Designers Handbags

Cleanliness is next to godliness. I grew up in an impeccably clean house, with a mother who does not believe in Swiffer but in the old bucket and rag to wash the floor. My style taste is reflected many times in less is more which to me merely reflects back to my upbring around cleanliness. Sleek, refined, and clean enough to eat off of is the Jimmy Choo Pal Tube Clutch. Against a white background, this white patent leather clutch can be lost if it were not for the gold designer clasp on the top and sides. Dimensions are width 9 inches x height 3.5 inches x dept of 2.5 inches, perfect for a petite hand. Via Net-A-Porter for $980.

But is this kind of clean your kind of clean? Yay or Nay?

Earlier I mentioned the plain ways of the MJ Wallet, and now I will introduce you to a cheaper clutch that is much more classy and has more of the timeless effect. The Rodo Evelyn Clutch pairs together simplicity with stay power in this olive satin fan shaped clutch. The thin panels show a slight gathering of the material which adds evening class. A rhinestone clasp closes this beauty and there is an optional silver chain handle if you need use of both hands (Holiday parties bring out the drinking in us all). Affordably chic for the Holidays through Net-A-Porter $315.

A native New Yorker, I am quite used to having the best brands abundantly available at better prices than anywhere else. As the joke goes, “Someone’s got to pay retail!” Having spent a great deal of time in London, I have discovered some exclusive British luxury brands that should not be overlooked. Tanner Krolle was founded in 1856 to produce bespoke (i.e. custom-made) luxury travel bags and accessories for the wealthy landed classes of London. In the 1990’s the house was owned by Chanel, but was reacquired by British owners who were determined to bring the brand the attention of the luxury goods market. Tanner Krolle uses absolutely top quality leather and exotic skins that are treated and finished to exacting specifications. Tanner Krolle has a limited distribution network and therefore limited production of bags and shoes. The result is TRUE exclusivity and an attention to detail and workmanship not found in more well-known lines.

I am mad about the Sam Brown line, which is produced in different leathers every season. The three-button version rivals Mulberry’s Bayswater as the choice of satchel-swinging sweater gals of London. The Sam Browns all feature a classic shape with shiny button hardware concealing magnetic closures, a fold-over top and handles that can easily slip over the shoulder. The Tanner Krolle Mini Sam Brown Handbag in silver Scratch Leather has a trouble-free surface and a lady-like appearance. It’s $795 at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York, about to be marked down 30%. Contact your nearest Saks or order via Tanner Krolle online.

The Tanner Krolle Big Ben Evening Handbag (right), a limited edition piece, is an homage to the big clock on the Thames. The cognac colored Karung snakeskin has a smaller scale than more common python, and give a sleeker appearance. The rose gold hardware and chains and a white silk satin lining add to the subtle glamour of this prize. At 550 ($1000) via Tanner Krolle, it’s quite reasonable for such a beautifully crafted exotic-skin bag. You know I’ll be waiting in line at the door for the post-Christmas sale on this. I have python Tanner Krolle sandals, and the skins are the best I have ever owned. You won’t find lots of Tanner Krolle in the United States, but if you are in London, do visit one of the stores – Sloane Street in Knightsbridge, or Burlington Place just off Bond Street – and learn about this very exclusive and luxurious line. And don’t miss their sales – devastating!

Written by guest blogger: Pointie.

Today is the day boundless superfluous handbags, which really leaves you all to be the judge. Separate, fish scale, chain handle, brass dragon brooch, a green stone, and a press stud fastening, would work on a bag of choice. But throw them all together and you have designed a bag that would only work with your birthday suit outfit, if you know what I mean . The Alexander McQueen Mini Novak Dragon Clasp Bag has so much going on that it has to ability to take away from every outfit you wear. Featuring the long list of materials and accessories mentioned prior, this small bag really packs a lot of bag in its small frame. If you can pull it off, more power to you. I would like to tell McQueen sometimes less is more. Buy it via Net-A-Porter for $1515.

Over the weekend Vlad and I attended a wedding of a good friend of ours. As the toasts got a bit long, I found myself staring at the women’s bags around me. I know that is probably the last thing I should be thinking of, but let’s face it, I am just that shallow. So I browsed the room and peeked my head over shoulders admiring some bags and gagging at others. But a beautiful diamond in the rough caught my eye. A woman in her mid 40’s was dressed to the 9’s, wearing killer heels and a gorgeous clutch. The clutch looked to be made of mother-of-pearl, very similar to the Celestina Mother of Pearl Clutch. This clutch emanates beauty and refinement with its smooth mother-of-pearl exterior with an oversized brass bracket. Celestina minaudiere bags can be describes as being “meticulously designed by Ms. Tina Maristela-Ocampo, Manila’s fashion icon, entrepreneur and designer, and painstakingly created by hand by the country’s finest craftsmen using age-old techniques and unique materials from different parts of the Philippines.” You all better believe I was dressed to kill (and had the most handsome date), but a clutch like this would have completed my outfit even more perfectly. Via Vivre for $1,115.