Designers Handbags

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.

As lovely as this little purse is, we will be the first to admit that the main reason we are featuring it today is because it has the word “posh” in it’s name.

The full name is the Posh Turnlock Convertible Tote, from Marc by Marc Jacobs.

It’s a tote/clutch hybrid, made of soft, crinkly Italian leather with a twist-lock closure and gold hardware.

A great purse for everyday wear and tear!
SRP $298.00

This beautiful bag is the Buffalo “Day On” Tote from Celine, a lovely purse to take you through spring into summer time.

Made of a lovely soft leather, the Buffalo Day On is one of the sturdiest bags you can carry this season - not only does it have a fold-over top but it also has weighted corners for a more secure feel.

Silver hardware and a decorative ring on the front top off this very feminine, luxurious purse!

SRP $1,350.00

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!

The Fendi Forever Tote Bag has what I would consider to be the ultimate standard purse silhouette, but that doesn’t mean it’s boring. The materials and details make it a crisp classic bag perfect for everyday. Made of leather (patent leather for the white version and grained leather for the black) with a subtle double-F pattern featured on the body of the bag and also on the front metal accessory. In addition to the interior zip pocket found on most bags this one also has 3 separate interior compartments. Magnetic closure, flat woven base, $1210.

Huge purses make you look thinner and hold all your favorite non essentials, a winning combination….I don’t see them going out of style any time soon. My favorite over-sized bag du jour is the Miu Miu Patch Tote. The caramel colored, soft nappa leather gives this bag a rustic worn feel. Accented with gold hardware and detailed with the patchwork herringbone pattern, this functional bag fastens securely shut with a zipper closure and has a removable shoulder strap. Also available in black, this impressive bag retails for $1,445!