Nancy Gonzalez Handbags & Purses

It is no secret that I love, love, love exotics. I never stop obsessing over the latest and greatest examples. Walking into a Nancy Gonzalez boutique is like the world’s best candy store for me. Beautiful colors and texture and the totally unique aspect of every single bag draws me in. Her collection includes 150 different styles and over 200 colors. A veritable rainbow of luxury.The designer is a native Columbian who looks to her rich colorful country and resources for inspiration and materials. In my humble opinion, a Nancy Gonzalez handbag should be one to which every bagista should aspire to have in her collection! With so many options, what’s a girl to choose? A basic clutch beginning in the $900 range or a major piece that tops out at over $4,000? A beautiful bright color or basic neutrals such as black or brown? It’s such a personal choice, I’m going to leave that up to you to decide and simply showcase one of my (current) favorites!Right now, I’m loving sapphire blue handbags ranging from cobalt to deep navy. I’m looking away from my obsession with hobos to more ladylike styling. I’m still loving the oversize bag though, it’s hard to go small for any length of time in my world. So, the Crocodile Bowler Top Handle Bag in denim is the perfect bag for me!The lady-like styling with over-sized and rounded shape softens it just enough to make the bowler perfect for casual denim days to dressy Jackie-O shift dresses. I love the beautiful color because it is more than black or brown yet remains neutral enough to wear with practically any color. Who wouldn’t want to travel with a luxurious exotic piece of luggage?Today is the day that Nancy Gonzalez launched her first ever crocodile travel collection, exclusively sold at Bergdorf Goodman. The 11 piece exotic collection includes passport holders, hat boxes, trolley’s, ipad sleeves and other accessories.Like all other bags by Nancy Gonzalez, the travel collection is made with superior craftsmanship and of course only the best exotic leathers. Her pieces are such an investment. Sure the price tag may be a little steep, but for the Nancy Gonzalez lover on your holiday list, this is the perfect gift.The Nancy Gonzalez Travel Collection is only available in store at Bergdorf Goodman.Here’s a sampling of the prices:iPad case $1800Passport Holders $425Crocodile and Pony Trolley $6125Crocodile Trolley $7500Crocodile Carry On Trolley $6500 

Halston Heritage Handbags Now Available at Net-A-Porter!

It is sometimes hard to believe that Halston‘s ticket to fame came when the company’s founder, Roy Halston Frowick, designed the pillbox hat Jacqueline Kennedy wore to her husband’s 1961 presidential inauguration. The company today, with London-based designer Marios Schwab currently holding the creative reins, is most famous for its sensual dresses and simple, yet chic handbag designs. Many fashionistas find themselves longing for the effortless glamor that only Halston can deliver. Unfortunately, most Halston pieces lie far beyond the reach of an average gal’s budget.But not to worry ladies! In case you haven’t already heard, this legendary label just recently launched a diffusion line. Introducing Halston Heritage! It is through this line that the company will be reinventing some of its archive pieces and marketing them at a lower price point. Wait… the effortlessly elegant silhouettes of Halston at prices we all can afford? Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me!So what are my favorite pieces so far? I absolutely love the Metallic Night Shoulder Bag ($285) and Sequined Evening Frame Clutch ($195) that you see pictured here!Both are just so lovely and perfect for an evening out! I really love how these simple designs were paired with some sort of sparkly adornment. So pretty!Find these and other Halston Heritage handbags (and dresses too!) at NET-A-PORTER! The Chat: heritage!

Wednesday Sample Sales. March 9th. Mid Week Thrills

Hump day is worth celebrating, right? Answering that for you: Of course! There is no better way to jump start the mid-school/or/work week blues, then with a little sample sale action. And you don’t even have to leave your desk. So grab your coffee or tea, and get those cards ready. Here’s the schedule for today..Here’s what we have for today:Wednesday March 10thGilt GroupeAlexander WangAlexander Wang AccessoriesChloe, Roberto Cavalli SunglassesSwiss Army WatchesPADE by Pade Vavra JewelryBlack HaloSteuben GlassGilt ManTrafalgaradidas Porsche Design SportIsaoraPolaroidCity Transport SaleSwiss Army WatchesSteuben GlassGilt FuseBlack HaloCC Skye Handbags & JewelryHauteLookGo SmileMeghanLori LeavittCity SceneOfficina Del Tempo WatchesFlora BellaGarinwareBillion Dollar BabesCharlotte RonsonTartStyle NaturaleVerikiraIdeeliJulie BrownMichael StarsMichael Stars SunglassesKenneth ColeSusan FarberSweet PeaErica AnenbergRue La LaHuge Sale Event!Badgley MischkaBulgaDonna KaranFrench ConnectionIsabella FioreLoomstateNotte by MarchesaPhoebe CoutureVivienne TamWilliam RastAnd More!!Beyond the RackJuicy CoutureChristian AudigierSketchersAmy KatherynThe Top SecretLondon Fog BagsJet SetterONE Bal Harbour – MiamiHotel Plaza Athenee New YorkEditors’ ClosetBetsey JohnsonD&S BagsRow NineRoberto CavalliOne Kings Lane -email me forinvite SourceIzolaCasafinaAbode AromaGilt Noir MembersAssouline:Featuring Chanel, Goyard and more

Mulberry Handbags & Purses

Mulberry Travel Bagsby BrSMay 27, 2011 It’s that time of year again! Vacations, vacations, vacations! It seems like everyone is planning their big summer vacation. And what do you need for your vacation? Luggage to carry all your essentials for some fun in the sun, of course! When it comes to designer luggage, however, I often find myself with some very mixed feelings. On the one hand, it’s designer luggage! Haha! But on the other hand, it’s designer luggage. Please don’t let anything bad happen to it! Yep, designer luggage can be awesome but you don’t want it to be so outrageously expensive that you’re afraid to use it. That’s why I am really liking these affordable travel bags and luggage pieces from Mulberry! These pieces are constructed of super tough scotchgrain leather, so you know they are going to be durable. Plus, they are plain enough that my husband wouldn’t be embarrassed holding onto them for me at the airport. I love cute prints on my luggage just as much as the next girl, but I can understand why he would feel weird standing there with a logo-loaded piece while I’m using the restroom. Below you will find a few pieces from the collection, check them out! Mulberry Bengal Tiger Alexaby Jenni MorenoApr 29, 2011 I absolutely love going to the zoo and seeing all the different animals, especially the Tiger and Lion exhibits. So when I saw this new version of the Mulberry Alexa was made to resemble the Bengal Tiger print, I was beyond interested in taking a second peek. I really do adore the classic everyday style of the Alexa, but the Bengal Tiger calf hair is a bit much for me.I don’t by any means have any sort of problem with the fact that this bag is made of calf hair, I love pony hair and exotic bags, but just not on this bag. I love the classic leather version, which by the way retails for only $1150, one third the price of the $3,370.95 Bengal Tiger Version.

Foley + Corinna Drawstring Hobo

I have always like Foley + Corinna handbags. But lately, I have been feeling kind of disappointed in their designs. I mean, come on! Metal mesh? Ick! In my opinion, the Foley + Corinna brand is at its best when they stick with a classic shape and a solid colored leather. It truly is the formula for perfection! That’s why I really like the Foley + Corinna Drawstring Pouch Hobo!I love the classic hobo shape combined with a drawstring closure, giving the appearance of heavy pleating. Plus the cords from the drawstring hang down like cute little tassels when the bag is drawn up tight. This bag also has another feature that I really love — exterior pockets! Located on the sides of the bag (= quick and easy access), these vertical zip pockets are the perfect place to hold your keys and cell phone. That’s right, there will be no desperate fishing for that ringing cell phone with this lovely bag! And, to top it all off, this bag is also versatile in its wear. It comes with a longer, detachable shoulder strap just in case you grow tired of carrying this bag by its shorter handle. This would definitely make a great daytime bag!The Foley + Corinna Drawstring Hobo is currently available in either Indigo (shown) or Camel: Foley and Corinna Handbags at Bloomingdales!Or find it in Black or Carmel Here at ShopBop! The Chat: FC Hobol!

Lena Erziak Andrea Hobo Bag

There is simply so much talent and creativity in the world of handbag designers that it is truly a blessing to be able to talk about some of the newer designers offering future classics! Lena Erziak is a fantastic brand which features striking designs, a stunning range of colors and quality fabrications. The product of sisters Leona and Hasna Erziak with a multi-cultural background of a Belgian Moroccan family of artists including a seamstress and a potter. The process of design and understanding of construction was simply something they absorbed during their childhood.The sisters developed their line in Italy, utilizing on the finest craftsman and materials. Their first collections focus attention on interior and exterior finish, different shapes and sizes to complete a refined and luxurious collection of handbags. The epitome of this effort is the Andrea shoulder hobo handbag.The Andrea takes a classic and casual shape to the next level of sophistication. The sleek silhouette features well-balanced dimensions with a handle that is designed to be more comfortable in the hand than some other hobos might be. A rectangular flap closure accented with gold logo plate is just the right size to not be difficult to use and provides a classic element. The angled zippered pockets create a striking design feature and accessibility to the most important items you carry like your phone or credit cards. The oversized tassle element creates instant visual “punch” and movement.The interior is fully lined with a hidden coin pocket and key organizer. You’ll appreciate it’s roomy but not overly large size of 13″ x 12″ x 2″. While I love this beautiful cream color, it is also available in a yummy blue or purple suede. And the colors are rich and vibrant! Their bags are available at Stella Filante as the retail location. 156 Ludlow St, NY NY as well as other locations! Check out their other styles Chat: Lena Erziak Andrea!

Burberry Continental Wallets in new hues

The world recognizable check pattern by the House of Burberry has been revived with a splash of color for their classic wallets collection. Just like every other Continental wallet out there, there is no doubt that this piece is simply perfect. Roomy enough to carry your multiple credit and store cards, change, bills and more, you can’t go wrong with any a handy continental.My first designer wallet I obtained was in fact a check zip Burberry wallet. At that time, I had a choice of two leather colors to choose from to line my check canvas, and they were the basics of black and brown.Today you can take your pick on Emerald, Mustard, Military Red or Plum. I personally like the idea of adding a bright splash of color to this classic print, and many designer houses have committed to similar projects.My only complaint would be that a color should compliment a piece, not make it look questionable as if it’s authentic or not. Don’t hate me green fans, but I feel like a stronger green would have been a better choice than bright emerald for the check print. But regardless of your color preference, the fact remains that you can’t go wrong with either one of these Burberry pieces.Discover the wallets by shopping through Bloomingdales.Shop the Burberry Boutique at Bloomingdales!#gallery-2 {margin: auto;}#gallery-2 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 50%;}#gallery-2 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}

Handbag Stories: my bag sighting of the week

The cross body style trend is so huge for summer, but there is a con to this style that you need to be aware of.Earlier this week I witnessed one of the biggest wardrobe malfunction bloopers that could happen. True story..Imagine this: If you’re familiar with Downtown Seattle then you’re going to know exactly where I’m talking about. I was sitting in my car in downtown, on a somewhat busy 4-way street around lunch hour, inbetween Nordstrom and Barney’s. The light just turned red and the crosswalk signs lit up. I came to a stop, and the sheep herd crowd stepped onto the crosswalk. I was front of the line at this point, just sitting there listening to my music as I waited for the light to turn green. When all of a sudden, a girl walked right in front of me with her dress bunched-up, revealing her bottom. Just like in that Tampax commercial! Only from what I could tell in that 10 seconds she was in my sight, nobody said anything.The culprit: her bag! The length of her bag was so long that the body of her bag rested on her hip, causing it to bunch up. Which should serve as in important caution about cross body bags and if you’re wearing a skirt – the bag doesn’t need to reach down to your bum.Pictured above: All can be found at Net-a-PorterDKNY Crossbody Bag – $325See by Chloé Cherry Mini – $335Mulberry Antony Bag – $395

PRADA MADE IN

Prada has a created a unique global luxury capsule collection that honors Mario Prada and his quest to?collaborate with exquisite artisans to produce modern, innovative designs utilizing the traditional techniques of a specific region.In the early decades of the twentieth century, Miuccia Prada’s grandfather, the visionary Mario Prada, travelled the world in tireless pursuit of ideas and inspiration. His goal was not only to discover the most luxurious materials, exotic skins and sumptuous fabrics, but also to locate sophisticated craftsmen and manufacturers to realize his revolutionary designs. His adventures uncovered Alsatian and Austrian leatherwork, Bohemian crystals, Asian “galuscià”, English silver-smithing, as well as rare ivory, tortoiseshell, ebony and precious stones from every corner of the globe. Mario Prada became the ultimate gentleman-connoisseur: a man of exquisite taste and unflagging curiosity who knew exactly how, where, and by whom, a specific design could be perfectly produced. This spirit of the curious connoisseur remains at the heart of Prada, especially in the age of globalization, where geographic and cultural borders disappear. Remaining faithful to these ideals, the company continues to identify those specialized craftspeople that represent an unrivaled standard of excellence.The collections are identified by a special “Prada Made In” label dedicated to each country of origin: Tartan wool kilts from Scotland; collection of handmade embroidery flats, sandals and bags from India; Jeans produced by Dova (worlds highest rated denim manufacter) that come custom ordered in four different varieties of cloth and seven different washes from Japan; Alpaca wool knitwear from Peru.Pictures below…#gallery-2 {margin: auto;}#gallery-2 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 33%;}#gallery-2 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}

Balenciaga Neo Militaire Bag

The military trend was pretty big for Fall this year. It seemed like everyone was trying to get in on it, with some wonderful pieces (handbags included) as a result. But is it just me? Or does it look like the military trend is winding down? Well, apparently nobody told Balenciaga that! A little late in the game is the Balenciaga Neo Militaire Bag! It is an interesting piece that, in my opinion, is more functional than it is stylish.There is no doubt though that the Balenciaga Neo Militaire Bag was meant to go in with the military trend. Just look at the name! But, for some reason, I’m just not feeling this one. The bag is composed of grainy black and smooth green leather, not something you would normally expect from this designer. The front of the bag is adorned with pockets, zippers, and snaps… nothing too spectacular. But here’s something interesting! This bag can be worn either as a satchel or as a backpack! And wow, those are some heavy duty shoulder straps! They are heavily padded and ready to hold quite a load. I can’t say this is my favorite Balenciaga style, but at least it has some versatility going for it. And who knows, maybe it would make an awesome bag for school (ignoring the price tag, of course).Find the Balenciaga Neo Militaire Bag at MyTheresa, where it sells for approximately $2,070.#gallery-2 {margin: auto;}#gallery-2 .gallery-item {float: left;margin-top: 10px;text-align: center;width: 33%;}#gallery-2 img {border: 2px solid #cfcfcf;}#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {margin-left: 0;}

Color Trend Alert: Lime Green Handbags

I realize that we haven’t even gotten past Christmas yet, but it’s never too early to think about Spring (at least for me anyway)! And what better way to think about Spring than a nice Spring-y color on a handbag? Let’s see, what would be a good color? Ah yes, Lime Green! It’s the perfect color for putting a little spring in your step! But don’t worry about looking out-of-season in the middle of Winter. As my fellow TBFer Jess pointed out, Lime Green is the hot color for Christmas this year as well. It looks so fresh in that classic red-green combo! And it will look just as fresh with your Winter wardrobe and carry you all the way into Spring! So give Lime Green a chance, you will find that it looks stunning on a handbag! Just check out these beauties I have pictured below!Diane von Furstenberg Belle Ruffle Evening Bag in CitronNothing screams DVF more than something that sits a little bit outside of the box! I love the cute ruffles adorning the front side of this clutch. Plus the studded leather trim adds just enough edge so you don’t feel overwhelmed with “fluff”. The perfect accessory for all those holiday parties!$365Bottega Veneta Shopping Intrecciato Leather Tote in Lime GreenWho doesn’t love Bottega Veneta’s signature intrecciato weave? And I must say, it looks simply stunning in Lime Green! This tote would compliment everything from a camel wool coat to a sorbet-shade sundress. You can’t go wrong either way!$3200Which lime green bags do you want to add to the list?