Designers Handbags

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

You probably haven’t heard of Kathleen Dustin. I hadn’t even heard of her until a few days ago, when a friend of mine who knows that I’m always looking for interesting takes on fashion passed along her website to me.

Kathleen studied mathematics at University but realized she had missed her true calling as an artist and went back to school to get her MFA. However, believing that sculptures “just sit in the corner and gather dust”, she wanted to make art that was more interactive, so she chose purses and jewelry.

Her designs are whimsical, and strikingly beautiful (even if you wouldn’t necessarily find it wearable, per se), and I find myself drawn to the Nigella pod purse. Paired with a tailored, monochrome look and some seriously glam heels, the Nigella bag would be amazing and beyond unique (each bag is handcrafted in numbers more limited than Birkin bags).

If the organic-inspired bags aren’t for you, check out the “Contemplating Yesterday” tote– the silhouette and structure are eye-catching and the rich colours are perfect for evening events.

I’d love to see a risk-taking yet superbly elegant celeb like Nicole Kidman carry a bag like this for an evening out!

Black and white will always be the combination known to deliver sleek and sultry style. Clean lines, fresh concepts, and edgy style, the black and white combo has been wowing the fashion crowd since the beginning of time. The Italian brand Valextra, that you will hear much more of, touts definitive excellence in each piece and has a stunning shopping bag that shows off the black and white color combo. The Valextra Shopping Bag shows off refined white leather trimmed in black for a perfect streamlined everyday bag. The price is $900 and it can be purchased at Valextra, Italy or via Barneys New York, NYC, (212) 833-2583, and Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC, (877) 551-SAKS.

Via Style

Although we are on an in between season handbag low, there are still bags to be had and deals to be made. I am a laid back gal, more of a jeans and nice tee than a dress or skirt. I know how and when to dress up, but in my day to day life, I simply indulge in designer denim, a chic looking tee, and of course a designer handbag. Unlike many that own an extensive collection, I have a hard time switching bags out. I am always on the go and it is hard to keep moving things from one bag to the next. So an easy to open, large compartment, every day bag like the Anna Corinna Chain Bag is not only perfect for the gal on the go but perfect for my other laid back friends out there. This leather handbag features slight ruching at the corners, a chain link strap, a magnetic flap closure, and perfect dimensions of 13″H x 17″W x 4″D. The only con may be if you pack a lot in your bag, the chain strap will dig into your shoulder. But pack lightly, and this is such a chic option. Even better is that it is on sale via Shop Bop for $411.

Clean, yet not too clean. White, yet not annoyingly stark white. Different, yet not off-the-wall. Refined, yet not gaudy. The Zac Posen Quilted Beatrice Bag is understated, like many Zac Posen bags, but refined and beautiful. The slight small quilt in the leather paired with the smooth grained leather trim is a perfect pair. Polished silver metal hardware is a better option that gold, adding subtle shine rather than glamorous glitz. The other outside additions include drawstring ties with tasseled ends and buckled belts. Lush suede lining and large dimensions, 20″x 12″x 7″, make this a great everyday bag that is sure to get a tad dirty if you do indeed use it as an everyday bag.

Via eLuxury for $1500.

When I was in grade school, I began to go into my mom’s makeup and try different colors, applications, etc. Many times I left her bathroom looking like Mimi from Drew Carrey. I attempted to use purple eyeshadow and was scarred for life after the way the purple made me look so downtrodden and just awful. But I kept hearing that shades of purple look great on blond hair, blue eyed gals. Gasp! But this is true, if you find the right shade of purple. Alas I have learned the hues of purple that look great on me. Now embracing purple, I ran into this dainty and cute Lulu Guinness Anna Handbag which is petite and can also be used as a clutch. Purple canvas is trimmed with white leather for this girly bag. Nothing hugely special, but something cute nonetheless, this handbag closes with a top flap and silver turnlock closure. It is not a handbag I am running out to buy ASAP, but it sure is cute! Via Zappos for $228.

A stunning black bag is pivotal to your wardrobe. Stash it right next to your little black dress or put it in your coveted designer handbag closet, but make sure you have one. I have a new little black bag to share with you all, hold tight to see it in the next few days (Vlad and I did a bit of shopping damage in the past week), but there is always room for another. I am loving this slim and sleek Dolce and Gabbana Borsa A Spalla Bag which boasts pebbled black leather which is paired with silver hardware. The hardware is sophisticated along with the shape, which shows that the exterior snap compartments can be folded up or down. Fold up and use the handle, fold down and use the detachable shoulder strap, or vice versa. Nothing more sultry than leopard silk lining on the inside. Absolutely love it; via Saks for $1795.

Larger ‘open’ image below!

Image via Forbes

First we have the least costly of them all, the Leiber Dandelion Suede Gator Handbag. Coming in at $15,000, this yellow gator bag with 18 carat gold is very limited (only four made) and very chic. I love the yellow but I guarantee you that I would not carry this bag much. Just for some very special occasions on special nights. Hard to think this is nearly the price of two Birkins!

Image via GR

The Desperate Housewife does have hair that puts mine to shame. After leaving Ken Paves Hair Salon (yep the Jessica Simpson BFF Ken Paves), Eva Longoria was photographed sporting long wavy locks and a chic new handbag. At first I could not ID the new shoulder bag, but something kept ringing a bell. And the bell was the Mulberry bell. A brand new bag on the Mulberry scene is the Mulberry Hanover Bag, which gives a laid back feel with its oak Havana leather and chunky hand stitching. There is a Mulberry bush on brass buckle on the front pocket. Laid back and perfectly understated for the gal with Ken Paves hair-do. Buy the bag via NAP $1195.

A couple weeks ago I committed a handbag fashion crime; I identified a bad wrong

. Do not do that! It makes the handbag gods angry. The handbag that was ID’d wrong is the stunning Givenchy Nightingale. Little Miss Ashley Olsen was seen sporting a black Givenchy bag. But a very subdued version of the bag has caught my attention, the Givenchy Metallic Nightingale which touts gold metallic leather. This satchel has two leather handles and a detachable shoulder strap, obviously the handbag add-on must have! There is not much to this bag, but it is liked by many for its simplicity and plush leather. Brown and black leather are also available, yet if I were picking one I’d go between this gold metallic with its slight shimmer or the understated black. Which combination has your attention? Pricey yet beautiful via Barneys for $1895.