Botkier Angie Satchel | Soft Pleated Lambskin Leather Handbag

Posted on: Jan 22

The details on this Botkier bag are subtle and not nearly as flashy as some styles available today. Devoid of fringe and studs that even many other Botkier handbags have, the Angie satchel is understated but not too simple in design and definitely not boring.

I wouldn’t call the Angie particularly exciting, but it does have some very pretty features that catch my attention. The front panel is gathered in the middle with tight pleating to create a focal point and give the handbag an appearance of being relaxed and slightly slouchy without actually losing any shape.

There are pockets on either side of this Botkier satchel that have the same pleated detail but on a much smaller scale. Because of their size, I’m not sure exactly how practical they are for carrying much around, but the ruching is a nice decorative touch.

I like most of the aspects of the Angie’s design including the soft lambskin material and color options available, such as this berry purple, but I do have one complaint about the design. The double rolled handles seem fine, although a bit short to be comfortable for all shoulders. It’s the single strap option that I’m not in love with. The chain insets on the strap aren’t my favorite, but I dislike the detail more when combined with the fact that the strap is not detachable. When not in use, the strap just flaps around unattractively with the shiny chainlink making it obvious.

Despite what I consider its main design flaw, the Angie is still a well-crafted, quality satchel with some pleasing features. This mid-sized version of the design retails for $545.

More Features of the Angie Satchel 

  • Measures 15 x 11 x 4.5 inches
  • Double handles with 5.5 inch drop
  • Optional chain and leather single strap

Get this Botkier Angie Bag:

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Giuseppe Zanotti Carac Oro Tote | Luxury Metallic Nappa Leather Hold-all

Posted on: Jan 22

This bag is soft. Very soft. In fact, as is always the case with nappa leather, I feel I could happily curl up and go to sleep in this handbag’s folds! Random acts of sleeping aside, this is a luxury purse made from the very classiest materials.

Giuseppe Zanotti knows luxury handbags inside and out, and clearly understand that a flash of metallic does wonders to raise a simple bag design into the higher echelons. The shade of this large tote is a very unusual gold, and I love the deep rich tone and the way it leans not towards cheap new gold, but into the almost coppery colors that so characterize true old gold. The metallic nature of this purse also ensures that it will work seamlessly from day to night, and as a casual purse or a smart bag!

When you get inside the bag, it becomes apparent that Giuseppe Zanotti understands what a girl needs. Your $2250 will buy you a very sophisticated golden center clasp, as well as two huge extra compartments, perfect for folders and books. It is still expensive, but at least you aren’t just paying for a brand name! Even better, the dual handles are just the right length to work for hand carrying or shoulder carrying.

This is a hugely luxurious and no doubt very desirable purse, and will go down well in almost any fashion crowd!

More Features of this Nappa Leather Carac Oro Hold-all

  • Nappa leather exterior
  • Signature lining
  • Single zipped pocket, zipped compartment and two further open compartments
  • Slouchy folded shape

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Paul Smith Mini Car Wallet | Fun Leather Bill Fold Purse

Posted on: Jan 22

With his signature dose of whimsy, Paul Smith makes this traditional bill fold wallet something special.

On the outside, it looks like any other black leather wallet. There’s the square shape, the smooth black leather, and only white contrast stitching, purple stitched corners, and the embossed logo to jazz it up. But open it up and this purse’s design is anything but expected.

Paul Smith’s love of mini cars is again on show, with all the color we expect from the British designer. The classic car with its colorful, vertical stripes really stands out amongst the neutral forest landscape. It’s an interesting idea, keeping the purse’s pattern tucked away inside, but I think it works.

This would probably suit car-loving men better than women, not least of all because of the features. Or perhaps, I should say the lack of features. The eight credit card slots aren’t nearly enough to hold our discount and company loyalty cards, let alone the fantastic plastic. But it should suit the men in our life just fine.

The price tag does leave me cold though. $224.95 for a simple wallet? I think Paul Smith has delusions of grandeur!

More Features of This Paul Smith Bill Fold Wallet

  • Bill fold
  • Measures 3.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Made in Italy

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Bagatidy Keeps Your Handbag Organized | Nifty New Purse Invention

Posted on: Jan 22

I’m always up for an invention which aims to make our lives easier. Bagatidy claims to do just that by keeping the clutter out of our handbags.

If your favorite purse doesn’t have the pockets to cope with your everyday haul, this is just the thing. Just slip it in and that one enormous interior is divided into 14 pockets of all shapes and sizes.

It’s also great for making that day to night transition. You can simply lift the Bagatidy out of your tote, then pop it into your evening bag before hitting the town. It claims to suit bags of any size, but I wouldn’t try it with a minaudiere or tiny clutch purse!

There’s no need to worry about the Bagatidy spilling out of your handbag either. Its sturdy structure means that even if your bag topples over, it’ll stay put.

The Bagatidy retails for £12.99 from selected stockists and Bagatidy’s online store.

[Source: Manchester Confidential]
[Image Source: Bagatidy]

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Pacsafe TourSafe Handbag | Cute Security Bag for Travel and Everyday Use

Posted on: Jan 22

Pacsafe has brought its trademark security features to a surprisingly cute package with the TourSafe handbag.

Sure, its looks don’t hold a candle to the European designers, or even the big American fashion houses, but there’s still something endearing about this little purse. I love the way the brown trim and contrast stitching help make this fairly boring shade of taupe a little more interesting. The shape is timeless too, something like a hobo but with a more elegant structure. It’s never going to stop traffic, but it’s a sweet purse to accessorize with a rocking outfit.

But it’s the features, not the looks, which make the TourSafe something special. The fabric may look drab at first glance, but the lower front and bottom panels are actually made from patented eXomesh Slashguard. That same safety-first fabric is used in the adjustable shoulder strap, which can also anchor the bag to any secure fixture. The zipper is also tamper proof, so you know anything stashed inside will stay there.

The TourSafe is affordably priced at $89.99.

More Features of This Pacsafe Security Handbag

  • Two inner zip pockets
  • Measures 9 x 15.7 x 3.5 inches
  • Available in taupe and black

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Beck(y) Creates Handbags and Accessories from Recycled Skateboards

Posted on: Jan 21

Yet another designer has managed to surprise me with its creative way of crafting a handbag from an unexpected recycled material. Plastic bottles and “upcycled” seatbelts might be old news by now, but I had to give kudos for originality when I heard about those making stylish totes out of billboards, deck chairs, and bottle ringpulls.

Now I’m once again obliged to marvel at someone’s creativity and way of imagine something beautiful out of something used and a little trashed. Designer Beck Hickey was inspired to create the Beck(y) collection in 2003 to offer women handbags and other accessories using re-purposed skateboards.

The line of “Sk8bags” combines the recycled boards with luxurious fabrics, such as silk or satin, to produce a completely unique product. As Hickey describes on her company’s website:

The grittiness of used, beat up boards combined with something really posh like silk speaks well to my overall aesthetic, and the beautiful contradiction that  fuels my creativity.

The collection includes a rounded or square tote bag, clutch, and leather gym bag ranging in price from $100 to $256. Other accessories available are buckles, money clips, iPod covers, and even jewelry. Bags and accessories from the Beck(y) collection can be purchased online, at various retailers, or through a custom order.

[Source: beckycity.com]

Recycled Material Bags on eBay

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Magid Diamond Tote | Large Straw Handbag with Wooden Handles

Posted on: Jan 21

The time of year for woven straw totes is nigh upon us. Although there are still plenty of people around the country dealing with ice and snow, spring, with its colorful fashion and lighter materials, is really not that far away.

This Magid Diamond Tote might not be full of vibrant, spring-ish colors, but it does have some unmistakable touches that make it so appropriate for spring and summer accessorizing. The best part of those features is that they also make the handbag more affordable than many others.

The woven straw is not only a fun texture to carry around during warmer months, but it also tends to be much less expensive than many other bag materials. This particular Magid tote, despite its large size, is only $70. Of course, straw isn’t going to be super durable if you are someone who puts your purses through quite a bit of wear and tear, but a handbag like this can be a great, long-term addition to a wardrobe when treated nicely.

The other two spring and summer-like details happen to be my favorite parts of the Diamond Tote. The sturdy wooden handles and patterned jute panel running down the middle of the bag are the aspects of this Magid design that make it distinct. In addition to this black color, the Diamond Tote is also available in a natural khaki straw tone.

More Features of the Diamond Tote

  • Measures 17 x 12.5 x 5.75 inches
  • Wooden handles with 3 inch drop
  • Magnetic snap closure

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The SAK Blossom Tote | Feminine Soft And Slouchy Hold-all

Posted on: Jan 21

The SAK go all casual and girly with this pretty in pink Blossom tote.

Crochet is becoming cooler and cooler as the make-do-and-mend trend gathers ever more momentum. Making your own clothes is the best thing, but buying things that could have been handmade comes a close second in the fashion stakes. Jumping neatly on the back of this trend (and managing to be beautiful rather than boho with it) is this crochet bag, in a tightly woven pink fabric. Cosy, functional and surprisingly resilient to being banged and battered, I can see this trend taking off.

The shape of this bag, with its really useful long shoulder straps and slouchy body is perfect for causal day wear. It will cheer up winter days (and have room for gloves and hats), whilst transferring perfectly over into this spring’s fashions. Everything should fit inside, and thankfully it is fully lined with pockets. Folders may be a nightmare to fit in though, so this probably won’t end up being a work bag.

With its leather accents and delicate look, this is a great entrance into the affordable knitted and crocheted market from the massive The SAK brand.

More Features of this The SAK Crochet Tote

  • Only available in color “Radiant Orchid”
  • Fully lined in coordinating shade
  • Crochet and brown leather straps
  • Single interior pocket

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O’Neill Mina Shoulder Bag | Modern Affordable Soft Slouchy Gray Bag

Posted on: Jan 21

O’Neill steps away from the shore with the Mina shoulder bag, a purse for all seasons.

This is something different for O’Neill, who’s best known for its surf-flavored accessories and beach bags. The soft, slouchy leatherette fabric is stylish in steel gray, and the tightly pleated curved panel and long tassels add real personality. They also help to hide the small vertical pockets on either side of the handbag. The pleats continue on the back of the bag, unlike so many purses in this price bracket.

You get a lot of bag for your dollar here. There’s space inside for a chunky wallet, your cell phone, and a copy of the latest glossy tabloid. O’Neill does skimp on the pockets though, so I suggest keeping your keys and other small valuables on the outside.

It’s rare to see such a stylish looking bag priced under $50. It may not last more than a season or two, but at that price, who cares?

More Features of This O’Neill Pleated Bag

  • Top zip closure
  • Dual braided shoulder straps with a 9 inch drop
  • Measures 18 x 4 x 14 inches

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Basil Makes Luxury Leather Man Bags for Real Men

Posted on: Jan 21

The world of man bags has always been a little lacking in my opinion. Many designers have tried to create stylish murses, but few have achieved the right blend of style, functionality, and above all, masculinity. The last thing we want to see is a man who looks like he’s carrying his girlfriend’s bag.

Basil Racuk looks to be breaking the mold with his fashion label, Basil. No stranger to the world of fashion, his menswear line was sold through Barneys and other retailers in the 90s. From there he moved to a leather company, where he learned all about the quality of these luxury skins. Using this knowledge, Basil has launched his line of handbags.

My decision to get into accessories was that bags and such are an area where men (specifically) should given a product that is well-made and ‘simply thoughtful’ in its design,” Basil Racuk told Luxist.

While his man bags are gaining the most attention, Basil also sells a large selection of women’s purses. Each is handmade to order from Leffot in New York City and, starting tomorrow, Union Made Goods in San Francisco.

[Source: Luxist]
[Image Source: Basil Racuk]

Men’s Leather Handbags on eBay

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