I have this bad habit of getting an idea in my head, something that doesn't really exist, and then going out and trying to find the next best thing. I can usually find many "almosts", but none are ever perfect. Some, however are closer to perfect than others. It's no secret that one such personal quest of late has been the un-messenger bag...a bag with the functionality of a messenger, but the panache of a shoulder bag.

I've found some contenders, but so far, Kooba's Jenny may be the leader of the pack.
I love that this is a bit off kilter looking. Almost like a messenger bag sent through a house of mirrors with it's jaunty off-kilter asymmetric flap, and off balance hexagonal shape. It's clean, but not too clean. Straight, but not too straight. There are side gussets that open and close with a zip to expand the interior, though they don't really add much space, they do add a funky touch. The shoulder strap, which threads through the flap, is adjustable allowing the bag to be worn over the shoulder, or cross body, and at whatever height you like. It also has slots to secure the ends so they don't hang or get misshapen.
The bag is on the narrow side, which does bother me, but it looks so cool on, that I may be able to get over that.
I saw it in the stone (above) and a black patent, but Kooba has it shown in a beautiful brown, and a promising sounding caramel patent on their site...worth waiting, I think.
Currently, the only place I found the Kooba Jenny available on line is at Bloomingdales in patent for $595.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

Try and tell me the flap design of the Gustto Maccia bag looks like something other than that ultimate children's craft sand art.

The gentle curve of the wave pattern is soft and lovely, and the subtleness of the mixed textures in the leather gives it an artistic edge that elevates it from ordinary. There is a quilted bronze, as well as a peachy color in ostrich and a cracked leather inset into the flap of the creme colored bag. The leathers are echoed on the magnetic snap closure.
The bag itself is pretty large, 13" long and 9" high making it an ideal all day bag that can easily accommodate more than it's fair share of your totables. The fully lined interior has a zip pocket and 2 slots, and the strap drop is a perfect 10 inches...short enough to fit under your arm securely, but long enough to not be too close to your arm pit.
The Maccia is a very pretty bag, that will add a bit of artistic elegance to your day...not to mention the double takes from the bagistas checking out your baggage!
You can get one from Active Endeavors for $663.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

Monica Botkier is the latest designer to hop on the Target express and create a low cost line for the company. By now, the novelty has definitely lost it's luster, maybe these capsule lines don't seem as special since a new one appears every other month it seems. I could just repeat what I say every time one of these lines comes out, but you've heard it before. Instead, I'll just concentrate on why Botkier is a line Target would want to work with.
Materials aside, the designs are really very nice, and all have a signature Botkier look to them.

The attention to details is evident here, where you can see the gathering on the 2 outer pockets. This Hobo Bag in white python, at $39.99 is a steal. On the bright side, white bags are so hard to keep looking fresh. At least in PVC you can safely sponge it down as needed. Hopefully, the texture also adds to the material.

A more interesting bag, is also a hobo, here, in a fabulous fuchsia.

Am I crazy, or does it look like an early Bulga bag? Again, the attention to details is fantastic. From the seam work, to the tiny rivets, this is a funky but not too much so bag. Also, it's a tough color, but one that is very hot...at $39.99, however, this style Hobo Bag makes it much easier to take the plunge.

One of my favorites, is this soft silver hobo.

It's very simple in style, and I love the softer pouchy bags in the summer, they're just so free and casual feeling. This bag, which comes in gold as well is sparer in details, which shows that less really is more, especially where metallic is concerned. The biggest detail is the handle, which has a lovely twist. At $49.99 the Silver Hobo hit's the highest price point in the collection.

I really liked the silver hobo, but I saved the best bag for last.

This little clutch, here in grey python, is the best bag of the whole group. It has many Botkier hallmarks, from the brilliant use of small details to the stitch work. A small bag is also the most forgiving where cheaper materials are concerned. At $19.99 the Clutch is one the least expensive choices, and a perfect price for a bag that may wind up on the dance floor, on a wet spot on the bar, or lost on the floor of a movie theater amidst the popcorn and wrappers. It also comes in that fantastically hot fuchsia!
Like all special target lines, Botkier for Target will not be around forever. If spending $800+ isn't your thing, it's definitely worth taking a look at these bags which make up for what they lack in material quality with great design.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

I don't think I'd carry this Mandeville Signature satchel from L.A.M.B. myself, but that doesn't mean I don't think that the right person could totally rock it.

I love the 80's punk vibe (80s punk being the antithesis of what it was) of this with the black and white checkerboard. What I love most about it, is that I can envision Gwen Stefani carrying one. With so many celebrity fashion lines out there, it is one of the few that really does seem to give the impression that the design work is not done by a random group, and that the celebrity in question isn't doing it for the vanity and (extra) paycheck, but because they really have an aesthetic to sell.
The bag is coated canvas with leather trim, and has metal feet. It is fully lined. At $425, it is a fresh looking take on the satchel...sort of a punk LV Speedy, or Gucci Boston.
The Mandeville Signature satchel from L.A.M.B. is available at Bloomingdales.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

I'm honestly not adverse to the idea of bringing my own tote bag to go shopping...not just to the grocery, but to the bookstore, pharmacy, anywhere I might be picking up a light load of smaller things. My problem is that most of the tote bags, many of which I have featured in the past, are fabric. Eco-friendly, but also easily stained, and quickly worn looking. Not to mention, I often shop in a few places on a walk, and find many are on the small side, unable to hold my purchases without being stuffed.

Enter The Palazzo Patent Tote, from the unlikely source for a bag, Crate & Barrel.
Deep and wide, with sturdy flat handles that sit comfortably on your shoulder, this bag is adorable as well as handy. The colors are cheerful, and I love that handles are all contrasting colors...no need to be solid all the time. The large grommets add a retro touch, and make this far more chic than crunchy (there's also the little problem of it being leather...not too crunchy, but it still isn't plastic). But is gets the job of toting stuff done as well, if not better (certainly better looking) than any one of those other not-plastic bags.
The bags are lined with nylon in colorful, unexpected, shades, and have an open pocket for stashing receipts. They close with a magnetic top closure.
Best of all, the Palazzo is just $34.95. Order one, or two, from Crate & Barrel.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion