Prada Leopard Calf Hair Bags

I’ve been having an animal print moment lately, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it started several months ago when I saw that gorgeous Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf, or maybe some innate part of me just wants to spruce up the sheer enormity of my collection of black clothes (last count of black day dresses: over a dozen). I recently bought a pair of leopard print flats from Nordstrom to replace a boring pair of black office shoes that had finally met their maker (seriously, they smelled like feet) and today I find myself strangely entranced by the Prada Leopard Calf Hair Large Bowler Bag. The shape is very simple, the trim and hardware are almost nonexistant, and it’s all done in print. It’s not leather, so normally I’d keep right on looking for something interesting to write about, but today, I think I could use a little calf-hair leopard in my life. Buy through Bluefly for $2,376.

Prada Soft Calf Tote

Left: Pearl Ivory; Right: Silver

Is this boring? Maybe, but in this economy you have to go with practical and classic. Besides, isn't that why we all fell in love with Prada in the first place? For the clean simplicity? I love the big pleat detail and the subtle buckles on the side. But it's the colors that I am really in love with. Pearlized ivory and silver are so lovely for the winter and I don't need to point out the obvious fact that it goes with absolutely everything. The slight shimmer is just what you need for a bit of flash while staying perfectly neutral. It is kind of like nude lip gloss - you can't go nude nude unless there is some shimmer. I have been off Prada for a long time but their shoes is what got me back in favor and oddly, it is spilling over to the bags. I don't like the metal letters logo, I wish they would go back to the embossed logo but I am ok with it, I have to be, I have no choice. But I definitely draw the line at the "Prada" on their shoes, who the heck wants stuff written on their shoes? Tote available at Neiman Marcus for $1695.

Valentino Shopping Couture Bags

Valentino has a new spring handbag collection called Shopping Couture. Designed by (Accessories designers and the new RTW designers) Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, it is a series of 10 different handbags that are each unique and elaborate. They range from hand pleated leather with studs and grommets to a tote entirely covered with peacock feathers. These luxurious totes incorporate all the iconic Valentino Haute Couture details like the roses, embroideries, ribbons. The bags will be in stores beginning late November and a few will be released every couple of months through April. Prices range from $2995 to $5895.

We've gone back and forth on Valentino bags, some we love, some we don't. But whatever our opinions, the brand keeps us engaged and interested. The tote above is called the Soleil - one of the 10 Shopping Couture handbags - a graphic design draws the rays of a couture sun, the curling element is secured by noticeable hand-stitching; transforming an artisan process in a detail. I am intrigued by this tote, it reminds me of the Maison pintucked bag but is even more intricate in design. Maybe it's because I am an August baby and ruled by the Sun but I love it! $3,395 at Valentino boutiques and Neiman Marcus. What do you think?

Yves Saint Purse

Like many, I adore Yves Saint Laurent handbags for the quality and classic appearance to last years without becoming outdated.

The Emma is dressed in a high-gloss patent pebbled leather and accessorized with brass hardware. This fabulous piece also features a chain-link strap with a 18.5″ double chain shoulder strap with 7.5″ drop, a secure front flap with magnetic snap closure and topped off with the ysl signature padlock. The interior of this purse features what most should - a fabric lining with dual patch pockets; includes mirrored plate with logo engraving. Overall size measures in at a comfortable 9.5″ at widest x 6″ tall at center x 2.5″ deep.

What I love most about this bag, besides the size and glossy patent, is it’s the perfect going out after work accessory. This is definitely a great example of an ideal day-to-night piece.. go shoulder during day, then at night just tuck in the chain strap for a more dressy look.

And now for the price - - $1,116 <- that’s 20% off retail (orig $1,395). Surprising huh? This bag is on sale!!

END NOTE: Today get an extra 10% off everything over at Bluefly! Everything, for today only. Which means this bag will be 30% off for today only. New price at checkout.

John Galliano's 'Evening Gazette'

This is one of those bags I just can't decide about. I like it because it's different and quirky and fun, but, at the same time, isn't it kind of... ugly? I just don't know.

It costs $927 from Styledrops. What do you think?

Handbags of style

From the By Nica collection at Littlewoods.

The Kyle Tote

Well it is that time again…time to find a new fall bag. I have to admit when I first started thinking about what kind of bag I wanted to get I pictured the beautiful leather bags by Kooba and Rebecca Mikoff. But I just can’t do anymore…I can’t carry around a heavy leather bag. Maybe it is fine if you live/work in the burbs and your main walk is from the car to the parking lot inside, but I have to stand on a crowded subway for 30min each morning and I need to be comfortable and carry a light weight bag.

The Kyle Tote caught my eyes a couple months ago when I was visiting the Fifth Ave store. Nylon and lightweight: check! Its also super big with some great pockets that would be perfect for carrying all my crap. Any what really makes this bag stand out from the crowd is the contrasting patent leather details and the nickle hardware. I also like the two different straps, which almost make it seem like two different bags.

I’m now checking the Cole Haan web site daily *hoping* for a sale…

Cruise Collection Preview at Net a Porter

Top Row: Chloe, Jimmy Choo, Anya Hindmarch, Miu Miu Center: Marni, Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Burberry Bottom: Lanvin, Celine

I am ready for some new bags to come out already. It's so exciting at the beginning of each season while I wait for new bags to arrive daily and then it's like, ok, I'm done, next! But there is still sale season, which is great, but of course I've seen all the bags already so it's really boring. We've done some Spring previews so when those come out, it's like, been there, done that. It's really hard to keep a high maintenance shopper happy! So for the time being, I am being entertained and semi-indulged by the Cruise Collection that is about to be available at Net-a-Porter. I am immediately drawn to the cute little green clutch, which is not surprisingly a Marni. The satin Lanvin clutch with rosette embellishment is great for cocktail parties and I like the bright blue Anya Hindmarch tote, super fun and happy and perfect for vacations on a cruise, I suppose. But Miu Miu has been quite disappointing these last few seasons, I mean, what is up with the Gucci knockoff bamboo handle? Uh-uh, no. The new Celine though is something that tugs at my wallet, the line quite young and hip these days but the functionality is all there so if you're in the market for a good black basic, this might be a very good bet. Coming soon to Net-a-Porter. We'll let you know, of course, when it hits!

Canvas Messenger handbags

As you may, or may not have noticed, the PurseBlog got a makeover and is now flying its brand-spanking-new summer outfit. Version 3.0 was getting boring to look at, and I’ve finally motivated myself to get the work done to recreate, renovate and redo the ol’ hag. Let me know if you like it! Do I get a cookie now?

Ok, I’ll pass on the cookie. Aside from the redesign, I’ve come to the conclusion that my bag arsenal totally sucks, especially for a guy who sits at the helm of interweb’s biggest site dedicated to… bags. A shame really. Before you suggest for me to indulge myself with some lady bags, I need to preemtively announce and I don’t fly lady bags. While other guys may respectfully disagree with me, I just don’t see myself ever wearing a Speedy, for example (although Megs claims that her recent aquisition does look good on me… yikes). On the search of a genuinely good looking man bag, I stumbled across the Hugo Boss Havana Canvas Messenger Bag, which, surprisingly, only goes for 275 dollar Americano. Not bad for a bag from Boss, I would have expected it to go for at least twice as much. The bag offers a sleek, sophisticated everyday style that I really see myself sporting every day. The flap over the front covers two large pouch pockets with magnetic snap closures while the flat pocket on the back is perfect for magazines or papers. Now I just have to figure out if the messenger fits my 17 inch Macbook Pro and I am ready to kick the Samsonite backpack in the dust.

New Bags Arrived

My bags from Korea and Taiwan have just arrived! And I'm so excited about it. I didn't even have the time to have a proper photography done up like the previous bags posted yesterday. So, Siling, my friend cum the photographer for my collection came all the way down to the shop, snap and design it on the spot! Thanks Siling, so sweet of you eventho it was at such short notice! BIG HUG!

Code: BAG 1001 (Silver)

Dimension: To be measured

Retail Price : SGD $31.00

Online Price : SGD $28.00

Code: BAG 1002 (Black / White)
Dimension: To be measured

Retail Price : SGD $28.00
Online Price : SGD $25.00

Code: BAG 2002 (Black / White)
Dimension: To be measured (Hot item! Stylish School/Casual Bag!)

Retail Price : SGD $30.00
Online Price : SGD $27.00

Wholesale Coach Handbags

One of the great misconceptions about Coach Leather is the availability of wholesale coach purses & Handbags.In reality, the Coach Company does not sell to wholesalers. Coach handbags and accessories are traditionally only available through Coach retail stores or through authorized retail outlets such as department stores.

However, it is possible to find great deals at and clearance prices on eBay. You can find new Coach handbags and purses on eBay at significant discounts compared to retail stores. However, the very best deals are found by looking for gently “Used” Coach items. Coach leather is extremely durable and wears remarkably well.

Would you carry a UPS-branded bag?

I receive a lot of books, often by UPS and I always love it when that giant brown and gold truck pulls up in front of the house. It’s just so imposing, it makes me feel important. (It’s the little things…)

While I love the UPS branding, I’m not sure I love it enough to carry this bag.

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!