I've been waiting for this rusty orange color to become popular again. It is one of my favorite hues, but it seems to have had a difficult time overcoming the gaudy reputation it earned in the 1970's. Less shocking than red and brighter than brown, the color just glows with warmth and understated style. On this tote, that color is the focus, with very little hardware to distract from the gorgeous distressed leather. Inside, the bag is lined in similarly-hued canvas and is divided into two compartments with a center zip pocket. Measuring 14"W x 12"H x 7"D, it has an 8" strap drop and sells for $545.
I've been trying to decide which handbag I will be asking Santa to bring me this year. I am in the market for a bag that is large, durable and goes with anything. I have it narrowed down to a few, including this one. While it is also available in a gorgeous denim blue suede with gunmetal hardware, this black leather with oxidized copper hardware is better suited for every day use. The pleating at the bottom adds a casual softness to the bag and I love the detachable braided chain strap. In fact, why would you ever want to detach it? Lined in logo jacquard, the bag measures 15 ½"H x 13 ½"W x 6"D and features interior zip and cell phone pockets. $585.
There is something familiar about this bag that I can't quite put my finger on. I feel I've seen the color and the top-stitched handles before, but the elongated shape is definitely fresh. A roomy 15" x 12½", the bag sports gold-tone hardware and an interesting braided detail. What I like best is the wide 11½" straps. A bag this size can get pretty heavy when loaded and that extra support makes it a lot easier on the shoulder. With a magnetic snap closure, the interior has both zipper and cellphone pockets. $418.
Leopard and zebra prints are nothing unusual, but tiger? I love the pattern and the gentle shading from tawny to white on the panel of this bag. Next to the rich black leather, it's an exotic and interesting look. The convertible tote has both short handles and a long detachable shoulder strap. Lined in black and featuring several inside pockets, the tote opens with a zip top and measures 18"W by 11"H by 7"D. $2,100.
Purple is popular this season, and this bag takes that hue just slightly to the blue side. It's a gorgeous color that really pops in patent leather. The thin strips of brown leather create a sharp-looking frame and the rather short rolled handles make for a nice fit under the arm. If you aren't looking for attention, you might want to skip this one. It's a look-at-me color on an oversized bag and carrying it will draw attention. The tote measures 16.5" x 17.5" x 5.5" and sells for $1995 at Barneys.
This rich brick color makes this bag an obvious choice for fall, but it's the roomy size and lack of flashy hardware that will make it easy to wear every day. With a handle length of 21 ½", this spacious leather tote measures 19"H x 14" W x 5 ½" D. A large zip top opens to suede lining and two interior pockets. With leather-protecting feet and gentle pleating, the bag is available as shown as well as in black. $530.
I can see myself carrying this go-with-anything black and white leather tote on a regular basis. At 18" x 16.5" x 1", it's large enough to hold everything I need and has plenty of room for additional shopping finds. It has wide, comfortable straps and the interior cell and zip pockets will prevent the awkward 'tote-dig'. A little antiqued brass studded detail and a logo luggage tag finish off the look of this simple and practical bag. $1,600.
This substantial tote has lots of details - twin belted straps threaded through rings, tabbed zippers on either side, more rings attaching the shoulder straps and and a wide tab closure that locks. Plus, there is even a bit of metal on the strap itself. But the best looking part of this bag is the buttery soft leather itself. It's a shapely bag that might look a little pear shaped when full, but don't we all? $1550
Although this bag looks a bit stiff, I love the windowpane stitching. And that wide band of jacquard logo fabric keeps it from looking too much like a bucket. With 20" rolled leather handles attached by silver-tone rings, the bag is mostly open at the top, save for a small inside flap with a magnetic closure. Lined in in black logo fabric with one large inside zipper pocket, the bag measures 15" L x 10" H x 5" W. $250.
I don't usually go for Juicy bags as they tend to look a little young for me, but this one is rather sedate. It has just enough accessories to avoid being boring and is large enough to tote a weekend's worth of necessities. If there is one feature that makes it noteworthy, it is the wooden block charm which adds a nice, earthy feel. It wouldn't be Juicy without the chain and logo heart charm, which is uncharacteristically understated. It has a magnetic closure on the main compartment and the lined interior features a 6 inch zipper pocket as well as two accessory pockets. Also available in chocolate. $350.
Handbags of late have been so uninspiring, but this design is clearly innovative and is sure to appeal to the masses. Most women have the same problem with bottomless-pit-style bags which seem to swallow-up everything which necessitates carrying a large bag in the first place, thereby rendering the style inefficient and clumsy. The designer of this bag however, Alison Antrobus, a RISD architecture graduate who was also frustrated by the hassle of searching through a disorganized tote, has come up with a unique solution to the changing needs of day by creating an adaptable handbag/drawer set/clutch for the stylish woman who needs her bag to be as brainy and beautiful as she is. The Antrobus bag retails online for $1,250 and begins as a geometric carryall in buttery black leather with brushed golden accents. From there, a two-drawer box emerges from the bottom permitting the top portion to be used alone as a smaller shoulder bag, and the bottom portion zips off into a folded clutch. She has managed to successfully synthesize utility with style; science with fashion, let's just hope it doesn't weigh a ton!
