The Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is a classy addition to a casual outfit. We particularly see this paired with denim, and if you're feeling matchy-matchy, some sweet silver shoes.
The dark, shimmery steel-silver leather is molded into a slouchy, yet structured silhouette. Don't be fooled by this photo; the bag is actually only 4" wide if you look at it from the side. Its clever, roomy shape is our favorite thing about this slim bag. You know, besides the awesome silver.
The 11" drop strap is large enough to fling over a shoulder, and the purse itself is large enough (at 15½"W X 9"H) to hold all the less-essential things you might need on a day out -- a book, a camera, even a bottle of water would fit.
The inside lining is ivory-colored cotton. We don't know what the "violet" is all about.
The Botkier Violet Runway Hobo is available from
Saks for $695.
More bad news for Saks Fifth Avenue. As our sister blog Daily Finance reported, Saks has released its second quarter results beating analysts' expectations by posting a loss of $54.5 million, or 39 cents per share on sales of $561.7 million. Same store sales were down 15.5 percent. None of this is too surprising, luxury shopping has been taking a huge hit in this economy. But what is compelling is that Saks saving grace may end up being its discount outlets. An AP story said that the less-expensive Off 5th stores are doing better than Saks' full-price stores. This news comes as Nordstrom, which has also been having a rough time in this market has announced that is expanding its discount chain, Nordstrom Rack. The question I have is with the boom of outlet stores and the success of discount stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, who will be left to buy the items at their original prices? The discount market relies on the fact that department stores exist and that some buyers are willing to pay the premium to have their choice of designer goods. If the luxury brand buyers switch to buying the brands only at discounted rates it remains to be seen how the structure of shopping will change. I suppose the good news in this for luxury retailers is that the shopping impulse is alive and well in U.S. consumers, they just aren't willing to spend the big bucks currently.
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The Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Percy Bag is a smart, luxury bag which gives the illusion of "no frills."
The Lockheart Zip It Alana Hobo is secretly one of the trendiest bags we've seen this season, and yet it conveys effortless elegance. How did they manage this?
The BCBG Max Azria Origami Shoulder Bag is the perfect bag to compliment the chunky jewelry trend this season.
The Valentino Catch Signature Bag takes simple, classic cowboy-western details to the next level of chic.
The Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote is the perfect bag for carrying everything you need for work or school in style.
The Kooba Talia Shoulder Bag has an unusual shape and the perfect bright marigold color for this season!
The L.A.M.B. Orissa Tri-Color Clutch is the perfect, understated, luxuriously soft purse for those with a vintage or boho flair.
The Prada Pitone Tote is one seriously hot new handbag. 
The Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Cutout Satchel makes us think instantly of spring -- flowing dresses in delicate pastels, espresso in outdoor cafes, shopping up and down 5th Avenue, and lightweight vintage gloves on a casual, cool evening.
