I've mentioned Zappos Luxe Life before. Now and then I browse the store to see what's new in the Couture section, and recently I found a bag that I really like for fall. Usually Alexander McQueen is too way out for me, but I think this Western-inspired patent bag is great for the days when you break out the jeans and boots but want a nice bag to polish the look. The burgundy and gold bag is made of of patent leather. It's 14" wide across the bottom, 9.5" wide across the top, 5.5" deep and 10" high, enough room for wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology. The handle drop is 5". Other features: a front exterior slip pocket, platform bottom, top zip closure and a luxurious interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. Comes with a protective dust bag. $2,569; free shipping and returns from Zappos.
Flashy and catering to both the current metallics and military trends, this Burberry bag is sure to brighten up any outfit -- almost literally. The shiny silver acts as both a neutral in terms of coordinating with other colors but it also gives off its own glitz vibe and can be very useful for adding a shot of boldness to your ensemble.
Full of folds, straps, and ruching, this bag also features a twill lining and a large central zip-pocket on the inside separating two large compartments. Plenty of room for everything! $2,995
This is a gorgeous clutch, and right up my alley because not only do I love the gentle dove gray color but I also love that it manages to look very luxe and a little glitzy without featuring any jewels or over-the-top crystals.
The Chain Embroidered Clutch by Stella McCartney is a generously sized (looks bigger on the model than I would have expected) simple silk frame clutch with heavy chain embroidery decorating the sides, silver hardware (including a clasp on the top for closing), and a black satin lining. $1,395
Clutch maven Lauren Merkin has turned her talents to travel with a new line of small leather accessories that will have you eager to take a spontaneous trip. Each leather item is available in teal, eggplant, rust, camel or black, featuring playful detailing and lined in micro-fleece. Prices range from $25 for the leather luggage tag to $250 for the first laptop sleeve that you won't want to hide in the bottom of your totebag. Check out the entire line plus a few of Merkin's latest handbags in the gallery. To order, head to laurenmerkin.com.
Tennis season's not over yet! Why not help the economy and get yourself a fresh, new bag for the fall? Bally's bright pearl orange Arkel bag is made of patent calf with a patent leather-trimmed twill lining. It measures 15.5" H x 18" W x 4.5" D and has a 6.75" shoulder drop. The top is open for ease of putting in and taking out your tennis wear and accessories, and the zippered exterior pocket holds your tennis racket. Made in Italy, dust bag included: $1,095. (But you can get it at Endless for just $492.75, with free overnight shipping.)
That is one long name for a handbag! For having such a long name it's a pretty normal looking classic clutch without any outrageous features going on -- except for crazy fashion appeal if you're counting that! This bag strikes me as one of those timeless designs that truly can be considered an investment since you'll certainly be able to use it for years to come with a variety of outfits. Made of monogrammed vernis embossed leather with calf leather trim it features golden hardware with a logo plague on the front, flap top with snap closure, a detachable golden chain shoulder strap, and a zip pocket plus six card slots on the interior. $810
Gallery: Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Sunset Boulevard
I love the feel of a new bag and when it comes to handbags I have a tendency to find one I like and carry it every day until it wears out, but tote bags... well that's another story altogether. I'm a little overrun with totes in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so I guess it's no surprise that I like this set of Hornback Weekender totes by designer Julie Feldman. It's full of pockets, including 3 interior pockets (one of them zippered) plus a large zippered center-divider pocket big enough for a laptop, and then the outside front pocket. Bags are made of hornback calf suede with alligator stamping and feature a fun print lining. 16" x 9" x 22", $595.
The latest in the Hermes collection, the Jypsière (aka the Birkin messenger), was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, who wore the androgynous shoulder bag down the runway following his Fall 08 show for Hermes. Waiting lists are long in the U.S., where the bag has yet to make an appearance. Eager shoppers have been told the satchel should be stateside by the end of the month.
Slung casually over the back of a wild yak in the fall ad campaign, we hope that acquiring this piece won't be quite so difficult as it looks in the pictures. Though if you must muscle a one-ton beast over a Himalayan mountain pass, best do it with your Hermes saddle and your Jypsière. The Jypsière will be available in multiple colors and leathers. The version seen above retails for $11,365.
Jimmy Choo rarely disappoints whether it's shoes or handbags. Certainly his new saucy duo, Lola & Lois, is no exception. With their similar patent leather look and chunky size they make for hefty handbags. Each has its own distinct look -- Lois sports a detachable mini-messenger bag while Lola presents in a sassy Bordeaux color -- so you really can't go wrong preferring one over the other. Its feels a bit early to me to be breaking out the patent leather but if you buy it now then you'll be ready when the seasons change. Both are available for $2,495.
Are skulls still in? I guess it makes sense that they are (and will always be) since they're one of the universal symbols for "bad-ass" and that attitude just never goes out of fashion.
I like this crystal-encrusted take on the skull by Thomas Wylde but I can't help but wonder why the little guy's mouth is hanging open ... is he hungry? About to say something? He looks more shocked than he does tough. Anyway ...
This Zanzibar Leather Clutch is made fold-over style with a zip closure on the front. Simple and interesting, I think this is the kind of handbag that grows on you over time. $1,495
Dossier, the bi-annual arts and culture mag, has corralled some of its favorite artists, musicians and stylists (including Zac Posen and Fanny Bostrom) to hand-craft 150 limited edition totes. The bags make use of a variety of techniques: woodblock prints, quilting, collage and photo transfers. Each piece is signed by the artist, and the bags are available through Dossier's site (note you will only know what bag you're getting once you place your order). You can also snag one while the snagging's good at Manhattan's I Heart, at 262 Mott Street. Each retails for just $25 so you best order quickly.
This bag is the Charlie Ponyskin Tote by Anya Hindmarch and my favorite thing about it is the unexpectedly athletic canvas shoulder strap. It's a chocolate leather bag with gold hardware and a very structured, rectangular shape. The relaxed canvas strap with sporty stripe gives it a suddenly hip and somewhat casual vibe (for me casual is always good), and I also like that it has protective feet on the bottom and a luxe suede lining. Other features include patent leather trim, two handles on the top along with an almost clutch-style handle, and zip pockets on both the back and inside. $1,575
This Chloé Joan Shoulder bag evokes feelings of both practicality and fun. You've gotta love a top that cinches up like this one does, and the equestrian inspired hardware, plus the colors are nice and neutral for fall without being boring. Opens at the top, of course, but it also has a somewhat hidden compartment on the front with a tasseled leather pull and zipper closure. The cinch-top is fun but since it doesn't close securely I'd have to be especially careful not to let anything spill out when I set it down. $1515
This patent leather shopper reminds me of autumn with its ombré shading and earthy tones. Plus there is something about patent leather that seems to mix well with colder weather -- probably just a childhood link with patent leather shoes and winter celebrations. In any case, the Elliott Lucca 'Portia Ombré' Pocket Shopper is a large handbag with triple magnetic snaps along the top, two outer pockets with two different zipped openings, an optional shoulder strap and center zip divider inside. It's large enough to accommodate work documents, portfolio and day timer or short-trip essentials at 14 1/2" x 14" x 5 1/2". Just $398 for this fabulous bag available in either Black or Oxblood Ombré.
Normally I would say that any girlfriend of a major star like Matthew McConaughey who launches a handbag line is only looking for free publicity and easy money (not that there's anything wrong with that), but in the case of Camila Alves things seem to be a lot different. Not only did she and her mother design the bags, but every single one is handmade by herself and her mother. That's makes them pretty special.
Described as "elegance meets tribal exotic" there's a lot to love in the Muxo line, including slouchy shapes, plenty of leather fringe, and even some very macho looking men's bags. My favorite of the bunch is this clutch called simply "Broadway" for $450. (Didn't she just have a baby? She's been busy.).
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