Designers Handbags

Coach changes their lines as often as I change my pants. Ok maybe not that much, and don’t get some weird thought about me changing my pants, but you know what I mean. For some fun and colorful spring and summer fun, Coach has recently released the Coach Hampton’s Weekend Collection ‘06.

First let me introduce you to the Coach Hampton’s Patchwork Soft Tote. Bright and light, this tote shows off a plethora of pastel colored patches, including Signature lurex, scribble sateen cotton, stripe sateen cotton, Signature floral print, zebra print, and Signature jacquard fabric. Perfect to add a bright touch to any outfit, the tote also has an outside zip pocket and an additional outside pocket with a hidden magnetic closure. While many of us love our totes, we hate having an open top tote, in fear that we may loose something or someone may decide to make us loose something. Thankfully this bag has a zip-top closure, which makes way to the fabric lining, inside zip pocket, and a multi-function pocket. The tote measures 15 (L) x 10 1/2 (H) x 5 (W)

Next we have one of the newest shapes of Coach, with an added spin. The Coach Hampton’s Weekend Scribble Travel Satchel sports a new and travel friendly shape, along with a multicolor scribble cotton sateen with leather and suede. There are pockets galore on this bag, including outside zip pockets, two side zip pockets, and an inside multi-function and zip pocket. This bag closes with a zip top and shows off fabric lining and a luggage tag. If I were carrying this bag, it would be a cute and airplane friendly carry-on sizing up at 20 (L) x 11 7/8 (H) x 7 3/4 (W).

I have been able to face the fact that I am not always practical at a young age. I still am not always practical. I realize that fashion is also not always practical. If I asked you to raise your hand if you have ever purchased a completely impractical item I bet there would be quite a few handbag lovers out there with arms raised behind their monitor. Mine is ! But just because it is impractical does not mean we don’t continue to do it. Again, by we I most definitely mean I for starters. This all brings me to traveling. Many of us travel, and I venture to guess that many of us travel often. But do we travel in style? I may always look at the family carrying all the Coach or LV luggage and smirk, but deep down I wish it were me with the goods. I can’t help it. My love of handbags radiates into travel gear. While I would never want to check such a beautiful bag under, I wouldn’t mind carrying it on. The Prada Large Travel Bowler embodies the chic kind of accessory I want and the impracticality that I don’t need. This bowler is a canvas tote trimmed in gold and showing off buckle details. Yup, that is it. There isn’t much more to this bag, but that completely backward thinking side of me wants it to place nicely under the seat in front of me. Measuring 12½”H X 17¾”L X 7″W, this tote should be easy to travel with and use as your oober stylish carry on.

In the spirit of my love of python, I figure I will show you another slithery amphibian bag. Yikes, did that just make using python sound bad?? Nahh. But this python bag doesn’t nearly get me the way the beautiful white tote did. The Prada Python Hobo is an open top bag featuring silver metal hardware and a really big freggin’ Prada logo on the front. In case you really are wanting everyone near and far to be able to tell the brand of your bag, Prada designed this larger than necessary logo to make you feel noticed as a wearer of Prada. Personally, I don’t like the pattern on this bag in general (although it may be natural). The hobo is quite a good size, 11¾”H X 15″L X 4¼”W, which only further clarifies my statement that the logo will be huge. Different strokes for different folks though, right?

I realized today that when I am sick looking at bags actually makes me feel better. Odd, I know, but the truth nonetheless. I have been stuck in bed all day sick and browsed bags and other things on my ‘want’ list that I can not afford. I ran into a Prada bag that I have never seen before, and was strangely drawn to it. The Prada “Paglia Skipper” Shoulder Bag mixes an interesting combo of green woven straw for the exterior along with snakeskin accents. Perfect for a night on the town, this bag includes a snap closure, inside zip pocket, link chain strap, silver metal hardware accents, and is lined in pink leather. The bag seems so simple to me, yet so elegant at the same time. Measuring up at 12′’ wide x 6′’ tall x 1′’ deep at base

To print or not to print, that is the question. With the Gucci Spring ‘06 Cruise Line being released we see the use of patterns and prints to take over and give off some tropical flair. While I love the shape of this bag, I don’t find it very practical. Gucci wants to welcome spring with the Gucci Spring ‘06 Medium Shoulder Bag. The tropical print you find of this bag is labeled the pigna print which looks like pineapples and bananas, but in a sort of abstract art. Yes, my description is lacking a bit, but nevertheless you understand what I mean (and if not you can see what I mean through the picture). The shape of this bag lured me in when I was recently in the Gucci store. Brown leather trim and braided handles set the patterned body off nicely along with goldtone hardware. If you are one of the ladies, much like my mom, who likes a bag to hang comfortably on the shoulder and not “ride up”, then this bag will suit you well. Measuring 13″H X 17″L X 4¾”W, this bag is cute for spring but to me isn’t completely practical. Then again, who said that handbags are always practical?

Right off the bat the name is not anything really descriptive (I will blame that on the site rather than Gucci itself), but this bag is oddly alluring. If you are drawn into both gold and silver, the shiny Gucci Spring/Summer 2006 Handbag may be just for you. While the bag is quite unique, there isn’t the best description given for me to work with. So today, we will all just have to rely on outer appearance to try to judge this bag for ourselves. The materials that are put together to make this bag include suede, leather, gold metal hardware. The hypnotizing part of this bag is how the signature GG’s fade from silver to shiny gold. Measuring 14 1/2″W X 7 1/2″H X 5 1/2″D, this bag is something with a little pizzazz from Gucci from Spring/Summer 2006.

It has been a while since I have talked about Coach. One of the new hit looks by Coach is the pocket satchel. Let me introduce you to one of my best friend’s favorite bag, the Coach Nylon Small Pocket Satchel. Crafted from luxe nylon, this satchel shows off two front and two side pockets with turnlock closures along with an outside zip pocket. The shape is completely classy and cute with a variety of color options for your liking. On the inside you will find an inside zip pocket, a cellphone pocket, and fabric lining. Adorn your arm with some Coach candy which measures 10 5/8 (L) x 5 1/2 (H) x 4 5/8 (W). Buy this bag via Coach

Chanel indulge us with some purely decadent goodness that is geared toward the Christmas season, with some fantastic bags and accessories that deserve mention.

The revamped classic Chanel 2.55 comes along in a stunning metallic alligator version with matching dorseys… this combo does not need any futher description. Just let the breathtaking beauty settle in and see if you anything else to add after.

The Chanel Patent Double Flap Bag in beautiful, vibrant red, along with the Chanel Patent Wedge Sandals with metallic tips and CC detail are bound to steal the show. While I am not a big fan of the sandals, the bag with its chained leather strap and CC clasp atop the double flaps makes me like it even more.

The slightly larger Chanel Patent Double Flap Bag comes in a metallic dark blue shade, while the Chanel Jewelry Belt with its metal, resin and pearl charms marks a wonderful addition to the fancy bag.

Lastly, the fine syndication between calfskin and lambskin makes this interesting Chanel Quited Shoulder Bag. The contrasting colors and the Chanel-typical quilt detail make this bag a winner in my book.

For orders, give Chanel a ring at (800) 550-0005 - a customer rep will sure be glad to give you additional information, such as price and availability. I’d give them a call myself, but calling 800 numbers from outside the US is not possible.

This post is do overdue, it’s not even remotely funny. About freakin’ time I got myself together to compile the best Balenciaga bags for Spring/Summer of ‘05. What I didn’t know until recently is that Balenciaga actually uses naturally distressed goat leather that gives the bags the slouchy, unique and ultra chic look that everyone loves and adores. Every female celebrity that comes to mind has one, but more about that later. Let’s show some bags and colors:

Balenciaga City Motorcycle Bag in Pewter - highly limited version and indefinitely unattainable.

Balenciaga City Motorcycle Bag in Verde Green - £720 at Brown’s Fashion. Inquire directly about availability.

Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag in Pink - £660 at Brown’s Fashion. Also, inquire directly about their availability.

Balenciaga Mini Twiggy in Teal, absolutely my favorite color - £515 through Brown’s Fashion. As of now, available in Sky Blue.

Balenciaga Suede Sac Bag in Grey - $1050.Eye candy got you thinking? A word of advice to you - due to the nature of intense demand, there is so many shops online claiming to sell the real deal, and yet only offering cheap knock-offs. My advice: If someone offers you a 100% authentic Balenciaga for half the retail price, forgetaboutit. Stay away from Ebay, 99% of the sold bags are faux. Best bet are either Balenciaga brick’n mortar stores, malls like NM or Saks, or Balenciaga-certified online retailers, such as mentioned Brown’s or Aloha Rag. Don’t get ripped off.

I am sure if I were a celeb, or just a rich girl with unlimited funds on my credit card, I too would own around 20 Balenciaga bags. Paris’ little sister Nicky has been spotted carrying countless Balenciagas. We are talking around 20. Do you know how long and hard a regular person like me has waited on a list for just one? For a single one! I’ve given up on that quest, because I now realize that the celebs will steal that dream from me. Just a few days ago Nicky Hilton was seen sporting the Magenta Balenciaga Bag. At a first glance I thought she didn’t look good, but with a closer look I’m lovin’ her look. But her hair color- either I don’t like the color, or I don’t like the fried-out dry hair look. But let us not forget that she is carrying a beautiful bag!