Custom Design

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

I’m so relieved that Alexander McQueen (the brand) will continue to function after the death of Alexander McQueen (the man). He was a visionary, and his legacy deserves to be continued in the wake of his passing. By all indications, the McQueen clothing and accessories that we will see in the near future owe a considerable debt to the founder’s aesthetic, just as it should be.

Skull clutches have been a McQueen accessory signature for some time, and the brand looks to continue that tradition with the Alexander McQueen Union Jack Stud Clutch. Skulls, studs and Anglophilia were all motifs which McQueen embraced, and if this bag is any indication, they’re not going anywhere in the brand’s forthcoming work.

Before we go any further, however, it’s worth mentioning that the clutch in this photo appears to be damaged. Samples undergo a higher amount of stress and abuse than the average bag, but it still strikes me as odd that Neiman Marcus would photograph a damaged bag to be featured on their website, thereby possibly exacerbating whatever quality control concerns one may have when buying bags online and sight unseen.

From a design perspective, though, I really love this iteration of the skull clutch. The color combination of cream and gold is classic and a bit regal, but the twinkling skull eyes and punk motif create a nice aesthetic juxtaposition to any perceived conventionality. We may have seen a lot of studded bags lately, but the use of multi-sized studs to create a larger whole keeps the design fresh. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1495.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I’ll go ahead and answer my own question: that’s definitely a disembodied head. Is the rest of the body inside the bag? Is this sort of like the medieval stocks, where you’ve got a head poking out on one side and the rest of the body is attached on the other? There are so many questions. I’m so confused. Someone hold me. I think it’s looking at me.

I’m particularly disappointed in the Versace Sculpture Satchel because I’ve actually liked some of Versace’s bags recently, which is pretty rare for me. They’ve done a pretty decent job stripping away some of the pretense from their designs and some of the prices have been more reasonable, but…a disembodied head? That’s just creepy, no matter whether the Medusa is a Versace signature or not.

Just because Medusa is something for which Versace is known doesn’t mean that it needs to be slapped on to bags with no context in the design itself. The covered studs are problematic enough (to me, they sort of look like blemishes), but adding what appears to be a decapitated babydoll head right in the middle really puts this bag in a league of its own. And not a good league. I generally like the sleek black leather and the hexagonal studs, but I would scrap the rest of the design and start again. Buy through Nordstrom for $1795.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Every handbag lover out there has a different taste. While this means so many of us can be on complete opposite ends of the interest spectrum, it means that designers are pushed to create a plethora of designs for us. So, no matter what you like, we all win!

And as someone who spends more hours than most staring and evaluating handbags, I can appreciate the quality of a bag even if I would never be caught dead carrying it myself. However, there are times, when for the life of me, I cannot decide if I like a bag or not. This Versace bag fits that category perfectly.

When I first came across this bag, I spent some time looking back at the Versace bags we’ve covered here at PurseBlog. And Amanda said it best when she said that we aren’t the front running members of the Versace handbag fan club. I for one *want* to love Versace handbags, but they tend to confuse me.

The Versace Studded Leather Shoulder Bag definitely boasts elements that I like, but I think there simply might be too much going on. Now, if you are willing to wear a very minimalistic outfit, this bag really could be perfect, but other than that, there would definitely be too much going on.

Obviously, there is a ton of hardware on this bag. So much so that I wonder how much it weighs. This black leather bag is adorned with pale-gold studs. It can be carried as a shoulder bag (also with stud detailing) or a clutch which is always nice. There is a fold-over flap lined in neon lime-green. It’s a bright color but not super noticeable when the flap is closed. Open up the bag and you’ll find cream satin. Again, I like this bag, on some level, but I’m just not sure. But, what do you think, love it or loathe it? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1795.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

If you read this blog regularly, you probably know that I have something of a love affair with the color black that dates all the way back to when I declared it to be my favorite color at five years of age, which worried my kindergarten school counselor. I’m the girl that buys black sundresses and black shorts for summer, and it’s not out of an appreciation for the goth aesthetic or a desire to let everyone know I’m in a bad mood – I just really like black.

It’s harder to come by in warmer months, but if you have a similar affinity for the dark side, the Be & D Big Spring Satchel is probably perfect for your personal style. It’s rare that something that so proudly trumpets its affiliation with a warm season is so decidedly dark, and although some people may find that contradiction off-putting, it feels perfectly normal to me.

There’s just something so delightfully subversive about matte black leather in warm weather, and a chain-handled, studded handbag is perhaps the best way to achieve that look without giving yourself heat stroke. I like cheerful colors as much as anyone, but black feels like home to me and this bag in particular seems to know exactly what I want. Buy through Saks for $1285.

Original post by Amanda Mull

If you read this blog regularly, you probably know that I have something of a love affair with the color black that dates all the way back to when I declared it to be my favorite color at five years of age, which worried my kindergarten school counselor. I’m the girl that buys black sundresses and black shorts for summer, and it’s not out of an appreciation for the goth aesthetic or a desire to let everyone know I’m in a bad mood – I just really like black.

It’s harder to come by in warmer months, but if you have a similar affinity for the dark side, the Be & D Big Spring Satchel is probably perfect for your personal style. It’s rare that something that so proudly trumpets its affiliation with a warm season is so decidedly dark, and although some people may find that contradiction off-putting, it feels perfectly normal to me.

There’s just something so delightfully subversive about matte black leather in warm weather, and a chain-handled, studded handbag is perhaps the best way to achieve that look without giving yourself heat stroke. I like cheerful colors as much as anyone, but black feels like home to me and this bag in particular seems to know exactly what I want. Buy through Saks for $1285.

Original post by Amanda Mull

I am really happy to see Bloomingdale’s expand their online handbag inventory. It’s something they’ve been working on and now that their inventory keeps growing we are seeing more and more great bags. And not just any handbags, but designer and highly coveted designer brands – like Marc Jacobs. So, on this dreary South Florida Friday it’s nice to look at a bag with just a hint of color and pizazz.

You know as well as I do that certain Marc Jacobs bags are completely over the top but still really nice. Then there are others that seem a bit bland and boring. Then there are others, like this Marc Jacobs The Firebird Rio Studded Leather Satchel that combine the previously mentioned elements perfectly.

The taupe leather satchel has a hint of shine and shimmer to it which really complements the studs wonderfully. While so many people are over studs, when the design and layout of the studs are different, like that on this bag, it’s hard not to give the bag a chance. The double handles (6″ drop) are adorned with gold-tone hardware which also looks really nice with the studding. Personally, I’d let the shoulder strap hang off of the bag and carry the bag primarily with the double handles. All in all this is a nice bag from Marc Jacobs with just enough sparkle to catch my eye. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $1395.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

I am in love. Valentino continues to make me a happy handbag fan. Yes, in the past, I’ve snubbed Valentino and thought that some bags were less than impressive. Today is not that kind of day. I am highly impressed with this Valentino Glam Tote. In fact, if I had some cash saved up, I would have bought it on the spot.

Before I get started, I must say, I really wish that Bergdorf Goodman would have larger images of products they carry available. However, luckily, they do have a zoom function. This zoom function has allowed me to fall in love with this bag. If it wasn’t for that function, I probably would have passed the bag by. But instead, I was able to look at the bag a bit closer and completely admire the exquisite and intricate bead work.

This tote is comprised of nude napa leather and has double top handles. With the tote being as large as it is, I do wonder if slightly larger handles would do the bag a bit more justice, but it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me. I wasn’t really interested in the drawstring sides, but I can let that go too. See, this bag, it is just downright gorgeous. The stripes of mini-studs and crystals intertwine splendidly. And since some of the studs and crystals happen to be on the two-layer ruffles along the front of the bag, there is a bit of movement. I can picture myself carrying this bag as I walk through a restaurant and the the light being reflected off of the studs and crystals – amazing. It typical Valentino fashion, this bag doesn’t come cheap, but like I said earlier, if I had money saved up, this bag would be mine! Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $2690.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

A little while back I came across a Valentino bag that was discussion worthy. Don’t get me wrong, EVERY bag is discussion worthy, but there are some that I feel people would be likely to offer their opinions on more than others.

So, here we are again with another another bag that I’d love to hear back from you on. The Diane Von Furstenberg Peggy Wrap Bag has several qualities that I really like while at the same time I am not sure if the bag simply misses the mark.

At first glance, I wanted to like the bag. I saw suede. I saw studs, but not just any studs, metal paillettes. Initially, I was pleased. But then I kept looking and wondered: is this bag actually any good?

Like many handbag lovers, I’ve been more interested in Diane von Furstenberg bags after the release of the Stephanie Bag. That bag was an instant sensation and I’ve been waiting for more like it ever since. However, I think this bag is off. The materials used are fantastic, but when combined, they seem to fall short. Although I understand the adjustable, wraparound buttoned strap, again, it seems off. Everything works against one another, not with one another. This bag, if done correctly would be fabulous to tote around during the day as it would be for certain nights out. But, there is something that just doesn’t work. What do you think? Buy through Shopbop for $950.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

I’m not sure if it’s Lady Gaga’s influence or what, but I’m sure that I’m not the only person that has noticed sequins everywhere for the past few months. High-end handbag designers have largely avoided the trend, but Jimmy Choo has been embracing some rather fly-by-night trends as of late, so the Jimmy Choo Sequined Snake Pattern Tote doesn’t really surprise me.

It’s difficult to see the sequins in this picture since they’re clear, but I assure you that they’re there and they appear to cover the entire bag. As much as I love sequins (and really, I adore them), I just can’t support their inclusion on an everyday tote for a variety of reasons.

First, this bag is busy enough as it is. The blue-silver metallic snake print leather has plenty going on, and it gives you more than enough to look at. Plus it’s already metallic, so there’s no need to have an extra layer of shine on top. The sequins are unnecessary and create visual clutter when the light shines on them.

And then there’s the functional problem of sequins. When they’re covering a clutch, they mostly stay in your hand and away from your clothes. But when they’re on a shoulder bag, the sequins will constantly be rubbing against your clothes, and I can think of a few sweaters in my closet that wouldn’t be particularly thrilled about that. There’s also the problem of sequins coming loose when you’re in constant contact with other materials, and that’s just a problem that I don’t want to deal with. Buy through Saks for $1195.

Original post by Amanda Mull