Designers Handbags

Posted May 22nd 2007 5:03PM by Sandy Maple

Filed under: Handbags

For the Spring/Summer 2007 collection, Bottega Veneta has taken the signature woven leather look and jazzed it up with what looks like art deco stems. The bag might appear to be brown, but it’s actually lavender. It has gold hardware and an open top and the inside is lined in suede. The leather handles look rather short, but the bag is big at 18 by 16 inches. For a lavender bag with flowers, this one manages to look not the least bit fussy. Dust bag included, it sells for $2,200.

Posted May 5th 2007 5:02PM by Deidre Woollard

Filed under: Handbags

I’ve compared Cole Haan’s woven leather looks to Bottega Veneta before and this latest hobo from the Vivian collection has a similar appeal but the uses of different styles of weaving creates a more distinctive style. This bag come in chocolate or natural and uses woven multi-color leather for a more casual look. It has a handwoven tassel detail, covered hardware in antique brass and a woven shoulder strap. The interior is lined in linen and has an cell and PDA pockets. It sells for $450.

Personally, the thought of buying luxury luggage makes no sense. Even if the bag is just a carry on, you are looking to have it exposed to dirt, residue, spills, scuffs, tears, and stains. I am not sure it makes me a hypocrite, but I do travel with my designer bag as my ‘purse’ carry on, and many times my bag ends up sitting on my lap. But to roll on an extravagant piece of travel gear, the kind of extravagance that people only dream can be on their handbag, is absurd. Right? Must be wrong, because the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Trolley is being sold to the rich and famous and BV obsessed. Measuring approximately 20″ x 14″ x 9″, this trolley adheres to BV’s signature woven Nappa leather. The size is a perfect carry on, but if you have a commuter flight beware; your precious bag will get thrown under the plane with the rest of them, and undoubtedly will not be treated any kinder than the plain black luggage from Target next to it. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love this piece, but until I am flying private plane only, this will not be on my list. Buy it through Bottega Veneta for $3960.

It is no secret that I am a new Bottega Veneta fan (especially after my two shopping trips). There is something about the craftsmanship and supple leather that is a designer to admire. Although BV is upping their prices 17%, I will still be a fan and still indulge in some of the beautiful bags when I can. If you are looking for a stunning tote, the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Accordion Tote will melt in your mouth and hands. The cream intrecciato leather is offset with brass hardware and has adjustable handles on each side. This tote is similar to my BV bag, which is most likely why I am taking a liking to it, and also features a flap closure and suede lining. Another drool worthy number from BV via Net A Porter for $2780.

I’m a girl who loves her designer handbags but has never been one to splurge on a designer cosmetic case. It may be because I choose not to wear a ton of make up, although it is well-known that a gal like me needs concealer from time to time which I choose to avoid, or just because I find it frivolous. One would argue that my finding a designer cosmetic case being frivolous is quite the oxymoron. To squash that oxymoron, I have found a divine cosmetic case that is both feminine and sturdy. The Bottega Veneta Butterfly Cosmetic Case is large enough to fit the few cosmetic necessities I need, 8 x 3 x 5, and shows off the pink Quarzo that is so feminine with a butterfly design. The inside is lined with cotton and the price is not absurd, just more than I would typically spend on a cosmetic case, especially since most of my cases come with free packages after spending x amount at department stores. Time for me to move on to the big girl case I think; via Bottega Veneta for $290.