Handbags
Leigh & Luca Totes: Love at First Sight & My Go-To Type of Bag
I fell in love instantly with Leigh & Luca’s canvas totes. I first saw them offered on Gilt. I opted for the pretty dragonfly one. I was so happy when it finally arrived and couldn’t wait to carry it straightaway. They are great everyday bags and my go-to type of bag for traveling (that and their awesome scarves)! Smartly styled and generous space for all your stuff. I also love the chain detailing. If you have not checked them out already; you MUST take a look!!! I couldn’t imagine going anywhere without them now (they somehow remind me of the comforts of home, I know kinda crazy to say eh?)! I think it’s because the materials they are made from are so soft. Guess what I’m especially bringing on my next trip =)?
*Photocredit: Gilt & Leigh & Luca
Coach Poppy Embossed Exotic XL Spotlight Tote
My first Coach love was a brown and tan woven wool signature logo mini tote (shown in an advertisement with the matching kitty heels). Unforgettable in my mind… I never found the kitty heels but I was fortunate enough to find the mini tote. I guess from 2001 to 2006, I was pretty much obsessed with Coach, making almost monthly visits to their Soho store, if not more frequent… Afterwards I was nuts over their denim logo line, particularly with their flap bags. I have never forgotten about that collection and still think of it even today. I’m still beating myself up for not snagging one of their denim bags sooner (I went back after some deliberation and the bag was snatched up by another buyer). So today, while I was procrastinating over more important obligations, I decided to take a gander at the Coach website… and I found the TDF Poppy Embossed Exotic XL Spotlight Tote. The price tag was a bit of a shocker but it’s definitely lust! Here is Coach’s take on their lovely Poppy:
“An exceptional Poppy bag in delicately textured, lightweight leather with golden metallic accents, intricate strap detailing and fun hangtags.
- Soft calfskin leather with glazed metallic accents
- Premium embossing with the look and feel of python
- Cellphone and multifunction pockets
- Zip top closure, fabric lining
- Handles with 5” drop
- Detachable crossbody strap with 9” drop
- 13 1/2 (L) x 15 (H) x 5 1/4 (W)”
MapTotes
Looking for a new shopping or school/study tote? Look no further. Maptotes is a cute and affordable solution to every day needs. I especially love their denim and organic cotton styles =). I was just wondering the other day why companies like 7FAM or Rock & Republic haven’t released a collection of denim bags?…. It’s to my surprise since they specialize in denimwear.
*Photocredit: Gilt & Maptotes
I Spy…
I spied a DDG golden Chanel Le Marais bowler bag today on Billion Dollar Babes. What a tease! = / Of course, the cost of the bag was still in the 4 digits ($2350 to be exact) regardless of its pre-loved condition. I can see myself happily skipping through a flowery meadow with it hehe…
*Photocredit: Billion Dollar Babes
Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Shoulderbag Tivoli GM
I’m in love =)… If you dislike the lack of structure of an LV Speedy (as I do, with the exception of the smaller models since that’s less of an annoyance), than this may be the bag for you! Classic style and generous space for all your stuff. If I could only choose one LV bag, this would definitely be it! This is what LV has to say about the Tivoli GM:
“The elegant Tivoli has a classic rounded shape and provides great storage capacity. With its feminine pleated Monogram canvas, this bag is ideal for everyday style about town.
Size (LxHxD): 18.1″ x 11″ x 7.9″
-Interior mobile phone pocket
-Bottom studs to protect the base of the bag
-Zip for secure closing
-Hand or shoulder carry with adjustable handles”
Reference: www.louisvuitton.com
Longchamp Handbags
For a while, I stayed away from this brand because it seemed like it was becoming an all too overly popular sensation with their Planetes signature style tote; which I happened to dislike at the time for whatever reason. A couple years later I noticed their Cosmos bowler at a local handbag boutique and fell in love with it- the sparkly leather exterior and star strewn lining couldn’t be denied =). I decided to give Longchamp another chance. They also offer great men’s leather wallets- classic and gorgeous. Below I have selected my top Longchamp styles. The Roseau in ebony and the Rival in indigo blue patent makes me purrrr…
*Photocredit: Longchamp
Just a Note: Praise to Zappos & Others
One of my biggest peeves regarding buying handbags from a website is that the company doesn’t offer enough product details to help the consumer make an educated decision about their purchase. Consumers have a right to know what they are putting their money towards and companies benefit by potentially decreasing their number of returns. I love the pictures that companies like Zappos, Endless, and eBags provide their consumer. Doesn’t leave much to the imagination in that what you see is basically what you get, though computer monitor variations may cause slight coloration differences. Zappos has actually taken it a step further to include video descriptions on some of their products such as the ones below so kudos to them =)
*VideoCredit: Zappos
Zappos on B. Makowsky Dakar Tote
Studded Sensation, Sara Berman
Totally irresistible accessories by Sara and Amiee Berman. You know that I’m a sucker for studded belts and boots but this love also translates to handbags and cosmetic pouches. Wow, hehe… an actual studded makeup bag and with leopard print satin lining too- how cool is that?
*Photocredit: The Out Net
Why I Love B. Makowsky…
I’m a member of The Bag Forum and from time to time I’ve seen a thread or two raving about B. Makowsky’s handbags. I don’t know why I didn’t give this brand a second thought. I found a You Tuber’s video on her “8 Most Worn Things.” Towards the end of the video, she mentions her love of her new BM brown leather silver studded satchel (Studded Soft – Large’ Pleated Hobo). This re-inspired me to examine this brand… Introducing the Melbourne Shopper (my “go to” and soulmate bag). I never would have thought I could say this about any bag. You know how sometimes you can spontaneously identify a special product; one that you could picture still loving years down the line… Well, this is the real deal =). It couldn’t have been more perfect a design for me; kinda like someone custom made this bag for me! How cool is that? Why I love the Melbourne… uhm, is it because it’s a composite of all my top-rated bags and because I can’t find any fault with it?..
dark, soft, exotic embossed leather
significant hardware yet the bag alone doesn’t weigh a ton
generous pockets/compartments
outer compartment for a cell phone (easy access for me)
roomy
strong magnetic closures
timeless, classic style with lovely detailing
good price for its quality
it is a true shoulder bag which can be worn with a coat on (perfect shoulder drop)
soft smooth leopard print lining
looks really good with any outfit
it may not be a summer-ish bag because it’s black, but I really don’t care (available in other pretty colors)
I hope I won’t wear this bag out too quickly =). It’s the best-of-its-kind.
*Photocredit: Endless
Still Nuts Over Santi ;)
Santi makes the most perfect little clutches and evening purses. I could go on and on about them and I have in previous posts so I’ll just post some precious little pics and leave it at that…
I love the multi-color sequins and leather doughnut applique styles! So pretty and goes with everything! Santi is “collectible” worthy if you favor that type of handbag. I wish these handmade beauties cost a little less than they actually do (not that they’re that unreasonably priced). I find myself waiting for some kind of sales promotion before I can justify splurging on one. I do treasure my small collection though and hope to find more excuses to show them off a little- too cute to sit in dust bags day after day.
*Photocredit: Amazon
