Designers Handbags

This week I found it hard to find a new IT bag because there are so many but the Gucci Belt Bag is a classic IT bag. I think this bag should be called Madonna because its re-invented itself so much. Gucci have re-invented it again for their Cruise line with bright vibrant colors blue and pink. I know that lots of tPF members favour this bag and I myself have it in denim from a few seasons back. I love just walking around not having to hold anything. It is such a popular bag that you have to have one, I bought mine after seeing Carrie from Sex and the City with hers. It can even be worn across your back like a messenger. I find it useful for everyday use and think its a steal at $395 for the smaller version. The Gucci belt bag has Front pocket with Velcro flap closure, front pocket with zip closure, rear zip pocket and adjustable waist or shoulder strap. The smaller version measures 9.5 x 5.1 and the largest version measures 11.5 x 7. This bag comes in a fabulous range of colors. Available on Gucci.com.

Written by Guest Blogger: Steven Curran

The question of the day is “Do you wear matching designer accessories?” For example, same designer shoes, handbags, glasses, jewelery, belt, scarf, etc? I realized that my closet is full of designer accessories, but not many matching accessories. Definitely need to put a stop to this! There is a fine line between over-logo over-matching and just the right combination. For a perfect combination, check out the Gucci Tote and Boots which remind me of riding days (ah yes, equestrian is stylish right now). The Gucci Medium Top-Handle Tote has vintage appeal with the GG detailing surrounded by supple brown Italian leather and the detachable shoulder strap. The dimensions of this bag are perfect for everyday wear at 12 4/5″H x 16 4/5″W x 2″D. Being 5′10, finding low heeled or no heeled but still chic boots is nearly impossible. These Gucci Black Leather Flat Boots are trimmed in chocolate brown leather and present a sophisticated equestrian touch. Buy the Tote for $1650 and the boots for $960 through Neiman Marcus.

It has been a tad slow around here for 2 reasons. First, Vlad is off in Germany and second I have the sinus infection from hell. I am pretty confident that this sinus infection came from my past two years of being healthy and letting everyone else know how great my immune system has been. Either way, i am still in bed (literally) and moping around the house. To perk me up, a bit of hot metallic handbags may be able to do the trick, or will they? The folks at Fab Sugar provide us with a roundup for 3 metallic bags that really are a hit or miss. If I were to chose one of the bags that I actually see being ok to wear out, it would be the Gucci Peggy Large Shoulder Bag. This large shoulder bag could be seen as overly ornate with copper python, copper leather trim and tassel detail yet the copper color choice is subtle with out being gaudily tacky. Fab Sugar also discusses the Fendi Canvas Metallic B Bag which is doable metallic wise (via Saks for $1000). Still, my choice would be the Gucci Shoulder Bag through Bergdorf Goodman for $2990.

The following news just in:

Gucci has continued its partnership with UNICEF this season in their 2006 Holiday campaign which will benefit UNICEF programs that aid children in Africa.

From November 21st to December 31st, Gucci will donate 20 percent of the sales from a luxurious collection of items designed by Gucci’s Creative Director, Frida Giannini. The proceeds will specifically benefit education and health services to children in Mozambique, where nearly three-quarters of a million children are directly affected by HIV/AIDS.

Hot stuff! It appears that companies have really fueled the awareness for the poorest of the poor recently. Bono’s Red Campaign is one of the big ones, involving a lot of ginormous corporations, like Limited and Apple. Learn more about the Gucci UNICEF campaign at FWD. Credit for the pictures goes to FWD as well:

Right off the bat I will let you all know that the animal lovers will abhore this post. Gucci has decided that the materials of Fall 2006 are fur and exotics. I must admit, some of these are quite gorgeous. It is now time for me to cordially introduce you all to the Gucci Fall 2006 Handbags

The Gucci Britt Medium Hobo is designed from mystic white petis gris with caper leather trim and GG detail. The hobo measures 13 1/5″H x 17 1/5″W x 2″D. Pre-order through Neiman Marcus for $2395.

Next the Gucci Britt Medium Tote is made with roccia python with GG detail and its dimensions are 10 2/5″H x 16″W x 5 3/5″D. As all of you in California know, this bag can not be shipped to you. Buy it via Neiman Marcus for $2690.

Short pony hair and brown leather trim comes together in the Gucci Bouvier Large Hobo. This hobo is a classic Gucci shape with a different texture. Sizing up at 12 3/5″H x 17 4/5″W x 2″D, the hobo is available at Neiman Marcus for $2200.

The Gucci Britt Medium Shoulder Bag manifests its deep beauty in dark red snake patchwork with GG detail. Perfect color for fall and also a great evening bag, the dimensions of the bag are 12 1/5″H x 13 2/5″W x 1 1/2″D. This bag can also be pre-ordered through Neiman Marcus for $3290.

For a bag that looks warm and cuddly, take a gander at the Gucci Pelham Medium Shoulder Bag. This is by far one of my favorite shapes done by Gucci; it fits perfectly under the arm. This shoulder bag features natural mink in a checkered pattern with brown leather trim. Measuring 13″H x 17″W x 4 3/4″D, I must admit I like it. Buy it via Neiman Marcus for $4590.

The sister bag of the one shown above is the other Gucci Pelham Medium Shoulder Bag. The difference is that this bag is designed from natural fitch with brown leather trim. It also measures 13″H x 17″W x 4 3/4″D and costs $3895 via Neiman Marcus.

Finishing off the bunch is an iconic anniversary bag. Believe it or not Gucci is celebrating its 85th Anniversary. The Gucci Large 85th Anniversary Hobo shows Gucci’s greatness in a multicolor patchwork snake pattern with horsebit detail. As shown, the back of the bag shows off a Gucci 85th Anniversary enameled plaque. Rounding out the Gucci Fall 2006 bags and sizing up at 14″H x 18″W x 2″D, add a piece of Gucci history to your collection for $4595 via Neiman Marcus.

There is your view for the exotic bunch that Gucci is releasing for Fall 2006. Expensive, over-the-top, and chic Gucci welcomes fall.

When it comes to evening wear, I don’t think it is a bad idea to may an eye-catching statement. And since we are all handbag pasionistas, why not make the statement with an ornate evening bag. The Gucci Evening Bag shows off a catena chain strap, a push-lock bamboo closure, and a jeweled bloom charm. Since I am a Florida girl at heart, the flower in the middle of the bag just suits me very well. If Gucci would elaborate a bit more on the materials, I could give you much more info, but we gotta work with what we have. This evening bag measures 5.9 x 4 inches. I see this bag being worn by the bold and daring ladies who aren’t afraid to spice up their wardrobe. Buy it through Gucci for $1895.

Right off the bat the name is not anything really descriptive (I will blame that on the site rather than Gucci itself), but this bag is oddly alluring. If you are drawn into both gold and silver, the shiny Gucci Spring/Summer 2006 Handbag may be just for you. While the bag is quite unique, there isn’t the best description given for me to work with. So today, we will all just have to rely on outer appearance to try to judge this bag for ourselves. The materials that are put together to make this bag include suede, leather, gold metal hardware. The hypnotizing part of this bag is how the signature GG’s fade from silver to shiny gold. Measuring 14 1/2″W X 7 1/2″H X 5 1/2″D, this bag is something with a little pizzazz from Gucci from Spring/Summer 2006. Buy it through StyleDrops for $949.

To print or not to print, that is the question. With the Gucci Spring ‘06 Cruise Line being released we see the use of patterns and prints to take over and give off some tropical flair. While I love the shape of this bag, I don’t find it very practical. Gucci wants to welcome spring with the Gucci Spring ‘06 Medium Shoulder Bag. The tropical print you find of this Gucci bag is labeled the pigna print which looks like pineapples and bananas, but in a sort of abstract art. Yes, my description is lacking a bit, but nevertheless you understand what I mean (and if not you can see what I mean through the picture). The shape of this bag lured me in when I was recently in the Gucci store. Brown leather trim and braided handles set the patterned body off nicely along with goldtone hardware. If you are one of the ladies, much like my mom, who likes a bag to hang comfortably on the shoulder and not “ride up”, then this bag will suit you well. Measuring 13″H X 17″L X 4 ”W, this bag is cute for spring but to me isn’t completely practical. Then again, who said that handbags are always practical? Pre-order via Saks for $1550.

When it comes to evening wear, I don’t think it is a bad idea to may an eye-catching statement. And since we are all handbag pasionistas, why not make the statement with an ornate evening bag. The Gucci Evening Bag shows off a catena chain strap, a push-lock bamboo closure, and a jeweled bloom charm. Since I am a Florida girl at heart, the flower in the middle of the bag just suits me very well. If Gucci would elaborate a bit more on the materials, I could give you much more info, but we gotta work with what we have. This evening bag measures 5.9 x 4 inches. I see this bag being worn by the bold and daring ladies who aren’t afraid to spice up their wardrobe.

I must admit I’m a Gucci fan. Gucci was a name I knew growing up, and then became much more known to me with time and my love of fashion. Lucky for all of us, the Gucci Cruise 2006 Handbags are out. There are a few bags that drawn me in, but many play it safe. Sometimes simple and safe is good. But why don’t you all be the judge of this new Gucci line.

The Gucci Small Shoulder Bag reminds me of Botkier with the slanted front pockets. The bag is simple and different for Gucci. The bag looks a bit rockerish with its red leather and blue and red signature web detailing throughout. The dimensions are 11¾”H X 6″L X 4¼”W.

Next we have the Gucci Medium Tote. Made of black leather and adding a little color with the green and red web detailing, the bag actually reminds me a little more of Christmas than anything else. The tote has more height than width; exact measurements are 10¼”H X 12½”L X 4¾”W. For any of you black bag lovers, this bag may be just right with a little bit of color and a lot of class.

Showing off a little American pride is the Gucci Medium Hobo. I could definitely see myself using this bag when I go to the Hampton’s and Cape Cod this spring. It may be a little too much red white and blue for you, but with most of the color being dark blue on the main part of the bag, I think this bag is preppy cute. Dimensions:15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W.

I’m realizing that the names of these bags are not at all original- which makes it hard to differentiate between one and the other. The other Gucci Medium Hobo is in an animal stripe pattern which is designed from brown and white pony hair with brown leather trim. This bag is a little more daring. Size: 15¾”H X 9½”L X 2″W.

And there is yet another Gucci Medium Hobo, which is a bit different than the two mentioned above. This hobo has a pattern, but it is not the typical Gucci logo pattern we all know. The horsebit is huge for Gucci this year, and this hobo is in light blue senna horsebit fabric trimmed in brown leather with bamboo details on the front. I actually think this bag is cute, but the price is not fully justifiable to me.

The Boston Bag has been a hit for Gucci. Many A-listers and other fabulous females, like many of you, have lusted and owned a Gucci Boston Bag. The 2006 Cruise Collection Gucci Medium Boston Bag is simple and cute with white senna horsebit fabric with brown leather trim. There is also bamboo detailing by the straps and zipper which add a little more sunny fun. Measuring 11¾”H X 8″L X 4¾”W.

Now this is what I am talking about! A beautiful white leather tote with a beautiful accenting scarf. The Gucci Medium Tote is made of the softest white leather and has a horsebit scarf that weaves through golden rings along the top. Chic and preppy, this bag measures 16″H X 12¼”L X 5½”W.

Now we have found the Gucci logo and the shape and overall feeling of this bag I love. Adding a special touch is the size and detail on this bag. The Gucci Medium Shoulder Bag shows off the beige/ebony GG fabric with beautiful brown leather braided handles and gold metal horsebit detail on the front of the bag under the shoulder straps. Sizing up at 6¾”H X 4¾”L X 1½”W this bag is sure to be a hit for many of you Gucci lovers out there.

And lastly, the 2006 Cruise Collection would not be complete without some flowers in there. This is where the Gucci Evening Bag comes in handy for many of us black bag and flower lovers. This bag shows off black flora satin with an intricate crystal fly detail. This little evening bag rounds off my picks for the collection and measures 8¾”H X 4¾”L X ¾”W. If you are into elegance and flowers.