importantly, wear what you want and feel comfortable wearing! Of course, there are rules of what to wear and when to wear it, but there is seemingly always exceptions to the rules.

Are you putting your whites away?

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today we want to feature an array of eco friendly handbags. From cotton canvas to vegan, these designs are eco friendly and sure to put a smile on Mother Nature’s face. We are bringing you bags from the well-known Marc Jacobs as well as PurseBlog favorite Hayden Harnett. We also are highlighting newcomer Matt & Nat, known for their design-centric, eco friendly and vegan accessories. Make sure to get rid of your plastic bags and sport reusable totes not just for Earth Day, but as much as you can! If you run into Vlad and I today, we will be sporting our Rebecca Minkoff Bread and Wine Tote, which compliments this gorgeous weather perfectly. Happy Earth Day!!

Top row, left to right:
1. Hayden Harnett Friends of Al Eco-Tote; $27.50 via Hayden Harnett
2. Felix Rey Toys & Trinkets Eco Diaper Bag; $360 via ShopBop
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Print Locket Pocket Big Tote $168 via ShopBop

Bottom row, left to right:
1. Matt & Nat Oversized Pleated Satchel; $350 via Nordstrom
2. Hayden Harnett Green Is Good Tote; $20.25 via Hayden Harnett
3. Nordstrom Reusable Tote; $21.95 via Nordstrom

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

From the first moment I saw the DvF Stephani Bag I knew I absolutely had to have it. This DvF bag is different from every single bag in my handbag closet. It is super large, it is super slouchy, it hangs low. It is the type of bag you would expect to see on a hipster, only it is not just intended for hipsters. This hobo gives off a rocker vibe, but there is something very goddess like about it as well. The most interesting part of this bag is the chain-link metallic leather. Upon first glance the bag may look like it is actually made of metal, but this bag features leather woven together in a way I have not seen on any other bag. I carried my new Diane von Furstenberg bag over the weekend and I am absolutely in love with it. Vlad loves it too. The bag is super oversized, but I am 5′10 so with the strap hanging low and me in flats it still hits nicely and is not dragging on the floor. I already received compliments and am sure that there are many more compliments to come. Vlad is planning to shoot this bag much more in depth, but for those of you who have been emailing me to ask about how it looks, fits, etc, I have a picture to share now (also the shot of Beyonce shows how the bag looks on). And the best news is that ShopBop is now carrying the bag! Buy through ShopBop for $995.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I knew this bag was going to be a big hit. Totally knew it from the moment I saw it. And all of you seemed to agree, that you positively loved the new metallic slouchy bag from DvF. While I covered the medium DvF Stephanie Bag previously, the version Beyonce was spotted carrying is the large gold metallic DvF Stephanie Bag. And the Purse Blog team made sure to go out and buy the bag before it sold out completely! What I absolutely adore about this bag is that it truly is different from any other bag in my closet. It is totally oversized, really huge actually, and slouchy, and can hang low on your body (though you can adjust the shoulder straps to wear it different ways). Really, what is not to love about this bag? Spacious, comfortable, relevant, and a little metallic gleam. I know we love it, and while we wait for Vlad to shoot it we are graciously contemplating who will wear it first. I got first dibs! Buy via DvF for $995. And while the bag is out of stock online, check out your nearest DvF boutique. We lucked out at DvF Bal Harbour (305.865.1850).

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

The new must-have handbag floating around the DvF offices is the metallic Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bag. This bag is a favorite among the DvF staff (wonder if Whitney and Olivia are vying for it!). Celebs already carrying the bag include Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Biel. Because I am thoroughly obsessed with The Hills and now The City, I can image this bag being the handbag of choice on Whitney and her bff Erin. The DvF Stephanie Bag is a slouchy hobo which stands out with its knitted metallic leather, either gold or magenta, and an adjustable leather strap. The shape of the bag will slouch beautifully next to your body, give you both hands, and lend that boho chic vibe. I can see why this is the new beloved DvF bag and it is totally my style. I would opt for the gold. Buy through DvF for $875.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

See by Chloe Day Tripper
I gave a bland and blah review to See by Chloe Bags a month ago. On the particular See by Chloe Bags I reviewed, you all mostly agreed. The bags lacked any design innovation; they merely looked like colored leather stitched into a sac. So should I take back what I […]

Original post by Megs

Louis Vuitton Monogram Motard Clutch
I continue to find myself checking out the most elegant evening bags, despite the fact that I typically have no where to wear them. But I keep craving a new structured evening bag. Why? I have no idea. I must subconsciously be telling myself to let my hair down, put on […]

Original post by Megs