Orbino Luxury Cases recently debuted the Arista case for Apple's MacBook Air. This bag is so clean and classic that I'd love to carry it even without a laptop, and with the rich color choices, I might even be persuaded to break away from my traditional black. Handmade by a single artisan in Orbino's Naples, Italy, workshop, the case is made from vegetable-tanned Tuscan leathers. Features include plush padding to protect your laptop, a gusseted front pocket, an iPhone/cell phone harness and an adjustable shoulder harness. The case is hand lacquered and has buffed, four-coat edging and hand-stitched detailing. Custom options to up the luxury quotient include being able to order a case made-to-measure and/or in limited edition skins such as crocodile, snakeskin and ostrich.
What a comfortable casual shape and beautiful periwinkle blue combined together to add a punch of color and style to your warm weather wardrobe. It may not be the best shade for going with everything, but this Tod's Softy Messenger Media would certainly look great paired with any kind of white, black, or other neutral outfit. A perfect bag for running errands or going to meet a friend for coffee. Smooth grained leather with polished silver metal hardware, braided shoulder strap, side ruching detail, and embossed logo on the front flap. 15.5" x 11.5" x 4.5", $1800.
If I had to choose just one bag to carry for the remainder of my days, it would be a bag like this. Large, sturdy and neutral. The vintage leather looks like it would just get more beautiful with wear and the wide strap promises to be comfortable when the bag is loaded up. The hardware is over-sized, but the brass blends nicely with the warm tone of the leather. On the back side, it has a handy open pocket and the interior features several more. Lined with Tattersall fabric, the bag measures 10" x 10" x 4" with a 14" strap drop. $448.
I usually find Dooney and Bourke bags to be a little stiff and boring. This one isn't all that exciting, but I like it for its simplicity. Clean lines, the sparing use of silver-tone hardware, and the neutral color make this satchel perfect for every day use. It looks quite rugged and up to the job of toting around the stuff you just can't leave home without. The cowhide leather is water repellent and the bottom has protective feet. Measuring 10½"H x 17"W x 8½" D, the bag features internal zip and cell phone pockets. It is also available in a pretty blue, but I think we've seen enough prettybluebags lately. $395.
This bag manages to combine slouchy with neat. The decorative buckled straps across the front give it a look that is more pulled-together than you might expect in a large gathered style. Available in black or brown, it looks comfy and well-worn. The top stitching is done in a contrasting thread and the hardware is brass-tone. With double 5" drop handles, the bag features a scalloped front flap, two side flap pockets and a cotton lining. Measuring 9"H X 13"W X 6"D, it has an one interior zip and two cell phone pockets. $545.
Silly name, gorgeous bag. Modern and glowing, the shape is rather ordinary, but the details are not. The large flap front is free of adornment, allowing the unique handle and strap to be the focus of attention. With a 3" drop, the solid handle has just the right amount of heft and looks comfortable to carry thanks to the leather padding. The 11½" chain shoulder strap is substantial, but not chunky, and the overall look is delicate. Measuring 11½"L x 2"W x 8¾"H, it is lined and features interior zip, cell and wallet slip pockets. $159.
At first glance, this domed-shape bag doesn't really stand out. The details are spare and there is very little hardware to catch the eye. But maybe that is what makes it the ideal bag for every day use. With barely-there contrasting top stitching, the rolled leather handles attach to the bag as if they grew there. Softly gathered leather gives a feminine look and the light tan color goes with just about anything. With the logo embossed discreetly between the handles, the wide zippered closure gives full access to the interior, which is lined in logo fabric and features zip and cell phone pockets. Get it at Harrods for £355.00.
To appreciate the impact of this bag, consider its size: a roomy 15" x 15" with a 16½" across-the-body strap. It's big and beautifully shaped in a brown and black zebra print, cinched at the top with a slim leather belt. The gold-tone hardware on the buckle and rings has a pretty pebbly texture and inside it's fully lined. A stunning fall bag for $2590.
From Maxwell Scott's 2007 Contemporary Collection, the Claudia is designed to be beautiful and durable. All buckled up with antique brass hardware, it would make a great work bag and has a colorful surprise inside - electric blue lining. Made from supple Italian leather, it has comfy double handles and features one zip pocket in the large main compartment. This is classic tan, but it's also available in dark chocolate and night black. £249.99.
I am seeing a lot of variations of this color in handbags this fall and I like it a lot. This deep plum leather is quilted with elastic, giving the bag a bit of give and an overall soft look. Nothing new about the chunky gold-tone chain strap, but it does look sharp against the diamond pattern of the bag. With a single zip pocket and classic kiss-lock closure, it is simply beautiful. $1395.
This is not your average metallic bag. The fabric is called 'broken mirror' and the look is dramatic. Made from crackled calf leather, the stunning pewter fabric is repeated on multi-faceted 'gems' and again on the frame. You can never have too much of a good thing, right? The kiss-lock closure features pewter colored balls in a silver setting and the whole package is like a gorgeous piece of jewelry. $385.
Like a well-tailored suit worn with a crisp white blouse, this bag is classically good-looking. The tan and white strips on the snap flap look sharp against the matte black leather, and mirror the quilted stripes on the bag. Trimmed in bright white leather piping and accented with just a touch of silver hardware, the bag features a zippered pocket on the back and a divided interior with an additional zip pocket. $1575.
In cognac calf leather, this sleek little clutch from Brian Atwood is another fine example of understated elegance. Proving that you don't have to go all out with the metal to dress up a bag, these simple gold-tone ovals do the job nicely all by themselves. With a push-down ball closure and suede lining, the bag measures 11½" W x 6" H x 1½" D. $1060.
Pick a color, any color - they are all gorgeous. Made from soft lambskin, the details are in the simple geometric folds, accented with just a touch of brass hardware. Generously sized and supported by large, flat straps, the bag has a nice wide bottom and the all-important protective brass feet . It has a zippered top opening and is lined in canvas. But which color? For me, it's a toss-up between the deep blue and the butterscotch. $462.
Norwegian designer Kaia Peterka knows a good bag is essential to the traveling girl. You need something that is durable, roomy and above all, stylish. This bag is all three. With a soft shape and a distressed look, the Getaway is dressed up with a broad strap, threaded through loops and wrapped casually around the bag. At 13" x 15.5" it is large enough to hold your travel essentials with room left over for shopping finds. Available in pewter, night, whiskey or choco, it has a zip top closure and is lined in a brocade fabric. $550.
Orbino Luxury Cases recently debuted the Arista case for Apple's MacBook Air. This bag is so clean and classic that I'd love to carry it even without a laptop, and with the rich color choices, I might even be persuaded to break away from my traditional black. Handmade by a single artisan in Orbino's Naples, Italy, workshop, the case is made from vegetable-tanned Tuscan leathers. Features include plush padding to protect your laptop, a gusseted front pocket, an iPhone/cell phone harness and an adjustable shoulder harness. The case is hand lacquered and has buffed, four-coat edging and hand-stitched detailing. Custom options to up the luxury quotient include being able to order a case made-to-measure and/or in limited edition skins such as crocodile, snakeskin and ostrich.
