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Handbag of the day

Ribbon and Chain Print Shopper, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Christian Louboutin Ribbon Chain Print Shopper HandbagFresh and flirty, this Ribbon and Chain Print Shopper by Christian Louboutin is also a reasonable and practical bag with a classic, seasonless color palette of red and white and plenty of room for toting all your daily essentials. A canvis body (featuring an energetic print of ribbons, chains, and charms) and open top with magnetic snap closure give it an 'easy access' tote bag feeling, while the leather handles and red leather tassel accent on the front zip pocket give it an upgrade to handbag status. Silver hardware rounds out the look, $695.

Rodo Fan Crystal Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Rodo Fan Crystal Clutch Handbag
There's something so romantic and feminine about anything fan-shaped, and that might be a big part of why I like this Fan Crystal Clutch by Rodo so much. Inspired by 1920s Art Deco, this clutch features luxe satin and crystals that fold and flow to accentuate the silhouette, with little else in the way of design features other than a crystal-embelished clasp closure and removable gold shoulder chain. Fully lined and comes in a box with dustbag, £389 (there's a black version also but I think it looks a little harsh).

Marc Jacobs Flourescent Tweed Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

marc jacobs flourescent tweed handbag
For those days you're not sure how you feel or what you want, the Marc Jacobs Flourescent Tweed Bag has all sorts of style elements to suit you. Black and white tweed is comforting, bright neon stone embellishments add a spunky dose of glam and color, and gold staining on the stones tones things down and keeps them from looking too 80s. Other features include black patent leather, a detachable shoulder strap, and a logo-embossed golden lock on the front flap. Magnetic press-stud fastening, internal pouch pocket, and a black satin lining. $995

CK Calvin Klein Zero Gravity Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


As I'm looking at this stark white bag by Calvin Klein we've just had an official blizzard here in the Midwest and everything is covered in crisp drifts of white snow. Although I think this Zero Gravity Hobo was intended to evoke vibes of outer space it fits in perfectly as a 'snowball' also. It's clean, minimalist style includes a perfectly symmetrical spherical silhouette with small, understated logos on the front and on the handle studs. Other features include double-fold details front and back, a golden chocolate satin lining, and interior pockets galore. £185

Botkier Taylor Satchel, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Botkier Taylor Satchel HandbagA lovely, comfy looking day bag, the Taylor Satchel by Botkier comes in brown or sand pearl lambskin. The monochrome color scheme makes for a slightly understated appearance but the pintucks with tonal topstitching that run down the sides and end in pretty little tassels bring a solid dose of style. Simple, classic style. The kind of style that says "I'm practical and maybe a little serious most of the time, but I'm not without a fun side."

I like it. Although I'm not crazy about either color option. Zip top closure, removable shoulder strap, and a jacquard logo lining. $545

DKNY Zebra Print Purse Set, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

DKNY Zebra Print Purse Set Handbag
Here's a very stylish but also relatively affordable gift for the handbag-loving lady on your shopping list this Christmas: the DKNY Zebra Print Purse Set. A nice way to give something trendy like animal print without asking them to commit to it 100% as the set allows for the little purses to be easily be tucked inside something larger. Calf's hair exterior in black and white zebra print, navy blue lined interior, and silvertone hardware all packaged together in a gold DKNY logo ribbon.

The large purse measures 26cm x 16cm x 5cm and has a chain shoulder strap, the medium measures 20cm x 13cm x 4cm, and the small is a handy 17cm x 10cm x 3cm. All three for £129.

Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Christian Louboutin Satin ClutchThe Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is like a handbag wearing a one-shoulder dress.

If you're heading to any holiday events in satin this year, pick up this little bag, which achieves an unprecedented asymmetrical elegance. The bag is so perfectly designed that even with its unusual shape, it appears demure and simple; no feathers or big jewels on the left detail. We feel relieved to see a Christian Louboutin clutch without that high heeled kiss lock closure -- we loved it at first, but we're tired.

This sophisticated Italian bag is lined in silk and will fit all your bare essentials at 10½"W X 4"H X 1"D. No cheating with this purse; there's no hidden chain. This is a clutch you could carry for years to come, and eventually pass down to your children.

The Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

How Many Handbags Does a Woman Really Need?

Filed under: Handbags

So we at Luxist clearly love handbags, we feature a new one every day as part of our Handbag of the Day feature. But although handbags might be a fashion statement, a means of expressing ourselves, and an occasional therapeutic indulgence, they're also a necessity. Whether a tiny clutch or an enormous tote, when is the last time you left the house without a bag of some kind to carry your essentials?

Arguing that carrying a handbag is a necessity is easy, and there's no doubt that certain bags serve different purposes, but is there any certain number of bags a woman really needs? How much does fashion and personal enjoyment factor in when deciding how many bags is respectable to own and how many is too many? I read somewhere once that the average woman owns 8 handbags, but that almost doesn't seem like enough if you factor in the four seasons, daytime, nighttime, and allowing for at least a neutral and a statement piece for each of those categories. Plus it's nice to allow room for the occasional purely trendy indulgence every now and then.

It's a question that has no real answer, unfortunately. But just out of curiosity, how many handbags do you own? And how many do you think is too many?

How Many Handbags Do You Own?

Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded SatchelThe Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel is a fabulous jolt to your wardrobe in black or this warm shade of pink.

The Studded Satchel has a rich texture in creamy quilted Italian leather with goldtone studs and hardware. We love the antique clutch shape -- made large in this iteration -- which makes the bag appropriate for both vintage and modern ensembles.

The bag is 8 1/2"H x 12"W x 2"D with a long leather strap; perfect for an entire day of shopping or a dinner-and-theater night. The studs keep its quaint design in check.

The Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel is available from Neiman Marcus for $995.00.

Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Shining Flower Tux ToteThe Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is a whole new kind of handbag.

At first we weren't sure what to make of this style, the like of which we've never seen, but as we examined the details (and felt the ruffles), we ultimately decided that this is a brilliantly innovative new design.

While it's not always appropriate to wear a tuxedo (especially if attending an event with a man who's wearing a tuxedo -- that's a matchy-matchy disaster of hilarious proportions), the prospect of carrying a tuxedo is irreverent and delightful. It's also been a long time since we've seen a truly dressy, gala-worthy bag this large. You can actually fit things in this bag.

The Flower Tux Tote features black sequins, bright crystals, creamy rosettes and a black napa leather bow (a black tie, if you will). There's a lot going on, but it forms a cohesive whole we find creative and attractive.

The Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $4,495.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 22, 2010.

Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth ToteThe Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is a fresh new take on the traditional tote bag, and one that will serve you well into the new year.

This bag won't arrive in time for the holiday parties, but it's just as well -- this bright white tote with rainbow stitching should be saved for 2010, when white (as well as beige, brown, and silver) will be everywhere and the splash of color will be much needed. We love the candy colors, the structured shape, and especially the eyelet details (but we'd leave that shoulder strap at home).

This bag would make a smashing holiday gift for someone who has everything; it's colorful and cheery, and there's something inherently luxurious about this much white leather.

The Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $725.00, and expected to ship no later than December 17 (just in time for Christmas).

Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Dior Cannage Shoulder BagThe Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is a terrific holiday purse for merry days of shopping and candlelight dinners alike.

This Italian patent lambskin bag is ravishingly quilted in Dior's Cannage pattern, and not over-designed -- the shiny red is enough. While this would look great with black, we'd love to see this on the arm of a lady bundled up in a pretty white coat.

The bag features bright silvery chain links and a push-lock closure, and will be available in ecru with goldtone hardware in 2010. We love the leather detail at the top of the strap to protect your shoulders, hands and clothes from having to touch the hard metal -- how very considerate.

The Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,750.00.

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy ClutchThe Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is a perfect holiday party purse. We challenge you to find something this season that it wouldn't match.

If you've recently discovered you have no good purses for this year's holiday parties, this is the ultimate solution. Its pouch-like, gathered shape in head-turning metallic golden-and-them-some leather and simple chain shoulder strap make it easy to wear and quite fetching.

The bag is 5"H x 9 1/2"W; just large enough for your necessities, and its scrunchy-soft texture makes it easy to carry, even without the chain.

The Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $195.00.

Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder BagThe Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is an unmistakably luxe choice for your spring wardrobe.

This fresh new design in a bright poppy rouge features generous silver chain links, oversized diamond stitching and dainty, only-from-a-French-design-house ruffle trim. The bag and logo hangtag are crafted from the finest lambskin, and the flap-top closes with an engraved silver push lock.

This spring, expect to see lots of silver, khaki, white and pale neutrals ... and this, as it will surely stand out if you see it coming down the street.

The Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $2,050.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 6.

Lockheart Melinda Leather Drawstring Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lockheart Melinda Leather Drawstring BagThe Lockheart Melinda Leather Drawstring Bag is an unexpected addition to this December's lineup of new bags.

The explosion of frills and leather lace make for a truly rare texture -- it may look like a paper lamp cover for a Valentine's Day party in the photo, but in person, the movement and lushness of the leather make it very alluring and fabulously unusual. Lockheart is always doing crazy things with leather, and we heart them for it.

The claret-colored Melinda Bag is 13"W X 12"H X 5"D, has a single strap with a 9" drop, is lined in microfiber signature striped jacquard, and features eyelets and tassels, which guarantee you'll want to wear it well into the spring.

The Lockheart Melinda Leather Drawstring Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $595.00.


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