Temperley London Celest

I’ve always been into the edgy, rocker chick look and when I can find a handbag that reflects that style I’m instantly in love. It’s even shocking to me to be able to still find lots of bags that feature studs on them! It seems like the “stud” trend has been in for quite some time and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

The Temperley London “Celest” is the perfect bag to go with an edgier outfit. I’m loving that is features two different types of studs and that the shoulder strap is removable. To me, this bag would look so much better as a clutch! I think there is way too much going on stud wise for it on your shoulder and under your arm.

One “con” I don’t like about this bag is the magnetic strap. For some reason, I don’t like the hardware on the strap but this bag definitely has a “cool factor” to it that I can easily over look it. This bag would look amazing with those Christian Louboutin Studded Sling backs that came out last year. Perfect Match!

I would totally carry thing bag around when I’m wearing leggings, and edgy looking shirt and sky high high heels. Overall, it’s a cute bag and you can’t beat the sale price!

You can purchase at the Temperley London Bouttique at Bloomingdales for $381.50.

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Diane von Furstenberg Alicia

A couple days ago I mentioned the fantastic new hat and hobo bag set from the DvF vintage collection, a steal at only $98 for both items. I really love that green striped print, but I’m going to hold out for at least a couple more weeks in hope that another color in that pattern pops up, like a pink would be amazing.

That’s not the only print that the Alicia Set is available in. Just today while browsing around ultimate fashion boutique ShopBop I discovered the Alicia Set in red with a wonderful square print design. The hobo sling bag is designed for those casual cool summer days and the matching hat, well that’s just a necessity for those sun drenched days.

This cotton tote (15″ height x 16″ length x 4.5″ depth) with matching hat retails for $98

Yves Saint Laurent Chyc Clutch

Do you remember the Big Bag Trend a couple years back? Gosh I’m really hoping that trend doesn’t return, I have never really been a big fan of carrying all that you need plus more in one big ol’ bag. And hello I don’t  think anyone wants a back ache after lugging around their bag all day. I would much rather opt for something small and hand held, like a spacious clutch.

One that caught my eye is the stunning with “Y” hardware, which I like much more than the traditional stitched YSL signature logo detailing. Now I know what you’re thinking. Clutch, can I really fit that much in there?

The Chyc is actually pretty spacious, I’ve attached a picture to give you a better idea of the size. Measurements: 11″ width x 6″ height x 1.5″ depth. It’s just the right size for the basics, like what I usually carry: cellphone, little pouch with lipgloss and lipstick, and card holder (like this one by YSL).

The available in a robins egg turquoise and lovely ocean blue. Retails for $585.

Diane von Furstenberg Harper

I love Diane von Furstenberg! Every new season I make it a must to purchase one of her dresses, a few flowy blouse tops (I collect them!), and one, sometimes two pairs of her shoes. Speaking of which, I just purchased the Zia’s yesterday (woo!!!). And surprisingly the one thing I am missing from my Diane von Furstenberg collection is one of her gorgeous bags. I mean, I always rave about them to my friends. One bag that I currently have my heart set on is the in dusty rose pink.

Oh my goooosh this bag is gorgeous. The body is made from a dusty rose suede and comes accented with a detachable oversized tassel detailing. Another feature that I adore is the detachable chain-link strap. Who wouldn’t love the versatility of transforming from day bag to evening clutch.

Z Spoke Zac Posen Bag

I love black handbags. If it were up to me, my closet would be full of all different types of black handbags. I suppose when your wardrobe is only black and white like mine, there really is no need to have colored handbags because they don’t go with anything! What I love the most is black bags that don’t look like anything else out there. I like being unique, especially with my fashion choices.

When I spotted the Z Spoke Zac Posen Two-Toned Satchel, I was instantly in love. It reminded me of a doctor bag but the hardware gave it a little more edge. What sticks out the most to me, when it comes to his bad, is the double handles. I can’t recall ever seeing golden hardware as handles on a bad before. I mean, I’m sure it’s been done before I just can’t remember when!

The best thing about this bag is that it’s so versatile. That’s what I love about black bags. You can literally carry them all year long and whatever time of day you want. I can see myself using this bag for every season and day or night. It’s perfect! Another “pro” about it is that the look is so neutral. It’s not too casual or not too dressy making it the perfect “go-to” black bag for just about any outfit. Great bag to add to any growing collection!

You can purchase the Z Spoke Zac Posen Two – Toned Satchel at Bloomingdales for $495.

English Outdoorsy Style: Chapman Flyfisher Bag

Recent events, like a small little royal wedding, have put more British designers on the fashion radar screen. These aren’t new emerging designers either. Some have produced high quality, enduring styles for decades (if not longer). Like Christmas morning, I eagerly watch for these lovelies to become more available to us Yanks, here in the states!

Chapman is one of those rugged, practical beauties the Brits love so much. Handcrafted using natural materials bonded to be waterproof, long-wearing and featuring easy maintenance with simple soap and water. English bridle leather and cotton non-marking webbing provide finishing details.

Perhaps my upcoming trip to Montana has me looking for more outdoorsy styles, but this bag really caught my eye! The FlyFlysher 16 features a large interior pocket with two exterior bellows pockets, exterior slip pocket and adjustable shoulder strap. While the khaki version reminds me a bit too much of a fly fisherman’s bag, the black has a bit more style for my preferences. A cotton canvas body is finished with the hallmark English bridle leather. For just $250.08 from LUISAVIAROMA you can afford to let your inner outdoorsy side come out to play!

Balenciaga Crescent

I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing this actual style in person yet, it’s exclusively available at MyTheresa and just not sold here in Seattle. (Barney’s and Nordstrom’s carry a great selection, just not this bag in particular). Although I’m sure it’s as fantastic as every other creation from the Balenciaga workshop.

The details that first caught my attention were the unique to design and swoop around whipstitch detailing technique along the arc. And I don’t know about you guys, maybe it’s just my tummy doing the talking here, but I just can’t help think the design looks quite similar to a pastry. Yum!

The bag is only available in this pink version with all the traditional Balenciaga hardware that we Balenciga addicts have come to love. Even though it’s not pictured above, the bag comes with a very thin detachable leather strap. I really don’t like how it looks with the strap, but hey it’s removable so that’s a huge plus. I’m sure if this was in my closet I would wear it somedays with and somedays without but would enjoy it more as a handheld.

Alexander McQueen Phone Case

Went to the local Nordstrom’s here in Seattle yesterday, well truthfully I stop in there everyday as part of my daily walk, anyways I was checking out their new look book for Fall and fell instantly in love with Alexander McQueen’s BlackBerry Phone case. I need this! If I remember correctly, it was only $200 and it came in black leather with a red croc-print or a pony leopard-print bottom (obviously Love the Leopard!) with a fantastic little signature McQueen skull head charm. The name of the piece was described as only for “Blackberry” users

Valentino goes for the gold with sleek crocodile

The Valentino Va Va Voom Crocodile Shoulder Bag, $11,275 via Net-a-Porter

If fashion seasons were like the Olympics, you could call Fall 2011 the Exotic Games – everywhere you look, brands are coming out with crocodile and snakeskin bags, seemingly each a little more drool-worthy than the last. Because trends are rarely penned in to a single cycle, though, plenty of reptilian delights have turned up in spring’s collections as well, including from brands that aren’t necessarily known for their work with exotics. That would be the case with the Valentino Va Va Voom Crocodile Shoulder Bag; Valentino produces exotic bags here and there but hasn’t made it a brand trademark, although that hasn’t stopped the company’s designers from getting in on the fun.

I’ve been a bit suspicious of this bag since the Valentino Spring 2011 runway show back in September of last year, and I still don’t entirely understand the little studded hand slot, what purpose it serves on a shoulder bag or why, exactly, anyone would ever be compelled to stick her hand in it. Aside from that, though, this simple, straightforward design is pretty nicer, particularly in dark-chocolate crocodile. The non-exotic details are nice on this bag as well, particularly the delicate metal handle attachments that adorn the top. But for five figures, the bag should be perfect, and this one isn’t quite there.

Yves Saint Laurent: One bag, six colors

Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Colorblock Tote, $1350 via Net-a-Porter

By now, we all know what spring’s big trend are: Colorblocking, mixed brights, pink and orange, brights contrasted with neutrals. We’ve all been saying this since the collections made their fashion week debuts six months ago, and those looks have made their way to retail with a vengeance. And in the case of the Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Colorblock Tote, they’ve all showed up in one design.

I really want to like this bag, but I just can’t find it within me. I like the idea – the mixture of brights and neutrals, the bold swaths of color, the functional structure are things that I’ve been digging lately in almost all iterations, but this one just isn’t quite right. The yellow is too mustard-y and not bright enough, the mismatched neutral gussets compete with the rest of the design and should have been left the same color for the sake of symmetry and an ivory handle will show wear almost immediately with any sort of regular use.

Being on-trend doesn’t automatically make a design good, and unfortunately, this bag illustrates that perfectly. YSL came close to having a winner on its hands, and I still appreciate the functional structure (particularly the roomy and well-disguised front pocket), but the rest of the bag needs some tweaks to get it on the right track. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1350.

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony features belt bags. Literally.

Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Cylinder Belt Bag and Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Square Belt Bag, $785 via ShopBop

Predictably, my initial reaction when I heard that Rodarte x Opening Ceremony’s accessory collection would include belt bags was somewhere along the lines of, “OH GOD NOT ANOTHER FANNY PACK.” Fanny packs should be banished forever to the furthest reaches of hell. You hear me, fashion industry? No more fanny packs. Do we understand each other?

Obviously, though, the Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Cylinder Belt Bag and Rodarte x Opening Ceremony Square Belt Bag aren’t fanny packs – they’re literally bags made of belts. Vintage belts, to be exact, and they come in all textures and shades of brown, no two exactly alike. And, well, they’re…interesting. But at least they’re not fanny packs.

I’m a fan of both Rodarte’s Californian quirk and Opening Ceremony’s New York edginess, but somehow, they came together and made a bag that I must have seen in vintage stores a hundred times over in my life. And if I couldn’t be bothered to buy it for $20 (and the all-important right to say, “It’s vintage,” when asked about it), then I’m certainly not going to buy it for nearly $800. If neo-vintage quirk is your thing, it can be found at far lower price and in far chicer forms. Which is a pity, because I usually expect great things from both companies involved in this collaboration. Buy the Cylinder Belt Bag for $785.

Balenciaga Balmoral Shoulder Bag: There goes my budget... Again.

Oh snap. Just when I think I'm ahead of the game for my summer savings plan that may include a little plane ride to Paris, the Balenciaga Balmoral shoulder bag struts into my life and drops a suede bomb on it. This mixed textured/color flap bag is so simple yet so on point for this season. The gray suede is soft and perfect and is protected by the indigo leather that falls just so over it with a push-tab closure. Oh, and just in case it wasn't my ideal bag already, it's a crossbody.....sold. Though I really don't need another crossbody bag right now given I splurged last month on... two of them (I'm beginning to think I have a problem but I find avoidance of an issue is the best medicine) I still think this bag is just too dreamy to pass up. Why fight feelings when some things are just meant to be, right?

Barney's for $1,595.00

Gucci "Greenwich" Leather and Python Shoulder Bag: It's In the Skin

There's no need to demand full-bag python to get the effect of luscious top-of-the-line skins. The season's best shoulder bag from Gucci is a slouchy, asymmetrical hobo that makes the large panel of python the main focus, while simple leather tones it down and creates depth. Blending luxe, exotic snakeskin with leather is a great way to keep costs down and give a bag a unique, eclectic spin. Sometimes true luxury means restraint. With oversized classic horse-bit hardware on the strap for clean punctuation, this bag is all about skin, silhouette, and attitude. Sling this over your shoulder to exude casual elegance almost any day of the week. Everyone is always asking me for the ultimate black bag suggestion. Snobs, you've met your match!

Snob Exclusive: Chloé Vivian tote

It's almost 2am in Dallas so why am I still awake?! I'm doing "research" online at Net-a-porter.com of course! I also got word that a very special bag, Chloé's Vivian tote, will launch on the site tomorrow-- so special that I was told it's Natalie Massenet's favorite bag of the season! Very excited to share this exclusive from our friends at Net-a-porter.com with you-- the gorgeous lambskin tote has two detachable shoulder straps and cut out handles with matte gold hardware.  It is the chicest bag I've seen from Chloé all season. Streamlined and architectural with tone on tone color blocking-- it's for the snobs who appreciates trendy color blocking on others but approaches the trend with subtlety for themselves.  What do you think of it?

Bottega Veneta "Nero" Crocodile Soft Clutch: Clutch It If You Can

This is the clutch to retire all other clutches. Where to begin? The texture, the shape, the functionality, the versatility or the total outcome of overwhelming elegance? Clutches are usually way too dainty for me; I'm always in search of one I can wear without a ball gown (I actually don't own any clutches that could be paired with a ball gown. Or a ball gown, for that matter!) This "murse" (man purse) shape and appeal - strong lines and no fuss - is sexy and cool, but a super-flat silhouette means no old-school machismo here.

I don't need to tell you that crocodile is an exquisite skin, but the effect of woven croc makes "high-level luxe" sound like an understatement. And it's as functional as a clutch can be - that woven panel is a pocket, the ultra-long zipper pull doubles as a wristlet, and there is an additional pocket on the flap's underside.

There is actually nothing wrong with Bottega Veneta's bag. Except, perhaps, the price. Yes, it's a million dollars, but can you fathom ever falling out of love with such a treasure. At Bottega Veneta for $8,300.

Pair with: If you haven't cut up your credit cards after your well-worth-it purchase, spring for a menswear-inspired blazer. The relaxed fit and feminine sheen of Theyskens' Theory's midnight-blue satin jacket is boy-meets-girl perfection.

Derek Lam "Ume" Bag: Bleached Skin is In

But not the way you think! Derek Lam calls the effect of this bag "bleached powder python." Besides sounding rather tantalizing, the look has oodles of appeal. Bleaching out dark python skin provides it with a cloudy, floury yet utterly soft and smooth texture. Totally tactile and easy on the eyes. I spotted the "Ume" bag backstage at Derek Lam's runway show and I was instantly intrigued by the unusual quality of the skin. We see so much python these days - no complaints here! - so it's exciting to see a designer truly making the skin his own. What elevates this bag to home run status is its small crossbody style, which I'm all about at the moment, and the refined ram hardware in distressed metal: a perfect topping for a bleached bag.

3.1 Phillip Lim "Duncan" Shoulder Tote: A Blank Canvas

Meet my new summer tote! Phillip Lim has given me no choice by taunting me with the best summer-white tote ever. It's so simple, so satisfying. Minimal is so much harder to successfully design than elaborate - sometimes brilliant design is more about what you leave out than what you add on. This bag sets the bar at perfection. White leather finished with the texture of canvas is a smart move for a summer tote bag; complimented with natural brown leather handles and a bottom panel for detailing, you've reached to-die-for status. Even though it will get filthy, leather that's durable and canvas-like can be cleaned easily. And I won't even have to break the bank. At $495, I can swing it, proclaiming it my summer staple and then move on come fall. You can be certain reviving this bag every summer won't pose a problem - a classic this simple is always chic.

Botkier "Isla" Shoulder Bag: La Isla Bonita

Here we have your quintessential everyday shoulder satchel with enough subtle highlights to make it anything but typical. Just look closely and you'll see what I mean. The wrinkled leather has a hint of metallic sheen to it, for a delicate sparkle that catches both the light and your eyes. With an extremely flat silhouette, it hangs attractively on your side, rather than protruding bulbously, and there's major attention to organization inside: a center zip compartment gives the interior two sections and there are countless pockets all inside the lining for all your little things. The focal point? I probably don't have to tell you it's the keyhole cutout serving as the button tab closure - finishing this bag off with the interests it needs.

Valentino Va Va Voom Crocodile bag: Is your mama a bag snob?

For the ultimate bag snob mom who is difficult to shop for-- you must get her the crocodile Va Va Voom from Valentino. Sure it's a bit on the trendy side but we are talking about a woman who has absolutely everything! The studs will add a bit of edge to her daily style and she will love the different ways of wearing the delicate chain shoulder strap- remove it or let it dangle like jewelry to use as clutch, or slung on her shoulder when she needs her hands free. The interior is divided into two compartments, you wouldn't want her lip gloss to get all over her crocodile wallet!

Bottega Veneta Milk Papier Lambskin Bag

Don't be fooled by this photo, this bag is a slouchy hobo that drapes in perfection. The leather is paper thin with a slight laminate that gives it an actual paper texture. When you have it on your shoulder the texture of the leather allows for incredible draping that isn't too scrunched, you get that perfect sculptural scallop. There is a hidden magnetic closure so when the two sides are closed, the draping is more of a fold. You get subtle changes in the look depending on how it slouches. The strap is long enough to hang comfortably at your side and it stays on! It is also super lightweight. I can't decide what I love most - the shape, function or beauty! It is stark white, gorgeous for summer, but do not fear, the paper laminate allows for easy spot cleaning. At Bottega Veneta for $1860.

Chloe June Bow Clutch:

Love these colors together. The June clutch by Chloe is just as cute as a summer button and will take you anywhere you want to go with chic ease. This simple yet sophisticated little number is made from tan lambskin and red pebbled leather which is tied together with gold hardware. Perfect for summer with its size and shape it snaps up with a neat magnetic closure. My favorite part of this bag is the little gold studs on the bow and the delicate chain strap. It just whisper's that you have a little swag to your style and adds an edge to an otherwise ultra fem bag.

Yves Saint Laurent Medium Muse Two Tote: Muse Redux, Again

Love the look of the Muse Two but hated the functionality. The Muse Two top handle satchel is impossible to use, the handle is on top of the flap so it's hard to get access and you always have to secure the closure because holding the top handle will cause the flap to flap open. The panels are also patched together in a cheap way. The whole thing bothered me. But the Muse Two Tote is totally different. Whew!! They have re-engineered it so that the handles are on either side of the zipper opening. The front still has the same flap design and the gussets are sewn together like a real bag. The interior is now amazingly functional with dividers and compartments. It has lost some of the coolness, the new utilitarian tote also has a more utilitarian feel of an everyday bag, but that could be a good thing. I'm still on the fence though, I have not run out to get it. At YSL online for $1995, in tan or black.

Louis Vuitton Crocodile "PM" Clutch: Lock Me Up and Throw Away the Key!

And here I was thinking Agent Provocateur had the monopoly on glamorous crystal-encrusted handcuffs. Louis Vuitton via Leighton Meester's wrist, you have just outdone them! Black crocodile has officially never been sexier and with pave diamonds (forget Swarovski crystals!), an evening accessory has never shined quite like this. A whole new spin on the concept of the "wristlet clutch," this dazzling handcuff, chained to this elegant little bag, is accompanied by a mini-padlock and be-sparkled keyholder. I've always maintained the bag makes the outfit. This number elevates Leighton's ladylike-meets-bondage look to a whole new naughty-luxe level.

Price available upon request at Louis Vuitton.

Antonio Marras "Desi" Leather and Denim Shoulder Bag: It's Elemental

Denim and color-blocked leather with touches of rope: this sounds like a bag that could go all wrong, but this looks all right. All the elements are playful and even-keeled - the result is a stylishly independent take on mainstream trends. Nude and brown lambskin looks soft and light set against the frame's bulky hardware, which is fresh and coolly stern to give the bag some legitimacy. The rope detail might seem random at first glance, but it works with denim to play up that casual summer vibe. As for the thick strap, it looks great on the shoulder but a bit awkward off. Not that it matters - it's only important when it's on. Oddly harmonious, Antonio Marras' "Desi" bag is for the alternative girl (who appreciates classic materials) who has her own concept of chic.

Alexander McQueen "Western Wicca" Satchels: Wicca in Wonderland

Back in early March, I reviewed Alexander McQueen's smooth and clean "Wicca" bag. While it is, indeed, sleek and lovely, I yearned for something more robustly...McQueen. And as of today, my wish has been granted!

The "Wicca" satchel has been given a spectacular, ornate, dreamily embellished makeover - and the result is a feast for both the eyes and the hands. Three-dimensional embossed leather foliage gives both the medium black and small white bags the dose of naturalistic fantasy they crave. Add gold hammered studs, hand sewn whipstitching, a top handle, and shoulder strap option, and you have a bag that's out of the garden of a good witch's daydream. Just call me Glinda! Medium Western Wicca Satchel in Black, $2,850, and Mini Ivory Western Wicca Satchel, $1,595.

Crocodile-Effect Leather Messenger Bag: Bottega Undercover

Bottega Veneta has been taking their always-classic though often dry intrecciato (a technique created by the house back in the 1960s) to exciting and even edgy new levels as of late. Just look at this slouchy messenger bag! I can sniff out a multi-figure Bottega bag from a mile away and this one almost had me fooled. With jagged edged crocodile-effect trim and multiple stud tabs, it's more downtown rock chick than her mimosa-sipping uptown mom. I might even go so far to say that it strikes me as something Tawny Kitaen might have yearned to carry during her Whitesnake glory days, albeit far more luxe.

But look closely and the intrecciato weave is there in all its original resplendence. Sure, there's far less of it than what we're used to seeing, but it's refreshing to see the timeless brand get youthful and innovative with their covetable designs.