Brunello Cucinelli Leather-Canvas Messenger Bag – A Message from the Messenger
Brunello Cucinelli is one hell of a man. Brunello has managed to redefine the modern male wardrobe when it comes to luxury, and he has always used the finest of everything; his bags are no exception. Recently, I was asked by a friend to name a designer who makes a fantastic messenger bag, and after thinking for a bit, I excitedly screamed out “Brunello!”
His Leather-Canvas Messenger is no “murse,” — a term that makes me cringe, since a good chunk of bags could be unisex — but the modern bag for any metropolitan man! Two parts luxury, one part sport, this bag is at home in the country or at the King Cole Bar. This is also a messenger that will age so gracefully, it can even be passed down! So I’m going on an adventure, and all I can say is, “Take me away, Brunello…”
Available for pre-order from Bergdorf Goodman for $2,385.
Stella McCartney Structured Shoulder Bag: Less is more
This simple, yet chic gorgeous green shoulder bag with chain detail that is just delicious. The color pops with the gold and it is the lightweight and compact enough to throw over your shoulder or across your body making it wearable yet functional and fabulous. The clean shape of the bag is what makes it stand out the most to me proving that less really is more. This vegan friendly bag is made of soft faux leather and has inside pockets and a snap button closure. This bag is subtly classic and sophisticated making it not only timeless but ageless as well; anyone from a teenager to a grandmother could get great use out of this green grab and go. The other great thing about this bag is that it could be worn to almost any occasion. Have a wedding this spring? Throw on a sweet pink one shoulder dress by Riller & Fount
LAST 4 DAYS TO ENTER TO WIN! January Giveaway: The Dax Tote by DAX GABLER!
I was incredibly sad when I’d learned Devi Kroell had left her namesake brand, Devi Kroell, Inc, in 2010. But in record time, she regrouped and is now back with a vengeance! Meet DAX GABLER, Kroell’s addictive new collection of must-have bags.
The Dax tote has the kind of versatility I love: metallic platinum python with a matte-black python base goes with virtually everything (from rose-gold to neons to primary brights) and best of all, snap the sides for chic flatness or un-snap them for a larger, more functional version. Devi shows us that glamour is not only reserved for evening! Infuse it in your daytime uniform, via the eye-catching Dax tote.
This gorgeous and unique bag (worth $1,990) can be yours if you sign up for our newsletter (to be shared with DAX GABLER).
To win: Sign up for our newsletter. Even if you have signed up previously, you MUST sign up again to qualify to win!
Major thanks to Dax Gabler for this generous and fabulous giveaway!
* International readers welcome to enter.
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DESCRIPTION:
PLATINUM PYTHON ON MATTE BLACK PYTHON BASE, CRINKLED PATENT LEATHER TRIMS, CALF LEATHER HANDLES.
THE PYTHON SCALE IS UPLIFTED TO REVEAL A CONTRASTING BLACK BACKGROUND.
THE TOTE CAN BE WORN WITH THE GUSSET OUT, OR WITH THE GUSSET FOLDED IN (BY BUTTONING THE 2 SIDE STRAPS) TO BECOME A FLAT TOTE.
BLACK SIGNATURE RUBBERIZED HARDWARE.
SATINATED CHAMPAGNE LINING WITH 2 INSIDE ZIPPER POCKETS.
MADE IN ITALY
DIMENSIONS:
WIDTH: TOP: 13 3/4″
BOTTOM: 14 5/8″
HEIGHT: 14 1/4″
DEPTH: 6″
Top Granny-Chic Handbags: Off to Grandmother’s Fashion House We Go
Grandmothers are known for sharing sage advice – they’ve seen a thing or two, so we’d be smart to listen to their wise words! But had it occurred to you to take a cue from Granny’s bag style? The answer’s probably no (unless your grandmother passed on a killer Chanel and Hermès collection, and if so, you know how lucky you are). Until now! Bags inspired by the matriarchs of the family are popping up and looking modern, cool, and, gasp!, youthfully fun. Here, my top picks that both you and Nana would surely approve of:
1) Delvaux Tempête MM Handbag: It’s all about structure – slouch isn’t ladylike! Delvaux nails it, by adding the arresting detail of side straps that wrap around the bag. And the color? Scandalous yet old-time movie-star classic.
At Barneys New York for $3,600.
2) Valentino Demetra Patent Leather Bag: Old-world innocence, and elegance, to boot. Valentino’s details make for standbys to last through generations, and nothing says “granny-chic” like a proper frame-top.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,245.
3) Gucci Bella Medium Top Handle Bag: We all know grannies love Gucci. This one looks fresh in champagne-metallic leather. A neat little bow attached to the signature bamboo-and-tassel detail keeps it just prim enough.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,995.
4) Fendi Chameleon Large Colorblock Satchel: Here’s to the ladies who lunch…or don’t. So gorgeous, the edgiest girl in black jeans and Jimmy Choo biker boots could carry this creamy sensation and look right-on.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $2,520 (expected to ship by May 5th).
5) Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Tote: What’s a grandma collection without a little traditional Bottega? White says you’re pristine, and the fact that your carrying a Bottega top-handle says you know how to appreciate the quality of a classic.
On Net-a-Porter
6) Nina Ricci Python Liane Shoulder Bag: This is the epitome of granny-chic. The pert top-handle, fold-over design, complete with neat clasp, is so old-world. And the amazing, almost rugged python skin is so you.
Available for pre-order for $3,750 at Barneys New York.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
Top 5 Goth-Girl Bags: A Gothic Renaissance
<Forget any old associations with the term “goth.” Once used to described alienated teenagers who wore too much Wet ‘n’ Wild black eyeliner and listened to Marilyn Manson, all that has changed. With the rise of designers like Riccardo Tisci and Haider Ackermann, as well as mysterious fashionistas like Kate Lanphear and Leigh Lezark, we’re now finding a little goth in all of us! One thing that hasn’t changed? Goths are true to the shade of black – and so are these bags, bound to get you in touch with your dark side.
1) Anya Hindmarch Patent-Leather Envelope Clutch: Goths love their high-shine PVC, as long as it’s in ebony, of course. With a faceted-crystal closure, Anya’s patent take is an approachable variation on liquidy latex.
On Net-a-Porter
2) Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Spike-Studded Bag: Think Gothic Lolita. The plentiful spikes are totally hardcore, but the neat bow (almost hidden under all that hardware!) softens it up.
At Bergdorf Goodman for $1,195.
3) Paula Cademartori Stud and Crystal Caroline Shoulder Bag: This Goth might be all grown-up, but she’s still not afraid of a little pain. This structured bag might prick, but it’s worth it for the edgy-meets-polished style.
On Luisa via Roma
4) Thomas Blakk Soft Boombox Laser Patent-Leather Clutch: The hue might not be loud on this “Boombox” clutch, but the texture is mega-watt. We know Goths are night-crawlers, and this multi-textural gleamer is sure to catch the moonlight.
On Luisa via Roma
5) Bottega Veneta Breezy Hobo Bag: The name might be “Breezy,” but this bag is tough stuff. Python and leather have been rather savagely patched together to put a dark, murky spin on usually polished Bottega.
At Barneys New York for $3,900.
Yves Saint Laurent Glossy Black Shoulder Bag: The New(ish) Black
This bag treads the line between new-season mint and throwback vintage. Despite the retro vibe, there is something so modern about it. I wouldn’t say it’s contemporary, but this is a new bag for Yves Saint Laurent that’s clearly classic in design.
As with many of their styles, there’s only one majorly unique detail here – and that’s all it takes.Set extra-wide apart, the handles are attached at an extreme angle. Surprisingly, that’s all it takes to give new life to what’s essentially an old-fashioned bowler shape. A shoulder strap option is a logical touch on a medium-sized satchel. Since it’s such a great feature, the way the handles remain at an upward stance don’t even bother me.
The glossy, textured leather doesn’t hurt its cause either. This is no boring black bag, but I would still to see this in a color. And when I do, I just might be tempted to take the plunge – everyone can use an essential piece like this. On Ssense
Pair with: Black and white gets a similarly new-old revamp courtesy of Nicholas Kirkwood’s Keith Haring-inspired pumps. The print may be out of the eighties, but the look is totally 2012. Dress them down with a pair of semi-distressed, washed-out jeans and your grainy, shiny bag. Nicholas Kirkwood Keith Haring-Print Leather Stilettos, $843.
JT Italia MCT Viva Rinascimento Tote: Divine Decadence
I love this brand, and I love the duo behind it – Jeffrey Parker and Tony Ta are seriously the best people in the world. The passionate designers have strong tastes with a flair for the mysterious, sharing loves for “moody colors…dark chocolate…the smell of vegetable-tanned leather…dinners in Paris…and divine decadence.” I told you they were my kind of guys! JT Italia is so different from most brands out there. Their bags are made 100% in Italy, as in, not mostly made somewhere else and finally sent to Italy for the final stitch in order to sneak in that “Made in Italy” label. And you can really see it: their meticulous attention to detail makes their bags stand out immediately. The motif of this concentric thread embroidery mixed with lurex silver pays homage to Italy, where such techniques are celebrated – because only true Italian artisans can do it.
There are special touches throughout every inch. The gussets and the seams are tucked, all four corners have luggage corners, there is an external pocket, the edges are hand painted in their signature vena red, there is cut-edge piping and has a cowl neckline. And the handles are never just a piece of leather. Along with the adjustable buckle, the attachment point wraps around a bracelet strap and affixed with talon studs. With amazing embroidery, the Rinascimento Tote (meaning the Renaissance) takes an everyday classic you can really use and turns it into a fairy-tale dream bag. It comes in many colors, but my favorites are the rich pink and the neutral tan – especially beautiful set against the intricate embroidery design. It’s lust at first sight and then love to last a lifetime.
Available at JTItalia for Spring, 860 Euros ($1130). The price is exceptional for something truly handcrafted, and did I mention 100% made in Italy? Unheard of. Sad but true.
KARL Textured-Leather Bags: Keeping Up With Karl
Karl Lagerfeld is a busy man. As if it’s not enough to design a multitude of collections for Chanel every year – and somehow keeping the clothes intoxicating, the ideas innovative, and the shows inspiring – he now has just released his own diffusion line, sold exclusively on Net-a-Porter.
It’s called KARL, and the approachable brand name couldn’t be more logical. With prices ranging from just $95 to $450, this is a side of Karl we can all access. To him, it’s “fresh and relevant.” To me, his bags are relaxed and street-smart. Think more Alexander Wang than Coco Chanel.
The textured-leather shoulder bag
Pair with: Fans of the new line will also love these two-tone pumps. Black and white come together with a classical almond toe, thrown off by an asymmetrical cutout, and brazen white straps to cuff your ankles. On Net-a-Porter
Givenchy Antigona Tote: The Dealbreaker
I have just ONE request for my orange crush. Lately, I’ve found myself using these kinds of big, simple totes again; they’re great for just throwing things in. But can someone find a way to insert a pocket? I’m not asking for a filing cabinet here. I just want one singular pocket. That can’t be too much to ask! I know it’s unlined – and that is part of the casual appeal of a bag like this – but there has to be a way. And, yes, it comes with an attached pouch, which you know I think is a great and necessary accessory. But when it comes to storing your phone, it isn’t functional. Without a interior pocket, it basically becomes a beach bag.
Too bad everything else is as refreshing as a tall glass of fresh-squeezed juice. All I need right about now is this fabulous color, accented by a simple Givenchy logo, and, of course, one measly pocket. Then this bag would be perfect – it would make my year. At Bergdorf Goodman
Pair with: If you can do without the pocket, carry this pumped-up color with a crisp white loafer. Rochas‘ on-trend perforation is a hip take on a preppy staple. At Barneys New York for $850.
Diane Kruger and Alice Dellal: Killing It at the Chanel Show
Two very different women, two totally varying styles. Both proving there are so many ways to wear Chanel! Always impeccable (she could put on a polyester jumpsuit and make it look chic), quintessential Chanel girl Diane Kruger maintained a sense of modern-classicism. She lightened up her fabric- and leather-heavy look, topped with extra-ornate buttons and just a peek of knee, with an easy chain-strapped mini-bag. A demure size like this tossed over the shoulder is just the thing to keep it relaxed.
On the other hand, heavy metal-loving bad girl and latest Lagerfeld muse, Alice Dellal, looked every bit her rebellious self. She and her provocatively sheer lace blouse, frayed-hem maxi-skirt, and half-shaved head are the perfect match for her new Boy Chanel bag, the collection designed for the strong-willed style crusader. Which take floats your boat?