Handbags

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There’s no question that Brazil has got it going on.  They have beautiful beaches, one of the most fabulous parties in the world (Carnival–I hope to go someday!), the best flip flops in my opinion (Havianas) and seem to produce  an incredible crop of Victoria’s Secret supermodels who make shedding 9 month pregnancy weight look as easy as Tiger Woods appears to acquire mistresses.

Add  Zibba (“Creativity” in indigenous Brazilian), a new handbag brand, as further evidence with unique, finely made bags that are designed and handmade in Rio de Janeiro and crafted out of fine leather.  Something versatile, but special, is the shopping mantra I use when selecting a handbag, and Zibba’s Marie handbag completely fits this criteria, with a inimitable design that won it the Independent Handbag Designer of the Year Award, as bestowed by an illustrious panel of juges including Carlos Falchi and Devi Kroell.

I love its bohemian inspired slouchy look with its softly rounded edges that gently hugs the body, with slightly exposed contrasting zippers, that give it just a bit of edge.  I’m confident that this could be my new, everyday bag–an illustrious honor of my own that hasn’t been bestowed by me since my Foley and Corinna Mid-City bag as of 2 years ago.  The true test will be how much room in the bag is left after I stow a pair of Stuartz Weitzman heels inside.

Zibba is making its US debut at Saks Fifth Avenue, and is also available in black.  Even as a US import, it’s moderately priced for a luxury handbag at $650.

I seem to be a bit bag obsessed this month and have fallen in love with yet another clutch.  Coach really has been hitting out of the park lately, and when I recently checked for their latest additions, I was totally drawn to this New Darcy clutch.  Available in a variety of colors and finishes, it’s made of extra supple leather and the gold hardware closure. I really love how classic this clutch is but comes in fun colors to make it interesting.  You could just bring this with you to a lunch with a friend, or it’s perfect for completing a date night outfit!

Available at Coach.com for $298-$498. (more…)

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This bag caught my eye when I was reading one of my favorite blogs a couple weeks ago.  I thought it was so fabulous and to my surprise, it’s by Cole Haan!

A hobo shaped purse is really timeless and effortless when done right – and Cole Haan did it right. I love the woven leather, which looks luxurious and soft to the touch.  The basket weave adds an interesting texture in an unexpected way.  The tassel pull is another detail that I adore. It’s fun but provides a chic finish to the design. Measuring 14.5 x 13.5 x 1.25″, it’s nice and roomy for your everyday needs too! Ahh…yet another bag goes on my (already long) wishlist.

Available in black, red and gray for $428 at Endless.com.

I discovered independent British designer, Emma Gordon, during a recent Etsy browsing spree, and fell in love with her Georgia clutch, for its perfect mix of girlishness and sophistication.  Made out of light, luxurious satin, lightly trimmed in a contrasting lacy ric-rac print, and adorned with an airy, chiffon flower that is as pretty as a Georgia peach, I love the simplicity and delicacy of its design.

I always struggle to find the perfect evening clutch, that isn’t plain or embellished with the same tired sequins, and this version by Emma Gordon, fits exactly what I want.  On her Etsy shop, Emma offers this clutch in a variety of colors for the flowers and the body of the clutch.  My favorite combination is this silvery gray and black, which gives it a bit of art deco sweetness.

For its versaility, Emma Gordon’s bags are a hit with bridesmaid, and she even makes custom made, smaller clutches for flower girls, who want a more grown up look.  Her Georgia clutch retails for $68 and you can see this and the rest of her designs on her website.

I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive, chic bags that I can bring out to crowded bars and carry on inclement weather days.  I know from experience that there’s nothing worse than getting cheap beer spilled in your favorite designer purchase. Normally, I get my fix during my trips to Asia, where I shop for stylish bags on the cheap at night markets.  Recently however, I spotted my new wallet friendly bag from the Need Supply website, aptly named the Palermo Bag, presumably after socialite, Olivia Palermo.  Regardless of how you feel about Olivia Palermo on The City, like all MTV reality stars, you have to admit that she has some seriously beautiful hair and a very covetable wardrobe, and this chic bag looks inspired by her sophisticated, polished style.

I love the relaxed, rectangular rounded duffel shape of the Palermo bag, which has a similar look to the Sofia Coppola for LV bag that I blogged about a while back.  You can hold it easily by the handles, and it’s about 16 inches in height and 10 inches in width, making it the perfect proportion to handle a multitude of items.  It also contains 2-3 zipped compartments, with a pretty floral lining, and 2 buckled straps on the side for design. All of these stylish elements belie its $68 price tag.  At $68, it is also made out of faux leather, but the faux leather also makes it a lighter bag to carry.  It comes in either dark brown or black, and is an ideal bag for the colder months ahead.

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