Miu Miu Coral Stones Embellished Tote

Does it feel like it's Miuccia day? I can't recall ever bashing on Miu Miu; for some reason Prada's younger and much hipper sibling has never disappointed me. Take this tote in urban chic distressed leather for example, looks simple, right? Look closer, coral stone on the strap? How delightfully unexpected! Now this is something I can take to the park with my son and be glamorous but appropriate (okay, truth is I don't wear sneakers and jeans to the park-- I just wear what I usually wear which means I get stared and snickered at by other moms when I'm sliding down the slide with platform shoes on-- but do I care? Not really. I had lunch with a girlfriend the other day and told her I was thinking about signing my son up for soccer. She burst out laughing and said "You are not going to fare well with those soccer moms, just keep him in golf and tennis"!). Anyhoo, back to the bag-- the shoulder strap function has become important to me. I used to turn my nose up at the whole cross the body strap thing until I started traveling with a child. Trust me, you want both hands free when running around the airport! Let's see, 14"x14" is big but I think manageable for most people-- especially if you need to put your laptop in it or school books. Hum, what else do I need to tell you about this bag.... oh it's $1,550 but think about how functional a simple tote with a twist is and how long you'll be able to use it-- forever.Miu Miu at Net-a-porter.com

Balenciaga Giant City bags

Balenciaga Giant City in Charcoal Grey

Over the weekend Vlad and I made the journey up the state of Florida to Tallahassee, home of Florida State University, where my brother goes to school. It was family weekend, and we went up to visit him and go to a Florida State game. If you know me, Vlad, or my family, you will know that we are rather obsessed with college football. This was my first FSU game and we had a great time, who wouldn’t? Even better is FSU won. I did not own a FSU tee-shirt and had to head to the school store to FSU myself, Vlad, and my mom out. We got shirts and finally fit in with the rest of the school population. What worked out perfectly is that I took my Rebecca Minkoff Wine Nikki and my mom had her Linea Pelle Dylan Croco Shoulder bag in yellow. Perfect bags that showed off garnet and gold and we didn’t even plan it.

When I went to Ohio State I had a hard time finding the perfect red bag to wear to the games. Red bags are not always my cup of tea as far as the color goes, too bright, too dark, not enough oomph. So why not skip over the red and carry a grey bag to an Ohio State game (colors are indeed Scarlett and grey). I figured out the perfect college football game day bag, the Balenciaga Giant City in charcoal grey. This is the precise bag I would buy from Balenciaga, and next week while in NYC, we will most likely raid the Balenciaga NYC store. This Balenciaga bag is designed with soft vintage lambskin and accented with large palladium plated metal hardware. I have been a fan of the oversized hardware from its inception, so here it is, the ideal college football game bag. It is young, hip, funky, stylish, and comes in a plethora of colors that can suit your college team needs. Of course it would work for NFL, MBA, NHL, NBA, etc. And even if your school looses, a la Ohio State vs Penn State this past weekend, at least you will be cheering and feeling lousy over the loss in style. Buy through Balenciaga online for $1595.

The Leather Handbag

There are many advantages offered by having a leather handbag. If you want to spend money on one great handbag that is going to not only look great but also be durable, reliable, and quality, checking out leather handbags is really the way to go.

Leather handbags are at all times fashionable. They are a great investment that will give timeless style to your wardrobe. If you would like to obtain a handbag for yourself, whether you are looking particularly for an Italian leather handbag or not, here are a small number of places that you will feel like checking out.

Branded Designer Handbags.

In order to buy a handbag you should check out the Branded Bags Company. It is a great option because they have only the best leather handbags for sale in UK .They also have a large range of genuine handbags for sale from famous names such as Betty Barclay and so on.

Not only will you find handbags, but backpacks, travel bags, briefcases, luggage, business bags, purses, wallets, sports bags and business items are also part of the selection.

There are loads of options for buying a genuine leather handbag.

Buy Leather Handbags is a great site to purchase a handbag, since every bag is made from the very best leather by an experienced maker. This ensures complete customer satisfaction each and every time, and lasting service for the women who proudly possess them.

Ebay listings of leather handbags.

Ebay has become a very popular online shopping site, but you do need to use caution when shopping there. A great many of the bags purchased on eBay are second-hand and so depending on whether this matters to you or not you will have to to make certain that you know what you are getting into. Also make sure that you read all the fine print before agreeing to buy any handbag, and ensure you are aware of any return or refund policies and warranties on the item.

Besides answering any questions you might have about the purchase you should ask to see some proof that the bag you are buying is a real designer bag.

When purchasing a handbag, one should always put in the time and effort to get the most for his/her money. For instance, only a high quality leather handbag is worth the purchase price.

Go to our website www.handbagnpurse.com for more information on the wonderful leather handbag designs like dkny handbags and Mary Frances handbags.

Gucci Babouska Large Tote

More from the Cruise 2009 Womens Gucci collection that features the fun, wacky tattoo print that has become a firm favourite of mine. You've seen the manbags and the shoes, now let me introduce the Gucci Babouska Large Tote for ladies. Measuring 43 cm by 34 cm, it features double handles, snap closure and zip pockets on the inside.


Then there are these gorgeous Gucci All Over Tattoo Print Towels that come with either Red or Black trims. Made of 100% cotton, these huge towels (180 cm by 120 cm) are only good for 2 things. You use them on the beach while suntanning or hang them up as a art-piece in your powder room. Just gorgeous.

Nine West with a Twist Tote

This glossy faux croc embossed tote with bow detailing on the sides by Nine West is so stunning and chic.Normally I’m not a fan of the glossy look, but it works for this tote.I would love to see a non-glossy version.With a Twist Tote comes in four colors: fuchsia,violet,mustard, and black.It’s also available in three sizes:small (9.5″ wide x 5″ high x 2.5″ deep ), medium (13″ wide x 10.5″ high 4″ deep) and large (15″ wide x 12.5″ high x 5.5″ deep).Nine West with a Twist Tote cost between $34-$95 depending on the tote size at Endless.Tote could also be purchased at Macy’s.

Black Rose Pocketbook

I really enjoyed creating this One-of-a-Kind "Victoria" style pocketbook. I love combining contrasting fabrics and these compliment each other beautifully. I dug around in my baskets of trim and found a perfect flat braid with all the right colors and then added some of my dwindling supply of the ecru tatted lace. I love that lace, I need to start hunting for more of it, or more similar to it anyway.

This is my favorite day bag design. It is the perfect shape and size. Not too big, but boy can you carry everything you need in it. Click HERE or on the title or the highlighted link above for more details .

I love this style for whenever I go out with my family on a day trip or even just shopping because they inevitably want me to hold onto their ipod's or cell phone or a book or magazine and even with all my stuff (makeup bag, big wallet, and several card cases to keep things organized, my iphone and assortment of pens, paper, sticky notes, ResQ ointment, tissues and other stuff I must have with me at all times, there's still room for the other things I seem to accumulate while out and about with my family. This bag is both beautiful and a workhorse!

This one is a One-of-a-kind due to the trims used. I can't replicate it. But I do have more of the fabric so you may see a Porch Pouch or a smaller bag show up soon on the site. Maybe I'll try my hand at some pretty makeup bags to coordinate with this pocketbook?

Anyway, thanks for looking! Maybe this is the perfect bag for you or someone on your holiday gift list? I hope so! Oh, and don't forget, there's always a matching tissue holder and printed tissues and mints included with my bags ... and this one includes another freebie - a matching card case! YAY! Don't you love freebies?

Book Tote handbags

Whether you're in need of a book bag, or just a tote for everyday use, the Kerry Plaid Book Tote by Abercrombie will definitely get you there. Made of 100% cotton, this classic plaid tote features leather detail, and measures 15x17 1/2. With a vintage look, it's available in red, grey, brown, and blue, and sells for $70. A perfect Christmas gift for young or old. Love it...

Carpetbaggier Chic handbags

I love my ethnic bohemian styles as much as the next girl, maybe even more, which is why I am absolutely ga-ga over this Gucci Tapestry Hysteria tote!

I love anything that has personality, and craftsmanship, especially when it makes you feel like you're carrying a little piece of vacation on your arm. This is a perfect example of a bag that doesn't need any design gimmick, intricate logo, or heavy hardware to make it stand out. There is something vintage, and delicate yet sturdy about it.
This is just one variation available, Gucci has other styles and shapes in tapestry for Fall and it was tough for me to pick one. You can choose your favorite, and pre-order it directly from the Gucci site. The Hysteria tote as shown is $1295, and scheduled to be shipped between 9/30 and 10/15.
I know, $1295 may seem very steep for a fabric bag, but this also happens to be an instance where the Gucci style is itself a knock-off, or rather, inspired, by a classic style of bag. You can easily find other carpetbags most often in Victorian or ethnic prints. Carpetbags.com is one site that has some beautiful styles, check out the Henry in mulberry...it's gorgeous!

Spring'09 "MUSE" collection handbags

Hurrah, NYC fashion week! We're just starting to seriously plan our Fall wardrobe and it's already time to consider spring dresses, sandals, and bags for 2009. Yep, the fashion carrot is ever-dangling and looks quite juicy for spring.

Our big news? We're launching shoes and swimwear fit for the muses of Xanadu. My ultimate dream is that Olivia Newton-John would arrive in full Kira/Xanadu regalia and shop in our Greenpoint store and serenade us all...we could rollerskate and hold hands. Olivia is probably the first true muse that I ever latched onto and I'm positive that I've watched the movie Xanadu at least 84 times. Oh, to be that blonde, Australian, and sing-songy. She even has perfect armpits...sigh.

Chain Tote handbags

You all know how great it is to have a staple in your wardrobe. Whether it is that little black dress, your favorite pair of jeans or a sweater that hugs your curves in all the right places, there is something you just can’t live without. As many handbags as any of us have, for the most part, I think there is probably one we reach to more often than others. There is that handbag that works for so many occasions, holds up well, and looks great. The Michael Kors Id Chain Tote is definitely a contender in the staple handbag category. Now, not only can you have a new go-to handbag, but you can also be on the cutting edge! There are limited quantities of this handbag and it can be pre-ordered from the Resort 2009 collection. The slouchy leather tote has a gathered drawstring top, beautiful chain detailing which extends from the base of the handles to the bottom of the bag. And of course, there are several pockets, plenty of room for anything you need to carry around and the leather - GORGEOUS! I love the fact that someone in their 20s could be seen carrying it just as someone in their 60s might. When handbags can cross generations, you know you have a great bag on your hands. Yes, it will set you back a bit, but since this purse will stand the test of time, I think it is a worthwhile investment. Buy through Nordstrom for $1495.

Louis Vuitton Riviera Galliera handbags

Louis Vuitton Riviera Galliera Bag
Attention Louis Vuitton fanatics, there’s a new limited edition piece out in the market (cruise 2009) and wow is she pretty! I remember when I first laid eyes on the gorgeous French Riviera scene projected in the eyes of Louis Vuitton. They (three different color schemes) were colorful, pleasant, and detailed on Vuitton’s beautiful silk scarves. These scarves were released during the Summer of this year, and of course they sold out quick. So we can finally say that the handbag caught up! The Riviera scene in purples, reds, and ivory is printed among Vuitton’s popular Galliera shoulder bag this time around. Cotton canvas instead of coated canvas lines the exterior of this Galliera and a surprising fifteen layers of dyed cotton overlap and form the image projected on the body of the bag. Gold hardware including the stunning Louis Vuitton Inventeur plague can be found decoring this piece, and 19.3” x 13.4” x 8” happens to be the dimensions of this large bag. It’s no surprise that limited edition Vuitton’s don’t come cheap, as this piece carries a price tag reading $1,940. If you’ve got the cash, you can purchase this work of art over at eLUXURY!

Donna Aries Tote handbags

We've refrained from saying anything about Donna Karan's attempts at bags because we adore her ready to wear and kept hoping she (or her accessories designer) will finally 'get' it. But the Aries tote clearly demonstrates the brand's lack of insight when it comes to bags. Seriously, who is this bag made for? A fishmonger? It is a sagging mess with single knotted strap (too short), magnetic closure, and a disproportionately long body (when you dig for your keys, do you have to use a hook to reach the bottom of the bag?). On the 5'5" model silhouette it's hitting at the ankles; so on a slightly more petite woman, say 5'3', it would be dragging on the ground? I don't understand how someone who is so in touch with a woman's body with her incredible jersey dresses can offer us bags that are both unattractive (I am so PC these days, what I really want to say is hideous) and useless. $1,595 at Saks.com

What do you guys think? Snob or Slob?

Best Friend

I love all things preppy. LL Bean’s classic boat totes are de riguer for me as much as Hervé Chapelier might be for others. No matter which side you like your bread buttered, they are ostensibly very similar. Stenciled cut, squared off, and formatted in colors one would find on a Pantone chart. Great staples. I would like to welcome a third partner with a 21st century twist into the mix. From the Gap, this tote looks to be a product of a brainstorm from an ingenue who got together with her sophisticated femme of a mentor who got together with a modernist. Utilitarian at its core, it succeeds in incorporating summer playfulness, thus making it convertible from office file bag to summer beach or picnic bag to boarding the next catamaran to Catalina Island. So, so, so, incredibly affordable for under $35.00. In durable nylon with two charming bows that tie at each side, it’s perfect to hold everything for every kind of occasion.

Tarah Smith bag

I can't stop smiling today and this bright yellow 'Yuppie' bag by Tarah Smith has made me smile even more. And it's reduced! From $385 to $193 at Revolver Clothing.

I found it using our fantastic visual search doohdah. Check it out here.