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.