B. Makowsky Eden Shopper | Belted Leather Casual Carryall Bag

Posted on: Nov 12

B. Makowsky is one of those rare designers who always seems to hit the mark. While his bags are never right for the red carpet or a glamorous night out, it’s hard to resist them when you're looking for a casual everyday purse. With Christmas just around the corner, it seems appropriate to think about a bag like the Eden shopper.

It's not as large as many shoppers, so it won't carry a lot of holiday shopping. But it would look cute paired with your casual mall attire, especially in this festive shade of lipstick red! If it's a little loud for your tastes, consider one of the five other color options. Stone and brandy are classic choices for the more reserved bagistas out there.

For me though, red is the real showstopper. The vibrant shade makes the silver hardware adorning the external pockets, belt, and shoulder straps really pop. The faux belt may make getting in and out of the bag a little fiddly, but I like the relaxed style it brings. Tying it loosely may make your goodies more accessible, or you could stash the essentials into the massive side pockets.

The $288 price tag represents great value for this classic B. Makowsky shopping bag.

More Features of This B. Makowsky Belted Shopper

  • Made of 100% leather
  • Leopard print lining
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 11.5 x 11.5 inches
  • Made in China
  • Available in stone, brandy, lipstick, sage, maize, and marble blue

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Posted in B. Makowsky, Blue, Brown, Green, Ivory, Mustard, Red, Shopper | 1 Comment - Have You Say »

Bally Cabala-E Traditional Tote | Spacious Slouchy Luxury Purse

Posted on: Nov 11

This is a Bally bag that Bally can be proud of. As some of the most expensive and desirable purses on the market, Bally bags always ooze glamor and luxury, and this huge spacious tote is no exception.

This soft leather hold-all is designed to last forever, from the quality leather to the artistic workmanship. For $1800 you expect nothing less than perfection, and the fantastically sculpted lines suggest that the Bally designers have done their utmost to make that the case.

This tote, with its slouchy shape and space, is great for carrying your belongings through day and night. With the huge and versatile capacity, however, I am surprised that the handles are so small. Despite the shape hinting at heavy loads to be carried, I get the impression that this status symbol bag is more about looks than actually being used. Somehow, although it isn't unexpected, I feel disappointed that such a fabulous bag doesn't quite live up to its hugely posh expectations.

Whatever the little hesitations, however, this is a true Bally bag. It is sophisticated and classy, and perfect for work or play. Taking you seamlessly from day to night, I love it!

More Features of this Bally Cabala-E Handbag

  • Available in purple and black
  • Belted/drawn closure
  • Snakeskin exterior
  • Short handles

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Chinese Laundry Emma Bucket Bag | Large and Slouchy Synthetic Leather Purse with Studs

Posted on: Nov 9

When you're shopping for a decently sized handbag around the $100 mark, finding one made from genuine leather is beginning to be a rarity. There are a few exceptions to that, of course, but brands are mostly sticking to synthetics for that price range.

Though a little disappointing, I suppose it's not entirely surprising considering the size of some of these large handbags. This Chinese Laundry Emma Bucket bag, for instance, would probably cost quite a pretty penny more than $107 if it had been constructed using real pebbled leather instead of a faux leather material.

A leather-like texture can work well on purses, but I'm not sure I'm buying it on this one. The pebbled texture is a nice touch but is unfortunately cheapened a bit by the solid fake leather trim. The studs on the handle and the grommet holes decorating the sides provide a nice distraction from the less than perfect aspects of the Emma Bucket, though.  

Sometimes it's better to opt for true quality over size and get a smaller style made from real leather, but this type of purse is a viable option for when you need a big bag but don't want to spend too much on it. You might not get top quality, you definitely won't be lacking in storage space.

More Features of the Emma Bucket Bag

  • Measures 17 x 14.5 x 7.5 inches
  • Single handle with 10 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Faux leather

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Posted in Bucket, Chinese Laundry, Purple | Tell Us What You Think »

Latico Cris Cris Pocketed Clutch | Small, Soft and Slouchy Functional Wristlet

Posted on: Nov 5

I do like a functional clutch. Of course, sometimes it is nice to have something impractical and ridiculous in your grasp, but a useful and attractive purse can make life that little bit easier to manage!

This Latico Cris Cris clutch combines those two elements, looks and practicality, in one largely successful package. With slouchy roomy pockets both inside and out, and a biker-chic look, this may be one of the best functional wristlets around.

Those exterior pockets are cleverly used as the feature focus of the purse, catching attention and drawing it to the soft slouchy shape and triple-milled leather. They aren't, unfortunately, closeable; a simple but punky zip would have been an attractive and even more functional addition.

That leather, however, is a bit of a saving grace. Elegant, relaxed and yet strangely edgy, it really is the selling point of this little purse, making it refined yet dangerous. This works best in black; the effect is lost somewhat in the other shades, but that lovely leather quality is retained throughout the range.

All in all, from the wristlet strap to the unexpected floral lining, this purse looks and feels good. Is it as practical as it makes out though? Perhaps not.

More Features of this Latico Pocketed Wristlet

  • Available in four colors
  • Chunk spacious shape
  • Coordinating zip color
  • Floral lining and leather exterior

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Posted in Black, Clutch, Latico, Wristlet | Tell Us What You Think »

Salvatore Ferragamo Marisa Bag | Stylish Black Calf Leather Handbag

Posted on: Oct 28

Salvatore Ferragamo keeps it simple with the Marisa, a timeless black leather carryall.

It's crafted from supple calf leather, which feels so soft to the touch. This luxurious fabric gives the Marisa, with its gentle pleats, just a hint of slouch. While it's an opulent choice, it's not an ostentatious one. While croc and ostrich draw the eye, calfskin is subtle. This gives the Marisa the versatility you need to travel from the board room to cocktails after quitting time.

Some may be disappointed in the lack of colors available, but black really is the best choice. There's that versatility we spoke of earlier, but it's also about the look. No other shade would see the silver hardware pop quite as much. The belted accents at the sides and fold key-lock are inspired touches, ensuring the Marisa becomes more than just another basic black bag.

A zipper hides underneath the front flap. It might seem a little superfluous when you're in a hurry, but I appreciate the double dose of security. After all, anyone carrying Salvatore Ferragamo probably has some things worth protecting!

As with so many Salvatore Ferragamo bags, the biggest stumbling block here is the price. $1390 isn't completely exorbitant in the world of high-end European fashion, but it's not chump change either.

More Features of This Salvatore Ferragamo Black Leather Bag

  • Lined with black and silver logo print nylon
  • A zippered pocket, cell phone slip, and open pocket inside
  • Dual 19 inch rolled handles with a 7 inch drop
  • Measures 17 x 9 x 4 inches
  • Made in Italy

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Posted in Black, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shoulder Bags | Tell Us What You Think »

Nine West Rory Cross-Body Bag | Inexpensive Medium Red Plaid Purse

Posted on: Oct 26

Plaid is one of those classic prints which is rarely on-trend, yet never goes out of style. If your budget won't accommodate Burberry, you can get a similar look with the Nine West Rory.

This plaid is a lot softer than Burberry's famous tartan, thanks to the use of muted, complementary tones. The checked fabric body is complemented by synthetic trim. The buckle on the belted accent is a little chunky for my tastes, but at least it gives the Rory a distinctive look.

This is a medium-sized bag, but one that's nicely organized. A zip pocket and two slip pouches are almost standard for large totes, but it's a little rarer to see so many compartments in a bag of this size. Nylon is often an underrated lining choice, but it's a good fit here. Cross body fans tend to be girls on the go, so this easy-clean fabric is ideal.

The regular strap is ideal for over-the-shoulder toting, but the Rory is called a cross-body, so you know that's not the only option. You can attach the much longer strap for easier all-day carrying. I only wish the original strap was detachable too. In cross-body mode, it dangles aimlessly. Bags with shorter handles can easily get away with this, but that's not the case here. With a minor adjustment, Nine West could have made this cute cross-body bag just a little bit better.

More Features of This Nine West Plaid Cross-Body Bag

  • Silver-toned hardware
  • Magnetic snap closure
  • A chain handle with a 9 inch drop and a removable cross-body strap
  • Measures 11 x 7 x 4.5 inches

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Posted in Brown, Cross Body, Nine West, Red | Comments Off

Mulberry Roxanne Satchel | Buckled Chocolate Brown Leather It Bag

Posted on: Oct 23

The roaring success of Mulberry's Roxanne satchel only goes to show that a bag doesn’t have to look good to become a hit.

I don't mind the elements of this leather looker, but Mulberry simply takes them too far. Buckled pockets are classics, both sophisticated and practical. Belted accents too can add an unexpected preppy style. And no one would begrudge a designer adding a smattering of studs. But all together this is hardware overload, the likes of which we rarely see outside Juicy Couture.

The pockets up front hint at a bag that values practicality, but sadly Mulberry doesn't deliver on that score either. The medium-sized interior space deserves more than the single zippered pocket we find to stay organised. Not even the straps are functional; they're far too short for most women to fit comfortably over their shoulder.

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh on this Mulberry satchel. It does have a distinct look, and for many that's enough. But personally, I can think of many better ways to spend $1595.

More Features of This Mulberry Brown Leather Bag

  • Hidden magnetic closure
  • Suede interior
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 2.75 inch drop
  • Measures 3.75 x 8.25 x 6.5 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag

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Posted in Brown, Ivory, Mulberry, Satchel | Tell Us What You Think »

Isaac Mizrahi Debuts Spring 2010 Collection on the Runway | Retro-Inspired Structured Handbags in Neutrals Included

Posted on: Sep 20

Isaac Mizrahi's show at the recent New York Fashion Week was quite a production. The designer with a personality as fun and crazy as his schedule brought a little of his quirkiness to the runway.

Mizrahi's new styles floated and flounced down the catwalk through an elaborate set involving two staircases, a platform, and even a little rain. The collection was reportedly inspired by "Fred Astaire, Anime, and 'The Obstacle Course to Glamour'."

Though the romantic silk and beaded paisley dresses were impressive, the accessories of the show were the real standouts. The belted shoes, flat-brimmed hats, and variety of handbags stole the show for me.

The common theme for bags was structure and more structure. The vintage-looking luggage cases and briefcase styles definitely had some Fred Astaire flair. Paired with the flat-brimmed hats, all that was missing was a cane. A few even looked like they might be holding a musical instrument.

The style was very specific and probably not up everyone's fashion alley, but I'm at least glad to see something different on the runway. No one can ever accuse Isaac Mizrahi of not being original. See looks from the designer's runway show here.

[Source: Style List]
[Image: Splendicity]

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Magid Tie-Dyed Paper Straw Shopper | Cheap Colorful Boho Handbag

Posted on: Aug 31

This fun shopper shows us that tie-dyed fabrics don't have to look like hippie throwbacks. By keeping things subtle, Magid brings boho style that isn't stuck in the 60s.

The easy breezy look is accentuated by the paper straw finish. It's tightly woven for a little extra strength, but I still don't expect it to last very long. But at $38 retail, it won't cost too much to replace! The colorful tie-dyed look is continued throughout the handles, which are strangely removable. You couldn't easily carry this bag without them, so I wonder why Magid gave us the option!

Affordable handbags like this don't tend to come with a lot of extras, so I was pleasantly surprised to peek inside this one. It's lined in bright, satiny fabric, and there's a zippered pocket and a cell phone slip too. Turn the bag upside down and you'll even find some protective metal feet! That should make the straw exterior last a little longer.

The casual styling and candy colors of this Magid shopper mean you'll find it most useful in the warmer months. But don't put it in the back of your closet once winter strikes. It'll look cute carrying fresh produce home from the markets at any time of year!

More Features of This Magid Tie-Dye Shopper

  • Snap closure
  • Dual 19 inch handles with an 8 inch drop
  • Measures 11 x 4.5 x 14.5 inches
  • Available in orange, fuschia, and turquoise

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Posted in Aqua, Magid, Orange, Pink, Shopper | Tell Us What You Think »

Francesco Biasia Lucky Seven Leather Hobo | Soft Brushed Calfskin Handbag

Posted on: Aug 26

This Francesco Biasia Lucky Seven hobo brings together sophisticated simplicity and modern convenience in one beautiful package.

If you like the understated elegance of brands like Linea Pelle or Joe's Jeans, then this handbag is probably right up your alley. The Lucky Seven hobo offers women a hint of an equestrian-inspired saddle bag without conforming to the true features of the style.

With its super-soft brushed calfskin leather, this Francesco Biasia design fits right in with the quality of the company's other styles. It might even be a step above a few of their handbags such as the leather-like Misty May or PVC Lillian. The details and construction of the Lucky Seven is one of the best I've seen from the brand.

Although the overall look of the bag is simple and somewhat uncomplicated, there are some features that make it more than just any other hobo. The decorative faux-buckled details on the sides, front flap, and strap are just enough to give it a little personality but not take away from the silhouette.

If practicality is your main concern, you'll love all of the storage on the Lucky Seven. In addition to multiple interior pockets, it also has an exterior zippered pocket and a slide compartment on the front. Although you won't be able to store tons of bulky items in this Francesco Biasia handbag, it is a lovely option for a mid-sized everyday hobo.

More Features of the Lucky Seven Hobo 

  • Measures 10 x 11.25 x 4 inches
  • Long strap with 19.5 inch drop
  • Zip top with front magnetic flap
  • Silver hardware

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Posted in Brown, Francesco Biasia, Hobo | Tell Us What You Think »