TheFind blog » Handbags

Michael Kors Santorini Rattan Clutch

Stephanie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:08:21 +0000

It isn’t very often that I come across a handbag that works for the Spring, Summer and Fall months. However, today, I’ve found one. Leave it up to genius designer, Michael Kors to come to my rescue. In fact, I would expect to find a tote or a hobo that could cross seasons without a glitch, but clutches can be a little more difficult. Furthermore, I am not talking about a black clutch, I am talking about a clutch that is clearly a little more trendy.

The Michael Kors Santorini Rattan Clutch is the perfect handbag for sprucing up so many of your outfits. Since we are in the midst of November, I am going to start off by saying this clutch would be so fabulous with a deep, dark and rich outfit. I love the how the light brown rattan clutch contrasts against the dark brown leather strap. This color combination plays off of one another so well. The decorative buckle offers just a hint of sophistication to the otherwise simplistic bag. Add a hint of stitch detailing and a snap fastening which opens to a completely lined clutch and you have an amazing accent to your outfit. I love how the clutch can be dressed up or down with just a simple change of shoe or top. Once again, Michael Kors succeeds!

From our friends at The Purse Blog

http://www.purseblog.com/

Cheryl Shops Fall Shopping Guide: Drawstring Bucket Bags

Stephanie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:20:15 +0000

I, like nearly every other fashion blogger in existence, nearly wet my pants over Alexander Wang’s studded Coco bag. Apparently, so did everyone else: There is a 400-person wait list for the bag at Barneys, and all of Wang’s spring bags have already sold out–before even hitting the sales floor. However, in all my excitement over the Coco, I overlooked an even better option: the Diego. This bag is so cool, I think it has the power to resurrect the bucket bag, a round, drawstring style that was last popular in the ’80s. The great thing about the Diego is that it has two straps, one that fits over the shoulder, and one that can be worn crossbody, not to mention it has that studded, washed-leather look that all of Wang’s bags have. The bad thing, however, is that like the Coco, the Diego is sold out everywhere. So until I can get my hands on one, here are some worthy alternatives.

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While Sigerson Morrison is best known for their shoes, they make some great bags too (I have a clutch that’s nearly 10 years old, and I still use it all the time). Their big bucket bag doesn’t have a long crossbody strap or studs, but it does have a coolly textured leather that’s very similar to Wang’s.

MCM’s Sportivo hobo is not technically a bucket bag, but it definitely has a drawstring, and the shape is more classic, thus making this bag more investment-worthy (you know, in case you’re concerned that bucket bags might be a flash in the pan).

More bucket bags after the jump…

If there’s a bag that’s even better than the Diego, then it’s Alexander McQueen’s Faithful bucket bag. With all the hardware you can think of–chain straps, buckles, zippers–it’s modern and edgy, but its clean shape is elegant at the same time.

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Kooba is great for making stylish yet practical everyday bags; one of my favorite things about them is that the leather they use tends to be on the lighter side, thus preventing the bags from being too heavy once all your stuff is inside. Their Chase messenger bag would be just about perfect if only the shoulder strap were a few inches longer.

Elliott Lucca’s bags, while not flashy or fashiony, are sturdy, well-made, and generally a good deal for the price. The shape of the Casares bag is spot-on, and it even has a bit of woven detail around the base, for a Bottega Veneta-inspired look.

I really like the simplicity of this drawstring bag by Ananas, perfect for handbag minimalists. The shape is flatter, which is good if you like a more streamlined look. (And you won’t ever have to ask, Does this purse make me look fat?)

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I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but I actually find this shearling pouchette bag cute. Let’s just ignore the fact that it’s from UGG, shall we? Seriously, I think the shape is really adorable, and the fur adds a little bit of glamour. I think the fact that it’s black certainly helps; the tan version just makes me think of the boots.

This drawstring bag from Armani Exchange is not leather, but it looks much nicer than its $98 price tag would suggest, thanks to the quilting and the zipper detail, which give it a very uptown-meets-downtown quality.

However, my favorite bag of the bunch is this Deux Lux drawstring bucket bag. From the two straps down to the texture, it’s a dead ringer for the Diego–the only thing it’s missing are the stud details, but for $68, I’m not going to complain. Let’s just hope it will hold up until the real thing is back in stock.
From our friends at Cheryl Shops

Bottega Veneta Woven Hobo Bag

Stephanie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:46:56 +0000

Celebrities love Bottega Veneta woven bags. I love the understated classic elegance of a Bottega Veneta woven hobo bag because it is a look that will last you a lifetime. Bottega Veneta hobo bags have been around since the beginning of their collection and will be around for the next 30 years. Miley Cyrus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, and Rachel Nichols have all been seen with their Bottega Veneta bags and accessories. I found a great Bottega Veneta woven tote in the maxi size here. It retails for $1950 at Barneys New York, but I found one for $1350 at Fashionphile.

From our friends at Shopping and Info

Chloe Kira Leather Bowler Bag

Stephanie — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:28:03 +0000

We all need a great black handbag in our closets. As much as I love splurging on a bag that is extremely unique, it is important to have that classic, must-have, go-to bag. Leave it to Chloe to answer this need. The Chloe Kira Leather Bowler Bag is a complete drop dead gorgeous bag that will transcend seasons. The leather is supple, touchable and flawless. I love the chain-embellishment trim and oversized studs at the front and back of the bag. With these small details the bag went from just another black handbag to a fabulous drool-worthy bag. There is a detachable shoulder strap as well as two top handles. I think the double handles would be better than the shoulder strap yet that strap could really help out when you have your hands full. The bowler shape means that you will have ample storage space inside the bag with plenty of pockets. Again, this bag is a classic and worth the investment.

From our friends at The Purse Blog

Snob Worthy Links 11.04.09 – Oscar de la Renta Handbag Giveaway + The Holy Grail of Mascaras

Stephanie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:56:44 +0000

The Bag Snob can’t believe Oscar de la Renta will be giving away a Taylor Python bag worth $2950 for November’s Bag Snob giveaway.

The Beauty Snob continues her quest for the holy grail of mascaras and reviews Urban Decay Lingerie & Galoshes Double-ended Mascara.

Rebecca Minkoff Darling Zipper Leather Hobo

Stephanie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:13:28 +0000

First thing first, zipper detailing is in; you are going to need to become accustom to it. At this very moment handbag lovers across the world might be saying, “zippers!?!?!?! ” but trust me when I say you are going to see a plethora of them when you start looking at the recently, as well as soon to be launched handbags. Zippers are everywhere. Just like any other popular way to add detail to a bag, this kind of detailing will either be a hit or a miss. If you don’t like zippers, there is a good chance you are going to find more hits than misses, however, i challenge you to broaden your horizons, if even just for a web browsing session.

Luckily, some of the more contemporary handbag designers, like Rebecca Minkoff know how to execute a popular detail. All of this being said, the Rebecca Minkoff Darling Zipper Leather Hobo is a fabulous option if you are in the market for a new handbag and one that is in style. Per usual, RM knows how to select amazing buttery leather while adding the every so popular zipper detailing to it. In this case, a center zipper detail has a clasp closure and a few fringe embellishments along the sides of the bag. It’s almost like Rebecca is saying, “fringe meet zipper, zipper meet fringe” and I like it!

From our friends at The Purse Blog

Snob Worthy Links 10.28.09 – Botiker Michelle Bag + Bare Escentuals Happiness Collection

Stephanie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:09:03 +0000

The Bag Snob loves the new blue denim lambskin distressed “Michelle “bags from Monica Botkier and Michelle Trachtenberg to benefit Oxfam International.

The Beauty Snob is feeling a sense of euphoria since spotting the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Happiness Collection value packed nine-piece gift set from Bare Essentuals.

Visiting Olivia Harris at Saks Fifth Avenue Accessories Breakfast

Stephanie — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:37:33 +0000

[Fall 2009, Holiday 2009]

Joy Gryson is quickly becoming a household name for chic, go-to handbags. Once a headmaster designer for Marc Jacobs, it’s no wonder that people are crazy for her hand-made, Italian leather bags. The only problem with the high-end Gryson handbags are their matching high-end price tags starting at $1000. However, at the Saks Fifth Avenue Accessories Breakfast last week, we discovered Gryson’s diffusion line called Olivia Harris. The line is named after Gryson’s daughter and carries the same quality, and most of the same silhouettes as the signature Gryson line but for hundreds of dollars less. The price point, even at Saks, is unbelievable: all bags retail for under $500!

While at the Saks event we were able to peruse through the recession-friendly line for Fall and Holiday but and also get a sneak peak at Spring/Summer 2010 . For Fall 2009, the Olivia Harris collection is colored in mostly black and dark blue but in a variety of styles including satchels, hobos, totes and clutches. Each bag though is a member to its own design group, like the Spider Group that features leather strap overlay detailing reminiscent of an arachnid or the Suede Group (I think you can figure that one out!). The Holiday collection features the same groups as the Fall line with the Zip Pocket and Tote Groups but it sets itself apart through the color palette, with warm browns and bright reds inspiring thoughts of hot chocolate and Christmas trees. And in the upcoming Spring/Summer collection there can be found groups such as the Studded Group and the Croc Knot Group, which come in the season’s colors of coral, blue, plum, papaya and black. The Spring/Summer line again has many of the same styles of handbags from the Fall and Holiday collections, but each with a different or updated stylistic change like pop-out handles and in much more vibrant colors. Enjoy!

[Holiday 2009, Spring 2010]

From our friends at Fashion Pulse Daily

Gucci Icon Bit Large Tote

Stephanie — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:10:51 +0000

When you think of designer handbags certain brand names come to mind. I would put money down that Gucci is one of those brands that might come to mind. The one issue (beside the price) some have with Gucci bags is that you are probably more likely to see a Gucci with its logo all over the place. Not always a crowd favorite. However, if you are in the market for a Gucci you should definitely consider the Gucci Icon Bit Large Tote. This bag screams classic yet trendy. The gorgeous burnt orange color is all the rage not only this Fall but also for next Spring. Clearly, the leather is beyond supple and touchable which is always a plus. But more than anything else, this is the kind of bag that is timeless. It is truly an investment piece worth investing in!

From our friends at The Purse Blog

Designer Spotlight: Ralston Handbags

Stephanie — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:40:57 +0000

Handbag designer Paige Ralston Fromer has worn many hats throughout her career including Washington DC television anchor, which is how I came to know her more than a decade ago (my then-roommate was a producer at the same station). She recently launched a new luxury handbag line, Ralston Handbags, to critical acclaim in the DC area. Having grown up there, it is hard to imagine this city as a hot bed for fashion and new designers. Trust me, this city has changed. First with amazing boutiques, like Hu’s Shoes and Relish, and then with the inauguration of our first lady, Michelle Obama. (She wears Maison Margiela, enough said). The launch of Ralston Handbags is testament to this city’s style transformation. The handbag collection, carefully designed by Ralston Fromer’s team of talented Argentine designers, includes 13 designs made of exquisite, lightweight leather. Popular styles include the hand woven “Luz” and the very classic (and DC appropriate) oversized “Raquel”. My favorite is the “Cindy” in giraffe print – because it suits my (slightly wild) acquired San Francisco fashion personality. Check out the entire line at www.ralstonhandbags.com.

From our friends at Season Five