Designers Handbags

There’s nothing pretty about a patent bag on steroids, but Jill Stuart’s Emelle Bag is an exception. It’s so unbelievably striking - in that traffic-stopping, head-turning sort of way - that you can’t help but admire it. While it would probably (ok, definitely) be more practical if it were half its current size, it’s hard to resist such a sharply sleek look. The model rocks it with a smart black dress, and it would look right with just about anything equally polished and chic. If you’re petite or more of a dress down type of gal, you might want to avoid this - it’s overwhelming and will easily drown a smaller woman, and it just won’t look right with jeans and a tee. Available for $525 at Shopbop.

Shop for more designer purses by Jill Stuart

Just when I thought I’d seen enough ultra-shiny bags to last me a lifetime, I ran across this beauty. Pauric Sweeney’s Zip Purse is a sporty carryall that boasts the credentials of something much more glamorous. As expected, zippers are the main attraction of this ruby red purse (and you can actually use the pockets, which is nice), but there’s more to this than cool little aesthetic details. It’s also extra spacious, with enough room to really pack all of your essentials with ease - and do so without looking bulky. Red is a neutral as far as I’m concerned, so it’s a no-brainer in terms of versatility. Whether it’s timeless is another matter, but it’s such a fun design that it doesn’t seem to matter. Just zip it up and go. Available for around $1225 at Browns Fashion.

Proving that too much of a good thing can be overkill, this Miu Miu Plisse Crescent Purse overwhelms with its ribbed texture and too-flashy platinum hue (it also comes in black). Between the excessive gold buckles on the handle and the metallic coloring, this purse is a little like a disco ball that’ll hold your lipstick and credit cards. There’s something dated and tacky about the design - it’s more cruise ship glam than runway couture.

$715 at Barneys.com

Shop more designer purses by Miu Miu

While her old rival Lindsay Lohan stews in rehab, squeaky-clean Hilary Duff is traveling in style. The Duffster showed off one stylin’ carry-on…the Louis Vuitton Damier Azur. This blue and white checkerboard print has a younger appeal than the Louis Vuitton monogram handbags, and its roomy shape makes it a great option when you need to lug lots of stuff (like on a plane). So what if it doesn’t really match Hilary’s outfit?

Photo from PopSugar.com.

Posted Sep 28th 2007 5:04PM by Marsha Reid

Filed under: Handbags

Although the Harajuku Lovers Handbag Line does not scream out high fashion and luxurious, I figure that it’s luxurious enough if eLuxury is featuring it. The Harajuku Lovers Line is about quirky, bold and colorful images that are playful, yet don’t make you feel as though you are wearing a bag for a fashion forward 10 year old. Featured here is their Expensive Taste Candy Tote. Drawing inspiration from Louis Vuitton’s Signature Monogram Print, the Candy Tote is tame compared to the other designs offered. Made of woven canvas, it features nylon handles, two exterior patch pockets and an interior zippered pocket for your smaller items. Bag dimensions: 14″ x 13″ x 6″. Shoulder drop: 8.75″. Price: $68.

Tags: Harajuku Lovers Candy Tote, HarajukuLoversCandyTote

Posted Sep 29th 2007 5:02PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

I normally wouldn’t go for a shimmery bronze colored bag, but the soft style of this one is quite attractive. I think it is the casually tied bow on the side that takes things down and notch and makes me kind of like it. It looks comfortable and soft and at 11¼”H x 17″W x 7″D, it’s a good size for every day use. It closes with a magnetic snap at the top and has two interior pockets. $1895.

Tags: bronze-handbag, designer-handbag, handbag, luxe-handbag, luxury-handbag, purse, shopping-bag, shoulder-bag, valentino, valentino-handbag, Valentino-Nuage

Posted Sep 30th 2007 5:05PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

From Boyy’s Ratt Pakk Collection, the Franky is a nice choice for a mid-sized bag that offers two-way style - a detachable shoulder strap and adjustable handles. But the real beauty is in the inclusion of a structured bottom compartment accessible through a wide double zipper. I love that. The navy blue leather has a beautifully worn look and the bag measures 12″W x 6″D x 12″H. $528.

Tags: blue-leather-handbag, boyy, boyy-franky-bag, designer handbag, DesignerHandbag, handbga, leather-handbag, leather-purse, luxe-handbag, luxury-handbag, purse, ratt-pakk, shoulder-bag, tobi

Posted Oct 1st 2007 5:02PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

It may be time to put away the white bag, but you don’t have to go all the way to the other end of the color spectrum. In shiny patent leather, this stunning cream colored bag is the perfect transition from summer to fall. The slight gathering at the corners give it a casual look and the minimal gold-tone hardware make it a perfect bag for dressing up a pair of jeans. With a large zippered top, it is lined in a cream logo print and features an interior zip pocket as well as two slide pockets. $335.

Tags: cream-handbag, designer-handbag, fall-designer-handbag, fall-handbag, Francesco-Biasia, handbag, luxe-handbag, luxury-handbag, patent-leather, purse, shouler bag, ShoulerBag, star-crazy, tote

Posted Oct 2nd 2007 5:04PM by Marsha Reid

Filed under: Handbags

Bring lady-like elegance and classic sophistication back with Brooks Brothers Alligator Frame Bag. This sumptuous bag is all about the subtleties making a powerful impact together. Made of exotic and long wearing alligator skin, the deep yet vibrant shade of red will make any outfit pop, while the minimal gold accents offer a hint of flashiness. Wear with a below the knee, slightly flared, tailored skirt and button down top for a sharp and fashionable look for the office. Or be more playful and pair with a flirty dress. Either way, this statement bag is all you need to bring your outfit to a higher level. Price: $5500.

Tags: alligator bag, AlligatorBag, Brooks Brothers Glazed Alligator Frame Bag, BrooksBrothersGlazedAlligatorFrameBag, handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, purse

Posted Oct 3rd 2007 5:04PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

I love the berry color, but this studded bag looks like it might be a little painful to carry as a clutch. I suppose that is why it was designed with short strap that allows the bag dangle prettily from your wrist instead of tucked up under your arm. If you like gold-tone buckles, this is the bag for you - there are two on each side, three on the front and one more on the wristlet. That’s a lot of buckles for one bag. $1495.

Tags: burberry, burberry-clutch, burberry-handbag, burberry-patent-studded-clutch, clutch, designer clutch, designer handbag, DesignerClutch, DesignerHandbag, fall clutch, fall handbag, FallClutch, FallHandbag, luxe clutch, luxe handbag, LuxeClutch, LuxeHandbag, luxure clutch, LuxureClutch, luxury handbag, LuxuryHandbag, purse, studded-clutch