Designers Handbags

While in Venice, Italy, Vlad and I made ourselves quite comfortable in the Bottega Veneta Venice store. Aside from the fact that all exotics BV makes were there, and the colors and choices were divine, there were a few limited edition pieces that deserve tons of credit. Available online in the stunning metallic Ottone color (gold), the Bottega Veneta Limited Edition Large Cabat is an oversized attention grabber. Thanks to Ms Piggy via tPF, she shared some great information about this bag: “This bag is entirely hand woven, both inside and out. So there are actually four layers (unlike the other Intrecciato whereby it is actually a large leather panel with the weaves going through the slits on it). And apparently there are very few artisans in Italy that has the woven skills required for the Cabat.” Truly a piece of divine beauty and a limited edition bag, with a numbered plaque on each bag. I nearly went ga-ga for the Large Cabat in Old Petra, but the price held me back. As I was told, the large would be a great travel bag, measuring 18 x 8 x 13 IN. But the price may take your breath away; $5650 via BV. Either way, this bag is unarguably stunning.

I have been teasing you all with hints at the bag I bought while in Venice. It took me so long to get this post together you may have thought that I was pulling your leg. Well, take your leg back from me, the goods are here to be shown!

The Bottega Veneta store in Venice was great. Situated right by the Grand Canal on a side ’street’, close to my fabulous Bauer hotel, and a few minute walk from Plazza St Marco, there was one of the Bottega stores. The store itself was not overwhelming huge, but the bags inside will TDF. The store manager helped me, and showed me every bag under the sun. I felt all the exotics which were divine, he was opening more and more drawers showing more and more bags and accessories. I was set on either a Magnolia bag (light pink) or something in the purple family… you know, a feminine color perfect for spring and summer!

At first I was pretty much set on the Large Veneta in Magnolia, but then I saw this stunner. The Old Petra color is hard to really know unless you see it in person- not lilac, not brown, but a beautiful mix of the two. The color is stunning, and on my skintone and coloring it was a much better choice than the Magnolia. The Large Veneta is a very fun shape, but I wanted a little more structure, which is why I went with the bag I did.

May I introduce you to my beautiful new Bottega Veneta Old Petra Gold Hardware beauty!! Granted, I am not exactly sure of the name of the bag, but if I were to name it, I would just name it beautiful! It is sophisticated and fun- just perfect for me!

After I got my bag, I picked up the two goodies for the BV giveaway, and was done. But just the other day, Vlad and I made our way to BV Bal Harbour and I somehow left with two small goodies. I could not resist the Magnolia Ostrich Pig Key Chain- there is not a lot of ostrich detailing on the one I picked, but that is perfect for me! And then I opted for another small accessory- a coin purse with a key chain! Perfect little accessories!!

Hope you all enjoy the pics, and I must admit, it is easy to become addicted to these leather goods- simply divine!!!

Check out the extensive pictures on this thread in the tPF

There is a saying “When in Rome” then seems so cliche and so cool to use at times, and right now I need to modify the statement a tad to “When in Venice…buy a Bottega Bag”. I hinted at my purchase (which I will reveal in full later after I take tons of great pictures), and right now I will tell you that my bag is most definitely a Bottega Veneta. Certain to leave Italy with a piece of BV yummie goodness, I spent tons of time in the Venice store learning about so many new bags, what is hot, and finding the perfect bag for The Purse Blog Queen herself. I teetered between the bag I bought and the Bottega Veneta Large Veneta Handbag shown here. This handbag in pink magnolia is so feminine, slouchy, supple, and just perfect for spring and summer. If you wanted the perfect blushing pink accessory, this would be it. The color is a very light pink but a stunning pink shade nonetheless. The large size that I was trying on measures 20 x 20 inches, which fit perfectly under my arm and left ample space. While this option is stunning, I found a handbag that suits me even more perfectly (and my skin tone). But surely, if you love this bag, get it! $1630 through Bottega Veneta.

As you are reading this I am most likely not enjoying my trans-Atlantic flight back to the states. The whole being tall, not having much leg room, being allergic to most foods they serve, thing really is no fun. I am a big fan of choosing which movie I want to watch, but my last plane did not have the option. The only thing keeping me happy on the flight will be knowing that I am getting a great meal once I get back to Ft. Lauderdale and knowing that I am brining home the most beautiful handbag from Bottega Veneta. So I have a slight obsession with BV right now (you will see why when you see my new bag). I caught a beautiful wallet on sale via NAP, and figured I must share the good news. The Bottega Veneta Suede Continental Wallet is a stunning rendition, especially for fall and winter, of anthracite suede with intrecciato woven leather and a flap front. A simple yet stunning amber enamel clasp fastening is secure on the front flap and the inside features a coin section and credit card slots. I’d carry this as a clutch too, making sure that my hands were quite clean first (since suede does tend to get dirty quickly). Nab this while it is still there: via Net A Porter for $472.

Call the Dr, I think I have an addiction! So I told you all I would not be posting while on vacation (other than saved posts I did before the trip), but here I am in my hotel in Barcelona posting. Whoops. I felt the need to check in and have downtime right now waiting for my friend to get to the hotel. After my lovely $45 USD cab ride (which was 25 Euros, and then some, but I had to give American dollars because I ran out of Euros… LONG story!), I got to check into my hotel early, THANKFULLY, and already napped! So thoughts keep coming back in my head of all the travelers and Spaniards I have met so far that have told me to keep my handbag near by. Will someone really want to steal from me, an American tourist??

Of course I am a prime suspect. But please don’t pick pocket me or take from me, because I have found a clutch that I just have to have. I am having a strong premonition that I will not leave Bottega Veneta empty handed while in Italy. For a small piece of Bottega Veneta heaven, there is the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Black Leather Clutch. Simplicity at its finest, the signature woven leather forms a triangular clutch that has a fold over top with a magnetic closure. I wish the inside were lined in supple suede, but canvas will do when the clutch merely costs $560 via Net-A-Porter. Depending on the exchange rate etc, I may have to pick this baby up in the next few days will in Italy.

Adios all from Barcelona!!