Designers Handbags

Balenciaga is well known for creating avant-garde bags, their designs are always on the cutting edge of fashion and as far as quality, their extraordinary craftsmanship is unsurpassed. This chic new Balenciaga shoulder bag is so refreshing and different. I love the interesting combination of both black and tan leather. The straps are comprised of buckles, a creative twist on the usual use of hardware. Available online exclusively from matchesfashion.com for $2,400.

Ladies, let me introduce you all to my holy grail. This is the bag I long for, dream about, and would be willing to do just about anything to get my hands on. In fact, there were a few precious moments earlier this year when I picked her up and gazed longingly at every perfect inch of her, but, alas, Neiman Marcus does not accept Visa, and I was forced to sulk the rest of my shopping trip (PJ, you know I squealed like a little girl when I spotted her in a lonely corner of the ladies clothing dept.!). Imagine how happy I was to discover this unattainable beauty waiting for me on-line.

The Balenciaga Matelasse Bag (in white with silver hardware) is a true handbag masterpiece. Made from the most amazing quilted leather imaginable (pardon my embellished remarks), the ‘Matelasse’ features silver-tone studs, dual rolled leather handles with whipstitching detail, front zip pocket with tassel pull, zip top closure with tassel pull, attached leather-framed mirror, and lined interior with zip pocket. Measurements for this small model are a perfect 12.5 x 9 x 5.5. There are plenty of quilted handbags on the market, but trust me ladies, this design blows them out of the water.

This high-coveted style from the popular Balenciaga Motorcycle line is available on-line for $1989 via Styledrops (please be advised that this price is almost $300 above retail as the site’s headquarters are located in Italy). You can also contact Balenciaga NY by calling 212-206-0872 for pricing and availability.

I know we’ve already seen pics of a celebrity toting a Balenciaga Giant Hardware Bag, and I’ve already mentioned it here. It doesn’t matter, ladies. You can never get enough Balenciaga (or is that just me)? Just take a look at the fabulous, outrageous, and supreme supermodel Janice Dickinson (can you tell I adore her)?

Janice is being her usual over-the-top self, so the gorgeous Balenciaga Giant City Bag in Vert Gazon (grass green) sitting next to her on the floor almost slipped my radar. Unlike Katie Holmes’ Day style I featured yesterday, Ms. Dickinson has chosen the exact same stunning color in the quintessential City style. If you don’t own a bbag, you should definitely start with a City. As with the Day style, this stunning bag also comes with regular hardware. Available via Balenciaga NY (212-206-0872).

Nicole Ritchie can do no wrong in my book. She’s stylish, sophisticated, youthful, trendy, classic. You name it, and she’s been it. She tries all the latest trends, but sticks with what she loves best. The girl loves Balenciaga. She’s been photographed countless times carrying various Balenciaga Motorcycle styles. She seems to prefer this Black Motorcycle City bag the most. I can’t blame her. It’s the signature Balenciaga color and style.

What I love most about this bag is its’ leather. There is simply no other comparable handbag leather out there (with all due respect to Chanel, Hermes, yadda yadda…). These bags are trendy yet classic. For those that claim Bbags are “out”, I say “Not on your life”. Quality never goes out of style. Period. Ms. Ritchie knows this as much as I do.

If you haven’t had the distinct pleasure of owning one of these beauties, start by drooling over them at Balenciaga’s website. For the latest styles and colors available contact BalenciagaNY by phone at (212)206-0872.

For those of you longing for a gorgeous Balenciaga First like the one purchased by our tPF member girlie, you may get lucky. Balenciaga NY sells the First for $995 firm.

Christina Aguilera is one of a few women who can sport red lipstick and red heels and look absolutely stunning. On her way out to Hyde, Christina paired skinny jeans, a cream jacket, and stunning Balenciaga bag together to make a casually fashionable outfit. FabSugar has found the look for less HERE.

Rock on Christina!

There are so many good arguments against carrying a white handbag. Regardless of what you may hear about winter white being the hippest color for the cold months, I just can’t get over the images of spring that a white bag brings, and thus would probably not wear a white bag for 6 months in a year. I am a messy person, and my bags get beat up sometimes. Think of your palest friend. I’ll bet she blushes and bruises brighter than anyone else you know. While that’s all well and cute, you don’t carry your pale friend on your arm. She is not a showcase of your personal style. I don’t want my bag to tell people that I’m a clumsy little girl who once in a while spills ketchup or drops her bag in the dirt (not that I do, but if I did, I’d want it to be on a darker bag). Nonetheless, every now and then, I see a very good argument for carrying a brilliant white bag. This Balenciaga Giant Hobo is one such argument. I realize that the appeal isn’t all in the color - the slouchy shape, the new gold hardware which looks terrible sometimes but really adds to this bag, the fun, slouchy shape, the sweet shortness of the top handle, the yummy, adorable, slouchy little shape - but I think this white is stunning on the hobo. I don’t think I would consider this bag for another month or two, but oof, I’ve been hit. The white just accentuates the squishy pliant looks of the leather. I want to put on a breezy red dress and take this bag on my shoulder and head to an outdoor cafe. Oh spring, hurry up already. Picture from balenciaga.com. Contact a Balenciaga boutique or your local Barneys for more info.

By nerdphanie, The Shopping Nerd.

I will always attempt to find fault with Cameron Diaz because she dates my first no-chance-in-hell-he-will-date-me boyfriend, Justin Timberlake. Since then, I have seriously wondered why I even found him so sexy (ok so he dances from his baby toe to his left ear perfectly) and ever thought I could just maybe meet him someday. Cameron and him make a perfect commitment phobic couple. Cam does not want kids until she gets enough sleep and Justin does not want to settle down. Lately Cameron has been seen with her dark tresses, a seriously sexy pair of heels, skinny jeans, and a hot handbag. Cameron Diaz has been carrying the Balenciaga Work with Giant Hardware Spring/Summer 2007. The giant hardware is a hit or miss for many BBag lovers, but there is no doubt this outfit is gorgeous on Cam. Ah well, I let JT slip by me to an older woman with a gorgeous new handbag. Call Balenciaga NY for further information, 212 206 0872 or contact your local Balenciaga boutique.