Custom Design

It has been a little while since we’ve all been in the midst of a fringe debate. If you remember, not too long ago, it seemed as if every other bag was adorned with some kind of fringe. I for one never really got sick of bags with fringe, but I can see how so many of you handbag lovers out there did. Fringe can completely make or break a great bag.

So, I was a little surprised to see this Tod’s bag with so much fringe. Aren’t you? No matter what you think about fringe, you have to admit, this bag is rather exquisite in its own way.

There have been so many fringe bags we’ve covered in the past that seemed to be perfect for a younger crowd. However, one of the first things I noticed about the Tod’s G-Bag Frange Media is that it clearly appeals to a wide age range, which I am always a fan of. The tiered fringe adds just the right amount of movement to the bag without it looking a complete mess. I could carry this during the day as easily as I could to dinner or for a night out with friends. How can you miss the color? I know Summer is coming up next but this bag would be beyond perfect for Fall! This is the kind of bag that is a perfect combination of formal and fun. Sure, that might sound a bit like an oxymoron, but it is true. And if you are as big of a fan of this bag as I am, you better order it now – it’s already on back order! Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1695.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Be still my beating heart, be still.

Ok, now that I’ve calmed down a bit, it is no secret that here are PurseBlog, we are fans of Tod’s handbags. I for one continue to fall in love with Tod’s bags almost every single time I see one. And while I *should* be able to show some restraint, I always have to take a deep breath before I walk into a Tod’s store. Why you ask? Well, because I need to show composure so I don’t simply whip out my credit card and do some damage, like, some serious damage. Whether I am in a store or simply doing some online shopping, I am about to whip out my credit card for this bag.

The Tod’s D-Styling Baulette Medio does not disappoint. The downright gorgeous red leather caught my attention and for all the right reasons. In typical D-line fashion, the double top handles are sturdy and fabulous. There is a long messenger strap which would add to the the flow of the bag. I can see myself carrying this bag in hand while the messenger strap drapes down a bit simply garnering more positive attention. The handcrafted center stream breaks up the loose shape of the bag and brings just a hint of structure, but not too much structure. I rarely stop and think about my need for a red handbag in my collection, this is one I would welcome with open arms and would carry for years to come. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1445.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

Winter has not yet arrived and resort bags are hitting the market. One major way to know we are looking at a resort bag is when it is made out of straw. Straw is quintessentially resort/spring material and I have yet to own a straw bag or find a straw bag worth purchasing. The case remains true with the Fendi Twins Straw Tote. The design stems from the popular Fendi Vintage Leather Twins Tote, but takes a fresh look with the straw body. Let’s get into the details.

If we took out the exorbitant price tag, a whopping $2,560, we can sort of start off with a clean slate. We have a simple tote design with leather trim and a straw body. Straw is great for Resort and Spring, it automatically makes me think of the beach, but I simply do not care to own a straw bag. The rectangular pattern created with the straw does give a nice effect though. Then we have the logo details at the bottom of each top handle. So we are doing ok.

Then there is an adjustable shoulder strap, which is always a nice addition. Then again, the large dimensions (16″W X 11½”H X 6″D) are not ideal to be hanging this bag from your body. Overall I am feeling uninspired. And while I tried to take out the price tag when reviewing this bag, I simply could not. Because really, who wants to pay over $2,500 for a straw tote? The name may be Fendi but it is nothing other than an expensive seasonal bag that nearly everyone I know will pass on. Buy through Saks for $2,560.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I want to scream out all sorts of Rachel Zoe-isms at this stunning handbag. I DIE! Bananas! Shutting it down! It is not that the design is new to us, as we have looked at the Proenza Schouler PS1 many times before. It is this version, with the most luscious, vivacious deep purple python skin, that is killer.

This is my favorite of all Proenza Schouler Bags, mixing downtown edgy with uptown sophistication. I would love to see the Proenza Schouler Purple Python PS1 in person.

The python skin looks to have a matte finish, which is my favorite way to see python on a handbag. The color is soaked up by the skin and looks deep and sultry. Purple is such a versatile color, able to be worn with most outfit options. The best part is, the color will pop depending on what you wear with it.

The PS1 is known for its front flap with a foldover closure and double straps. The top handle brings in the downtown/briefcase vibe, though most use the removable/adjustable shoulder strap. This is the ultimate PS1. If Rachel Zoe was looking at this bag now we know she would be going BANANAS. Buy through Barneys for $3,645.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

This is not a clutch, it is a piece of art that belongs alongside Queen Elizabeth’s Crown Jewels, locked up in the Tower of London. Everything about it is extraordinary, from the overall design to the craftsmanship and work that goes into making it. And though this is a Knot clutch, which is a classic from Bottega, this rendition is in a league of its own.

     

This stunner is fancily named the Bottega Veneta Nero Galuchat Knot. Up close it is evident that this piece requires excessive amount of work to complete. The shell of this Knot clutch is completely covered in Galuchat, the skin of the stingray. Covering the shell of the Knot is particularly delicate and complex because Galuchat skin is not malleable. Bottega Veneta has created a new hammered workmanship for the frame. To do this, the rounded metal is manually worked with specific tools to obtain the hammered effect. Then the profile is further enhanced by a row of faceted studs applied on a small metal sheet, placed between the shell and the frame of the Knot. On the perimeter there are a total of 280 faceted studs. As if that was not ample work, the stingray skin shell is enriched by metal studs which mimic the cut and shape of faceted stones.

Precious “Stones”

There is an order to the studs/stones on the clutch. The central stud emulates the center of a flower, as 24 faceted metal studs branch out from it. There are 6 are pear shaped stones around the center, which are encircled by 20 faceted metal studs, followed by 6 round cut studs, and finished off with an additional 13 faceted studs. From the center working out, the studs get smaller. Overall there are 154 hand made, hand applied studs on the Galuchat Knot.

This clutch feels royal, yet edgy. There is something Medieval about the clutch and it is such a unique bag that I could not stop staring. It was a favorite among the men here, Vlad and our intern Joe, probably because this clutch speaks to everyone. It is not feminine, yet neither is it masculine. It is a work of art, a piece that you appreciate but it feels and looks hefty, which makes it seem more wearable. The clutch is heavier than many, which is to be expected with all of the metal studs and heavy metal body. Still, it is still one of the most interesting bags I have ever laid my eyes and hands on. Every time I held it or looked at it, the clutch seemed to draw me in more, wowing me with its craftsmanship and beauty. This is truly unlike any bag I have ever seen and Bottega Veneta has outdone themselves. The only problem is how to live up to the sheer brilliance that this clutch holds. I have a feeling they will figure it out though.

The price is $3,800 via Bottega Veneta online or contact Bottega Veneta (877.362.1715) to inquire.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

I’ll admit it, someone got me on April Fool’s Day. It was my good friend since preschool, Dania. She posted a facebook status saying that she was engaged, and since she moved away last year I knew she had started dating someone seriously, so I totally bought it. It’s hard to get me, and she totally had me fooled - I even sent my mom a text message to let her know, since I’ve known this girl since I could barely go to the bathroom on my own.

And I thought someone else had gotten me too - more specifically, I was sure that the price tag of the Alexander McQueen Leather Woven Wishbone Shopper had to be some sort of ridiculous joke. Because it’s a pretty cool-looking bag, and I had initially wanted to write that I liked the hardware and the woven-ness mixed with the non-woven-ness, and that I wasn’t sure about the fringe, but I was willing to give it a shot since it all looked sort of edgy and cool mixed together. That’s what I was GOING to write. Before I saw the price. Because for the $6,380 that McQueen wants for this bag, I could buy 4 or 5 other really cool bags, so nevermind. For that, I can basically buy a Birkin. At least a basic one. This bag may be cool, but it’s not six-and-a-half-grand cool. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $6380.

Original post by Amanda Mull

What was your first Miu Miu purchase? Actually, come to think of it, I don’t own a Miu Miu handbag… yet. As much as I love handbags, I tend to error on the side of purchasing once I am totally sure I want it. I consider almost all of my handbags investment pieces and I love that most of them have a unique story behind them. When I came across the Miu Miu Patent Square Tote I couldn’t decide if this would be in the running for my first Miu Miu purchase or not. For those of you who know me, you know that I am a tad skeptical when it comes to white handbags. But, I truly love something about this goldtone hardware on white patent combination. At the same time, there is a sense of freshness about this bag. It’s chic, fun, and versatile. Yet, is it enough to be my first Miu Miu? Any other suggestions? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1995.

Original post by Shannon Mahoney

How could this week be any better? Vlad flies back from Germany today, tomorrow is Thanksgiving with the family and no work, and today we had a feature in The Miami Herald. We were interviewed for this piece by Kathryn Wexler who met us at our house and had the opportunity to learn more about […]

Original post by Megs

What is this? Do my eyes deceive me? Might I actually be looking at a decent Fendi handbag? I am not sure if I am just hoping it is a good looking purse or what, but it certainly is worth writing about. When I think about it, there is one word that really captures how […]

Original post by Shannon

There are times where I simply shake my head in disbelief. A good example would have to be with this bag. I know that Versace is a force to reckon with. Yes, Versace is a fashion powerhouse, but at what point should someone take a step back and say, “although we are Versace, there is […]

Original post by Shannon