Nahui Ollin Barhandle Satchel | Medium Eco-Friendly Recycled Candy Wrapper Handbag

Posted on: Oct 24

Many of Nahui Ollin’s cute candy wrapper purses are for girls who travel light. This Barhandle Satchel shows the eco-friendly designer is just as skilled at working on a larger scale.

Larger is a relative term though. Packrats shouldn't pick this up expecting a substitute for their well-worn oversized carryall. It's a medium-sized satchel, but one that probably holds a little less than the average. The woven candy wrappers are surprisingly strong, but you don't want to test them by overstuffing. Besides, with no pockets to keep the interior organized, extra luxuries will only create clutter.

Like any Nahui Ollin, the greatest drawcard is that adorable candy wrapper finish which makes each one a true original. This floral print is perfect for girls craving spring, while the barcode pattern has a chic monochrome look. The straight leather straps give the Barhandle its name. They look so striking, but they mean you will have to carry this satchel by hand. Thankfully the candy-wrapper fabric is more lightweight than leather or PVC.

The Barhandle has its limitations, but green girls looking to upsize their Nahui Ollin collection will probably find a way to work around them!

More Features of This Nahui Ollin Recycled Candy Wrapper Satchel

  • Magnetic snap closure
  • Dual shoulder straps with a 1 inch drop
  • Measures 8 x 8 inches
  • Made in Mexico

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Jimmy Choo Rania Hobo Bag | Drummed Leather Casual Handbag with Grommets

Posted on: Jul 28

Jimmy Choo gives the hobo a little rock and roll edge with the Rania.

The punk attitude comes from two rows of gleaming grommets that embellish the top of the bag. They've become somewhat of a Jimmy Choo trademark, utilized in iconic bags like the Ramona, Riki, and Rio. See them and you automatically think of the brand, without the presence of fussy logo plates or unsightly signature prints. It's a clever design touch, and one that will attract Jimmy Choo fans.

While those eyelets add edge, the Rania doesn't forget the hobo's roots. The relaxed spirit of the style comes through in the drummed leather. It looks casually worn and washed, and is sure to improve with age.  But conservative bagistas should note, this isn't the sleek calfskin we see so often. The weathered variations add character, but that personality won't suit everybody.

The unstructured shape is pure hobo; boho chic to be sure but not so practical. The functional limitations are heightened in a bag of this size, although its large dimensions are bound to please fans of the oversized trend.

Practicality can be easy to overlook, but price rarely is. In these days of belt tightening and penny pinching, the retail value of almost $2000 is likely to make most of us think twice about adding the Rania to our collection.

More Features of This Jimmy Choo Drummed Leather Bag

  • Gold-tone engraved hardware
  • Zip top with flap-lock closure
  • A single shoulder strap with a 16 inch drop
  • Measures 19 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in Italy
  • Available in mink (beige), ivory, or black

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Anya Hindmarch Chapman Tote | Patent Leather Tan Day Bag

Posted on: Jul 13

Anya Hindmarch's signature style is show with the Chapman Tote. It's all urban and contemporary, with naplak patent leather and a splash of hardware delivering just the right amount of gloss.

It might be a shiny gem, but the Chapman is no show pony. The traditional tote shape is uncluttered, allowing the tan patent leather to take center stage. By keeping the color conservative, the Chapman doesn’t appear as flashy as many other patent purses. But if you really want to stand out, it's also available in bright red and electric blue.

The canvas handles also help to give the Chapman an everyday vibe. The straps thread from the top of the tote to the base, mimicking the racing stripes popularized by brands like L.A.M.B. I'm sure the fabric would feel wonderful in your hands, especially when the Chapman's loaded up. But unfortunately the straps are too short for most of us to sling over our shoulders. This is such a big bag, so it's shame to miss out on this extra functionality.

Anya Hindmarch also lets us down inside. Again, it's the size which isn't backed up by the features. A single zippered pocket and a slip pouch really isn't enough to organize this generous space. A pen slot and key ring are convenient touches, but I'm sure most of us would have preferred more practical pockets.

The Chapman has its limitations, but it's got a distinctive look and plenty of space on its side.

More Features of This Anya Hindmarch Patent Purse

  • Zip top closure
  • Metal feet on the base
  • Logo lined interior
  • Dual handles with a 5.5 inch drop
  • Measures 14 x 17 x 5.5 inches

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Maddalena Marconi Jeweled Black Box Clutch | Quilted Patent Leather Evening Purse Chain Strap

Posted on: Apr 27

This Maddalena Marconi box clutch can effortlessly add some retro glamour to any outfit.

The black patent leather finish features diagonal quilting, evoking vintage Chanel. But the embellishments are what make this purse no mere designer homage. The front features a blooming camellia flower carefully crafted from white Swarovski crystals. We see the crystals again in the dainty ball clasp.

I just wish Maddalena Marconi had stopped there. Instead rows of the gems also border the purse's edges. This just seems like overkill to me, driving the price up without adding any real visual appeal. The old adage that less is more definitely should have applied here.

This clutch is also on the small side, and the structured box shape doesn't help matters. I hope your cell phone is slim, and you're wearing long-lasting lipstick, because only the bare essentials will fit inside this beauty.

It's that beauty that will ultimately be this purse's selling point. It’s got practical limitations. At $898, it's definitely a pricy after-five accessory. But it is a striking clutch guaranteed to turn heads.

More Features of This Maddalena Marconi Jeweled Purse

  • A single chain strap with crystal rings and black gemstones
  • Measures 2.4 x 6.1 x 3.9 inches
  • Comes with a dust bag
  • Made in Italy

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Fall/Winter 2009 Handbag Trends From New York Fashion Week

Posted on: Feb 24

Fashion lovers have been in their element salivating over the catwalk looks from New York Fashion Week. All eyes are on London now, but it's hard to resist looking back at the week that was. Here are the top five trends to keep in mind when stocking up on new handbags for the cooler seasons, or recycling an old favorite!

Crayola Colors

Bold, saturated colors are right on trend. Think vibrant amethyst, ruby red, or emerald green to brighten up those gloomy gray days. The Tory Burch suede T-Tote captures the look for everyday, while the woven Lauren Merkin Eve clutch glams up jewel tones for a night on the town. Read the rest of this entry »

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