Custom Design

…I just didn’t manage to get there with them.

Feathers and satin and chain sound like a recipe for a whimsical evening bag, but the actual end product of the Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Clutch isn’t as fantastical as it may sound. When carried on the shoulder, the feathers hang down the front of the body in sort of a sad, limp way, and the promise that they can be removed to make a necklace or belt doesn’t make me feel much better about how this bag was executed.

I can see where it would be a fun, if slightly gimmicky, design challenge to make a bag whose strap had multiple other functions when not in use as part of the clutch, but I think the end result would have been better if the designers at Lanvin had focused more intently on making sure it looked better as a strap. If I want a necklace or a belt, I’ll buy one – when I want a bag, I want one that doesn’t sacrifice its aesthetic value to transform into a bunch of stuff that I didn’t want in the first place. I adore the color of this bag, but the feathers seem poorly conceived at best (and I’m usually a lover of fabulous little bits like feathers). Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1185.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Christian Louboutin has been far more successful with shoes than he has been with bags, and I’m having a hard time figuring out exactly why that is. Surely the design processes for each is decidedly differently, but for a brand with as many resources and as much style as Louboutin’s, I would expect better results.

Most of CL’s shoes have an inherent feminine sass to them that just doesn’t come through in designs like the Christian Louboutin Trophe Stud Bag. Louboutin has designed many a gorgeous shoe featuring zippers and studs, but his bag design with the same motif just doesn’t work exactly like it should.

The market is flooded with similarly studded bags at every price point, and in order for this one to make any kind of impression, it needed to find a clear way to stand out. Unfortunately it didn’t – the zippers zigzag across the bag’s body with little purpose, and the studded tabs that hang from the zipper pulls look sloppy. The leather is likely beyond amazing, as it is with most of Louboutin’s bags, but I wish that it had gone to a better purpose.

To answer my own question, Louboutin should definitely continue to make bags. Some beautiful designs have come out of the brand in recent seasons, and its clutches in particular are always a lot of fun. Louboutin’s handbag missteps have gotten fewer as of late, but unfortunately this is not one of his finer efforts. Buy through Saks for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

If you think that drawstring bags are too trendy and youth-focused to be relevant to your day-to-day style, the Donna Karan Metro Bags is here to prove you wrong. It’s current and stylish without being too obviously trend-driven, which is the perfect combination for an everyday bag.

I used to be totally opposed to bags with two carrying options, but I’ve since become a converted believer. This design uses them really well, and the sleek, modern hardware provides a beautiful touch of detail to both the shoulder strap and the short handle. The gunmetal grey is my personal favorite, but the bag looks pretty nice in black as well. Buy through Nordstrom for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Even for a dedicated lover of Balenciaga handbags like me, it can sometimes be hard to remember that the brand makes purses other than their famed motorcycle bags. When the brand is mentioned to me, I always conjure up an image of a City or Day bag with giant silver hardware, but there’s much more to Balenciaga’s accessories that just that. If you haven’t seen (and felt) the Balenciaga Chaine Bag in person, you’re missing out.

BlueFly claims that this bag is made of calfskin and I have no real reason not to believe them, save for the fact that it might be the softest leather that I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I’m not one to exaggerate needlessly, so believe me when I say that you’ve got to feel it to understand just how divine this leather really is.

If Balenciaga suddenly decided to start making their brightly colored motorcycle bags out of this leather, I’d be able to die a happy woman. I did a double take when I felt it for the first time and was so impressed that I seriously considered plunking down the two grand for it right then and there. I restrained myself (just barely), but it was a good reminder that Balenciaga does a lot more than we sometimes give them credit for when it comes to handbags. Buy through BlueFly for $1996.

Original post by Amanda Mull

No one knows exactly how long the mini crossbody trend will last, but put me on the record as hoping that this shape stays around as a wardrobe staple for years to come. Not only are minibags delightfully functional, but they’re easily modified to embody nearly any style from hippie to industrial. In this case, the mood of the Gucci 1973 Small Shoulder Bag is clear – it’s all about the retro throwback.

This bag comes as no surprise to anyone that saw the looks from Gucci’s Fall 2010 runway show – I would have pegged the look as more late 60s than early 70s, but the retro shapes and color palette were omnipresent throughout the bags featured in the show. The altered Gucci logo is the touch that really completes the look.

My only real criticism of the design is that I wish perhaps more had been done with the chain – a piece of leather where the bag will sit on the shoulder is always an appreciated nod toward utilitarian comfort, but I imagine that this bag was meant to be worn atop a layer or two of cold-weather clothing anyway, making that detail less important. The olive color works beautifully with the gold hardware, and sub-$1000 leather Gucci bags aren’t easy to find as of late. This one might be small, but don’t underestimate its style. Buy through Saks for $760.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Leopard print has obviously been around forever and the trend has been building for some time, but as far as handbags go, the look is about to reach critical mass. Since some people are apprehensive of the pattern and unsure of how it could fit into their wardrobes, we’ve taken the liberty of styling the Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag for both night and day to demonstrate leopard’s versatility.

This bag is particularly appropriate because of its petite size and mix of hardware – it can be paired with silver or gold and used night or day. Leopard provides an interesting opportunity to create visual interest through mixing textures because multiple attention-grabbing colors would compete with the pattern, and I particularly love how it looks with dark pinks and metallic touches. Details for each piece are after the jump.

The Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Miss Charles Leopard Print Bag: You can’t really have a conversation about modern leopard print without talking about Dolce & Gabbana, can you? As with most of fall’s leopard looks, this bag is made of printed haircalf, which I love to combine with other interesting textures in neutral colors, plus a pop of brightness – the pop should be bigger for nighttime looks. Buy through Nordstrom for $1550.

Casual

Burberry Prorsum Military Belted Cardigan: Cardigans can be a little boring, but this one proves itself special through lots of attention to detail – the buttoned loops at the shoulder and utilitarian pockets and belt are wonderful touches. The charcoal grey color can be worn with nearly anything during the colder months, and it tones down some of the sparkle when combined with sequins for daytime. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $795.

Diane Von Furstenberg Paragan Sequin T-Shirt: Daytime sequins are set to be big again for fall, and combining their shine with the simple, casual familiarity of a basic white tee makes them easy to incorporate in pre-cocktail hour outfits. This shirt matches the glamour level of leopard print while still remaining appropriate for casual environments. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $157.

Joe’s Jeans Chelsea Skinny Jeans: You can substitute your own favorite skinnies here, but if you’re still looking for a wear-all-the-time pair of your own, try these. The ultra dark wash hides figure flaws while ensuring that the look stays clean and tailored. Buy through ShopBop for $159.

Michael Kors Ceramic Chronograph Watch: Yeah, I admit it – I’m still not over white watches. When you have a daytime outfit that uses sequins, jewelry is best kept at a minimum, and the graphic white of this watch will stand out nicely again fall’s long, dark sleeves. Plus, it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than a Chanel J12 if you want to hop on the bandwagon a little late. Buy through Saks for $450.

Yves Saint Laurent Suede Tribute Sandals: With lots of textures going on in this outfit, these sandals are all of the bright color that you need. Plus, high heels make your legs look a mile long when combined with skinny jeans. And just look at ‘em, they’re gorgeous. These shoes are the easy part. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $995.

Dressy

Acne Lou Lou Satin Dress: I am in deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love with this dress. This particular variety of magenta makes nearly everyone’s skin look radiant, and the bold bow belt is a brilliant, simple addition. The volume of the sleeves is like the cherry on top – wear this all fall and winter with black tights and statement shoes. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $300.

Miu Miu Glitter Platforms: Of course, if I had my way, the statement shoes that you’d choose would be these shiny, fantastic sandals. Just because they’re open-toe doesn’t mean they can’t be worn with tights, and a black background will make the gunmetal glitter all the more special. Since there’s no room in this outfit for additional bright colors or patterns, the shine makes sure that these shoes are still interesting. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $416.

Proenza Schouler Cable Cuff: This bracelet could go with nearly anything, but the modern, almost industrial lines make sure that the outfit doesn’t get too twee. You could pair it with either outfit, if you’d prefer not to wear a watch. $725, more info via ProenzaShouler.com.

Madewell Dangly Rhinestone Earrings: Costume jewelry with clear stones is a trend now, which is convenient since it goes with almost anything but doesn’t take up too much visual space. The vibrant color of the dress and bold print of the bag are enough that this outfit doesn’t require earrings that make a big statement. Buy through ShopBop for $45.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Leopard print never really goes out of style. But at times it comes back in style with power and right now is one of those times. Every designer is showing leopard print right now and I, for one, am loving it. I am a huge fan of leopard print accessories. Give me a bag or shoe with a great animal print and I am a happy fashionista. I may not be as daring as Rihanna in her Dolce & Gabbana get up, but I am all about the accessories (clearly).

Mulberry wants to get on our radar with the Mulberry Lily Leopard Print Shoulder Bag. This red suede shoulder bag showcases metallic red leopard print. The question is, does it pass the test?

My answer is kind-of I kind-of dig this bag and I kind-of don’t. You see, paired with an outfit like styled on Net A Porter, it works well. A true red bag adds a statement color to an outfit and having the slight, but not overly gaudy, leopard print is a nice touch. Making this Mulberry bag much larger would end up with the final product being too in-your-face. The silver-tone hardware is the perfect choice, gold would surely look tacky with this bag. And the adjustable chain and leather strap (very Chanel-esque), is a nice touch.

Speaking of Chanel, this bag resembles a Chanel bag quite a bit. There is a fold-over flap with a twist lock fastening as well. I’m happy to see more leopard print and more varieties of it. We all expect the typical leopard print colors, but red is a welcomed change. Buy through Net A Porter for $695.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Swoon.

You hear that? I’m swooning. Pretty hard. I’m a bit desensitized to beautiful handbags in the same way that I imagine fashion photographers are desensitized to beautiful women – when you look at them all day from a business perspective, it’s can be kind of hard to recapture the feeling of excitement that they once gave you. Well, folks, the Pauric Sweeney Metallic Python Shoulder Bag has me giddy like a schoolgirl all over again. How could it not? The charms of this particular purse are so many and varied that I barely know where to start.

I’d begin by talking about the material, but the reasons why I love the texture-rich python should be obvious. Instead, we’ll start with the color, since gunmetal is not only my favorite neutral, but also one of my favorite colors for clothing or accessories, period. The depth of the shade avoids the cheap look that can come with some metallics, and the finish here is particularly interesting – it’s sort of matte, isn’t it? A matte metallic sounds like an oxymoron, but somehow, Pauric Sweeney made it happen. And it’s beautiful.

A good color and material are nothing without a good design, though, and luckily this particular bag doesn’t lack in that department. The structure is a somewhat more modern iteration of the drawstring trend, with the one-piece modified box chain playing the part of the string. The chain can either be doubled as it’s seen here or used as a single, longer shoulder strap, depending on your preferences.

The only part of the bag that I don’t like, from a functional perspective, is the skinny flap over the opening. I like that the color and material provides a nice contrast to the rest of the bag, but that’s the sort of closure that NO ONE ever uses – it usually ends up flopped sloppily over the top. On a bag this slouchy, however, I’m not sure that’s as big of an aesthetic problem as it would be on a more structured design. On the whole, this is the best bag that I’ve seen in quite a while. Pre-order through Luisa Via Roma for $2276.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I wish with every fiber of my being that more online stores stocked vintage luxury bags. There’s something that I find so alluring about vintage – much of it, particularly those items made by luxury houses, has the feel of true exclusivity that even most high-end bags are missing these days.

Most of us know that almost everything we buy is made in factories, not by a talented artisan that cares about his work, and that makes luxury goods a bit less fun. With vintage, at least we can pretend that it was made by a guy named Francois in a picturesque workshop, diligently sewing bags while wearing a beret and smoking a hand-rolled cigarette. Or at least that’s what happens in my head. Perhaps Francois had a hand in the lovely Chanel Vintage Speedy Bag? I bet no one can prove to me that he didn’t – it’s vintage, after all.

This is not your average vintage Chanel bag – classic flaps are fairly easy to find at high-end vintage shops and, if you have nerves of steel, on eBay, but styles that were only made for a short period of time and don’t have the “iconic” status of a flap bag are what really intrigue me. I particularly like the large metal pieces on the ends and that this bag uses a specially woven leather to mimic the brand’s trademark quilts – the details go a long way in a vintage piece. I don’t know if I’d pay the premium for it, but if you want a Chanel bag that you’ll probably never see on anyone else, something like this is right up your alley. Buy through ShopBop for $4180.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Happy Friday PurseBlog readers! In addition to being happy for the simple fact that it is Friday, I am really happy to share an exclusive with you. Today through May 13th, you can receive 30% off any of the Linea Pelle Joey Bags! In typical fashion, these bags are fabulous and versatile. And hey, with Mother’s Day around the corner, perhaps this would be perfect for a last minute gift.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP!

Original post by Shannon Mahoney