Trussardi 1911: Variety is the Spice of Trussardi
Every snob should be keen to deluxe Italian brand Trussardi (yes, since 1911!), still maintaining just a cult following in the States. I’m setting out to change that! And so is the house’s new collection of bags, a gorgeous assortment of luxurious clutches, hobos, and satchels, in an enticing variety of laminated metallics, vegetable-tanned and silk-screened leathers, shredded denims and off-beat prints, most with their signature antiqued gold hardware. One bag brand with something for everyone! I bought my first Trussardi bag in Milan during fashion week a few seasons ago and have been watching the brand closely ever since. The latest collection does not disappoint!
The bright crimson bandoleer bag in vachetta leather ($995) – the conventional touches of classic hardware make the color feel racy – would be an instant go-to, while the metallic gold-trimmed shopper tote ($938) looks like raffia, but there’s a twist: the fabric has been designed to resemble a “straw mat” (personally, my favorite part is the layered and laced-up handles). The black-and-white hobo bag ($848) blends skin with the same panache as it does opposing shades: python and sheep leather are a winning team.
The spunky set will appreciate the scruffy luxury of a chain-strapped purse ($790) in striped denim and crust leather. Or go sleek with the evening-worthy fabric and nappa leather clutch ($562), with a detachable chain-strap so thin and delicate, it almost doubles as jewelry. True Trussardi fans (and real bag snobs) will recognize them both by the trademark pyramid front detail.
Sissi Rossi Coin Purse Shopping Tote: Sister, Sister
Most Siamese twin bags just don’t work (Jérôme Drefuss’ “Igor” bag) because the extra bag hanging off just looks like an unwanted growth. But Sissi Rossi has taken the inseparable sibling look from awkwardly frumpy to fantastic!
Orchestrated with emphasis, the outer frame bag sitting atop the simple tote looks exactly as it should: like a giant and purposeful coin purse, whimsical yet practical. Soft nappa leather in worn denim blue teases you to beat it up for increased edge. Add a signature oversized safety pin for rebellion and the offbeat look is complete. Of course, Sissi Rossi could have easily arranged the coin purse on the tote’s lining, but that’s not how they roll – why do the expected?
My mind is running wild with all the organization possibilities. All big belongings in the big sister, with the items that are hard to find yet constantly needed – phone, keys, lip gloss – totally compartmentalized. Organized rebellion: just my type! At Barneys New York for $615.
Pair with: Tender yet tough. A leather cord with coil of silver cradling a baby pearl, the perfect compliment to a bag with a coin purse baby. Andrea Piccini Silver Pearl Pendant Necklace, $627.
SANG A “Slide” Triple-Wave Cross-Body Clutch: Night Rider
A super-luxe bag you’re not going to see coming and going when you walk down the street? I’m all about it! I discovered SANG A, the namesake line designed by former famed Korean actress, several years ago, and she has yet again reminded me what an inimitable way she has with luscious skins.
This asymmetrical clutch with a cross-body strap is so sexy, so unique, and so darkly alluring, it’s enough to inspire me to plan a thrilling night out when all I wanted to do was lounge at home! Glittering snakeskin in “Black Midnight” has been smoothly and powerfully arranged into three sculpted panels, to create a bag that is poised to hang like a little work of art. An understated gunmetal chain-strap completes the racy effect and enables you to dance the night away. Price upon request at SANG A.
Pair with: Show your class and your sass in one skirt. With a bag this special, you can go for all black. Temperley London’s “Odette” skirt stretches so you can move and has brocade side panels to enhance the texture of your look On Shopbop
3.1 Phillip Lim “Lynus” Portfolio Shoulder Bag: A Furry Situation
I’m torn. Literally, between tearing this random tuft of fur trim off this otherwise solid bag. I’m totally loving the everyday style, suited for the impossible-to-buy-for bag snob, but why the fur? The strap is removable (I’m also confused as to why it would be, since this doesn’t translate to a clutch), so the fur can be slipped off. Leading me to another “but” – you’re paying for the fur, so why would you remove it? Sure, it’s only inexpensive rabbit that can be discarded relatively guilt-free, but, but, but…! So many buts about this bag.
Well, on the flipside, touchable lambskin looks great in this welcoming shade of brown, and the big flap pocket is genius: you get the fold-over look, without the complications. Everything else about 3.1 Phillip Lim‘s bag is so easy. I suppose too easy, hence the flair of fur, designed to function like a tassel. But I don’t like tassels! At Saks Fifth Avenue
Pair with: I’d scrap the fur and get my flair another way – a big Lanvin cocktail ring. This new one is a dark abstracted flower sparkling with Swarovski crystals. On Net-a-Porter
Lanvin Oulouette Satin handbag
I love how Lanvin’s chain shoulder straps always have some sort of ornamentation that makes the strap look like a necklace. On the larger bags it’s usually grosgrain ribbon and a coin charm, but for this evening bag/clutch it’s ostrich feathers. The strap can be removed and worn as a belt or a necklace, but I kind of like it as the strap to this beautiful bag. Pair with a LBD and let this bag steal the show.
This designer handbag is a clear and black stone embellished blush satin flap clutch. It has a detachable silver toned chain with a burnished gold insert and ostrich feather trim that can be word as a belt or necklace. It has a blush grosgrain tassle detail on one side. There is a magnetic snap closure under the flap, and a zippered pocket under the flap. Inside is black lining. Lanvin handbags are made in Italy. $529 Available here
ASOS Lightning Bolt Clutch
Merely inspired or an out-and-out rip off? Whatever the case, there is no denying the resemblance of this ASOS Lightning Bolt Clutch to the Miu Miu Appliqued Metallic Leather Clutch (though the latter is decidedly more an ode to Batman than this purple wonder). Even so, it’s captivating: how can you really ignore something that is both metallic purple AND glossy red? Answer: You cannot. Find it for just $43.10 at ASOS.
Dior Tie-Dye Lady Dior Tote
I’m sort of at a loss for words as to how I feel about this Dior Tie-Dye Lady Dior Tote. It’s interesting. Yeah, that’s about all I’ve got. Tie-dye has never been my thing but Dior of course has and I never thought that the two would cross paths. Yet here we are with this very tote and it’s actually happened; tie-dye and Dior have fused together. I’m feeling as though I’ve entered an alternate universe or that at any moment pigs will go flying by my window. What do you think? Is this bag a treasure or a tragedy? Let us know by leaving your comment in the box below! Available for $3,100 at Bergdorf Goodman.
Tory Burch McLane Tweed Pattern Leather Hobo
I think it’s fun to contrast structured, dressy office wear with bright and bold bags, but perhaps you fear a more playful bag will make you look too youthful and as a result, you won’t be taken seriously. Enter Tory Burch’s solution: the McLane Tweed Pattern Leather Hobo. This handbag is all business, from the menswear kinda pattern to the understated logo and hardware. It’s a practical bag, but not painfully so; you’ll feel stylish and important even if you’re hauling it to your unpaid internship. It’s $475 from Nordstrom.
Anya Hindmarch Inspire Tote
There’s a certain irony to this Anya Hindmarch Inspire Tote, which is emblazoned with a light bulb. It’s designed to, um, inspire you, I guess, since it does say “This bag will inspire you.” Methinks the only inspiration here is that Hindmarch has the sheer nerve to sell a freaking canvas bag with, it must be said, downright dull artwork on it, for $250. C’mon, really? Not irony at all, come to think of it – just insanity. Find it at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Lulu Guinness Black Satin Large Pollyanna
With all the attention sheath dresses have been getting over the past few years, it’s surprising that more fifties-style bags haven’t hit the fashion scene. But you can satisfy your inner Audrey Hepburn with the Lulu Guinness Black Satin Large Pollyanna. The structured shape and vintage-inspired clasp make it the perfect purse to pair with your Mad Men outfits. Available at Lulu Guinness for $435.