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Lin Art Project Shopper, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

The Lin Art Project Tote ($835) is not for the faint of heart. It's completely unique and unexpected, and goes against the trend of simple silhouettes with minimal adornments. But if you know anything about Lin Besser, designer behind Lin, her tote fits perfectly with her colorful, off-the-wall and quirky aesthetic. Check out her Spring/Summer 2010 collection here.

Made of leather, Lin's tote features a sequined and embroidered character with bright pink and purple bug eyes and three multi-colored teeth. It sort of reminds me of the children's toy – Ugly Dolls. The ones that look so strange that they actually become cute. If someone took the time to decorate an Ugly Doll I have a feeling it would like a lot like Lin's little quirky and scary character.

The interior is spacious and perfect for items that are thin (wallet, magazine, phone, ebook reader, etc). The Lin Art Project Tote is fully lined with a hidden magnetic snap as a closure, and gold accents on the handle. Measurements: 41 cm H x 35 cm W.

Sara Battaglia Baby Acheora Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


The Baby Acherora Bag by Sara Battaglia ($1005) infuses the ever so popular jewelry trend of heavily layered mixed metals against the simple silhouette of a top handle bag. And just for good measure, added flared strips of leather accented with silver metals at the ends. The result – an extremely decorated handbag. One aspect that I especially like is the vibrant green interior lining. When it comes to good design, there's nothing like a subtle dose of the unexpected.

While Battaglia's Acherora Bag would not be a good candidate as your everyday-go-to black handbag, it would serve well as your ultimate statement bag. It's too overwhelming to be worn with an outfit that is just as busy looking, but juxtaposed against a simple outfit like a loose fitting t-shirt, long gray cardigan, lightweight scarf, skinny jeans and a pair of deep purple shoes for a pop of color, the Acherora Bag would look stunning. Measurements: 18cm H x 22cm W x 11cm D.

To Be G Leather Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Every woman needs a go-to black handbag. It's a staple that you can't live without. The right black handbag can exude sophistication and effortless style for years to come.

If you're in the market for a black handbag then take a look at To Be G's Leather Hobo ($1396). With an eye catching gathered detail on side, soft pleating and ruching throughout, knotted handles, and a leather ball wrapped in silver at the center, it's hard to overlook this classically styled handbag. The hobo is made of soft lambskin and boasts an extra spacious interior with three internal pockets for your smaller items. In addition to being ideal for work, if you're a light packer, I would totally try this as an overnight bag too.

Etsy Find: Ilemi 2 Way Leather Bag

Filed under: Handbags

The Ilemi 2-Way Leather Bag has a handle that is phenomenal looking. I don't usually get sucked in by a bag handle, but it is truly unique. It posses an intricately knotted thick leather handle that beautifully offsets an otherwise understated handbag. However, that's not to say that without the handle this bag would be overlooked, because even with a simply designed handle, this bag is still gorgeous.

Handmade from calf leather, the shoulder bag has a roomy interior (measurements: 16" W x 16.5" H) fitting everything you need for the day and then some. The 2-Way Leather Bag ($750) features a detachable shoulder strap while the body has stitch detailing resulting in a somewhat pleated effect. This bag is a unique yet timeless investment piece that could easily be worn throughout the year (minus the blaring hot heat wave days and tear-producing frigid snowstorm days).

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lamb Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Marc Jacobs is a phenomenal designer. He pushes the boundaries and sets trends. Sometimes the world is ready for his creations and other times he is waiting for us to catch up with him. I think the latter may be true in the case of his Lamb Shoulder Bag ($495). My initially reaction was "if a gremlin had a fashionable girlfriend, this bag would be it", but what a harsh judgment to make for a designer that I truly respect and admire. So I reserve my criticism and let the readers decide.

It's not as though we haven't seen fur bags before. On the runway, they are sartorial eye candy for the fur enthusiasts while opponents would vigorously disagree (and with good reason). But in the real world day to day living, how realistic can it be to wear a fur bag? However, there are some great qualities to this smoky colored furry shoulder bag. The color scheme is beautiful and gives off a relaxed and soothing feel while the colorful strap adds a little punch of color. It has a wide stripped adjustable canvas shoulder strap making for a sturdy and comfortable carry and with a roomy interior, you can hold many items without creating a bulky effect. And it's all accented with a gold designer stamped plaque.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Army Handhack Bag

Filed under: Handbags

The Army Handhack ($298) is the newest line of bags by Marc Jacobs that proves itself to be functional and stylish. Given its size and that it can be worn as a tote or a backpack, the Handhack can be used is so many ways - as an overnight bag, a weekender, a daily bag, or even a baby bag.

This durable canvas bag boasts an extra roomy interior, three exterior flap pockets, and a large front zippered compartment that can be accessed on either side, easily fitting everything you need and then some. While canvas is easy to clean, I appreciate that the bottom of the bag is leather. It complements the overall look and once it gets a little dirty and worn, it will only add to the bag's character. The Handhack is accented with gold grommets, zippers and buckles while a cranberry stripe on the handles add a little dose of color.

Jute and Jackfruit Organic Clothing, Jewelry, Handbags

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Jewelry, Green

Jute and Jackfruit Organic Clothing, Jewelry, HandbagsIt wasn't all that long ago when "organic" apparel and accessories conjured up ideas of wearing a burlap sack, carrying a rag wrapped around a stick for a purse, and wearing a twig necklace. But in the last few years, the organic way of life has spread like wildfire -- even to upscale clothing. My sister told me about Jute and Jackfruit, an online company that offers eco-fashion and organic, designer, women's items that are ethically made, hand-crafted, made in USA, and fair trade. The site offers clothing, jewelry, and handbags that include luxury eco-fabrics and up-cycled materials. Gift certificates are available too.

Angelopoulos Rene Pouchette

Filed under: Handbags

angelopoulos rene pouchette
The sultry seventies are slowly coming back into our hearts. We've seen countless platform shoes coming down the runway the past few seasons and perhaps I'm jumping the gun on this one, but I see over-sized clutches making our way into the Fall wardrobe. Just imagine a pair of perfectly fitting dark grey wool trousers, pale yellow button down shirt and chocolate brown boyfriend blazer paired with high heels and a deep plum over sized clutch to top it off. Gorgeous! Can you tell we are a little excited for the Fall?

If you not quite ready for the Fall but love over-sized clutches, the Rene Pouchette by Angelopoulos might be a match. It's light grey nappa leather makes it ideal for the summer while silver tone metal accents add a little dose of unexpectedness and hard edge. It features a extra long chain strap and an internal pocket. Unfortunately, it's sold out but check back again for updates.

Summer Totes from Young Artist-Designer

Filed under: Handbags


Francesca Joy's hand-painted canvas totes in megawatt primary colors are the must have this summer. Launched last February by artist Elise Francesca Fargnoli, the totes quickly became a cult item in Palm Beach. "My idea was to turn art into fashion," says Fargnoli. Her goal was to create a tote that looked bright and sunny, "something very original, but was also practical for the beach or the street." The bags are made in North Carolina and painted in the artist's studio in Pomfret, Connecticut. They are surprisingly practical and rugged. No worries if they catch a wave at the beach as the colors hold fast and don't chip.

It's not easy launching a new tote business that is for the most part "owned" by the big catalogs. As she had virtually no budget for PR, Fargnoli, who went to Pomfret and Mt. Holyoke, relied extensively on her "old boy" network which really came through for her. Next in her Francesca Joy ventures is a line of pillows and towels, more t-shirts, and of course, her signature summer season totes. Check out the website, www.francescajoypb.com for styles. You can place an order online at orders@francescajoypb.com or call 866-249-6768. Prices for the totes range from $80-$110.

The Fashion Statement: It Bags are Back to Basic

Filed under: Handbags, The Fashion Statement


Toss your roomy totes, slim clutches and bohemian bags with hardware and fringe to the back of the closet.

The It bags for fall are small and basic; ladylike, almost to the point of prim; and minimalist. Square-shaped or rectangular, the handbags often have long shoulder straps and feature a very simple fold-over envelope style flap with a simple clasp. Color schemes are fairly basic, too, with most in solid brown and tan leather and black.

These bags resemble the "pocket books" you once plucked from your mother's or grandmother's closet to play dress-up. They are ultra understated and have a conservative '80s power suit feel. With long shoulder straps the bags rest at the hip.

Hermès has resurrected the Constance, a model with an H clasp that can be worn over the shoulder or messenger style.

Phoebe Philo introduced Celine's Classic Box, a small bag with compartments, closed by a square gold clasp. The fashion flock has been seen with the bag in black, brown and red leather.

Ralph Lauren has one in shiny brown croc with a gleaming round gold clasp. Fendi has also brought back a classic: the Logo Square bag emblazoned with Fs.



Ipa Nima Reina Messenger, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

ipa nima messenger bag Doesn't a dusty pink handbag seem perfect for the summer? It would complement all the typical summer colors that we find ourselves being drawn to and for the days where we end up wearing a pair of jean shorts, a white tank top and a pair of Yosi Samra gladiators, a pop of pink will serve our outfit just fine.

The Reina Messenger by Ipa Nima ($368) can be worn comfortably on your shoulder or across your chest and has roomy interior with multiple interior compartments, exterior front and side zippered pockets. The leather is super soft (you have to love nappa leather) making it lightweight and so much easier to carry. The Reina would be ideal as your go-to summer handbag.

Alaïa Perforated Leather Oversized Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Alaia Perforated Leather Tote
The Alaïa Perforated Leather Oversized Tote is a pretty but functional tote that will work as a useful neutral in your spring and summer wardrobe for years to come. Made up almost entirely of intricately perforated tan glazed-leather this timeless essential features double leather top handles, delicate scalloping along the top edge, and a plain panel/strip running up each side. It also has protective metal feet on the base and comes with a detachable vanity mirror and small blush leather drawstring pouch for stashing tiny or private items. $2,385

Vanessa Bruno Petit Lune Hobo, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

vanessa bruno petit lune hobo While an oversized leather hobo bag may not say "Yeah for Spring!", we couldn't help but feature this bag by Vanessa Bruno. The Petit Lune Hobo is definitely on the splurge side of items you may be lusting over with a price tag of $803, but it's an investment bag. You will literally have it forever given its classic shape and durable leather all packed in a color that you can coordinate beautifully and effortlessly with your wardrobe.

The Petit Lune has a roomy interior (12"W x 13"H x 4.5"D) with a single zippered pocket, two compartment pouches as well as a exterior pouch on either side that closes with a magnetic snap. It's minimally decorated with only a belt and gold buckles along the rim - which only adds to its long lasting appeal. It can be worn on your shoulder or use the longer center-padded shoulder strap and wear across your body.

Pauric Sweeney Python Bowler Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags


As though it was dipped in a bowl of perfectly ripe cherries, the Python Bowler Bag by Pauric Sweeney (£1225/$1838) has such vibrancy that it instantly catches your attention. Made from python and minimally adorned, it has an extra roomy interior with two interior zip pockets. The only adornment is a pair of braided leather handles that are fittingly understated. The Bowler Bag features silver hardware that beautifully compliments its red and black color scheme. Wear on your shoulder, hanging from your elbow or use the detachable shoulder strap – however you wear it, your candy colored bag is a fun accessory for spring and summer.

3.1 Phillip Lim Inapinch Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

phillip lim inapinch tote

With it's over-sized half moon shape and unusual colorway, the Inapinch Tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim instantly catches your eye. Set against a warm buttery color, the tote is accented with two black diagonal stripes that are sparsely placed and two round mirrors hanging from a leather strap. It may sound a bit cheesy, but I love the exterior mirrors because they're so easy to grab and check your makeup. The Inapinch Tote has a roomy interior allowing you to carry virtually anything while the zippered interior pocket is ideal for smaller items so your not in a constant search for your things. It also features a detachable shoulder strap and hidden magnetic closure. Dimensions: 11"H x 16"W x 12.5" D. Price: $695.

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