It might be inspired by America’s first white settlers, but Roger Vivier’s Pilgrim Purse has a much more modern style.

It gets its name from that rectangular gold buckle, which mimics the details on the Pilgrims’ hats and belts. This shiny accent gives the purse a little old-world style which balances the modern metallic finish. The rose shade is feminine without being too sugary. The Pilgrim is made from buttery soft kidskin. You’ll love the leather’s smooth finish, but make sure you handle it with care. This fabric is prone to scratches and scuffs if you don’t treat it right.

The slim design looks sophisticated, but it does restrict the space inside. With such limited storage room you’ll need to travel light when you step out, or date a guy with deep pockets!

Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by all the modern clutch purses with their tuckaway straps, but it’s a shame the Pilgrim doesn’t give us a hands-free carrying option. It won’t be a problem if you’re enjoying dinner or the theatre, but if you’re planning to party you might want to opt for a more practical clutch. For old fashioned fillies who don’t mind purses without straps or storage space, the Pilgrim is an elegant choice for an evening out.

More Features of This Roger Vivier Pilgrim Purse

• Measures 5 x 1 x 10.5 inches
• Comes with a Roger Vivier dustcover

Roger Vivier Evening Clutches on eBay

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• Click here to see more from the Couture Concierge store on eBay – A Roger Vivier Handbags Retailer
• All Roger Vivier bags on eBay

Even our favorite handbag designers can take a misstep. This Tree Leaf tote bag from Proenza Schouler is proof of that!

I know it’s part of the designer’s Target collection, but is that any reason to skimp on the style? It’s got none of the chic and subtle good looks we’re used to seeing from bags like the PS1.

Instead, this tote is colorful and casual. The pale pink canvas finish is accented with purple tree leaves for a tropical feel. It’s not a sophisticated design, but one that’s entirely appropriate for heading to the beach or lazing around a resort. But the problem is that this Proenza Schouler purse is uncharacteristically overdone. Tan leather edging might make this tote more durable, but the color gives the purse a mismatched look. The purple leather strip at the top of the bag also clashes, but not in a good way.

While this handbag’s looks might let it down, its functionality will win fans. There’s enough space inside for a beach towel and flip flops, and the handy front pocket can securely hold your jewelry while you’re swimming.

I do like the look of the dark wooden handles, but I can’t say I’d want to carry them. They look smooth enough, but if you overstuff your bag don’t expect these hard handles to be comfortable.

This Proenza Schouler tote bag has its flaws, but it’s an affordable alternative or those who can’t afford the designer’s high-end accessories. Personally, I’d rather save my pennies.

More Features of This Proenza Schouler Tree Leaf Handbag

• Cotton lined interior
• Measures 16 x 19 inches
• $39.99 retail price

Beach Tote Bags on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the POP-I-CORNS store on eBay – A Proenza Schouler Handbags Retailer
• All Proenza Schouler bags on eBay

Whoa. Talk about sugar and spice and everything nice. That’s what perfect purses are made of. The Jimmy Choo Riki in mauve patent leather is a little bit rock-n-roll, a little bit girly, and a lot stylish. Composed from a combination of Choo trademark shapes and details, the Riki brings us his greatest hits all rolled into one.

The bag has the shape of the Ramona, with the edgy addition of the huge pyramid studs from the Zulu line. I love the way the sophistication of the simple, gathered shape of the bag balances out the almost over-the-top amount of grommets and studs.

The mauve color is not only perfect for Spring, but it also offsets the heavy metal details beautifully. I love the luxurious shine of the patent. Even the inside of this bag is gorgeous, lined in suede with lilac trim.

At 14″ x 5″ x 9″, the Riki is not hip to the oversized scene, but I have to say that I find that somewhat refreshing. Maybe I don’t need a purse I can fit my laptop in anymore. How about you?

Besides, with this beauty by your side, what else will you need? Oh yes, some sky-high stilettos ands skin tight jeans …

More Features Of The Jimmy Choo Riki Patent Bag

• Dual rolled-leather handles with an 8″ drop
• Signature buckle

Jimmy Choo Patent Bags On eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see more from the Only Moda store on eBay
• Click here to search Jimmy Choo bags on eBay

You just can’t keep a good brand down. It might have sacked staff and cut short its mobile art exhibition tour, but Chanel is forging on ahead despite the economic crisis. As if to prove a point, the French fashion house has just opened a third Las Vegas boutique.

The store, located at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas resort, is a lavish affair. It spans 2,400 square feet and carries handbags, ready-to-wear apparel and fine jewelry. The design mimics Coco Chanel’s Parisian apartment with its woven gold metal finish and beige and gold interior. Luxurious touches include a fine jewelery boutique salon, a library, and a VIP room.

Girls with expensive tastes will love the one-of-a-kind diamond pieces currently displayed to celebrate the boutique’s opening. I’m currently coveting the Pluie de Diamant necklace with its 10-carat, pear-shaped diamond centerpiece. You might not be able to afford it, but it’s definitely worth a peek. Just make sure not to leave any drool on the Chanel countertops!

[Source: Fashion Week Daily]
[Image Source: Panoramas/Flickr]

Chanel Handbags on eBay

[phpbay]Chanel handbag, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

With the popularity of the Asher bag, it’s no wonder that Treesje is offering more oversized handbags for trend followers everywhere. The Avalon satchel is similar to the Asher with its amount of storage and attention to detail. However, the Avalon has several qualities that stand apart from Treesje’s other big bags.

Tone-on-tone, vertical topstitching gives the leather a distinct quilted look. The slightly triangular shape of the Avalon has a relaxed, slouchy appearance that keeps it casual. I love the subtle pleating on the front of the handbag that adds some visual interest and breaks up the stitching. 

The square handle anchors and rings have a modern, industrial feel that contrast with the other classic details. If you look closely, you’ll see the Treesje logo engraved on the silver-toned hardware.

The two rolled leather handles are comfortable for shoulder carrying, but a longer detachable strap is also available for more options. With the strap, you could easily convert the handbag to a practical crossbody bag.

If you love the quilting but dislike the size, this Treesje purse also comes in a mini satchel, smaller shoulder bag, and clutch versions. All of the options feature similar details with different silhouettes and are available for around $595.

More Features of the Avalon Satchel

• Measures 18 x 5 x 13 inches
• Double handles with 7 inch drop
• Detachable shoulder strap

Treesje Avalon Handbags on eBay

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• Get the Avalon satchel on Amazon
• Click here to search all Treesje bags on eBay

I’m fairly certain handbag designers don’t particularly care whether I think their bags are good or not, but I hope at least some of my readers value my opinion and consider it more than just that.

I’m not just a handbag lover and collector, I’m also a critic. By critic I mean I look at every bag and judge it on its’ own merits as well as how it fits into today’s market.

Not only are aesthetics important when I recommend a bag, but pricing is also a pivotal factor I take into account when I browse the web and scour the stores for the latest trends.

In the end, my decisions are a mixture of brains and gut instincts. That’s how I buy and collect my own handbags. It’s always worked for me, and I’m sticking to my formula because “If it ain’t broke…”.

Now that 2008 is behind us, I’ve had time to think about the bags that defined the year – the best of the best. I narrowed my picks down to two very beautiful and stylish bags which are as different as night and day.

YSL Majorelle Bag

My first pick is the YSL Majorelle Bag. It’s no secret YSL is my favorite designer handbag label. The Majorelle embodies all that is great about this iconic label. Classic, sophisticated and exquisite handbags are what women have come to expect from YSL.

Although there was some debate over whether or not the Majorelle looked a bit too much like a “granny bag”, I believe the simple design of the Majorelle only serves to enhance the colors and finishes that YSL can come up with.

YSL Majorelle Bags on eBay

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MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo

My second pick, the MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo, is a more inexpensive option but nonetheless worthy of praise. If YSL is my favorite high-end designer handbag label, then MARC by Marc Jacobs is my favorite moderately-priced designer handbag label.

Their handbag collections are filled with fabulous and stylish bags, and the Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo is a perfect example of why this label is so successful. Although MARC is targeted for a more young, hip crowd, the overall simplicity and quality craftsmanship of their designs appeal to women well into their 40s and 50s (my last trip to Nordstrom was proof of that).

The Lil Riz is a fine hobo with its’ relaxed shape, sturdy top handle and well-appointed interior. The ample 13.5 x 11.5 x 3.5 size makes it a great choice for a day bag, but its’ chic look will work in the evening as well.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo Bags on eBay

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While 2008 is over, it doesn’t mean the standout bags of the year should be forgotten. Both these styles are very much available, and I recommend them with the same enthusiasm as I did last year.

• The YSL Majorelle Bag in purple patent leather is on sale at Overstock.com reduced from $1395 to $1099.
• The MARC by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Hobo is available in both light brown and a fantastic indigo blue for $428 via Saks.

(A SenoraCartera post: Best Designer Handbags of 2008)

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Michelle Trachtenberg photo via Celebutopia

Buffy’s younger sister is all grown up and becoming quite the fashion icon. It’s refreshing to see her dressed up in a chic and age-appropriate manner.

Her choice of purse suits her youthful looks too. I love the modern lines and intriguing shape of the Kooba Rio Tote which is a perfect choice for Michelle, and any other 20-something woman whose style reflects a more fashion-conscious sensibility.

The Rio is large (19 x 13.5 x 5), but its’ simple design keeps it from overpowering Michelle’s slim frame. It features a glossy, patent leather exterior, roomy dual shoulder straps and open top with magnetic snap closure (or you can opt to use interior zippers to close it up as well).

The interior has several pockets for additional storage. While Michelle’s version appears to be taupe, it’s actually silver. It must be a subtle silver. Who cares what color it is anyway. Dawny cleans up good, don’t she?

• Kooba Rio Tote – $645 via Revolve Clothing

(Via SenoraCartera: Celebrity Style: Michelle Trachtenberg and the Kooba Rio Tote)

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Kooba Rio Bags on eBay

[phpbay]Kooba Rio, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]

Prezzo are famous for creating fashion forward accessories we can all afford. This Woven Box Bag continues the tradition.

The woven finish reminds me of the purses Bottega Veneta is famous for, but the unique fabrics ensure it’s more than just a high-end designer copy. Soft satin is woven with glossy patent for a dazzling effect. The gold purse really shines, but there’s also a black clutch if you want to play it safe.

The framed design ensures the box bag holds its shape no matter how much is inside. Curved sides add another stylish twist to this cute clutch.

A large zippered pouch separates the generous interior into three compartments to make organization easy. Many modern clutches come with a tuckaway strap, but there’s rarely the room inside to accommodate it. Thankfully you’ll never have that problem with this spacious Prezzo purse.

This chic box clutch has the good looks to complement our evening attire, and enough practicality to work as a day purse too. The retail price of $25 is just the icing on the cake!

More Features of This Prezzo Box Bag

• Nylon lined interior
• Flap closure
• Measures 5.5 x 7.75 x 2.5 inches
• Made in China

Prezzo Clutches on eBay

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Also See

• Click here to see this Prezzo satin and patent purse at Endless
• All Prezzo handbags on eBay

Inject a little color into your nine to five with this fun Swirl City briefcase from Paul Smith.

The colorful swirl print looks like its stepped out of the sixties, but you don’t have to be a hippie to appreciate it. Conservative tastes might baulk at such a vibrant design, but just think how it’ll pop paired with your office neutrals. This psychedelic pattern is printed on luxurious Italian leather.

A design so loud doesn’t need any competition, so the briefcase design is kept simple. The flap style is basic, and the splash of brushed golden hardware is similarly subdued.

The interior is divided into two large compartments to help keep your files and folders organized. It also features a large pocket for stashing pens, personal technology, and other office essentials.

The Swirl City is classed as a mini briefcase so it may not offer enough space for the most high-powered businesswomen. But if you’re looking for an office bag which won’t weigh you down, this colorful Paul Smith purse could be the answer.

More Features of This Paul Smith Leather Office Bag

• Purple lined interior
• A single handle with a 4 inch drop
• Measures 11 x 8 inches
• Made in Italy

Retro Briefcases on eBay

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Also See

• All Paul Smith handbags on eBay

The Quinn tote represents so much of what Kate Spade offers to the handbag world, in my opinion. The designer is renowned for her classic styles and functional designs that create the ultimate blend of fashion and practicality. Of course, Kate Spade isn’t the only designer to succeed in this feat, but she does have it down to an art.

The design of the Quinn tote is so simple at first glance but reveals some interesting details that set it apart from just any ol’ tote. The structured shape is accented by the vertical stripes created by a contrasting color peering through the leather panels surrounding the bag. Bright silver hardware shines from the handle rings and decorative studs.

This Kate Spade handbag seems appropriate for toting things to and from the office. The deep interior compartment is split in half by a zippered divider perfect for storing important paperwork. Even the shape of the Quinn has a boxy feel that reminds me slightly of a work briefcase.

Just because it’s shaped similarly to a briefcase doesn’t mean it looks like one, though. The Belle Meade Quinn is much more elegant but just as practical. It definitely doesn’t lack style. This fashionable tote would look equally fabulous on a shopping trip or out to dinner with friends. Although the Belle Meade version is very appealing, the Quinn also comes in some of Kate Spade’s other popular collections like Tarrytown and Highland Park. The Belle Meade Quinn retails for $345.

More Features of the Quinn Tote

• Measures 13 x 9 x 5 inches
• Double handles with 7 inch drop
• Zippered divider

Kate Spade Quinn Bags on eBay

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• Get the Tarrytown Quinn on Amazon
• Click here to search all Kate Spade on eBay