Chloe Silverado Hobo

The ever-popular Chloe Silverado comes to us this season in a lovely new silhouette.



It still has the trademark snap tabs, side pockets and whipstitched trim, but it's been translated into a very easy, practical shape. It features distressed metallic gold pebbled leather and antiqued golden hardware, and it's available for pre-order for $1,455. If you've got money to spare, spring for the stunning silver python version, which rings in at a cool $2,845.



Photos courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

Maria Pino Western Bag

If you've ever wondered if it was possible to ruin the lines of a perfectly good bag by over-embellishing it, here's your answer:


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

The Maria Pino Western Bag looks as if someone had taken a Birkin knockoff and coated it with 5 pounds of ugly. Snakeskin embossed leather, floral print and floral appliqué, faux gemstones, crocheted blossoms, and straw are all jumbled together in a horrifying mess. The most appalling thing about this garish thing is it's $795 price tag. With all that junk on it, maybe they're probably charging by weight.

Bottega Veneta Scalloped Leather Tote

Just in time for spring, this sublimely feminine Scalloped Leather Tote is the latest offering by Bottega Veneta.


Photo courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

The sweet but unexpected addition of the eyelet trim is fabulous. It also features a softly rounded body, scalloped top, double shoulder straps and, of course, the gorgeous signature latticework leather. If it weren't for the rather hefty price tag of $1,680, this bag would easily top the list of must-haves for the season. It's available now for pre-order with an expected delivery date of March 27th.

Havana by Hayden-Harnett

You've just got to love a purse that's both beautiful and functional.


Photo courtesy of mightyflirt.com

Hayden-Harnett's generously-sized Havana Bag won me over the minute I laid eyes on it. It's constructed of soft French lambskin, and gathered on the bottom to add fullness. It boasts a double flap closure, floral silk lining, brushed 9k gold hardware, loads of pockets, and removable box chain and leather tassel charms. Best of all, the strap is adjustable from 18.5" to 22", so it can be worn on the shoulder, just under the arm, or even across the body. It's available for $368 in Mulberry (pictured) or Moss Green at MightyFlirt.com.

Juicy Couture Terry Bowler

Juicy Couture has had its share of hits and misses, but I'm having a little difficulty deciding which category this terry bowler lands in.


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Now, I'm well aware of the fact that this bag is somewhat... lacking in sophistication and, well, taste, but when it comes right down to it, I just have a soft spot for kitsch. A big gold appliquéd palm tree on pink terry has just the right amount of kooky appeal to successfully round out a casual outfit, so long as that outfit isn't a velour tracksuit. It's available in Light Coral (pictured) or Pool for $145.

Christian Lacroix reads my mind

Behold the dainty lusciousness that is this Christian Lacroix satin sandal. With a delicate pink shade, asymmetrical bow, rhinestone buckle, black contrasting strap, and 4" heel, it's perfection in shoe form.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

I do believe I'm in love.

Not your grandma's handbag

Valentino's handbags, while beautiful, have a tendency to run a bit to the matronly side. Not so with this this dazzling Embroidered Shoulder Bag.


Photo courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

This exquisite showpiece is a sublime creation. Chocolate suede is intricately embroidered with a bright peacock design and trimmed with metallic gold nappa leather and a wooden logo plate bedecked with crystals. It could easily have crossed over to "garish" territory, but is able to be eye-catching and flashy without going overboard. This bag rings in at $1,250, and is available for pre-order now.

Is originality dead?

Looks like Dooney & Bourke is taking a page from Juicy Couture's book and padding their collections with blatant ripoffs of other designer bags.


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

Louis Vuitton's Monogram Multicolore collection fell prey first, and now Burberry is the unfortunate victim. The iconic plaid has mutated into a muddled pastel mess, and the heart charm, scalloped trim, and chain strap just adds to the mishmash of ugly. At $165, it doesn't even qualify for a cheap knockoff.

Moondrop Bag by Alexis Hudson

I find the rich blue of this Alexis Hudson bag to be completely irresistible.


Photo courtesy of pinkmascara.com

The other details aren't bad either. It's got lovely structure for a hobo, and is embellished with braided leather handles, gold hardware and a tasseled zip closure. The size is wonderful for everyday wear, and inside it boasts a cell pocket and a inside zip pocket. Available for $473 at PinkMascara.

Mulberry Tassle Phoebe

Mulberry has revamped their popular Phoebe bag for their 2006 Cruise
Collection.


Photo courtesy of Mulberry.com

The equestrian details have been softened, but it still retains a feminine western vibe. The delicate coconut hue, tassels, and curving embroidery have replaced the buckles and transformed the purse into a whole new look. This bag features an external pocket, an internal zip pocket, distressed hardware, and buttery soft Italian leather. £695 from Mulberry.com.