Check out the bags of Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Amanda Mull

I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say that Chanel puts out more distinct collections of bags than any other premier designer on the planet. Not only are there the standard four that every brand gives us, but Chanel also has things like Chanel Pre-Collection Spring 2012, which is separate from the actual Spring 2012 collection. That’s just how much the folks at Chanel love us, you guys. They can’t stop giving us bags to ogle.

Not only that, but each Chanel collection is divided into two smaller groups – the regular stuff and the Outstanding Pieces, which are either exotics or some sort of incredibly special embellishment like hand embroidery or strassing. I’ve included both groups in the photos after the jump, mostly because I’m greedy and I like all of my Chanel goodness at once.

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (1)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (2)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (3)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (4)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (5)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (6)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (7)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (8)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (9)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (10)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (11)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (12)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (13)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (14)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (15)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (16)

Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection Handbags (17)

Check out the bags of Chanel Spring 2012 Pre-Collection

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Check out Jason Wu’s full Pre-Fall 2012 handbag collection!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Amanda Mull

It’s not hard to see why Jason Wu is one of our favorites; not only is Wu one of America’s greatest young designers, but he manages to do ladylike and feminine without making the entire enterprise feel stodgy and old fashioned. He walks a very fine aesthetic line and he walks it very well and to great effect. I’m sure you’ve noticed the excitement over Wu’s impending Target collection, and that anticipation didn’t come out of nowhere.

We were lucky enough to get our hands on the lookbook for Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012 accessories, and the handbags are exactly what you’d expect – elegant without being too stiff, girlish without being too prim. As you could probably guess, my favorites were the brights. Check out the photos and let us know which designs you like in the comments.

Lots and lots of Loewe up for pre-order at Moda Operandi!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Amanda Mull

I’ve become a bigtime convert to the ways of Spanish leather good brand Loewe, mostly thanks to the genius addition of Stuart Vevers as creative director several years ago. Since then, Loewe’s handbags have become more modern and increasingly relevant to a fashion audience. It can be difficult to find these bags in a store to look at, but I’ve had the pleasure of trying on a few Loewe bags and I’ve been nothing less than impressed. The leather is wonderful, without exception.

Until February 14, you now have an exclusive chance to preorder Loewe Pre-Fall 2012 via Moda Operandi, and although some of the color combinations aren’t new (particularly on the lovely Loewe Flamenco Bag), if you’ve been thinking about getting something from the brand, a pre-order is probably wise. Loewe’s bags tend to disappear from the Internet very quickly, particularly in much sought-after bright colors. We have all of the pictures after the jump, including several lust-inducing (and wallet-emptying) exotics. The multicolor ostrich Amazona rings in at a steep $14950, with the monotone croc going for $20,000 and the multicolor croc topping things out at a staggering $35,500. All leather, on the other hand, will run you a more modest $2150 or $2400, depending on whether the color is solid or varied. Flamencos? They’re also $2150. Pre-order through Moda Operandi.

Giveaway: Share your New Year’s Handbag Resolutions for a chance to win $200

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Happy New Year everyone! We are so excited to spend another year sharing our love of handbags with you. I stopped making the typical New Year’s Resolutions years ago, as I never seemed to follow through (eating better and exercising more only lasted for a few days). Instead, I have chosen to make resolutions that I can follow through with – and that involves my handbag collection (here are my resolutions from last year).

Giveaway: Tell us in the comments section your 2012 New Year’s Handbag Resolution(s). We will pick our favorite on Friday, January 6th. The winner will have their resolution posted on PurseBlog.com and win a $200 giftcard! Good luck and Happy 2012!

Chanel Cruise 2012 should appeal to Chanel purists

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Images via Chanel

The posting of any Chanel collection brings a wide range of responses – joy, rage, the sounds of overcome shoppers fainting and terrified credit cards weeping. Sometimes, it also brings consternation from fans of the traditional Chanel aesthetic – where have our classics gone? What is Uncle Karl doing with our beloved brand?

For those of you who fall into that last group, Chanel Cruise 2012 Handbags should be a sight for sore eyes. Even with the addition of the Boy Chanel bags and a few new takes on the quilted flap, most of these designs are the sort of stuff that quickens the pace of a Chanel fangirl’s heart. Be careful, the pictures after the jump may cause spontaneous shopping – after all, these bags are available now at your friendly local Chanel boutique.

Pantone picks “Tangerine Tango” as 2012′s Color of the Year

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Every year, Pantone picks a new color as a PR stunt to have us all talk about Pantone and colors for a week or two. Every year, it totally works. It’s a gimmick with staying power! Most years, the color selections seem a bit…off, at least by fashion standards. The last two have been a dark teal and a disappointingly middling shade of pink, neither of which had anything to do with the neon-a-gogo mood of the style industry in 2010 and 2011. For 2012, Pantone managed to get it right – the bright, saturated, orange-y reds that we’ve seen all over the runways for the past two seasons (and that were especially popular for Resort and Spring 2012) is 2012′s Color of the Year.

It’s technically called Tangerine Tango, but I see a lot more red than orange when I look at Pantone’s official swatch. Almost all of my friends have lamented this shade as a difficult one to wear, but that’s where being a handbag person comes in handy – you can wear it all you want, and since the color doesn’t sit near your face, it doesn’t matter if it’s flattering to your skin tone. Naturally, we have six handbag options in red-orange so that you can get a jump on 2012.

Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Hobo, priced $2700 via Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Amanda Tote, priced $465 via ShopBop

Alexander Wang Marti Backpack, priced $850 via ShopBop

Proenza Schouler Extra Large PS1, priced $2350 via Net-a-Porter

Diane von Furstenberg Sporty Drew Tote, priced $495 via Net-a-Porter

Fendi Mia Mini Crossbody, priced $760 via Neiman Marcus

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Classic Handbags

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Picking out a designer handbag for someone else is hard. Unless you know that person’s style in and out or she’s given you a specific bag to look for, choosing an expensive gift out of thin air can be a daunting task. We’re here to make it just a little bit easier for you with our Holiday Gift Guide 2011, and today’s installment will focus on the safest kind of accessory gift: The Classic Bag.

These are not your grandma’s classics, though, even if grandma would probably be delighted to receive a few of them. After the jump, we have our picks for nine modern-but-timeless bags that will dazzle the lucky ladies on your giving list. Or, you know, your favorite blogger. My birthday is Christmas Eve. Just saying.

Victoria Beckham Victoria Small Tote, $2995 via Net-a-Porter

Balenciaga Giant Velo Bag, $1895 via Barneys

Prada Saffiano Lux Tote, $1730 via Neiman Marcus

Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag, $4300 via Chanel

Yves Saint Laurent Roady, $1495 via Neiman Marcus

Kate Spade Irving Place Little Nadine Satchel, $395 via Neiman Marcus

Rachel Zoe Margaret Minaudiere, $275 via Neiman Marcus

Proenza Schouler PS11, $1850 via Net-a-Porter

Louis Vuitton Mirabeau PM, $1740 via Louis Vuitton

Ever wanted some vintage Hermes croc in your collection? Well…

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Amanda Mull

WGACA Hermes Vintage Crocodile Bags, $8000 ShopBop here and here

If you’re not familiar with vintage powerhouses What Goes Around Comes Around, you should be. The New York-based retro aggregator, often abbreviated WGACA, searches out and resells some of the best pre-owned duds in the country, and today, that includes two lovely Hermes Vintage Crocodile Bags that are up for grabs via ShopBop. They’re very Betty Draper, right? Or maybe they’re more Trudie Campbell…

ShopBop doesn’t list the era from which either of these bags originated, but they look an awful lot like the small, structured, elbow-carried bags that were popular among wealthy women of the Mad Men era – the late 50s and early 60s. Hermes was at the top of the leather goods mountain back then as well (and the brand often plays a part in the show, come to think of it), so these two bags, which both lack external branding, are among the finest examples of the period’s luxury handbags.

Looking at these designs makes it easy to see where the inspiration for the currently trendy ladybags comes from, and then they’re Hermes croc on top of it. For $8000 apiece, you’d have the be a serious vintage hound or Hermes fangirl to buy one, but right now I’m missing Mad Men so much that if I were asininely rich, I might consider it. Then all I’d need is one of Joan’s dresses…well, and her hips. Buy through ShopBop for $8000 here and here.

Posted in 2011, Black, Crocodile, Exotics, Handbags, Hermes, Shopbop, Street Fashion, Street Style, Vintage, WGACA, What Goes Around Comes Around | Leave a reply

I have a major case of Givenchy Antigona envy

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via Vogue.com

The Givenchy Antigona Satchel is such an under-appreciated handbag. The design is exceptionally crisp and minimal, it comes in a variety of sizes, materials and colors, it’s Givenchy, fer chrissakes. It’s far superior to the Givenchy Nightingale (says me), but yet, it’s not quite as well known. With Givenchy’s killer slate of Antigonas to come, Spring 2012 might change that.

With this lineup, there’s a little something for everyone. Exotics, stitched details, brights-and-neutrals colorblocking, mirrored patent leather. The Antigona takes well to all of them because of its immaculate, well-edited structure; there’s never a metaphorical hair out of place on this bag. Check out the versions to come after the jump or shop Givenchy via Barneys right now.

Posted in 2011, Collections, GIVENCHY, Handbags, Spring 2012, Street Fashion, Street Style, Vogue.com | Leave a reply

Ladies, start your engines: Balenciaga Holiday 2011 is now available online!

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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In case you’re already sacked out at home and your trigger finger is getting itchy (or you’re still at work for reasons that no one can really explain and absolutely bored to death and ready for some online shopping), we’ve got some exciting new collection news for you – Balenciaga Holiday 2011 is now available for your ordering pleasure from Balenciaga.com.

This collection is particularly handy if you’d like to get a jump on the pastels trend that dominated the Spring 2011 runways. With powdery shades of dove grey, lavender and baby blue, no messy ladies need apply. Just looking at these lovely bags in Balenciaga’s new, more matte Hamilton goatskin leather is forcing me to mentally push all my dark-wash jeans to the back of my closet; color transfer is not to be fooled with. Check out some of our picks from the collection after the jump. (Really, make the jump, if only to see the Gris Poivre bag. Swoon.)

Balenciaga Giant Silver Hamilton City in Glycine, $1945 via Balenciaga.com

Balenciaga Giant Silver Hamilton Velo in Gris Poivre, $1945 via Balenciaga.com

Balenciaga Giant Gold Hamilton Part-Time in Ciment, $2045 via Balenciaga.com

Balenciaga Giant Silver Hamilton City Rose Bruyere, $1945 via Balenciaga.com

I dare you not to call it “rose gruyere” in your head. DARE YOU.

Posted in 2011, BALENCIAGA, Collections, Handbags, Holiday 2011, Leather, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

3.1 Phillip Lim’s Spring 2012 bags are by far his best yet

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via Style.com

If you follow me on Twitter (and you totally should, I’m only annoying about 40% of the time, which is not the majority), you might have seen me get a little squeal-y and excited over 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Spring 2012 handbags. There’s good reason for that: this minimal, modern, not-astronomically priced collection is easily my favorite of the upcoming season so far. I haven’t seen everything yet, but it’s going to be hard to beat these pieces for things that I would actually buy and carry.

Why? Because they’re basically perfect. These extremely clean, well-edited designs showcase the gorgeous leather with which they were all made, and nearly every piece comes in a host of neutrals, plus blue and yellow. When a bag is this spare, it becomes nearly impossible to disguise flaws in quality or construction, and as far as I can tell, these bags have none. The best part, of course, is that 3.1 Phillip Lim bags generally cost less than a thousand dollars; I defy you to find anything as beautifully rendered at the same price point. Suddenly, I can’t wait for spring to get here. Check out more of the collection after the jump.

Posted in 2011, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Collections, Handbags, Spring 2012, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

3.1 Phillip Lim’s Spring 2012 bags are by far his best yet

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via Style.com

If you follow me on Twitter (and you totally should, I’m only annoying about 40% of the time, which is not the majority), you might have seen me get a little squeal-y and excited over 3.1 Phillip Lim’s Spring 2012 handbags. There’s good reason for that: this minimal, modern, not-astronomically priced collection is easily my favorite of the upcoming season so far. I haven’t seen everything yet, but it’s going to be hard to beat these pieces for things that I would actually buy and carry.

Why? Because they’re basically perfect. These extremely clean, well-edited designs showcase the gorgeous leather with which they were all made, and nearly every piece comes in a host of neutrals, plus blue and yellow. When a bag is this spare, it becomes nearly impossible to disguise flaws in quality or construction, and as far as I can tell, these bags have none. The best part, of course, is that 3.1 Phillip Lim bags generally cost less than a thousand dollars; I defy you to find anything as beautifully rendered at the same price point. Suddenly, I can’t wait for spring to get here. Check out more of the collection after the jump.

Posted in 2011, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Collections, Handbags, Spring 2012, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Do you like python in non-natural colors?

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Gucci 1973 Python Bag, $2900 via Net-a-Porter

I wrote a post on this topic approximately 800 years ago, which I cannot find at the moment, but I think it’s a topic worth revisiting in light of the handbag world’s continuing trends. A commenter over at TalkShoes mentioned late last week that she didn’t care for the shoes that match the Gucci 1973 Python Bag because she only likes natural-colored python, and I used to be the exact same way. Clearly, that’s changed.

With Women’s Wear Daily reporting that we can expect to see rainbow reptile accessories well into 2012, you’re probably either full of joy or disappointment at the prospect of seeing more candy-colored python on store shelves for at least six months. Even though I was a naysayer in the past, when the colors are as well-chosen as those in the current Gucci collection (and this bag in particular), I’m glad this trend came about.

I like this combination of shades so much that any material or design that could make it happen is probably cool with me. In fact, it was one of my favorite fall runway bags from the very beginning, and Gucci isn’t usually a brand that jumps out and grabs me with its catwalk accessories. The interior, lined in blue leather, is neatly compartmentalized to make the most of the modest amount of space inside this ladylike bag, but it’s not the interior that I care about. With so much pretty going on outside, how could you? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2900.

Posted in 2011, Blue, Exotics, Green, Gucci, Handbags, Net-a-Porter, Python, Street Fashion, Street Style, Trends | Leave a reply

VBH Spring 2012 is utterly lovely, of course

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via Moda Operandi

VBH bags, much like Hermes, are the kind of designs that I don’t really need to review. The brand turns out functional ultra-luxury masterpieces that are consistently breathtaking, and if you’re a fan of the classics, you’re probably a fan of what VBH does. If you’re not, you’ve probably stopped reading already anyway, if you even started. With that in mind, I’m going to skip the “Are these good, or do they suck?” portion of my standard spiel.

So let’s just say that VBH’s Spring 2012 Moda Operandi pre-sale is happening through November 4th, with bags ranging from $1800 for a clutch to $17500 for a pristine white crocodile satchel. As always, Moda Operandi is members-only, but we’ve got the full gallery of presale offerings after the jump so that even non-members can start planning their upcoming purchases (or, you know, just drool over the pretty stuff).

Posted in 2011, Exotics, Handbags, Moda Operandi, Street Fashion, Street Style, VBH | Leave a reply

A closer look at Celine’s Spring 2012 handbags

Posted on October 24, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via Celine

Despite making some of the most sought-after handbags in the world right now, the Celine runway show is never a reliable place to look for the next It Bag. Phoebe Philo tends to keep her catwalk minimal, so show-watchers only get a chance to see a couple of handbag designs. Luckily, we’ve found some press photos of both the runway bags and a couple that didn’t appear in the show, and we’ve assembled what we know so far of Celine Spring 2012 after the jump. It looks like the brand is in for another can’t-miss accessories season.

Posted in 2011, CELINE, featured, Handbags, Sneak Peeks, Spring 2012, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Net-A-Porter’s Bag Guide will amaze you

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

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We love the folks at Net-A-Porter and as their site continues expanding so does their imaginations. We have the first look for you all at their new Bag Guide which focuses on trends for the upcoming season. NAP labels Jewel Colors, Modern Minimalist, Snakes & Leopard, The 70′s, and The New Clutch as the major categories.

Best part is the amazing video is the Rube Goldberg sequence used to create the video. For every handbag related action there was a reaction, but they were all high-end fashionable ones.

Click here to watch and shop Net-A-Porter’s new Bag Guide!!

Posted in 2011, bag guide, Handbags, Net-a-Porter, New at Net-A-Porter, Rube Goldberg, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

New at Net-A-Porter 9.14.11

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

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Shop all new bags at NETAPORTER.COM

The bags are coming, the bags are coming! Finally, after the expected summer lull of new product, our favorite shops are filling up with the upcoming seasons’ accessories so quickly I can not keep up.

A few weeks ago, I felt bored and had to scour the web for something interesting to cover, but there will be no need for further scouring as Net-A-Porter has been filling their “What’s New” category each planned day this week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). I see funky, classic, and comfortable options arriving new to the handbag section. Also, be on the lookout for many bags from Victoria Beckham to hit the virtual shelves. Are you feeling any of these new bags?

Shop new bags at Net-A-Porter.com now!

Posted in 2011, Handbags, NETAPORTER, New at Net-A-Porter, New bags, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Vena Cava to launch handbags for Spring 2012!

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Images via WWD

If you’ve done any shopping in the contemporary department of your local high-end department store in the past few years, then you’re probably well familiar with the slightly retro, very It Girl look of Vena Cava. The brand works brilliantly with off-kilter prints and vintage inspiration to create memorable clothes at a somewhat attainable price point, and according to Women’s Wear Daily, we’ll also be seeing handbags from the insider-favorite line in the near future.

During the designer’s presentation dinner a few days ago, the duo behind Vena Cava gave editors and buyers a little thrill by including bags, which they called “purposefully nondescript,” on the arms of their model-muses. There aren’t any detail shots just yet, but almost all of the lookbook outfits include bags, and it seems as though Vena Cava has the basis for a bright handbag future that will make the brand’s devotees very happy. The line will be priced from $275 to $550, and we have more photos after the jump.

Posted in 2011, Handbags, Introducing..., Savvy, Street Fashion, Street Style, VENA CAVA, Women's Wear Daily | Leave a reply

Essie’s Fall 2011 nail polishes are handbag-themed!

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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To be perfectly honest with you, I never thought this day would come. Megs and I have been obsessing over nail polish for months (seriously, I’ve amassed about 200 polishes since spring), and we’ve been trying to find a good way to somehow connect it back to handbags so that we could share our obsession with you guys. Thanks to Essie, we’ve finally found a link!

Essie’s Fall 2011 nail polish collection is called Carry On, and all six shades are based on the color palette commonly found in midcentury handbag design. It’s a little Mad Men, a little contemporary, and a whole lot of fun.

I grabbed three of these colors as soon as I saw them for sale: “Power Clutch,” which is a dark grey that’s much darker in person than in this press photo; “Carry On,” a deep red-undertoned purple-wine color; and “Very Structured,” which is kind of a rusty orange-tan. I’ve tried the first two and they’re both absolutely beautiful; I’d recommend the grey in particular.

As far as the handbag connection goes, I think Essie did an excellent job choosing colors that fit the accessories of the era. In fact, I’d be thrilled to death if more companies would make grey and aubergine bags, they’re two of my favorite cold-weather fashion shades.

So, since it’s Friday and it’s the end of summer and we’re probably all feeling a little loose and distracted right now, let’s talk about this: Have you caught the nail bug lately?

You can buy the polishes at your local Ulta. Or if you’re NYC, Ricky’s has their displays out for the collection!

Posted in 2011, BEAUTY, Essie, Handbags, Miscellaneous, nail polish, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Fill in the Blank: The Nancy Gonzalez Croc & Fox Tote is…

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

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Nancy Gonzalez Croc & Fox Tote, $3950 via Neiman Marcus

Nancy Gonzalez usually wows the fashion crowd with her simple, wearable, exotic bags. But even the best fall down sometimes, and I’m afraid this is one of those times for the queen of exotics.

How is this bag on back order? BACK ORDER. That means people already paid $3,950 for this crocodile and fox fur tote and are anxiously awaiting its arrival. I’m trying not to knock it, but I simply cannot get on board with this design. Brown crocodile skin peeks out from behind the Pomeranian-esque fox fur. What better way to describe this bag then to turn to you and ask you to fill in the blank for us. Order via Neiman Marcus for $3,950.

Fill in the blank: The Nancy Gonzalez Croc & Fox Tote is ___________.

Posted in 2011, Fill in the blank, Handbags, Nancy Gonzalez, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Sensible shoes and bourgeois bags – clearly a lady after our own…

Posted on August 5, 2011 by THE STYLE DIRECTOR

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Sensible shoes and bourgeois bags - clearly a lady after our own hearts…

Posted in 2011, Accessories, Chanel, FASHION, Handbags, Hermes, loafers, Street Fashion, Street Style, The Style Director | Leave a reply

Chloe’s Resort 2012 bags feel surprisingly fresh

Posted on July 29, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Photos via Women’s Wear Daily

It would be easy for a brand in flux to get a little bit lazy with its accessories for a resort collection while new creative talent got comfortable and plotted a new course for upcoming collections, but Chloe Resort 2012 doesn’t strike me as lazy at all. When creative director Hannah MacGibbon was shown the door after a disappointing collection for Fall 2011, I assumed that the earliest improvements would probably be seen on the Spring 2012 runway. Perhaps that’s not the case.

Chloe’s resort bags aren’t revolutionary, but the have a cleanness and confidence that the brand’s previous several accessories collections have lacked. And while there’s a Paddington reboot in the mix, a habit of the brand that tends to irk me, the bright pink and minimal Paddington markings mean that, at the very least, it actually feels like a genuine reboot instead of a cynical cash grab. I’m suddenly feeling a lot more excited about Chloe’s upcoming spring show. More photos after the jump.

Posted in 2011, CHLOE, Collections, Handbags, Resort 2012, Sneak Peeks, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Matt & Nat makes fashionable and affordable vegan bags

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

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Yesterday we posted a What’s in her Bag feature with one of my personal favorite singers, Colbie Caillat. Before Vlad and I met the talented and supremely gorgeous Caillat, I did a bit of research on our featured lady. Turns out Colbie tries to stay away from leather products and is an animal rights activist.

Upon reading that, I remember feeling slightly panicked. If you read our site you know the vast majority of the arm candy we post is made from one kind of animal product or another. I not only needed to change up my questions for Colbie a bit but also felt the urge to see what vegan options are out there in the handbag world. And that is where I began to appreciate the brand Matt & Nat in a major way.

Though I already knew of the brand and we have reviewed its bags on PurseBlog, I never fully delved into the company’s mission and products. I called up Matt & Nat and spent a bit of time talking with its founder, Inder Bedi. Matt & Nat’s mission statement is simple: To live beautifully. With so many animal products being utilized in the world, the brand not only focuses on vegan bags but also on sustainable products. The linings of its bags are made from an average of 21 recycled plastic bottles, packaging is made from recycled materials, and all of the products are vegan, meaning they are void of all animal by-products.

In a world filled with leather bags, staying away from such a commonly used commodity remains hard. Yet Matt & Nat has created a vision and a brand that stays true to its roots, combining fashion with eco-friendly products, which gives anyone looking for vegan options in the fashion world amazing accessory options.

The two bags pictured are one of my favorite designs from Matt & Nat, the Santogold, which retails for a mere $195. The clutch is extremely spacious but not overly cumbersome. I love the blue-hued Ikat version, but the pink gives a solid color option as well. I have no idea how a bag that uses no leather feels so supple (the Ikat version is canvas while the pink version feels similar to leather). Though the products used vary tremendously from what the average bag lover expects, the quality of the workmanship has not diminished. Make sure to check out Matt & Nat not only if you want a vegan fashion option but also for a flat out great bag. More via Matt & Nat online.

Posted in 2011, Eco Friendly, Handbags, Matt &Nat, Savvy, Street Fashion, Street Style, vegan bags | Leave a reply

Coach debuts new Chelsea Collection

Posted on June 30, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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It’s hard to think of an American accessories brand with as devoted a following as Coach; in fact, the New York-based leathergoods giant might not have any domestic competition in the “ardent fandom” department. Those of you who consider yourself a part of that very large group will be excited to check out the new Coach Chelsea Collection, which features totes, satchels and shoulder bags in a variety of leathers and fabrics. Several more pictures, after the jump.

Click to enlarge.

Check out the entire collection at Coach.com. Prices range from $178 to $1000.

Posted in 2011, Coach, Handbags, Introducing..., Savvy, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Happy Friday: The Outstanding Pieces of Chanel Paris-Byzance

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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For every season, Chanel generously offers not one handbag collection but two. You get the regular collection bags, which are always luxurious and highly detailed in their own right, and then you get Outstanding Pieces, which are on a whole different level. These are the jewel-encrusted exotic bags that would turn your heard so hard that you’d have to see a chiropractor, should you encounter someone toting one down the street.

For the Byzantine-inspired Chanel Paris-Byzance Pre-Fall 2011 collection, Karl Lagerfeld pulled out all the stops to create a gilded, ornate collection of crocodile, python and cabochon. These designs aren’t for a shrinking violet, but even lovers of statement pieces should be careful; these bags may result in a shrinking wallet. Please contact Chanel at 800-550-0005 for pricing and availability.

[Photos via Chanel]

Posted in 2011, Chanel, Exotics, Handbags, Pre-Fall 2011, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

Hot off the presses: Mulberry Resort 2012 Handbags

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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Every year, resort collections spring up at the beginning of summer like an oasis in the dessert. The fashion industry sometimes seems to come to a near-grinding halt during the warmer months while industry heavyweights are off sunning themselves in St. Barths, but the unorganized and sporadic resort show season seems to send us a new collection every time we begin to think that perhaps we’ll never write another interesting post again.

This time, Mulberry Resort 2012 is one of our saviors, and they’ve actually released stock images of their bags, which is something of a resort rarity. Most brands save their big reveals for the full spring and fall collections, but this mid-season group offers several covetable bags, particularly the ivory faux python Alexa and the green-and-black leopard tote, which would be perfect for weekend shopping. More pictures after the jump.

Photos via WWD.

Posted in 2011, Handbags, MULBERRY, Resort 2012, Street Fashion, Street Style, Women's Wear Daily | Leave a reply

Check out my top 10 bags of the moment at StyledOn!

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Amanda Mull

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When our friends over at lovely fashion and lifestyle site StyledOn asked me to pick my ten favorite bags of the moment for their readers, I was more than happy to oblige – I look at it as part of my PurseBlog duty to spread the handbag gospel far and wide. The site did a lovely job putting together the list for me, and I’d like to hear your feedback – if you were to pick your must-haves right now, how would you fill out your list?

Click here to check out my list of must-haves!

Posted in 2011, Handbags, In The Press, Listicles, Street Fashion, Street Style, StyledOn | Leave a reply

New at Net-A-Porter 5.25.11

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

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Today I spent a solid five minutes at lunch trying to figure out if today is Tuesday or Wednesday with Vlad. This is the downside of a blogger’s life, we get a little confused with our wonky schedule. Amanda told me the only reason she knew it was Wednesday is because of the New Arrivals at NAP. Why didn’t I think of that?!

This Wednesday Net-A-Porter brought in black classic bags along with a bright pop of purple color and some luscious red. Which design is your favorite?

Shop new bags at Net-A-Porter.com now!

Posted in 2011, Handbags, Net-a-Porter, New at Net-A-Porter, Street Fashion, Street Style | Leave a reply

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Atlantic-Pacific

Bazaar Fashion

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Designer Handbag Reviews – PurseBlog

Fashion For Lunch

Fashion Paparazzis

Fashion Squad

Garance Doré

HANNELI MUSTAPARTA

knight cat

LB FEED

Street Peeper – Global Street Fashion and Street Style

Style Bubble

Style Scrapbook

STYLE SLICKER

STYLECLICKER

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The Blonde Salad

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THE STYLE DIRECTOR

Turned Out

WhoWhatWear.com

Archive

What We Are Wearing

Street style, personal style, lookbooks, fashion statements

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New at Net-A-Porter 5.25.11

Shop new bags at Net-A-Porter.com now!