Designers Handbags

No, I can not get my mind off the Gaucho. I have seen so many of the wonderful people on the forum post their beautiful Christian Dior handbags and I still yearn for one. If you are opting for the medium bag, gander at the beautiful Dior Gaucho Denim/Leather Medium Saddle Bag. I love this color combination, and unlike the off-white shade that I want, this bag won’t show dirt as easily. This Gaucho is made of denim with calf leather trim alongside lambskin links trim and contrasting topstitching. The chunky antiqued silver metal hardware helps show off the desired look of this bag. There is something about this bag that draws me in; whether it is the medallion and large key dangling from the front, the perfectly placed square pocket under the front flap, the saddle shaped flap pocket, or the chunky silver metal hardware. If you are wanting a Gaucho as bad as me, check out the medium size (which measures 13.5″ x 7″ x 2.75″).

The Dior Gaucho Double Saddle Bag is definitely an eye-catcher. Not only is the bag a hot item this season due to its charming vintage western look, but to its flashy antiqued silver hardware and accessories. Each bag has two pairs of “1947″ Christian Dior medallions and large old-fashioned keys dangling from both the front buckle and the strap. 1947 is a significant year for the designer because it marks the debut of the very first Dior collection, a collection which introduced the “New Look” of tight waists and long, fitted skirts. Getting back to the Gaucho, the flaps of the bag lift up to reveal interior compartments on either side of the purse, including a pocket just the right size for a cell phone, and seal with magnetic clasps. The bag is available in both dark red and in white, which has more noticeable contrast stitching on the soft, washed calfskin leather.

Denim doesn’t seem to be a material that bags are showing up in very much these days. It’s a shame because it’s a lovely material that’s easy to accessorize and great for casual, day use. Dior’s Embroidered Denim Bag is the perfect example. They took a simple, light denim and edged it in a warm, toffee-colored leather, with a logo “D” dangling charm. Shimmering blue floral embroidery almost blends in with the fabric and adds a touch of grace to it. The purse itself is structured, with protective metal feet and magnetic snaps to close it. Pair this bag with the matching embroidered wedges, fitted trousers and a white top.

When it comes to evening wear, I don’t think it is a bad idea to may an eye-catching statement. And since we are all handbag pasionistas, why not make the statement with an ornate evening bag. The Gucci Evening Bag shows off a catena chain strap, a push-lock bamboo closure, and a jeweled bloom charm. Since I am a Florida girl at heart, the flower in the middle of the bag just suits me very well. If Gucci would elaborate a bit more on the materials, I could give you much more info, but we gotta work with what we have. This evening bag measures 5.9 x 4 inches. I see this bag being worn by the bold and daring ladies who aren’t afraid to spice up their wardrobe.

I must admit I’m a Gucci fan. Gucci was a name I knew growing up, and then became much more known to me with time and my love of fashion. Lucky for all of us, the Gucci Cruise 2006 Handbags are out. There are a few bags that drawn me in, but many play it safe. Sometimes simple and safe is good. But why don’t you all be the judge of this new Gucci line.

The Gucci Small Shoulder Bag reminds me of Botkier with the slanted front pockets. The bag is simple and different for Gucci. The bag looks a bit rockerish with its red leather and blue and red signature web detailing throughout. The dimensions are 11¾”H X 6″L X 4¼”W.

Next we have the Gucci Medium Tote. Made of black leather and adding a little color with the green and red web detailing, the bag actually reminds me a little more of Christmas than anything else. The tote has more height than width; exact measurements are 10¼”H X 12½”L X 4¾”W. For any of you black bag lovers, this bag may be just right with a little bit of color and a lot of class.

Showing off a little American pride is the Gucci Medium Hobo. I could definitely see myself using this bag when I go to the Hampton’s and Cape Cod this spring. It may be a little too much red white and blue for you, but with most of the color being dark blue on the main part of the bag, I think this bag is preppy cute. Dimensions:15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W.

I’m realizing that the names of these bags are not at all original- which makes it hard to differentiate between one and the other. The other Gucci Medium Hobo is in an animal stripe pattern which is designed from brown and white pony hair with brown leather trim. This bag is a little more daring. Size: 15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W.

And there is yet another Gucci Medium Hobo, which is a bit different than the two mentioned above. This hobo has a pattern, but it is not the typical Gucci logo pattern we all know. The horsebit is huge for Gucci this year, and this hobo is in light blue senna horsebit fabric trimmed in brown leather with bamboo details on the front. I actually think this bag is cute, but the price is not fully justifiable to me.

The Boston Bag has been a hit for Gucci. Many A-listers and other fabulous females, like many of you, have lusted and owned a Gucci Boston Bag. The 2006 Cruise Collection Gucci Medium Boston Bag is simple and cute with white senna horsebit fabric with brown leather trim. There is also bamboo detailing by the straps and zipper which add a little more sunny fun. Measuring 11¾”H X 8″L X 4¾”W.

Now this is what I am talking about! A beautiful white leather tote with a beautiful accenting scarf. The Gucci Medium Tote is made of the softest white leather and has a horsebit scarf that weaves through golden rings along the top. Chic and preppy, this bag measures 16″H X 12¼”L X 5½”W.

Now we have found the Gucci logo and the shape and overall feeling of this bag I love. Adding a special touch is the size and detail on this bag. The Gucci Medium Shoulder Bag shows off the beige/ebony GG fabric with beautiful brown leather braided handles and gold metal horsebit detail on the front of the bag under the shoulder straps. Sizing up at 6¾”H X 4¾”L X 1½”W this bag is sure to be a hit for many of you Gucci lovers out there.

And lastly, the 2006 Cruise Collection would not be complete without some flowers in there. This is where the Gucci Evening Bag comes in handy for many of us black bag and flower lovers. This bag shows off black flora satin with an intricate crystal fly detail. This little evening bag rounds off my picks for the collection and measures 8¾”H X 4¾”L X ¾”W. If you are into elegance and flowers.

The people at Chloe need to realize that their bags have all made their way into my heart. My heart goes pitter-patter and my wallet becomes a bit lighter. The Chloe Medium Gladys Tote presents itself as a subdued beauty with bright colors and zipped compartments for usability. While pictures do not usually portray the texture of the bag, this picture shows the bags’ supple olive leather. I can imagine the leather to feel divine by the looks of it. The color of the leather is called olive, but upon first glance this bag looked more like gold and silver leather. Either way, the style is what gets me- the color I can work with. The tote is accented with silver metal hardware and there is an ID tag on the side. There is something about lots of compartments that is appealing to me, even though I typically don’t use them. This bag has four front zip compartments for you to play around with. Overall, the tote measures 10 1/2″H x 15″W x 5 3/4″D. If someone from Chloe realizes how much I love their bags, they are more than welcome to send me a ’sample’- it would be put to great use

Some of the most compliments I have received are from my most simplistic looks. The days when I throw my hair up, toss on a simple tee-shirt, and throw on a pair of sassy jeans is when people tell me that I look amazing. I never understood that, but my mom always told me to ‘go with it’. I think I have found the perfect and most chic ‘go with it’ bag. The Chloe Large Betty Satchel manifests itself in simplicity and beauty. I can’t put my finger on why I love this Chloe handbag so much, but I just love how it looks so great without much effort. The hardware is silver metal which compliments the leather beautifully (available in gray or ivory). While the bag has shoulder straps with rings and a zip top, those are not the features that have drawn me in. Rather the four front zip pockets and the zip top coin purse have me sold on this bag. I am not always a fan of pockets, but this bag seems to intertwine the use of pockets and beauty perfectly for my liking. Roomy enough for all of you goods, the satchel measures 16″H x 17″W x 6″D.

When you think of nearly $13,000, do you think of buying a handbag? Most of the world would say no in a heart beat. The people like ‘us’, the selective group of fellow handbag lovers, would say mmm a Birkin! But would you ever change your mind and say ‘mmmm, a Croc Paddy!’ Chloe is hoping there will be a very elite market to draw in when selling the Chloe Paddington Croc Satchel. Delicately and intricately designed from luscious chocolate crocodile, this satchel shows off golden hardware and the signature padlock closure and tassel with key. The least Chloe can do is offer metal feet to protect the base of the bag. I am under the assumption that the inside is still only lined in cloth, which makes me wonder if the crocodile used to make this bag was a limited edition extinct species. Either way, this Chloe handbag measures 8″H x 14 2/3″W x 7 1/2″D.

Today there will be hobos galore for you to choose from. These hobos look similar to one another, but I wonder which hobo you would chose. For starters, behind door number 1, we have the Chloe Paddington Hobo. While I am a big fan of the Paddy, I am not sure if I love the hobo more or less or even find it to look that much different. You will find the signature Paddington style to ruminate through out many features of the bag, including the padlock, hanging key tag, and golden hardware and studs. Both dark forest green and red pebble-grain leather are choices for you. The shoulder strap with rings has a longer drop than the regular Paddington and the bag also features a zip top.