Designers Handbags

Image via Forbes

Spending a lot of money on an evening bag makes sense to me, if you are a star or A-lister. That way you get it for free. Many evening bags are exorbitantly priced, but within your own range I say go for that nice evening bag, it makes the outfit. The Nancy Gonzalez Porousus Bag is made with a nearly perfect crocodile skin and features special order embellishments. You can special order your Nancy Gonzalez bag, but it is going to cost you. $30,000 for this version, which is the price of a beautiful new Honda Accord Coupe. Car or bag, car or bag?

A different shape and a bag has a whole new feel. Most of us are used to our clutches being wider than they are long. It just feels right to hold a clutch in my hand of the ‘usual’ dimensions. Marni is catching some attention with their longer than wide clutch, which measures 5″W x 7″H x .5″D. Upon first picture inspection, the clutch looks huge, but that is just your mind playing tricks on you. The Marni Long Patent Clutch is actually an itty-bitty clutch that sports an elongated look and a silver chain wrist strap. It is almost like a miniature, and on my 5 feet and 10 inches it may look silly, but it can fit modern day slim cell phone, lipstick, ID, and another misc must. The only aspect I am not totally keen on, other than the size, is the wood and rhinestone detail on the front. There is an oval wood detail that is covered in tiny rhinestones on the top center of this patent leather clutch. The wood detailing is fine by me, gives the clutch an edge, but the rhinestones are not a huge plus in my book. Though, I suppose since the bag is so small it won’t be in your face, and can look subdued and funky rather than ornate and tacky. Through Net-A-Porter for $336.

Granted this evening bag is quite pricey for the size, but it is also a work of art and a total masterpiece. A Judith Leiber piece nearly guarantees that you have bought an intricately designed bag that will have nearly every gawking. The Judith Leiber Limited Edition Venus Miniaudiere touts a picturesque sea-shell frame with an array of champagne, pink, and clear Austrian crystal detailing which are all meticulously placed in a stunning wave like pattern. Gold-tone hardware and a lock closure finish the simple clutch which dabbles into pure extravagance because of the crystal detailing. The price is not cheap, pre-order via Bergdorf Goodman for $3995, but the craftsmanship and detailing makes the price justifiable.

To make life fair, I must now post a picture of Jessica Simpson and talk about her handbag style since I did about her sister (ok that is not how the world works typically). But I could not pass up this gorgeous green clutch that Miss Jessica has been seen sporting around the world with. Jessica Simpson’s Christian Louboutin Satin Evening Bag manifests its beauty and grace in a delightful color that stands out perfectly with her new chocolaty brown locks. One of the hit colors for spring, this emerald green satin clutch features a feminine bow detail and a fold over closure. Thumbs up Jessica!

Via Christian Louboutin

** Edit: Jessica is carrying the Patent Leather version not Silk **

With the Oscars just behind us, many have evening bags on mind. From VBH, to Swarovski, to Leiber, to newcomer in the handbag world Roger Vivier, hand candy was an ultimate Oscars accessory. If you are not one of the lucky few who is actually given an expensive bag for free, join me in the search for spending your own hard earned money on a fabulous evening bag. For a very elegant and angelic evening bag, I am loving the goddess gold shimmer on the Maddalena Marconi Gold Pleated Organza Silk Evening Bag. All combined in one amazing bag, fine organza silk is combined with exquisite Swarovski crystals, which are shown off on a delicate and lady-like frame closure which is reminiscent of an highly elite Medieval Ball. For today’s purposes, any black tie event, exhibit, company party, masquerade, or any other event for that matter would find this piece to be the perfect accompaniment. Best part is the price, just under $500 via Forzieri so you can look like royalty without spending an arm and a leg.