Kissa Suede Satchel

I am completely enamored with the Kissa Suede Satchel.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

The intricate pink and green topstitching intertwining among all the golden studs give this bag an earthy, yet elegant look. The crocodile-embossed leather handles and key tag dress it up a bit, and they look great against the matte suede. Double zip-around top means the bag opens up wide for easy access to its contents, like a squared-off version of the classic Hermès Bolide and Louis Vuitton Alma. It's currently available at Neiman Marcus for $785.

Botkier Convertible

Botkier does it again with another beautiful and functional bag.


Photo courtesy of botkier.com

The Convertible has a similar style to the ever-popular Stirrup, but has a flap closure, clasp detail, and an adjustable shoulder strap. I love how the Italian leather gives it a soft, slouchy shape. It's a sizable purse at 16” x 12” x 2”, which is not great for evenings, but excellent for schlepping around all your day-to-day essentials. It's available at botkier.com in 8 different colors- I'm particularly fond of the olive and metallic blush.

Blog Happenings

The folks over at Purseuing have created a fun place for the handbag enthusiast to chat about their favorite subject with fellow bag lovers. Joy! Get advice on a bag you're contemplating, browse the offerings by the latest indie designers, or just talk about fashion in general at the Purseuing Lounge. Registration is free and easy.

In other blog news, the Budget Fashionista has been kind enough to mention me in their Guide to the Best Shopping and Fashion Blogs. It's a great collection of blogs for the style-centric diva. Some of the ones mentioned were familiar, others were fun new finds. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the site for useful tips, coupons, and guides on how to "be fabulous for less."

30 Bags in 30 Days Giveaway

Images courtesy of bluefly.com

Bluefly and Lucky Magazine are giving away 30 bags in 30 days, including a Fendi Spy Bag, Chloe Paddington, Louis Vuitton Speedy, Hermès Kelly, Balenciaga Classique, and much, much more! It's a daily instant giveaway, so don't forget to play the flash game every day.

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Velvet Clutch

It's all about velvet for fall. Well, if it's not about shearling, suede, fur or grommets, it's definitely about velvet. This little clutch by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent will go a long way for filling your velvet quota without breaking the bank.


Photo courtesy of sunwalters.com

Great for dressing up or down, this bag is a wonderfully versatile and understated piece. It features a lovely sash style wrist strap embellished with a sprinkling of little metal pailettes, which adds a very subtle shine. You can get yours for $154 at SunWalters.com, but I don't recommend carrying it like the model in the photo unless you've spilled something unpleasant on it.

Judith Leiber's Crazy is Spreading

I'm not quite sure what to make of the purses designed by Timmy Woods.


Photo courtesy of timmywoods.com

I don't know whether I should be amused that she had the sense of humor to think up and produce these little conversation pieces, or if I should be afraid that someone might actually decide to carry one of them in earnest.

If, for some reason, you want your handbag collection to look as if it was solely comprised of items raided from your Nana's curio cabinet, there's a whole assortment of dog breeds for you to choose from. That's not all! They also have cats, horses, cattle, fish, even an armadillo for your little purse menagerie. The items are handcarved from acacia wood and range from $220 for the simpler pieces to over $2000 for the crystal-encrusted creations. Care and feeding may be extra.

Balmoral Open-Back Pumps

If you are still upset that you missed out on Louis Vuitton's super sexy, sold out Balmoral pumps last season, you'll be happy to know that there is a new open-back version in stock at eLuxury right now.


Photo courtesy of eluxury.com

It's hard to beat the ultra-feminine mix of satin, tulle, and velvet. Add a sweet rounded toe and a flattering 3.7" heel, and you've got yourself a must-have shoe for fall. Available in Petrol (pictured) or Fuschia.

Beautiful as they are, $680 is a pretty big chunk of change. For a similar look at fraction of the price, look to Guess' Madame.

Photo courtesy of zappos.com

Unfortunately, they're not satin and only available in Black. For $113.95, though, they are quite a bit easier on the pocketbook.

Gucci Suede Medium Tote

Feast your eyes on the yummy chocolate goodness of this Gucci tote.


Photo courtesy of saks.com

I love how the simple shape is jazzed up with asymmetrical design elements and the contrast in textures between the suede and guccissima leather. The single horsebit detail and subtle embossing say "Yeah, it's Gucci. No biggie," while your wallet quietly weeps over the $1,075 price tag.

Charles David Viper Hobo

When I opened up Nordstrom's fall catalogue, this little gem from Charles David caught my eye immediately.


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Made of snakeskin-embossed leather and sporting some edgy gold piercing detail, the Viper Hobo is a real treat. I'm not sure what is more alluring, the generous, roomy shape or the rich Currant color. Either way, I think this bag would make a great "workhorse purse" for fall. It's available for $285 in Currant or Black, and will be shipping out in mid-October.

Handbag limitations, part two

Further proof that even the most fabulous and coveted of purses cannot save some train wrecks:


Photo courtesy of the Fug Girls

Ladies, please don't do this to yourself or your beautiful handbags. Invest in a large, reflective surface and consult it (preferably while sober and in a well-lit room) before leaving the house. Also, please note: it really is not necessary for your lipstick to match your shoes. Thank you.

Jessica Simpson is a class act

Photo courtesy of socialitelife.com

Kidding! Just making sure I had your attention. As little as I care for the questionably talented, completely overexposed Ms. Simpson and her slow, yet inevitable descent into becoming the next Tara Reid, I cannot fault the girl for her taste in handbags.


Photo courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

The Hogan Fringed Shopper is a beautiful fall accessory. It manages to elevate Jessica from "dim-witted pop tart" to... um, "dim-witted pop tart with a tasteful handbag." Hey, it's a bag, not a magic wand with the ability to transmute trampy ex-preacher's daughters into Grace Kelly. One can only expect so much.

Perfume River Bella Bohemian Bag

I am quite charmed by this romantic and unusual bag by Perfume River.


Photo courtesy of ishopblush.com

The Bella Bohemian Bag is composed of plush black hand-embroidered velvet and has an adjustable fringed scarf strap which can be replaced with another scarf for a different look. So it's actually two accessories in one! This, combined with its sale price of $150.99, makes it perfect for the boho gal on a budget. Pick yours up while they last at Blush.

Why I love fall

Sure, summer is great, but I just adore fall. This is one reason why:


Photo courtesy of saks.com

I love me some boots, and I'm completely, utterly mad for this jaw-dropping pair from Burberry. They are so luscious, I almost want to lick the screen. The flawless leather speaks for itself, and the simple beauty of the design is stunning. The elegant round toes and the signature buckle detail are just the icing on the cake. See ya summer, hello fall!

Mix at your own risk

When a designer decides to go with a blend of vastly different textures, colors, and materials, the results can be lovely and interesting:

Photo courtesy of anthropologie.com

or pointless and confusing:

Photo courtesy of eluxury.com

Mink, patent leather, fabric, lace and pearls all compete for real estate on this disjointed little mess. It's like the Frankenstein of purses- an uber-ugly handbag constructed from the parts of less offensive bags. To me, though, the worst crime is surprisingly not the $2,040 price tag, but the fact that it mixes silver hardware (the chain, clasp and handle rings) with gold (the protective feet.) For shame!

Helen Welsh Oval Ring Hobo

If you like the look of the Balenciaga Day bag, but either can't afford it or are unable elbow your way onto the wait list, you might find the Helen Welsh Oval Ring Hobo to be a reasonable alternative.


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

I'm okay with it since it's not a complete knockoff- the proportions are different and the handle lacks the distinctive whipstitching. The little stud and buckle details are great, but I do wish they also added a tassel or two to finish it off. Still, it's a pretty great casual bag. You're not going get the softness of the legendary distressed Balenciaga leather, but you'll also be saving about a thousand bucks, so who's complaining?

Available at Nordstrom in metallic Frosted Tulip, Bronze (pictured), Gunmetal, and Petrol or smooth Blue, Chocolate and Black for $248.

Dior Trotter Romantique

Okay, I know I've been posting a lot of logo stuff recently, but really, how could I not mention this beautiful Dior Trotter Romantique Medium Flap Bag?


Photo courtesy of eluxury.com

I took one look at this and BAM! Instant love. Sweeping, curvy lines, velvet trim, interwoven chain straps... If you don't appreciate this bag, then you need to turn in your second X chromosome. It's very feminine, but I like that they didn't go completely overboard and made it a warm beige instead of pink. This bag is part of the Fall Runway collection, and is available at eluxury for $775.

Coach Signature Option Chenille

As if I needed more pink items on my wish list, I've recently discovered Coach's limited edition Optic Signature Chenille frame bag.


Photo courtesy of coach.com

The lovely textures of chenille and genuine python trim are paired surprisingly well on this girly little piece. Add brass hardware and a sweet suede butterfly accent (at no extra charge, so screw you, Prada) and you've got a fantastic evening bag. It rings in at $398, which is a relative bargain for a piece with python accents. If that's a little too steep, the wristlet version can be had for only $178.

New LV Denim bags

Here's a preview of the new Louis Vuitton denim bags coming out soon.

Denim Baggy PM:


Baggy GM:


Denim Mini Pleaty:

Photos courtesy of vuitton.com

No exact pricing yet, but expect the first two to be a little over a thousand. I think the denim line is growing on me. It's a great casual look and the monogram pattern is not as obnoxious as the standard brown monogram canvas. I also like them better as shoulder or cross-body bags than handbags. My favorite is the Mini Pleaty- probably the most subtle of the bunch, a perfect size for going out, and with a minimum of naked vachetta to worry about soiling.

Rorschach Test: Footwear Edition

Hey gang, it's time for another round of "What the hell is it?"
Ready? Okay, tell me what you see when you look at these shoes from Baci:


Photo courtesy of zappos.com

I see:

• A pack of conspiring Chinese Dwarf Hamsters
• An overturned Laura Ashley couch, complete with dust bunnies coating the bottom
• The reason you're supposed to shake out your shoes in the morning when you go camping.