Coach greets Spring 2013 with plenty of texture

Coach greets Spring 2013 with plenty of texture

Depending on your age, odds are that you automatically associate Coach with one of two things: solid-color leather bags in basic shapes, or logo canvas bags with lots of luggage tags and other attendant doodads. While both of those things are still readily available from Coach for the brand’s huge, diverse customer base, many of you have likely noticed that there’s a big middle ground between those two extremes at which Coach has become quite skilled. For Spring 2013, a lot of those bags feature fun textural elements that feel like an exciting direction for the brand.

The collection runs the gamut from matte, python-embossed white leather to animal-print canvas, and every piece feels fresh, spring-like and appropriate for a wide range of customers. When a brand has a reach like Coach’s, developing products that don’t alienate one demographic while satisfying another can be difficult, but I could see most of these bags being carried by women of a whole host of ages and lifestyles. Balance is hard to find, but with bright colors and the right textural elements, Coach seems to have worked it out.

The post Coach greets Spring 2013 with plenty of texture appeared first on PurseBlog.

Man Bag Monday: Neil Barrett Copper Iridescent Brasilia Backpack

Man Bag Monday: Neil Barrett Copper Iridescent Brasilia Backpack

Last week, we spoke a little bit about the optimal times for men to be wearing backpacks (not with suits!) and which ones you or your dude might want to pick up if being a cool kid matters. (Be honest, it does.) This week, we’ve located another backpack for cool kids (from SSENSE, the ultimate retailer of such things): the Neil Barrett Copper Iridescent Brasilia Backpack. It looks like the color-shifting trend isn’t just for the ladies.

It’s hard to find leather that both looks soft and has had a significant color-shifting treatment successfully applied to it (there’s a reason that so many of these pieces are PVC), but this bag makes it work. What’s going on here isn’t so much a holo as it is a duo- or multi-chrome; the base color shifts to one or more other shades, depending on the light, instead of creating an entire rainbow. You’ve probably seen the effect elsewhere on fun nail polish or questionable custom paint jobs on cars of the mid-to-late-1990s. Come to think of it, this backpack looks a little 90s in its own right.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing – there’s a whole wave of 90s nostalgia going on right now, much of which I personally love – but I wish that Barrett had gone with fewer 90s details. Even the exclusion of the drawstring closure would have elevated things for me, but I would have preferred it without the buckle straps entirely. A 90s shape, a 90s finish, but with modern details; that would have been perfect. Buy through SSENSE for $1,925.

The post Man Bag Monday: Neil Barrett Copper Iridescent Brasilia Backpack appeared first on PurseBlog.

ShopBop expands its vintage offerings to include Louis Vuitton

ShopBop expands its vintage offerings to include Louis Vuitton

The more people get used to shopping for luxury goods online, the more they want options, especially when it comes to things that are vintage, pre-owned or no longer available in regular stores. (Or sold in very limited retail locations, like Louis Vuitton or Chanel.) Several types services, from dedicated luxury re-sellers like Portero to flash sale sites like Rue La La, to traditional auction houses like Heritage Auctions that now offer online options for luxury goods, have sprung up to meet those desires, but some retailers like ShopBop are taking the search for vintage designer handbags into their own hands.

ShopBop has been working with vintage stalwart What Goes Around, Comes Around for several years, and in the past, the handbag offerings have included lots of Chanel and one or two Hermes pieces. ShopBop has now added a small selection of limited edition and discontinued Louis Vuitton pieces to that assortment, including sought-after pieces from the Stephen Sprouse and Takashi Murakami art collaborations. Below, we’ve included our favorite from all of the What Goes Around, Comes Around pieces at ShopBop, or you can check out the entire vintage offering at ShopBop.

The post ShopBop expands its vintage offerings to include Louis Vuitton appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Givenchy HDG Tote debuts for Pre-Fall 2013

The Givenchy HDG Tote debuts for Pre-Fall 2013

Just when you thought that Givenchy might be the only brand not to hop on the Celine-inspired flared gusset bandwagon, the brand new Givenchy HDG Tote pops up, brand new for Pre-Fall 2013. Although we’ve seen a lot of these types of totes in the past two years, I must say that the nail-head handle attachments on this one are pretty fabulous. Every bag needs its defining detail, and for this HDG, that hardware is it.

Givenchy aficionados have likely already picked up on the fact that the bag is named for Givenchy founder and famed couturier Hubert de Givenchy, who started the house in 1952. It’s always nice when a company pays homage to its foundation, and the use of Givenchy’s initials in this design probably indicate the the brand is heavily bought in to making this bag a success for years to come. Given that, it seems odd that they’d go with a shape that’s so heavily associated with a competitor, but the bag itself is still quite attractive.

If well-received by customers, it’s likely the design’s simplicity that’ll set it apart from much of the flared-gusset pack. Other than the handle hardware and the small monogram at the bottom right, the bag is all smooth, flat leather. Although the Bergdorf Goodman website lists both the bag above and the one below as being the same size, it’s pretty clear that they’re not – the all black version shows the larger standard bag, while the bicolor version is the “small” tote that the description fits. Notice how the handles have a completely different proportion on both bags?

With that in mind, I’m not entirely sure which bag you’ll actually get if you order either of these options, but I can pass along the price information that BG has provided for each:


Givenchy HDG Small Tote
$2,595 via Bergdorf Goodman

Givenchy HDG Small Tote

Givenchy HDG Tote
$2,655 via Bergdorf Goodman

Givenchy HDG Tote

The post The Givenchy HDG Tote debuts for Pre-Fall 2013 appeared first on PurseBlog.

Zara Overalls

I didn’t really need to go all the way to Paris to buy a pair of Zara overalls, but I STILL HAD TO SHOW THEM TO YOU, don’t you think?

If you like them, get them now. They’re very well cut, right above the ankle, which makes them perfect with a pair of heels. I love them and all the girls at the studio do too, so I don’t think they will be in the store for long. Hehe.
What do you think? Do you like it ?

Get ready to get out of town with Coach’s travel bags and accessories

Get ready to get out of town with Coach’s travel bags and accessories

Let me guess: it’s already Monday, and this wasn’t the weekend you fulfilled your fantasy of going on a spontaneous weekend road trip to the nearest beach or beach-like area. I feel ya – I didn’t do that this weekend, either. There’s always next weekend, though, and the weekend after that; in fact, spring and summer are full of weekends in which I might become the spontaneous beach-goer I would sincerely like to be. To prepare for becoming my most ideal self, I’ve picked some awesome, relatively affordable Coach travel bag staples that would certainly complete the aesthetic picture on my weekend getaway.

Summer weekend travel can have such a great style to it – after all, who doesn’t want to be the woman leaving the office with a chic weekender in woven jute or light leather, filled to the brim with linen shorts and bathing suits? I wish I were that person right this minute, and the week has only just begun. With Coach’s all-American aesthetic and heritage, the brand is perfect for the classic weekend getaway. Shop the full Coach travel selection, including lots of great small pieces, via Coach.com.


Coach Bleecker Canvas Cabin Bag
$698 via Coach

Coach Bleecker Canvas Cabin Bag

Coach Legacy Archive Leather Suitcase
$998 via Coach

Coach Legacy Leather Archive Suitcase

Coach Bleecker Pebbled Leather Cabin Bag
$898 via Coach

Coach Bleecker Pebbled Leather Cabin Bag

Coach Bleecker Beach Cavas Tote
$448 via Coach

Coach Bleecker Beach Canvas Tote

Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote
$348 via Coach

Coach Washed Canvas Beach Tote

Coach Bleecker Legacy Small Luggage Tag
$38 via Coach

Coach Bleecker Legacy Small Luggage Tag

The post Get ready to get out of town with Coach’s travel bags and accessories appeared first on PurseBlog.

Skip the camera – put all your weekend essentials in the Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag

Skip the camera – put all your weekend essentials in the Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag

The contemporary market is full of cute little crossbody bags, and for good reason – not only are they functional weekend pieces for the market’s young customers, but because of their diminutive sizes, they’re at the lower end of the brand’s price range, which helps entice new customers to check out the brand’s wares. The problem, though, is that not all designers are particularly creative when it comes to these pieces – there are a lot of zipper-topped rectangles out there right now. If you need a palate cleanser, check out the Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag.

This adorable little bag provides the same advantages of its more obvious counterparts – easy-to-carry size, room for your essentials, fun colors, affordable price point – without looking like everything else available right now, which is the biggest win of all. Another perk: that front pocket looks like it might be just the right size for a smart phone.


Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag, Pink
$195 via ShopBop

Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag Pink

Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag, Purple
$195 via ShopBop

Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag Purple

The post Skip the camera – put all your weekend essentials in the Rebecca Minkoff Craig Camera Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

Love It or Leave It: The Salvatore Ferragamo Verve Fringe Woven Bag

Love It or Leave It: The Salvatore Ferragamo Verve Fringe Woven Bag

I no longer watch Project Runway, but I’ll be forever indebted to the show (and to Tim Gunn) for giving us the beautiful phrase “a lot of look.” Gunn’s a tactful, polite man, so he generally only deployed that saying in a negative way, but I think it’s applicable beyond that – “a lot of look,” in my mind, can be either good or bad, depending on the skill of the designer. Naturally, the designers at Salvatore Ferragamo are massively talented, but I’m still on the fence with this bag.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Verve Fringe Woven Bag certainly has plenty of, well…verve. The all-white, all-leather construction helps tone down some of the impact of the bold textural elements, but the size of the bag and its giant fringed wings can’t be ignored. Of course, those things aren’t meant to be ignored; far from it. So how do you wear a bag with this much personality?

If it were me, I think this bag begs for a simple look. Perhaps neat, tonal white skinny jeans (can’t wear colored denim with a white bag, after all – color transfer!), a chambray shirt and a big, bold necklace a la Dannijo? With a bag that stands on its own, you have to give it a somewhat blank canvas against which to stand. If you don’t, it’s too much noise, coming from too many places at the same time. If you would carry this bag, what would you pair it with?

Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $2,679.

The post Love It or Leave It: The Salvatore Ferragamo Verve Fringe Woven Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

Saint Laurent would like to remind you (in bag form) that the YSL logo is not going anywhere

Saint Laurent would like to remind you (in bag form) that the YSL logo is not going anywhere

To me, the Saint Laurent Cassandre Small Tassel Crossbody Bag felt pretty aggressive at first – considering all the branding kerfuffle that the company has gone through since the advent of Hedi Slimane, emblazoning the company’s old (but still used, sometimes, in particular instances, especially for cosmetics) logo in bright gold metal on the front of a rather small bag seems like a direct call-out to critics of the switch. And then I remember that it’s Slimane calling the shots now, so of course this bag as aggressive. Hanging a big tassel from the thing that best symbolizes the history people say you’re throwing away is about as big of a middle finger as a handbag can be.

For once, though, I feel like Hedi Slimane’s sense of humor, if he actually has one, can be felt in this bag. His critics, including me, have been hounding him since his first collection walked, and he seems more resolved than ever to do exactly as he pleases. I can respect that clarity of intent, even if I don’t respect most of the clothes and accessories he’s put out so far or the way he’s handled the pressure he’s been under. I also don’t particularly like this bag, for what it’s worth – the proportion of the logo, the bag and the tassel don’t work – but it did make me smirk, and at this point, that feels like it might be worth something. Also, it’s a pretty neat trick to get big department stores to sell your attempt to tell your critics to go shove it.

Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1,590 in three colors.

The post Saint Laurent would like to remind you (in bag form) that the YSL logo is not going anywhere appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Celine Luggage Tote is getting the woven treatment for fall

The Celine Luggage Tote is getting the woven treatment for fall

Until I stumbled upon this picture of a Celine Woven Luggage Tote in Style.com’s Fall 2013 accessories listing, it hadn’t occurred to me that Celine, for all the different iterations of the famous Luggage Tote that its produced over the bag’s short life, has never gotten particularly adventurous. One season brought us a couple of neon shades, produced in small numbers that sold out immediately, and another brought us a Nano with a shearling panel. Beyond that, though, we’ve seen a fairly standard lineup of solid and colorblocked colors and textures. That’s probably owing largely to Celine’s penchant for what’s often termed the “new minimalism,” but this photo indicates that things might be about to expand in the world of the Luggage Tote.

This photo appears to show the back of the bag, based on my own experience with the Celine Luggage Tote – it’s not just that there’s no front pocket or logo, but that the tab at the top of the bag appears on the back panel of regular Luggage Totes. Style.com doesn’t appear to have a picture of the front panel. (Unless, of course, Celine is pulling some kind of funny business and this IS the front. I wouldn’t put it past Phoebe Philo, she of the fur shoes.)

If this bag means a newfound willingness to tinker with the winning Luggage Tote forumla, then I’m interested to see what will come next. Celine’s aesthetic can be a bit limiting on the bag front, though – things like studs, embroidery or crystals wouldn’t fit at all. Even this simple tricolor woven leather feels a bit rococo in the context of the bag. What do you think? Are you excited to see what’s to come from a bag you’ve already seen in practically every color?

[Image via Style.com]

The post The Celine Luggage Tote is getting the woven treatment for fall appeared first on PurseBlog.

Proenza Schouler introduces a tiny PS11 for Pre-Fall 2013

Proenza Schouler introduces a tiny PS11 for Pre-Fall 2013

Proenza Schouler is a brand that’s followed a very lucrative handbag pattern, road-tested by innumerable other handbag brands in the past: fine a few basic bags that people love and then capitalize on their success for seasons to come by remaking them in different sizes, proportions and structures. Proenza’s primary example of this strategy is the PS1, of course – it comes in every version imaginable, from a billfold to a weekender. The PS11, Proenza’s follow up to the company’s ever-popular handbag debut, hasn’t appeared in quite as many versions, but that seems to be changing. The one you see above is literally called the Proenza Schouler Tiny PS11 Crossbody.

First, let’s look at how this bag sizes up, compared to its predecessors. The Tiny PS11 is 7.5 inches across, compared to 8.75 for the Clutch, 9.5 for the Mini and 10.75 for the Classic. The clutch, although bigger, costs $200 less, but does not come with any shoulder strap to speak of. The next most comparable version, the Mini, costs $250 more for two additional inches of space. This version of the bag, though, has a different proportion than the rest – more squarish than rectangular, with a simplified front closure. These itty-bitty PS11s also feature a new hardware that Proenza’s debuting for Pre-Fall 2013, which has the bag’s signature inverted studs enameled over with either a tonal color or black. Do you dig this new bag?


Proenza Schouler Tiny PS11 Bag
$1,425 via Bergdorf Goodman

Proenza Schouler Tiny PS11 Bag Turquoise

Proenza Schouler Tiny PS11 Bag
$1,425 via Bergdorf Goodman

Proenza Schouler PS11 Tiny Crossbody Pink

The post Proenza Schouler introduces a tiny PS11 for Pre-Fall 2013 appeared first on PurseBlog.

Fendi’s latest Baguette might be my favorite version ever

Fendi’s latest Baguette might be my favorite version ever

We’re all about radical truth-telling in these parts (ok, maybe it could be more accurately termed as radical opinion-sharing), and honestly, I don’t really like the Fendi Baguette, as a bag concept. I like that the size proportion of the bag’s body makes it ripe for embellishment, and I like all the creative things that Fendi’s done with it over its decade-plus lifespan, but I really wish that the Baguette would get re-imagine as a crossbody. The short shoulder strap just feels so dated. Everything else about the Fendi Jelly Flower Baguette, though, is love at first sight.

I’ve waxed poetic about my love for the technical innovation in Fendi’s current handbags previously, and this bag’s combination of delicate flowers rendered in a thoroughly modern way is yet another example of just how hard the brand is hitting it out of the park. Few designers are willing to go so three-dimensional with their bag embellishments for functional reasons, and even though the boldness of these blooms may make this bag a little more fragile, I think that the visual effect is more than worth it. The black and white color scheme, plus the translucence of the white petals, is just perfect. The decision to use a clear acetate logo closure instead of the bag’s traditional hardware completes the look.

If nothing else, this bag is proof positive that modernity and traditional femininity can coexist in fashion, and maybe even that they can add up to more than the sum of their parts. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $2,450.

The post Fendi’s latest Baguette might be my favorite version ever appeared first on PurseBlog.

Man Bag Monday: Jack Spade Folding Leather Valet Tray

Man Bag Monday: Jack Spade Folding Leather Valet Tray

I’m not really here to talk about the Jack Spade Folding Leather Valet Tray, truth be told. It’s a fine example of the genre, of course, and many similar pieces from brands like Hermes retail for far more. What I’m actually here to discuss, on this fine Man Bag Monday, is whether or not real people of either gender actually use these doo-dads for their intended purposes. So: do you? Are you a better at being an adult than I am? (SPOILER ALERT: You probably are.)

Perhaps I simply have a poorly formed sense of organization, but I throw my jewelry, sunglasses and spare change down on whatever surface is handy when I get home. I do always put my keys in the same place, but that’s because there’s a hook on the back of my door designed especially for that. If I were to have one of these valet trays on my dresser, my extra things would surely end up in a heap on my desk, or vice versa. Or, perhaps even more likely, they’d end up in a heap next to my smart little valet tray, while the tray itself contained a few business cards and some dusty change from way back when I first got the thing and remembered to put things inside it.

Those of you who would (or do) use products like this probably just think my commitment to aesthetics, my commitment to tidiness or both are lacking. My mother would probably agree with you. If you’d like to test your own organizational wherewithal, you can pick up one of these for $125 via Nordstrom.

The post Man Bag Monday: Jack Spade Folding Leather Valet Tray appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Mulberry Willow Tote is finally available for purchase

The Mulberry Willow Tote is finally available for purchase

Well, it took long enough.

I’ve been excited about the advent of the Mulberry Willow Tote ever since it debuted on the brand’s Spring 2013 runway back in September 2012, and finally, the object of my affection has become available for mass consumption. Thankfully, it’s just as beautiful as I had remembered it being, if slightly more pricey than I had hoped.

In case you’re not familiar with the Willow, its most salient feature is that the front flap pocket fully zips off to become an independent clutch, and a rather attractive one at that. Zip-off pockets are usually gimmicky and a bit awkward, but in this case, the integration of the clutch onto the front of the tote is done in such a way that the tote doesn’t feel like there’s an extra portion hanging off the front and the clutch doesn’t look like it was obviously taken from another bag. Combing two separate pieces into one aesthetically pleasing design is no small task, and Mulberry’s done a remarkably good job of making it happen.

Of course, it certainly doesn’t hurt that both the clutch and tote fit in quite well with look that’s happening in the handbag world right now – streamlined shape, flared gussets and all that. If you remind yourself that you’re getting two bags, the $2,600 price tag doesn’t seem all that bad. Still, I was hoping for something more like $1,895. Buy through Net-a-Porter in both black and tan for $2,600.

Mulberry Willow Tote Tan

The post The Mulberry Willow Tote is finally available for purchase appeared first on PurseBlog.

Ultimate Fashion Hunt Reveal #2: The Mulberry Flower Mini Shoulder Bag

Ultimate Fashion Hunt Reveal #2: The Mulberry Flower Mini Shoulder Bag

Even though we’re back in the 50s today, it neared 70 degrees in New York City yesterday, so I can confidently say that it’s time to start bringing out all of our spring finery, even if it’s in defiance of the actual weather outside. That means that pastels like the Mulberry Flower Mini Bag are fair game, and if you’re lucky (and if you followed the clues from our Net-a-Porter x PurseBlog Ultimate Fashion Hunt riddle yesterday), this adorable little bag might be headed your way. The winner will be notified via email soon, but first, let’s discuss why we wanted to reward one of you with this bag in the first place.

As we’ve discussed seemingly ad nauseum, spring has taken its sweet time coming around this year. That makes even someone like me, who’s prone to dark colors year-round, yearn for the sugary embrace of spring’s sweetest pastels. If you’re predisposed to a pale palette, I can’t even imagine how eager you’ve been to strap on some baby pink or mint green. This little bag, if made larger, could be too cloying or saccharine, but in this incredibly petite shape, the girlish color, scalloped edges and flower hardware feel like they could be successfully pulled off by a very chic adult with a bit of a whimsical sense of style.

More than anything, though, this design feels like a ray of sunshine in bag form, and for a season this late-arriving, maybe that’s what we all need. If you guessed correctly, make sure you check your email to see if you’ve won! If not, soldier on – we have one more bag to give away, and the hint goes live at 10 a.m. tomorrow!

If you’d like to pick up one of these bags for your very own, you can do so for $670 via Net-a-Porter.

The post Ultimate Fashion Hunt Reveal #2: The Mulberry Flower Mini Shoulder Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

leather, stripes & leopard

Denim Jacket: Marc by Marc (similar here). Skirt: Miss Wu c/o Nordstrom. Purse: Valentino. Top: Ann Taylor (last seen here). Lips: MAC 'Ruby Woo'. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman c/o. Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Super Duper'. Chanel Bracelet: Vintage via My-Wardrobe. Jewelry: Michele Watch, Jcrew, David Yurman, Pomellato.

leather, stripes & leopard

Denim Jacket: Marc by Marc (similar here). Skirt: Miss Wu c/o Nordstrom. Purse: Valentino. Top: Ann Taylor (last seen here). Lips: MAC 'Ruby Woo'. Shoes: Stuart Weitzman c/o. Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Super Duper'. Chanel Bracelet: Vintage via My-Wardrobe. Jewelry: Michele Watch, Jcrew, David Yurman, Pomellato.

The Anya Hindmarch Bathurst Bag is both ladylike and funcitonal

The Anya Hindmarch Bathurst Bag is both ladylike and funcitonal

Sometimes, a bag just doesn’t make sense until you see it on someone. I’ve seen the Anya Hindmarch Bathurst Bag on plenty of retail websites, and I’ve always found it a bit confusing; Why the big strap? Why make the big strap a different color? It’s a nice bag, of course, but it didn’t quite click for me until I saw someone carrying the black version with its blue strap (it also comes with a tonal black strap) in front of me on Madison Avenue over the weekend. Then everything made sense.

The bag itself is quite petite, although not small enough to be non-functional; it’s about as big as the average crossbody, just made over in stately, structured, ladylike fashion. In that context, the contrasting strap makes sense, both in color and proportion, because it’s not the type of bag that anyone would expect to be carried that way – why not call that incongruity out to fashionable effect? The woman in front of me on the street was wearing the bag slung across her body, with the black bag and blue strap contrasting against her mustard yellow jacket. It was the picture of weekend elegance, which, as it turns out, is still an actual thing on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Who knew?

To make your own weekend elegance happen, pick up this bag for $1,995 via MyTheresa.

The post The Anya Hindmarch Bathurst Bag is both ladylike and funcitonal appeared first on PurseBlog.

Bag for Your Buck: The Z Spoke by Zac Posen Eartha Bag

Bag for Your Buck: The Z Spoke by Zac Posen Eartha Bag

We reported last week on the second, or maybe even third, wave of flared-gusset bags to hit the market in the wake of industry-wide Celine obsessiveness, and although most of those bags do have their charms, few combine the striking geometry of the originals with the kind of price tag that makes buying something other than Celine so appealing. The MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Tote is one of those few winners, and so is this similarly proportioned Z Spoke Zac Posen Eartha East-West Tote. At $525, this bag looks a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Most contemporary designers have had a bit of a rough time transitioning from the slouchy silhouettes of a few years ago to the new modernism that has largely taken over the accessories world. Structured, minimal bags are harder to manufacture at an attractive price point than their slouchy counterparts, mostly because flaws in construction and moderately price materials make themselves all the more obvious when stretched to rigidity and unobstructed by pockets, zippers, embellishments and assorted other doodads. The chief victory of the previously mentioned Kors tote is that it avoids those pitfalls, as does this Posen tote.

In fact, it’s fair to say that this bag is the preppy Kors’ more fashion-forward cousin. Their shapes are very similar, but the smooth black leather and mirrored silver accents of this rendition make the end product a little bit more aggressively au courant. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $525.

The post Bag for Your Buck: The Z Spoke by Zac Posen Eartha Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

Man Bag Monday: Gucci Leather and Raffia Holdall

Man Bag Monday: Gucci Leather and Raffia Holdall

I feel like I’ve delivered the “spring is coming” message a lot over the past six weeks, and although I’m sure I sound like a broken record, this winter weather has gone on so long that I feel as though I’m repeating as much to convince myself that it’s true as to talk about spring fashion. As I write this, it’s 45 degrees in early April and I’m about to set out toward warmer climates for a bit of a vacation, but to make it this far, I’ve had to completely give myself over to the delusion (it certainly feels like a delusion) that one day, the Gucci Leather and Raffia Holdall will indeed be a weather-appropriate choice for a weekend beach trip someplace local.

Wouldn’t that be the best? Leave work early on a summer Friday to head out on a road trip with a well-appointed gent who’s hauling your bathing suits and flip-flops in a raffia keepall that looks so much more luxurious than raffia generally is. If you or your dude are the kind of people who change your weekender and travel bags with the season (lucky you), then a dark but still summer-textured option like this one is perfect; it won’t show wear like a more common light raffia, but it’s still got the feel of a tropical vacation, particularly with the tanned leather accents. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,950.

The post Man Bag Monday: Gucci Leather and Raffia Holdall appeared first on PurseBlog.

Mary Katrantzou brings her signature prints to handbags

Mary Katrantzou brings her signature prints to handbags

I’m always so thrilled when a young designer whose clothes I love finally dips his or her toe into the accessories waters. Because of the profitability of bags, shoes and small leather goods, adding those lines to a brand often helps smaller designers grow their businesses and expand their capabilities, which is great for fashion lovers on two fronts. Not only does the influx of cash nurture young talent, but it gives us great new bags like these Mary Katrantzou Printed Leather Pouches.

If you’re not yet familiar with Katrantzou, she’s a London-based Greek designer known for her inventive textiles and highly conceptual collections. Her cocktail dresses will run you well into the four figures, but if you want to add just a bit of print to an ensemble, these leather clutches are a beautiful option. With their oversized, simple shape and bright patterns, they’re the stuff street style dreams are made of.

Mary Katrantzou Sorbonne Printed Leather Pouch
$925 via Net-a-Porter

Mary Katrantzou Sorbonne Printed Leather Pouch

Mary Katrantzou Kathmandu Printed Leather Pouch
$925 via Net-a-Porter

Mary Katrantzou Kathmandu Printed Leather Pouch

Mary Katrantzou Pound Printed Leather Pouch
$925 via Net-a-Porter

Mary Katrantzou Pound Printed Leather Pouch

The post Mary Katrantzou brings her signature prints to handbags appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Delvaux Madame Bag is all about subtle luxury

The Delvaux Madame Bag is all about subtle luxury

As much fun as It Bags and logos can be from time to time, sometimes you just want to fly under the radar. Maybe it’s a situation in which something conspicuous isn’t appropriate (think a professional event or job interview), or maybe you’re just not feeling particularly flashy. Good taste is, well, always in good taste. Luxury handbags are rarely inconspicuous, though – even tween starlets are carrying Celine these days. That’s where the Delvaux Madame Bag comes in.

Despite being nearly 200 years old, Brussels-based Delvaux is a brand that’s chosen to restrict itself to only a small, exclusive clientele. That means that bags like the Madame are every bit as luxurious and well-made as pieces from more famous designers, but they’re not quite so immediately recognizable. Although Delvaux can sometimes edge into “old lady” territory with some of its more traditional pieces, bags like the Madame (which converts from a classic shoulder bag to a more functional crossbody with just a few snaps) have helped modernize the brand for a more modern audience. In these muted tones, the bag is perfect for spring.

Delvaux Madame PM Shoulder Bag, Dove Grey
$3,500 via Barneys

Delvaux Madame PM Shoulder Bag Dove

Delvaux Madame PM Shoulder Bag, Blush
$3,500 via Barneys

Delvaux Madame PM Shoulder Bag Blush

The post The Delvaux Madame Bag is all about subtle luxury appeared first on PurseBlog.

Clare Vivier’s bags are chic, simple and won’t empty your wallet

Clare Vivier’s bags are chic, simple and won’t empty your wallet

Finding a leather bag that’s affordable, American-made and not totally hideous can feel like a bit of a chore at times. Want quality craftsmanship? It’s gonna cost ya. Natural materials? It’s gonna cost ya even more. Once you’ve cleared those two hurdles, you have to find a bag you actually like from the small pool of contenders. If you’ve found yourself in that unenviable position before, we’d like to introduce you to Clare Vivier Handbags.

The LA-based designer (all of the bags are made in LA, too) has won a cult following by assembling a line of leather totes, satchels and clutches with simple, functional shapes that don’t feel fussy or make you look like you’re desperately chasing a trend. The line is particularly good for people who enjoy a good neutral, but if you’re more of a brights girl, the spring collection offers plenty of less subtle options. I’m a particular fan of Vivier’s (no relation to Roger) flat, striped clutches, which are so reasonably priced that it’s hard to restrain myself from collecting them all. Check out some of the best pieces from the Internet’s current Clare Vivier offerings below or shop the line via ShopBop or Neiman Marcus.

The post Clare Vivier’s bags are chic, simple and won’t empty your wallet appeared first on PurseBlog.

Perfect Pairs: A Miu Miu Bag and Marni Earrings

Perfect Pairs: A Miu Miu Bag and Marni Earrings

I once heard on some HGTV design show that in order to successfully incorporate an accent color into a room, the color should appear in three places. I’ve never personally tested that theory, but it seems true. When working with the decreased surface area of an outfit, on the other hand, that number can be decreased to two; a single note of color can feel random or ill-conceived, but if you can pick up that color in a second, more subtle place in your ensemble, you’re on the way to success. That’s where Miu Miu, Marni and our latest edition of Perfect Pairs comes in.

It would be a bit much if both the bag and the earrings were the same solid color, but the tie-dye effect on the Marni pair’s resin panels tempers the potentially match-y look. There are several shades of blue to be seen here (in addition to the shades of gold), and one of them happens to coordinate well with the Miu Miu’s dominant leather color. On the bag’s gussets, you get a more traditional navy color, and when taken as a whole, these two pieces set you up with a nice color palette within which to complete your look.

Miu Miu Two-Tone Textured Leather Tote
$1,495 via Net-a-Porter

Miu Miu Two-Tone Textured Leather Tote

Marni Resin and Tie-Dye Horn Clip Earrings
$410 via Net-a-Porter

Marni Resin Horn-Clip Earrings

The post Perfect Pairs: A Miu Miu Bag and Marni Earrings appeared first on PurseBlog.

For the popular 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Tote, the new medium size is just right

For the popular 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Tote, the new medium size is just right

With most popular bags available in a zillion different version ranging in size from “micro” to “weekender,” the shopping process can sometimes make you feel like you’re starring in your own private version of Goldilocks and the Three Bags. I had this problem when shopping for a Celine Luggage Tote a few years ago, and based on the rapturous reaction I saw to the advent of the mid-sized 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Tote on Twitter a few days ago from a few friends, it would seem as though this design has been giving people sizing fits as well.

If you’ve never handled it in person, the original size of the Pashli is a genuinely large bag, as you can see on the ShopBop model above, at right. The next version of the Pashli to debut was the Mini, at left, which is Mini in every way and a great option for summer essentials. In the middle we have the new “medium” Pashli, which is juuuuust right. Although ShopBop’s site lists it as only an inch shorter and an inch more narrow than its big sister, the side-by-side comparison on the models leads me to believe that those measurements might be inaccurate; the medium looks significantly smaller than the OG Pashli, but not small enough that it can’t be used as a very functional day bag. The 20-inch drop on the bag’s strap also means that it can be carried as a true crossbody, which is news that will likely be of use to cool girls everywhere.

In the embossed leather above, the medium Pashli run you $855 via ShopBop, as opposed to $975 for the larger version and $695 for the Mini in the same leather. In regular leather, the medium retails for $825, with the large ringing up at $895.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel

The post For the popular 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Tote, the new medium size is just right appeared first on PurseBlog.

leather on leather

carolina engman, leather, sleeveless, acne, celine audrey sunglasses, kenzo bag

Pictures by Mattias Swenson

LEATHER. As you know I’m a huge fan of layering and what could be better than a little leather on leather action? Love how these two pieces combined turn into a bi-color leather jacket!

carolina engman, leather, sleeveless, acne, celine audrey sunglasses, kenzo bag

carolina engman, fashionsquad, acne, leather jacket, celine audrey sunglasses

carolina engman, leather, sleeveless, acne, celine audrey sunglasses, kenzo bag

carolina engman, leather, sleeveless, acne, celine audrey sunglasses, kenzo bag

carolina engman, leather, sleeveless, acne, celine audrey sunglasses, kenzo bag

LEATHER VEST Acne. LEATHER JACKET JNBY. BAG Kenzo. TOP COS. JEANS J Brand. SHOES Stuart Weitzman. SUNGLASSES Céline.

Let’s hear it for the Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag

Let’s hear it for the Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag

Very few things in fashion are genuinely underrated. We’re an industry that’s constantly chattering, and distinctive handbags get an inordinate amount of the praise because of their ability to telegraph luxury and expensiveness; there’s a reason that we talk about It Bags and not, say, It Scarves. Upon seeing my friend Danny’s new all-black Ralph Laurent Ricky Bag, though, it occurred to me that perhaps the Ricky is exactly that rare bird – the underrated, slept-on, yet totally gorgeous designer bag.

The Ricky isn’t exactly a secret, of course, but because Ralph Lauren is known for so many other great products before bags (and because RL opts not to retail it in most, if any, luxury department stores), it flies a bit under the radar. It shouldn’t, though; the bag comes in a plethora of beautiful colors, materials, shapes and structures, including the “soft” version above, which is slightly slouchier, includes a shoulder strap and has a north-south proportion similar to the Hermes Haut A Courroies.

Speaking of Hermes, I know that a lot of people will be tempted to compare this bag to the Birkin. That’s absolutely a fair comparison, particularly when you consider the double handles and top flap structure. Where this bag succeeds that other bags similar to the Birkin often fail (ahem, Saint Laurent), though, is that the design has gone a long way toward adding style to that iconic design. In fact, I’d go so far as to say I like this one better – it has the same ladies-who-lunch caché, but it’s bolder. Not to mention that, although expensive, it’s not nearly as extravagantly priced as it could be. Pick up this version in a rainbow of colors for $3,500 via Ralph Lauren.

The post Let’s hear it for the Ralph Lauren Ricky Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

Latest Obsession: Proenza Schouler spring bags in Peacock Blue

Latest Obsession: Proenza Schouler spring bags in Peacock Blue

In fashion, sometimes the right color makes all the difference. I’ve held off on buying many a handbag because the color wasn’t just right; sure, the bag came in purple, but it was a blue-based purple, and I like it red-based. Or the bag was beautifully designed, but it only came in black or tan, and I just don’t see the fun in that. Or maybe I wanted the grey just a hair darker, or a hair lighter – it could be anything. Rarely does a brand get color as spot-on correct as Proenza Schouler does with Peacock Blue, which is new for Spring 2013.

With this shade (and its little sister, Light Peacock), Proenza’s reignited my lust for, among others, the Proenza Schouler PS11. The shade works particularly well with the structured, thick leather used for the bag and the PS11 Tote, although my coworker Hilary has her sights set on the smoother, slouchier PS1 in the same color. Neither of us would turn down a suede PS1 pouch in Light Peacock, and the color even makes me reconsider (momentarily) my lack of enthusiasm for the PS13. Check out all the bags below or shop directly via Proenza Schouler.

The post Latest Obsession: Proenza Schouler spring bags in Peacock Blue appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Chloe Paddington is back, apparently immortal

The Chloe Paddington is back, apparently immortal

I bet I’m not the only one among us who had her introduction to high-end designer bags with the Chloe Paddington. Back in late 2005, I was a college student who had just found the PurseForum, and something about the Paddington (Was it the lock? The handle attachments? Who knows.) sucked me straight in, just as it had sucked in so many others before me. By then, waiting lists were already a mile long and getting longer; the fashion industry was in a full-on Paddington panic, and the fervor we saw last year over the Celine Luggage Tote doesn’t even compare. Now, eight years after its launch, the Paddington is back on store shelves as part of Chloe’s 60th anniversary celebration. But do you care?

Walking down Madison Avenue a couple of weeks ago, a friend and I saw a woman carrying a Paddington and got to talking about how the bag had aged in the almost-decade since its debut. Our conclusion was, resoundingly, not well. Everything about it – the enormous lock, the abundance of detailed trim, the proportion of the bag, the long handles, the lack of shoulder strap – feels very much of that time. Perhaps it’s because the Paddington was so omnipresent in the mind of handbag aficionados of the mid-aughts, but carrying a Paddington now feels retro in a bad way. Of course, eight years out, very little in the way of fashion feels pleasantly nostalgic.

Personally, I don’t think it’s just the bag’s former ubiquity that serves it poorly. The Balenciaga Motorcycle Bags, for example, have been hugely popular for over a decade, and they still look right at home on the arm of a fashionable woman. They’re simpler, and when compared to the Paddington, they’re downright minimal, which is much more in tune with what’s going on in the handbag world right now. Even the Marc Jacobs Stam, with its frame structure and signature chain, feels more current (and if any It Bag of yore could be primed for a comeback, it’s probably the Stam – Fall 2013 runways were covered with chain accents).

This new version of the Paddington looks largely unchained, but unfortunately, the price does appear to have been updated. Paddingtons retailed for around $1,300 at their debut, but this one will set you back $2,195 via Barneys.

The post The Chloe Paddington is back, apparently immortal appeared first on PurseBlog.

The Louis Vuitton Monceau BB: An updated version of a lovely LV classic

The Louis Vuitton Monceau BB: An updated version of a lovely LV classic

The best things about Louis Vuitton, in my view, are the sheer volume of handbag designs the company produces every season and the enormous leather goods history on which Vuitton has to draw. For the Louis Vuitton Monceau BB, new for Spring 2013, both of those uniquely Vuitton elements come in to play; the result is a beautiful, modern take on an old favorite. The bag bears no resemblance to the heavily Damier-covered runway bags for the collection, which will likely be a welcome development for many Vuitton customers.

The Monceau BB is a miniaturized version of a design that first came out in 1986. The new bag is eight inches wide, which makes it just big enough to hold warm-weather essentials, and although the original was made from monogram canvas, this version comes in both durable Epi leather and gleaming, monogram-less vernis. The limited branding on both versions jibes well with reports that Louis Vuitton is looking to emphasize leathers instead of monogram and damier canvases in order to keep up with the increasing sophistications of customers, particularly in emerging Asian markets.

The bag itself will likely look familiar, even to those who aren’t familiar with the original bag from the 80s. Lots of designs (most recently the Loeffler Randall Rider), have used the shape as inspiration for new designs during the school-satchel trend, first spurred by the Proenza Schouler PS1 several years ago. In light of all that, it only makes sense that Louis Vuitton would choose now to bring the bag back; in this miniaturized form, it’s particularly perfect for the warm weather ahead.

The Epi leather version is $1,550, while the vernis bag is $1,720, both via Louis Vuitton. For all the colors in which the bag’s available, check out the gallery below.

The post The Louis Vuitton Monceau BB: An updated version of a lovely LV classic appeared first on PurseBlog.

Fill in the Blank: “This Givenchy Antigona Bag looks like…”

Fill in the Blank: “This Givenchy Antigona Bag looks like…”

In general, I’m a big fan of the Givenchy Antigona Bag. Not only is it a celeb favorite, but it looks super slick in basic black, which is always a hallmark of a strong design. It’s also come in some great non-solid versions over the seasons, including a scarlet-accented black calf hair version that I tried to track down for months after it had obviously already sold out. I was hoping that an equally lust-worthy version of the bag would surface for Spring 2013, but now I’m not so sure.

The Givenchy Antigona Architect Bag isn’t it. To me, it looks vaguely like it was made out of the upholstery of a particularly twee diner booth. I love all of Givenchy’s darkness and oddness, and I’ve been on board with the Rottweiler bags and all kinds of experimental stuff. What I don’t want from Givenchy, though, is light pink, particularly not in this version. If Riccardo Tisci can think of a way to do a goth take on light pink, though, I’d be cool with that. (And if anyone can do it, it’s him.)

This bag, though, just doesn’t do it for me. Is it doing anything for you, and does it remind you of anything in particular? Play our Fill in the Blank game in the comments, or pick up one for yourself via Luisa Via Roma for $2,500.

The post Fill in the Blank: “This Givenchy Antigona Bag looks like…” appeared first on PurseBlog.

Saint Laurent does its own version of the Hermes Birkin

Saint Laurent does its own version of the Hermes Birkin

Late last week, I received a text from a friend, asking if I had seen “the new Saint Laurent Birkin.” This friend and I share (negative) feelings about new Saint Laurent creative director Hedi Slimane (and Cathy Horyn agrees with us, so I feel pretty good about it), so I knew whatever was waiting at the end of the link he included in the text would be worth at least a smug snicker, even if it weren’t as blatant a rip-off as he’d suggested. As it turns out, though, the Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Tote is actually that blatant a rip-off.

It hasn’t been a particularly good week for Slimane. His latest collection, a grunge-y Hot Topic fever dream inspired by the baser sartorial instincts of noted crazy person Courtney Love, was roundly panned by virtually every fashion critic whose publication would allow him or her to say starkly negative things about it. It was bad; far worse than his previous collection, which received little critical excitement but still looked like something that might conceivably be manufactured by Saint Laurent. (Don’t include the Yves, lest you be struck down by YSL PR.) Even I thought it was bad, and I love grunge. I own multiple pairs of combat boots. Still, nothing to see there.

At this stage in the game, Slimane’s additions to the Saint Laurent handbag line have been a relative bright spot. The designs are generally snooze-worthy, but just by virtue of being a brand with a buzz-worthy name behind it, they were bound to sell until the buzz wore off. By then, I had hoped that Slimane would improve at the whole handbag thing. This bag, though, shows little promise.

It feels like belaboring the point even to bother explaining all the details ripped straight from the iconic Hermes Birkin; you can also see the belted closure, gusset style, clochette (holding the key for what lock, exactly?) and proportion for yourselves. What’s perhaps more important is what’s been divested from the classic design: any sense of luxury or style. It’s not a particular stretch to say the same of much of Slimane’s Saint Laurent ready-to-wear.

If I haven’t been able to dissuade you, feel free to pick up this bag for $2,950 via Luisa Via Roma.

The post Saint Laurent does its own version of the Hermes Birkin appeared first on PurseBlog.

Man Bag Monday: Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Duffel Bag

Man Bag Monday: Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Duffel Bag

The vast majority of the bags that we feature during our weekly man bag sojourns are, to put it bluntly, a bit drap. Most men like it that way; colors, especially brights, are generally reserved to ladies and the more flamboyant gays. I’m not sure who decided that wearing color was un-masculine, but I’d like to disagree. Men look great in color at the same rate women do, and judging by the Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Duffel Bag, some Italian gents agree with me.

It’s a startling thing to encounter a cerulean duffel bag on a page full of brown, black and grey men’s options, but Ferragamo has gone all-in on this color for spring. You can get a messenger bag and several types of shoulder bags (which look more like actual purses than many of the dudes I know might be comfortable with) in the same shade, but I, as always, am partial to the duffel. Not only does this shape lend itself to the widest variety of uses (everything from work bag to carry-on), but it’s the one that I’d most like to steal for myself. Humans are, after all, fundamentally self-interested creatures.

The combination of shape and color gives this duffel an almost Mad Men-era feel to it, like a Pan-Am pilot might use it to stow his extra uniform on a long-haul flight. That period of time has become almost synonymous with a dapper menswear look, but the textured leather of this bag means that it’ll stay looking fresh until we all have flying cars. (Just kidding. We’re never getting flying cars. The Jetsons was a lie. Buy through Nordstrom for $2,150.

The post Man Bag Monday: Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Duffel Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Bag is the best thing going under $400

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Bag is the best thing going under $400

Anyone who’s ever been on a budget (which is pretty much all of us) knows how hard it is to find a fashionable bag at a relevant price. Lately, though, that pursuit has been a bit easier. Not long ago, we rounded up a group of sub-$300 bags that are worth your attention, and the Coach bags we featured earlier this week are all pretty wallet-friendly. If you’re still looking, though, look no further than the MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Bag. It’s simple, versatile and totally chic.

If you don’t like the green we’ve chosen above (keep in mind that it’s the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year), fret not. This sleek bag comes in every color from basic black to sunshine-bright yellow, and they all ring up at exactly $358. That’d be a fair price for almost any bag, but for this one in particular, it’s a steal. The bag’s subtly textured saffiano leather can take a beating and still look great, and the shape is classic enough that you could carry this design anywhere from the office to the park. There’s no extraneous nonsense going on with this bag – its lines are clean, and except for a small logo, there’s nothing to distract from the gorgeous color. The added bonus of that, of course, is that there’s nothing about this bag that’ll make it look dated in a season or two. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $358.

The post The MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Bag is the best thing going under $400 appeared first on PurseBlog.

Start spring off with a bang (for your buck) at Coach

Start spring off with a bang (for your buck) at Coach

Yesterday, it was full-on sunny in New York City. It was also fairly frigid, but the sun made all the difference; for the first time in weeks, maybe months, it feels like spring might really come and all those bright skirts and dresses I’ve been hoarding since last summer might actually see the light of day again. Naturally, that means it’s time start season-pushing with my handbags as well, and right now, no brand’s bags make me want to carry something bright and cheerful as much as Coach’s do right now. They’re positively irrepressible.

Beyond that, the bags are also totally affordable. I easily found nine bright bags from Coach that I’d love to have, and none costs more than $500 – in fact, most of them are far less. There’s no better way to start a season than a lovely new bag that doesn’t decimate your spring wardrobe budget, and even if you’ve never been a Coach fan before, you might want to take a look and consider what these colors can do for your mood.

The post Start spring off with a bang (for your buck) at Coach appeared first on PurseBlog.

Mother & Daughter

It was fun to come across Amanda and Tallulah Harlech the other day. The daughter is wearing a sequin dress and the mother is in grunge.

We often ask ourselves (you often ask me) if there is an age to stop wearing certain clothes? I think there isn’t. I think the only thing is to ask if it still makes a nice silhouette, but apart from that, I think that not caring about the rules is more charming.

I mean, as long as you have a sense of taste, but this doesn’t change with age…

Oh wait. Maybe I have an exception. A backpack after 25. But maybe not actually…

Are there things you don’t see yourself wearing later? What are some of your age limits?

Daphne & the White Shirts

The first day of New York fashion week, my friend Daphné (You’ve seen her here and in this Pardon My French and who has the coooolest style) told me that she started her own mini fashion challenge during fashion week.
I immediately thought : “What a delightful idea !”

We should all do that, right? Fashion challenges. C’mon, it’ll be fun.

She decided that she was going to try wear a white shirt every day.

(No, the yellow taxis in the background weren’t on purpose. We really were looking for a taxi after the Phillip Lim show.)(I know, we’re so stylish that the taxis coordinate with our outfits.)(It should be noted that we ended up spending like eight hours trying to find at taxi.)

So I haven’t been following her around like a crazy person (almost though), but the days that I have seen her, she has stayed true to her challenge.

Mucho respecto.

Oh, I am thinking about what could be my own fashion challenge, what to you think of old rock / sports tees ? Is it too easy ?

The Moto Vest

I spotted this motorcycle vest at the Veronica Beard showroom and it’s made its way to the top of my fall shopping list…

It looks cool with just about everything, from dresses and sweaters to blazers and coats (you know how we love layering coats!). And I love that the grey wool collar is detachable. I’m into this tough-chic look for fall, what about you?

xo Alex

Introducing the Balenciaga Mini City Bag

Introducing the Balenciaga Mini City Bag

Balenciaga introduces a new shape in its celeb-favorite Motorcycle Bags every couple of seasons, but I can’t remember the last time a new Bal excited me as much as the Balenciaga Mini City Bag. Spring’s just around the corner (that sounds like a lie, but it isn’t we promise), which means we’re all looking for a bright little bag to carry our warm-weather essentials, and this new crossbody model might be just the ticket.

This bag was first released as an Asian exclusive over the summer, but now we all get to delight in the miniaturized version of the Balenciaga classic. Naturally, our first question was how the new bag differs from its big sister in size. We found the helpful comparison image below on our Forum, and the new bag is listed as 9.5 inches wide by 6.25 inches tall, while the original measures 15 inches wide and 10 inches tall. That means that the proportions of the two bags are approximately the same, making the new version a true “mini.”

Balenciaga Mini City Bag Size Comparison

The new Mini City is the smallest of Balenciaga’s current major bag offerings, clocking in at a slightly smaller size (and slightly different proportion) than the Balenciaga First (which, in turn, is slightly smaller than the Balenciaga Town, and so forth.) Perhaps the most exciting development is the inclusion of a crossbody strap, which most older Balenciaga styles don’t have and which allows for a more modern, casual style of wear. The new bag can be had for $1,295 via Barneys in the sunshine yellow color below, or for the same price via MyTheresa in the coral pictured above.

Balenciaga Mini City Bag (1)

The post Introducing the Balenciaga Mini City Bag appeared first on PurseBlog.

PurseBlog Asks: Would you wear a clear bag?

PurseBlog Asks: Would you wear a clear bag?

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Clearly Crossbody has had me intrigued ever since it appeared on the MbMJ Spring 2013 runway. This is far from the first high-end clear bag to hit stores, but many of the others were novelty items meant for a relatively small number of consumers. On the other hand, Nordstrom is carrying this bag in two colors, both online and in stores, and it’s at a price point that lends itself to a far larger consumer base than, say, a clear Chanel Classic Flap. (It’s less than $250, folks.)

The bag looked adorable on the runway, of course, because it was filled with coordinating MbMJ wallets, keychains and other small accessories, all of which were unmarred by use. I’m looking at my own keychain right now, and although my Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler and Coach keychains were all once pretty nice looking, they’re all a tad worse for wear at this point. I’m also not sure I necessarily want people to see my coming-apart-at-the-seams sunglasses case or my wallet, which is covered with color-transfer from bags with dark linings. (Buying a light wallet was probably a functional miscalculation on my part, admittedly.) A bag like this one would be a pretty good reason to pick up some new small accessories to go in it, though. (For the brand, that might be part of the point.)

So what say you, PurseBlog readers? Do you want a window on your handbag world? You can pick up this bag in red or black for $228 via Nordstrom.

The post PurseBlog Asks: Would you wear a clear bag? appeared first on PurseBlog.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mulberry (and us!)

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mulberry (and us!)

Unless you’re recently coupled or engaged, Valentine’s Day probably isn’t your favorite day of all days (and even then, most young women I know approach it with dread), but beyond the opportunity to buy half-priced chocolates at the drug store the day after, perhaps there’s something to all of this V-Day hubbub after all. And by that, of course, we mean there might be a Valentine’s handbag we’d like to explore further, in the form of the Mulberry Valentines Bayswater Clutch.

We discussed what we’d all be carrying (or dream of carrying) for V-Day last week, but at that time, this little Mulberry bag hadn’t come across my radar. I’m not a lover of most things twee, let alone things spangled with actual hearts, but it’s hard to argue that anything could be more appropriate to carry on V-Day, even if that’s the only day of the year that you’d be caught dead with it on your person. We all have those out-of-character days, and why shouldn’t Valentine’s be one?

Have any special plans for tonight? Share ‘em in the comments, and even if you don’t (I don’t), do a little something to treat yo’self.

Pick up this bag at Net-a-Porter for $850.

The post Happy Valentine’s Day from Mulberry (and us!) appeared first on PurseBlog.