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.).
In all its envy-inspiring green python is Alexander McQueen's newest addition to the Elvie line, a framed tote with ladylike handles and gold hardware. Available exclusively at Net-a-Porter yet not to shoppers in California (where shipping python only makes for a fashionable six months in the county jail), the bag features a turn lock to secure its contents. It's lined in brown suede and has a small zippered pocket inside. The bag retails for $5,380.
If python isn't your thing (or endangered species are), you can find a black patent version over at Harvey Nic's.
I like this shoulder bag because it's got a lot of style but isn't loud or impractical, plus it looks comfy and easy to use and to take care of (I love anything that looks low maintenance). The Marni Leather Shoulder Bag is made of soft green suede, bright silver hardware, and sides accented with a pretty shade of purplish-pink. It closes at the top with an oversized bobble push lock that shows through the flap via a cut-out, and the flap stays down with a clasp. $1,775
You gotta love a handbag that's named after a fruit, but the Celestina Mango Box Clutch is lovable for more reasons than just that one. It's not only a beautiful shade of candy pink shagreen but its stingray box clutch design has natural daniela wood trim for something a little different than the norm of gold or silver metal hardware. It's lined in a shade of soft ivory and features a hidden magnetic closure, plus (in another detour from the usual) it comes with a small mirror included. $1365
This Trigger Shoulder Bag by Alexander McQueen looks sturdy and like it's designed for a busy woman on the go who uses the heck out of her handbags. It's sleek in black leather and has a slight military inspiration in the design, but a feminine touch can be found in the detachable gold and black plaited rope strap. It features studded trim, a decorative golden buckle, a press stud fastening, and protective feet. The interior is divided into two compartments by a small zippered pocket and (of course) it's fully lined. $2345
I tend to think that a tote would be my bag of choice for most errands, short trips or as a carry-on but this bag has quite a persuasive element. The Juicy Couture 'Gossip' Hobo Bag sports a square body large enough to hold all the essentials plus some with a unique twist of diagonally pieced leather. The biased lines take what could be a plain, supple bag and transform it into a sophisticated statement . The short shoulder strap tucks the bag just beneath your arm and the zip top keeps everything from spilling out. For $450 I'd say this do-it-all bag is ready for anything. (18" x 11" x 6")
I have to admit I am not well-versed in the world of Betsey Johnson but I'm not too psyched about this creation. The Studded Flap Satchel offers a theatrical punch with pyramid-shaped goldtone studs and tassel zip top in either black, silver or berry. I do like the optional shoulder strap and protective metal feet -- fantastic additions to any handbag -- and the triple-compartment interior does keep things organized. But I could do without the gusset edges...this bag just has a bit too much going on for my taste for $348. (14" x 10" x 9")
The Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote: an ultimate in slouchy tote bags in a medium size that's big enough for all your essentials but not so big that it takes over your outfit or becomes too heavy to lug around on daily business. I love the minty summer green color shown here but there's also a chocolate brown available that is probably more useful. The bag features buckle details on the bag and the strap, ruching, and an interior zip pocket. A perfect summer bag or, if you go with the chocolate, all season tote. $1460
Tired of the paper vs. plastic debate? (New York Times columnist John Tierney recently said not to worry about plastic bags, but I and the 100 billion flimsy sacks tossed last year beg to differ.) If you don't yet have your own canvas grocery-getters (I pride myself on vintage WholeFoods totes, circa 1996 -- should I try eBaying them for massive profit?), check out The Better Bag. It's basically an eco-friendly triple threat: reusable, recyclable and crafted from recycled materials. Not to mention washable, waterproof and kind of good-looking.
Manufactured by Massachusetts company CSI Plastics, a long-time plastics recycler, The Better Bag is available for purchase through its website, which recommends buying the bag in bulk to distribute at your next fundraiser or event. Finally a schwag bag you can do some good with.
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