Designers Handbags

Gwyneth Paltrow has been named the new face of Italian luxury goods brand Tod’s in the wake of a short film she made for them which just debuted at Cannes. The ad campaign, shot by Mario Testino in Capri aboard dashing Tod’s CEO Diego Della Valle’s yacht, portrays “the uber luxurious, outdoors-y life of a beautiful Italian aristocrat from the heady days of the jet-set era,” Vogue UK reports.

“Italian style is very sexy, very womanly and what I love is that it seems to have so many different inspirations,” Paltrow told the mag. She replaces Sienna Miller, who starred in Tod’s ads last year. The Cannes short, which was directed by Dennis Hopper, a longtime friend of Della Valle’s, portrayed a day in the life of Gwyneth with her favorite Tod’s bag. We have long been fans of Tod’s classic driving mocs, probably the most comfortable shoes in the world.

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.

The perfect addition to your summer/spring handbag collection has arrived! The Chloe Python Bay Bag is the bag du jour, in demand and stylish it features thick quilted ivory leather giving it a sturdy look and feel. Accents include visible stitching, a plaque on the front, feet on the bottom and over sized zipper pulls all done in gold. I love all the pockets on this bag, and the fact that everything zips tightly shut. Overall a very usable and chic purse that won’t go out of style with the rest of the white hand bags. Available on net-a-porter.com, $4,000.

The Celine Nautil bag is about both bold bright fashion and practical functionality. Available in classic ruby red or crisp bright white, the Nautil is made of crinkled patent leather so it shines (but doesn’t blind!). It also features contoured top seams, polished silver hardware, handles attached with clasps (8″ drop), and my favorite handbag quality: a flat base so it sits upright. And the brand logo is everywhere on this bag: engraved onto the medallion on the front and on the studs used throughout, embossed on a leather tag inside, and incorporated into the pattern of the interior textile lining. $850

We all know that white purses can be the devil - no matter how well you take care of them, there will always be that special someone who steps on it with a muddy shoe or manages to get paint on it.

When that special someone happens to be the same person who shares your bed, disaster in the form of screaming and crying usually ensues, with the unlucky other half usually sealing their fate with comments like “It’s only a (bleep)ing purse!”

Despite these little catastrophes, white purses will always be irresistible - like the Miss Bunny Satchel from Dolce and Gabbana.

Made of an absolutely gorgeous white grained leather with silver hardware, this lovely luxurious bag has an animal print lining and a removable rolled leather shoulder strap.

As for the perfect outfit to carry this bag with… why don’t you guys make some suggestions? Don’t be shy!

SRP $2,650.00

There’s nothing like a beautiful blue purse and this particular one from Tod’s is just so very lovely.

Going by the oh-so apt name of the Softy Messenger Media, this bag is made of a soft smooth grained leather with polished silver hardware and very cute little ruched sides.

The braided leather strap is just the crowning touch on what is a delightfully blue bag from Tod’s.

Try teaming this purse up with Diesel jeans and a Juicy Couture top!

SRP $1,800.00

How delightful is this purse from Fendi?

Called the Multicolored Doctor B Bag, this gorgeous grained-leather purse is deliciously retro with it’s pastel rainbow theme and magnetic frame-top closure.

Very much a daytime purse, match this one up with some nice jeans and a lovely summery top (check out Chloe’s current line for some gorgeous summer dresses!).

Perfect for the sunny season!

SRP $1,840.00

Straight off the runway comes the Dior Jazzclub Handbag Collection. I don’t love these bags, but they are definitely unique and worth taking a peek at. Made of lambskin and available in black, beige, white, zebra and leopard, the jazzclub collection is recognizable by its unique large logo-engraved toggle closure and slouchy shape. The hardware is polished silver, which is refreshing after a few seasons of gold. Available on eluxury.com for $1,950.

This striking purse is the Croc-Stamped Boston Bag from Versace, a wonderfully kooky addition to the season.

Made of gorgeously croc-cy leather, this bag has silver hardware, a soft satin lining and patent leather trim.

The key (hanging from the purse) and a Medusa mirror on the front complete this very noticeable and covetous bag.

We’ll definitely be seeing this one for more than a while!

SRP $1,655.00

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