Black & White Handbags – Always In Style
With the recession on everyone’s mind, I think every stylish woman wants to know how to stretch last year’s fall wardrobe. Wouldn’t you agree ladies? But, the truly stylish stand out from crowd not from the new duds they sport but the way they put it all together in a new way. One of my favorite fall trends that will easily refresh last years staples is metal hardware on handbags. Check out one of my favorite new bags, The MICHAEL Michael Kors Uptown Astor Satchel in black and white. First off, it’s a color palette that will never go out, secondly, the metal stud/grommet trend is balanced with a classic satchel shape. I can see myself wearing this with jeans, crisp white button down and red flats or a sleek pencil skirt & loafer pumps. So versatile!
DVF Stephanie Redux
We introduced you to the fabulous Stephanie bag from DVF back in January and much as I loved it I could not swing that size. Good thing I waited because now it comes in medium in a rock star worthy black metallic! You must see this in person, the woven leather is amazing and the metallic peeks through depending on the movement of the bag– subtle yet sexy. There is also a longer shoulder strap but I like the shorter handle, it looks more sophisticated. The bracelet clutch is also tres adorable with long tassles and at a great price point! DVF is bags are a superb value for its functionality, design and glam factor– just like her iconic wrap dresses! I am anxiously awaiting Hayworth in python (it’s stuck in customs!). Meanwhile, you must check out the Stephanie styles!
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Medium Hobo $875
Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Bracelet Clutch $395
Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010 handbags

This week at Marc Jacobs fantastic signature collection debut, there were lots of bright colors and lively prints. The Marc by Marc Jacobs is always a bit over the top and not for everyone, but he does have a very trendy, very hip, and usually young, clientele. I like the bright cross body bags, but the orange studded shoulder bags are more my speed. This collection will go over very well with his M by MJ followers and for those of us who are Marc Jacobs, the designer, fans, this may be the only collection that offers anything we would want. Hopefully the Louis Vuitton collection will be better than the Marc Jacobs disaster from last week.






Super Budget-Friendly: HYPE Online sample sale



Sometimes you just need some retail therapy, a chic pick-me-up. It feels even better when your spontaneous “happy” moment does not dent the wallet. Today, the already budget-friendly HYPE collection has severely reduced prices on many of their fall essentials. The smokey grey Drew Hobo above is now $143 (down from $300), the Regina Hobo is now $134 (from $275), the Prussian Blue Drew Clutch wallet is a mere $47! This label uses the same luxurious lambskin leathers as the much more expensive labels, but just doesn’t charge the same mark-up. If you’re looking for style and substance, this one is not to be missed. Shop here.
Mommy Sarah Michelle Gellar Styles with Anya Hindmarch Canvas Tote

You might’ve already known that Sarah Michelle Gellar already gave birth to Charlotte Grace Prinze last September 19, so this photo is actually a bit overdue. But anyway, I still find it interesting to write about especially that she still managed to look as chic as usual despite wearing a very low-key outfit.
Her Anya Hindmarch Canvas Tote is very simple as well, but definitely very functional. Anya Hindmarch has crafted such canvas-made totes, which are probably catered to housewives or moms like Sarah Michelle Gellar.
It is really not luxurious or elegant looking, but it is definitely a chic and smart choice if you’re always on the go. It’s an ideal carryall especially on days when you really need to bring a lot or when you have to run on the grocery store to buy some stuff.
Its cream shade and tan handles are obviously neutral, letting you carry this whenever and wherever, and along with any of your outfits.
So perhaps while she has not given birth yet when this photo was taken, her entire soon-to-be mom essentials are packed in that bag. And now that she’s a mom, I bet she would still make a good use of that Anya Hindmarch Canvas Tote.
Burberry Updates Check Canvas Tote in Modern, Artistic Design

Burberry creations may almost look the same since most of their designs come with the signature check-print pattern; but this Burberry Canvas Tote, although still in the same check pattern, shows a very modern and artistic update to the classic.
It is made from canvas, so the price of $495 is actually just enough. It is definitely eye-catching and very trendy with its multicolor design, which is very different from their usual and kind of boring black and brown color combination.
The check pattern seems to come large, with white, navy, cream and red colors all combined to show a stunning design. The white leather trimming kind of brings elegance to this rather casual purse, and of course, the Burberry logo plaque on the front luxuriously brands this tote.
Measuring at about 11½ x 10¾ x 6 inches, this tote opens through a snap closure which would show an unlined interior with snap-off zipped pouch compartment. The double shoulder straps also come in white leather and have nine inches drop, which should fit just perfectly over the shoulders.
And since this Burberry Canvas Tote looks more casual, using it during your day time activities while you’re in your simple denim and tee combo should complete a low-key but chic-modern look.

Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Hobo
Here at Purse Blog our yearning for more supple leather almost always leads us to Bottega Veneta. We adore the understated simplicity of the designs and can not get enough of the super soft and luxurious leather. When our bank accounts grow to exorbitant levels, we will have our office and homes decked out in Bottega Veneta leather. That is how much we love it.
If you are looking for the most classic design from Bottega Veneta you need to check out the Bottega Veneta Maxi Veneta Hobo. The Veneta is the house staple, a chic hobo that brings together a simple yet timeless look with buttery soft woven leather. Intrecciato, the technique of weaving the leather, is synonymous with the brand.
The Veneta comes in multiple sizes, with the large size being the Maxi. Dimensions are 22″W X 15″H X 2½”D with a 5″ drop. The bag sticks close to your body while draping perfectly off your shoulder. Nothing about this bag is totally out of the box but everything about this bag is perfect. The braid trim finishes off the bag ideally while the sumptuous suede lining is as divine as the outside leather. Our color choice is Ash, a subtle gray color with some taupe. Also available in Bianco (white), Dark Ebano (deep brown), and Truffle (brown with red tones). Buy through Saks for $2,380.
Fashion Week Spring 2010: Prada Handbags

I’m underwhelmed, and I hate being underwhelmed. I’m not a huge fan of Prada’s Fall 2009 offerings, and I’m even less of a fan of Prada Spring 2010. So much so that it kind of makes my head hurt.
Memo to the fashion industry: no one wants clear vinyl bags. No one. You guys tried this crap a few seasons ago and thought it would be cute, and they all ended up on the sale rack at the end of the season, and they didn’t even move particularly quickly once discounted. A clear, architectural hard plastic clutch meant to hold three things for a night out, a la Fendi’s Spring 2010 presentation? That’s clear done well.
But a vinyl gray-tinted clear satchel meant to hold the dreck of everyday life, like tampons and your ATM receipts? No thanks. Do not want. Ever. But that, with some jewels stuck to the top and a canvas tote or two thrown in for good measure, is basically what we got. Since Prada does such a big bag collection for every season, this is probably only the tip of the iceberg and several other non-runway mini lines will eventually surface, but if this is any indication of what’s to come, I’ll take a pass.
Images via Style.com
Coach Metallic Ocelot Audrey



Coach has lots of fabulous new arrivals! I have fallen for the Metallic Ocelot Audrey. It easily converts from handbag to shoulder bag which I love because it’s all about versatility and getting the most for your money. Made of ocelot lurex fabric with crinkle patent leather trim, it features include inside multifunction pockets, fabric lining, jewel charm with hangtags. Price: $398 at Coach.
Zagliani Suede One Handle Bag
Zagliani is known for injecting their handbags with silicone to add a super buttery feel to the bags. This is true of their python and crocodile bags. But what would make a suede bag from this line special?
I would assume the suede is super soft, as the brand continues to strive to be known for the way they finish their bags. But suede is suede. Soft to the touch but hard to care for as it shows wear and gets dirty easily. I am trying to decide my thoughts on the Zagliani Suede One Handle Bag.
The actual design of the bag has a very Hermes/Fendi look. I typically prefer two handles on my bags, not one like this Zagliani bag has. However I do find the bag to have a laid back downtown feel. There is a pouch pocket with a twist fastening that sits in the front and deep pockets that sit at the back of the lining. The brand is known for their super soft python and crocodile, so I wonder if their suede is unbelievably soft as well. Buy through Browns for $1,764.46
What do you think: Worth the price or over-hyped?
















