Designers Handbags

I hadn’t loved any of the new Louis Vuitton purses for quite awhile, but that all changed when I laid eyes on the Eva Clutch. The design is inspired by one of my favorite models Eva Herzigova. I’m not sure if “inspired by” means she took part in it’s conception, or if by looking at her perfect face someone was inspired to make it…either way this dainty bag is getting my vote for must have Louis of 2008. The clever removable straps allow you to carry it three different ways, using the short chain on your shoulder, using the long strap on your shoulder (which leaves the chain hanging as a decoration), or using the chain around your wrist as a pouchette. I love love love this bag! The Eva Clutch is available online and in select stores (it’s selling out quickly, so get on a list) for $530, not bad as far as Louis go.

Louis Vuitton collaborated with Richard Prince for a spring line of handbags, and now they’ve taken it a step further and created a special limited edition version to celebrate Prince’s first solo exhibition (called “Continuation”) that will take place at the Serpentine Gallery (in the UK) from June 26 - Sept 7.

There will be 50 of the ostrich and canvas Jamais bags available (numbered and signed of course) at Vuitton’s Sloane Street store in London and each will be priced at about $17,800.

Very springy and cute, I love ‘em!

Only women looking to make a serious statement, and who really like frogs, will buy and carry this Evening Rana Pouch by Marc Jacobs. It might not be the boldest wristlet out there, but with an over-sized golden frog (complete with glittering gemstone eyes) perched brazenly on the front it’s hardly subtle. Made of kangaroo leather with a lining of silk my favorite feature is the attractive single strap loop-through closure. And if the black isn’t bright enough for you now worries, there’s always the hot pink option (in case the golden frog alone just isn’t going to turn enough heads). 8″ x 5 1/2″ x 6″, $795.

Versace bags are always ornate and loud, if you like to stand out among a sea of Louis Vuitton clones, just add some Versace to your handbag collection! The newest addition to the line is the large studded tote. The gold leather and gold hardware detailing is pretty but what makes this bag a bit “off” are the two top flaps that open…to an unsightly extent. Not my cup of tea, it looks so… exposed. However I do like the bag when it’s closed! If you feel the need to let it all hang out, the Versace Large Studded Tote is available at Neiman Marcus, for $2,875!

I like this Versace Stamped Croc Darling Tote because it’s neutral, it’s generously sized, it has a nice relaxed shape, and (perhaps best of all) it has straps that convert it for backpack wear and side ruching that can be unbuckled to increase capacity. A very real and useful convertible bag. It also has a healthy dose of style from slightly iridescent crocodile leather, gold metal hardware, and a satin lining. It also features metal feet, loads of pockets (most of them with zipper closures), and padded leather handles. $4,335.

Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta is famous for its signature collection of hand woven leather goods, the simple clean lines make them some of the most in demand bags season after season. The newest addition to the Intrecciato line, is the over sized tote. Perfect for the beach or an over night get away, this bold summer bag makes a splash with its red patent leather body and brass detailing. A peek inside shows soft camel suede lining and a pocket that zips shut. Bottegas never come cheap, this being no exception, retail price is $2,680! A worthwhile splurge, it will last you for decades.

Gwyneth Paltrow has been named the new face of Italian luxury goods brand Tod’s in the wake of a short film she made for them which just debuted at Cannes. The ad campaign, shot by Mario Testino in Capri aboard dashing Tod’s CEO Diego Della Valle’s yacht, portrays “the uber luxurious, outdoors-y life of a beautiful Italian aristocrat from the heady days of the jet-set era,” Vogue UK reports.

“Italian style is very sexy, very womanly and what I love is that it seems to have so many different inspirations,” Paltrow told the mag. She replaces Sienna Miller, who starred in Tod’s ads last year. The Cannes short, which was directed by Dennis Hopper, a longtime friend of Della Valle’s, portrayed a day in the life of Gwyneth with her favorite Tod’s bag. We have long been fans of Tod’s classic driving mocs, probably the most comfortable shoes in the world.

Balenciaga is well known for creating avant-garde bags, their designs are always on the cutting edge of fashion and as far as quality, their extraordinary craftsmanship is unsurpassed. This chic new Balenciaga shoulder bag is so refreshing and different. I love the interesting combination of both black and tan leather. The straps are comprised of buckles, a creative twist on the usual use of hardware. Available online exclusively from matchesfashion.com for $2,400.

The Celine Nautil bag is about both bold bright fashion and practical functionality. Available in classic ruby red or crisp bright white, the Nautil is made of crinkled patent leather so it shines (but doesn’t blind!). It also features contoured top seams, polished silver hardware, handles attached with clasps (8″ drop), and my favorite handbag quality: a flat base so it sits upright. And the brand logo is everywhere on this bag: engraved onto the medallion on the front and on the studs used throughout, embossed on a leather tag inside, and incorporated into the pattern of the interior textile lining. $850

We all know that white purses can be the devil - no matter how well you take care of them, there will always be that special someone who steps on it with a muddy shoe or manages to get paint on it.

When that special someone happens to be the same person who shares your bed, disaster in the form of screaming and crying usually ensues, with the unlucky other half usually sealing their fate with comments like “It’s only a (bleep)ing purse!”

Despite these little catastrophes, white purses will always be irresistible - like the Miss Bunny Satchel from Dolce and Gabbana.

Made of an absolutely gorgeous white grained leather with silver hardware, this lovely luxurious bag has an animal print lining and a removable rolled leather shoulder strap.

As for the perfect outfit to carry this bag with… why don’t you guys make some suggestions? Don’t be shy!

SRP $2,650.00