December 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase Bag
Although, briefcases are classy I have never spotted one that I considered: cute, fashionable, and stylish. That is of course until my eyes became fixated on a briefcase I found on the Saks Fifth Avenue website. The briefcase I found was the Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase bag and I must say it is fabulous with a capital F. It may look a tad bit gaudy at first but when you compare it to the everyday version of a briefcase it is quite fascinating in a unique way. The Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase can be held by the handle or worn on your shoulder being that the strap has a 10 inch shoulder drop. The briefcase has a top flap closure which has a ring to add some detail to the top flap and I must say that is the only part of the briefcase that is horrible. I think the ring makes the top flap look a little tacky, but of course that is my opinion. Other than the ring, the Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase Bag has amazing features such as an interior and exterior pocket, plenty of room, open pockets inside, and is made in Italy. If I was in the business world and needed a briefcase, I would snatch this one up in a heart beat!

The Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase Bag may be stunning but it comes with the not so stunning price of $2,195. Beautiful briefcase, and if you want to look stylish at your next meeting I suggest this is the briefcase to get!

See the Donna Karen Modern Scorpio Briefcase Bag at: Saks Fifth Avenue

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December 1, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Marc Jacobs Patchwork Eugenie Clutch
As I have stated before, I love clutches but I have yet to find one that I want to invest money on. Here is another gorgeous clutch by Marc Jacobs and it’s called the Patchwork Eugenie. What I love most about this clutch is the embossed patchwork pattern leather. For this Fall and Winter handbag season, so many designers have opted toward a quilted pattern for their handbags and I think it’s gorgeous. The Patchwork Eugenie is flap top clutch that opens up to two interior pockets. The clutch is accented with a lovely Marc Jacobs stamped leather band that is featured on the front of the clutch. The Eugenie actually has just the amount of room you would expect for a clutch being that is has a length of 9.5 inches and a width of 6 inches. If you just want to carry your essentials, I’d say this is a great clutch to get!

The best feature of the Marc Jacobs Patchwork Eugenie is it’s price. For a clutch that is made in Italy and has a price of $395, I would say is pretty darn good! Most wallets made in Italy cost far more that $395, so to find a clutch at this price I would say is a great deal!

See the Marc Jacobs Patchwork Eugenie at eLUXURY

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November 28, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel
Ever since the Botkier sample sale on Gilt.com a couple months back or so, I’ve took more notice to Botkier handbags. Before the sample sale I had heard of Botkier handbags but never took the time to really check the handbags out. While browsing Nordstrom, I saw this beautiful handbag in one of their ads. You know the ads where it’s just the models’ legs and feet to put emphasis on the handbag she is carrying and the footwear she is wearing. In this particular ad, a pleated style looking satchel was featured and I absolutely adored it. While searching the Nordstrom website for this handbag, it was to my surprise that this stunning handbag was by Botkier and it was called the Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel. The Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel is a beautiful roomy satchel with protective metal feet and even a front flap pocket. The handbag also features a six inch shoulder strap drop so if you don’t love the satchel like style, you most likely will be able to put the bag on your shoulder too! Also, if you love your handbag to be organized inside, the Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel features an interior zip, cell phone and PDA pockets, and a key clip.

The Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel is actually priced at $625, which isn’t that bad these days for a beautiful handbag. Overall, I give this handbag a very high score and if you love satchel’s as much as I do, I’m sure you will love this handbag too!

See the Botkier Layla Pleated Pocket Satchel at Nordstrom

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November 24, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag
If the Fourth of July is your favorite holiday by any chance then perhaps you will adore the Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag. With the Navy Blue, Red, and White color combination you not help but think of an American flag when you see this handbag. I have always been a fan of the Fendi Boston Bag, because it kind of resembles a Louis Vuitton Speedy which is my handbag of choice almost every day of the week. I will admit the colors on the Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag are very cute but I don’t believe I would ever wear this handbag unless it was a patriotic holiday. This handbag is very tiny, so if you don’t like small handbags you may not like this bag. The Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag is actually smaller than a Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 with having height of 7 inches and a width of 9 inches. The feature I love the most about this handbag is the key bell the handbag comes with. I love key bells and I think they are a cute way to hide your keys and you never have to worry about losing them.

The Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag is currently being sold on eLUXURY for $710. It’s more money than a Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, which is actually slightly bigger to. I’d rather have the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 but if you love Fendi, you may just love this bag!

See the Fendi Tri-Color Forever Boston Bag at: eLUXURY

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November 24, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Bag
Everytime I come across a beautiful pink bag I must write about it, and this time the beautiful pink bag is by none other but Christian Dior. The bag is called the Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag and it’s stunning. I’ve never been one into drawstring handbags but this handbag is making my heart swoon, but I’m sure it’s just because it’s made in my favorite color ever. The handbag is made with quilted lambskin leather that has a tonal cannage pattern embroidery, and features aged metal hardware all over the handbag. I would consider this a plain bag, but when I saw it in pink I was drooling. If you do not love the Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag in pink, it also comes in beige, red and white. I will admit the shape of the bag is a little bit odd, but if you love drawstring style handbags you will love this bag. The inside of the Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag is quite handy giving that it has a cell phone, pouch and zipped pocket. Very cute handbag, but I’m not sure I would wear it much.

The Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag retails for $1,450 over at eLUXURY, but is now on sale for $1,015. It is a steep price but, considering that the handbag is made by Dior which is made in Italy, I’m not too surprised. It’s an adorable handbag and comes in different colors to fit your style. If you have the extra cash to spend, I would say it definitely is a stunning handbag to add to a collection.

See the Dior Cannage Drawstring Medium Shoulder Bag at: eLUXURY

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November 21, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Juicy Couture Quilted Buckle Bag
Lately, I have been absolutely obsessed with Juicy Couture. I use to only crave Juicy Couture clothes, but recently I’ve been craving the accessories, bags, clothes, shoes, etc. The latest Juicy Couture handbag that has be drooling is the Quilted Buckle Tote and my oh my is this bag gorgeous. It seems as if the quilted pattern is in for this Fall/Winter handbag season and I must admit I’m loving this trend. Juicy Couture did a fabulous job at making a quilted handbag to fit in with this seasons trend, and I love it. Best part about the Quilted Buckle Tote is how roomy it is. With a height of 14 inches and a width of 17 inches, a bagista has so much room to put all her fashionable essentials plus more. The bag appears not to have a closure but it actually does. The Juicy Couture Quilted Buckle Tote has a hidden magnetic closure, which is great for those who don’t like bags that just stay open especially when you lay them down. The handbag is complete with a Juicy Couture logo charm at the bottom left hand corner. All in all I rate this handbag one of the better quilted bags I’ve seen of the season.

The Juicy Couture Quilted Buckle Tote retails for $395. Yes, it seems a little bit expensive for a handbag these days, but in reality it’s one of the cheaper quilted handbags of the season. I absolutely adore this handbag and if I wasn’t saving for a certain handbag I would definitely snatch this one up in a heartbeat!

See the Juicy Couture Quilted Buckle Tote at: Nordstrom

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November 20, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Zufi Alexander handbags
Not many people can say they have the privilege to own a Hermes Birkin at the young age of 16 like Zufi Alexander can. Zufi Alexander has always been exposed to fashion ever since she was a young girl due to her Mother. As stated on her website Ms. Alexander remembers her Mother mostly by, “her Jackie O sunglasses and vast collection of handbags.” Luckily, for Alexander her love for Fashion continued well after her completion of college.

After Zufi Alexander completed her Masters in Business she joined Christie’s in London, to continue on her handbag designing journey. “Being renowned in the company for sketching handbags, one of its directors finally suggested that she create her own handbag line”, (ZufiAlexander.com). Once, Ms. Alexander left Christie’s she opened her company in May 2004. Only five months later Alexander was ready to show her first collection at Fashion Week in Paris. Amazingly, her collection was immediately snatched up by Henri Bendel and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In May of 2005 Zufi Alexander was named New Accessories Designer of the Year by London Fashion Week. Not to long after receiving this coveted award Alexander was hired by the Louis Vuitton VIP club, Celux, to design limited edition handbags for its members. In my opinion, when you are hired by anything associated with Louis Vuitton you must be pretty special and obviously Zufi Alexander is. What is even more shocking is that Ms. Alexander has achieved all this success with her fashionable mind in four years. Some people can never achieve success in the fashion industry, and what Zufi Alexander was able to do in four years is fashionable and not to mention remarkable of course.

Among the celebrities sporting Zufi Alexander handbags are Beyonce, Katherine Heigl, and Sienna Miller. Cate Blanchett once wrote Ms. Alexander a note describing her handbag as “delectable”, as stated on Alexanders’ website.

Just like her Mother, Zufi Alexander has a vast variety of handbags in her Wonderland collection. Among my favorites are the Alexandra in Ostrich, Kiss It in Black Luxe, Kiss Me Baby in Gunmetal Metallic Leather, and the Rachel in Bronze Disco Phython. I’m craving to have the Kiss It in Black Luxe. It’s elegant, gorgeous, and kind of reminds me of a prettier version of a Fendi Spy. Although, the handbags above are my favorites in Zufi Alexanders’ collection there are lots more to choose from. What I love the most about the Wonderland collection is the variety of gorgeous exotics, styles, and beautiful vibrant colors. Even, the detail in Ms. Alexanders’ handbags is stunning and definitely is not something seen on very many handbags these days.

In conclusion, Zufi Alexander is a very talented designer and with all the success she has achieved in such a short amount of time, there is no doubt in my mind that she will be around for a very long time to come.

Some of my favorite Zufi Alexander handbags are as follows:

The Alexandra in Ostrich is absolutely amazing, topped off with an extra sprinkle of gorgeous. Of course I love this handbag because of the color, but it really looks like something you have never seen before. It’s different, exotic, and very unique in everyway possible. The Alexandra is definitely a bag that would catch every bagista’s eye while you carry it. No other word to say about the Alexandra but: beautiful.

The Kiss It in Black Luxe is to die for. As I mentioned above, it reminds me of a more elegant and prettier Fendi Spy. The Kiss It looks like a handbag that you could wear day or night. It’s not to fancy and not to casual, which makes it perfect for everyday wear. Doesn’t get any better, than finding a beautiful handbag that you can wear anytime of the day and the Kiss It is one of those handbags.

The Kiss Me Baby in Gunmetal Metallic Leather would be a great handbag when you are having a night out on the town. It looks a little too fancy for the daytime but when you’re going out to dinner at night to your favorite restaurant this handbag screams PERFECT! I love the color and shape of this handbag. The Kiss Me Baby does remind me a little of the Christian Dior Karenina bag but I must say, the Kiss Me Baby is much cuter. If you’re looking for a unique looking night handbag, the Kiss Me Baby would be a great buy,

Lastly, and probably my favorite of all the Zufi Alexander bags I have mentioned is the Rachel in Bronze Disco Python. I adore this handbag!! I’m all about satchel like handbags and the Rachel says stunning all over it. Yes, it is another “night” handbag, but it is another gorgeous handbag to wear when you go out. I’m usually not into little handbags but the Rachel is definitely some serious eye candy.

Shop Zufi Alexander handbags at: Zufi Alexander

UPDATE: Here are a couple of the prices:
Alexandra in Ostrich-2.525 Euro.
Kiss It in Black Luxe-1.047,50 Euro.
Kiss Me Baby in Gunmetal Metallic Leather-930 Euro.
Rachel in Bronze Disco Python-2.312 Euro

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November 17, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Magazine Clutch
Even though I do not own a clutch, I’m so loving the clutch trend right now. So many fabulous designers have came out with gorgeous clutches that I can’t seem to pick one I love the most to purchase. On eLUXURY I found a beautiful clutch from the Marc by Marc Jacobs line and it is stunning! The color is a little bit much but the shape and the style of the clutch are amazing. I have never seen this particular clutch in person but it appears to be quite big. I’m obsessed with big handbags so to find a clutch that’s cute and on the large side is a plus. The clutch is accented with some Marc Jacobs bling on the front of the flap, of course labeling his name so every handbag lover that see’s your clutch will instantly know it’s by Marc Jacobs. The clutch also has a long zipped pocket underneath the flap for more convenient space to put your essentials. All in all I rate this one of the best clutches I’ve seen to date!

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Magazine Clutch can be purchased over at eLUXURY for $348. Compared to a lot of designer clutches out there that is actually a great price for a stunning but yet large clutch. This clutch totally has be drooling!

See the Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Magazine Clutch at: eLUXURY!

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November 17, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Prada Floral Lace Baguette
There is quite a lace trend for this fall and I can’t decide if it’s a yay or nay. Fellow TBF’er VivaLaJuicy recently wrote a blog about the Prada Lace Pizzo S Satchel and again I couldn’t decide what I thought about the bag. I’m not sure if lace does justice to handbags or just kills them. I came across another lace handbag by Prada called the Floral Lace Baguette and it’s actually not that bad. I felt the Prada Lace Pizzo S Satchel looked a little bit on the gaudy side being a larger handbag with all the lace. I still think the Floral Lace Baguette is gaudy but it seems a little more suttle since it’s smaller. What’s quite sad though is that it seems like a simple leather baguette with lace over it and because it’s by Prada, it has an outrageous price. Small, overpriced, and has lace all over it.. you be the judge of what you think of this handbag. I think it’s kind of cute, but I’m not sure I would wear it. Seems like for the price of this little handbag you could get a fabulous bigger designer handbag.

The Prada Floral Lace Baguette can currently be purchased at bluefly for $1,560. Yes, that is a bit much for a tiny handbag but believe it or not the Prada Floral Lace Baguette actually retails for $1,950. I believe the price made this handbag a definite nay for me.

See the Prada Floral Lace Baguette at: bluefly!

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November 17, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Louis Vuitton Azur Galliera PM / GM Bags
There is a new addition to the Galliera family and it is lovely with a capital L! The Louis Vuitton Azur Galliera is gorgeous and everything I expected. I have always loved the Azur pattern but it looks even more beautiful on the Galliera. What’s amazing about the Galliera is that it comes in two sizes, PM and GM, and both have so much room! I’m 5 foot so I personally love the PM, but if you are taller I’d say go for the GM. I love big bags, and I’m dying to add the Galliera to my collection! While shopping one day, I did have the luxury of going into Louis Vuitton and trying on the Monogram Galliera PM. Same size and style just different pattern. Everything I had heard about the handbag was true! It was beautiful, fit comfortable on my shoulder, plenty of room to fit my whole entire dresser in it, and the shiny gold plaque in the front just topped the handbag off with Louis Vuitton bling! A major plus to me about this handbag is that it’s deep. You never have to worry about someone looking over your shoulder and seeing all of your belongings. Also, may I mention the Galliera conveniently comes with protective metal feet! Always a great plus when it comes to a light handbag!

The Louis Vuitton Azur Galliera PM retails for $1,270 and the GM retails for $1,460. Both are currently for sale at eLUXURY, but I would hurry because I’m sure both won’t be around long.

See the Louis Vuitton Azur Galliera PM/GM at: eLUXURY!

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November 7, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy
I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone when I say I absolutely love pink handbags. Pink is my color of choice, and there is only one brand that has pink accessories and handbags in every season. That brand is Juicy Couture and my heart is melting for the Flap Lock Baby Fluffy. The Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy is an adorable satchel with crinkled coated leather, link attachments that cinch and gather corners along bag top, and has an open top with inner clasp closure. The Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy isn’t very big but if you are a girly girl like myself you will definitely fall in love with it. Some bonuses about this handbag is that it comes with a logo tag hanging from a handle, a cell phone pocket inside the bag and a heart shaped mirror. There are even little pockets on the front and sides of the handbag to put little extras of yours or just to make the handbag look extra cute. One thing is for sure, that the Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy would be a lovely bag for spring or summer.
The Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy is currently for sale at eLUXURY for $295. The Flap Lock Baby Fluffy is available in either brown and pink, but in Juicy Couture lingo they call the colors “fieno” and “rose.” Some people may think this handbag is too girly but I’m loving it with every beat of my heart.

See the Juicy Couture Flap Lock Baby Fluffy at: eLUXURY

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November 5, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Linea Pelle Espresso Hayley Satchel
I have to be honest before the Bag Forum and Bagbliss days I never knew who Linea Pelle was until I read on the forum that they were having a sample sale. When I checked out the Linea Pelle sample sale, I wasn’t very impressed but to my surprise a majority of the bags did sell out. While browsing through all of the new handbag arrivals on Bluefly yesterday, I came across a beautiful brown bag that kind of reminded me of a mix between Balenciaga and Rebecca Minkoff. That beautiful brown handbag was the Linea Pelle espresso leather hayley large satchel and my is it super cute. I really love how the handbag comes with a detachable shoulder strap, giving a bagista not one but two ways to carry her handbag. The Linea Pelle Hayley can be worn on the shoulders with either the two handles or the strap. I personally love carrying any handbag on my shoulders with the handles, and having the strap gracefully dangle off the handbag. The Hayley also has plenty of room for your belongings and even has zebra lining inside to style the bag up even more. Only downfall about the Linea Pelle Hayley is that alone it weighs a 3 pounds. Once you add all your fashionable items the handbag can weigh over 5 pounds. Cute handbag but seems like it can be like toning exercise with all that weight on your arm.

The Linea Pelle expresso leather Hayley large satchel retails for $585, but we are in luck because our friends at bluefly have it in stock. Bluefly is currently selling the Hayley for $351, and I must say that is not bad these days for a gorgeous handbag.

See the Linea Pelle Hayley at: Bluefly

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November 2, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa

Juicy Couture California Tote
To be frankly honest I currently do not own a thing from Juicy Couture, but I must say their products are pure eye candy for me. I absolutely love Juicy Couture because the brand has girly written all over it, and most importantly mostly everything comes in PINK! I’m craving a Juicy Couture tote to use for school, and I came across the Juicy Couture California Tote on the Saks Fifth Avenue website. As soon as I saw the tote I was in love! It’s pink and has a crown on it, what more could a girl want? Not only is the Juicy Couture California Tote adorable but it is also quite roomy. With a width of 21 inches and a height of 19 inches this tote can actually hold a lot making it great for school. If you are not in school the tote would also be great for travel, work or simply for everyday use. Only con about this tote is that is does not have a zip closure, but most totes don’t. The Juicy Couture California Tote does have an inside zip and cell phone pockets to be sure your things can be a little more organized inside. Overall, this tote gets an A+ from me.

Mostly everything Juicy Couture makes is a little pricey so it’s no surprise that the Juicy Couture California Tote retails for $75. A little bit much for a tote, but this tote is definitely one that would catch everyone’s eyes. So cute and pretty in pink, I love it!

See the Juicy Couture California Tote at Saks Fifth Avenue

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October 30, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Marissa
James Piatt, the creative handbag designer
When I first volunteered to write about James Piatt, I must admit I had no idea who he was or that he was a designer. While browsing the handbags on Mr. Piatt’s website I was appalled but also very intrigued. His handbags were very different and nothing that I have ever seen before. To make it short, James Piatt’s handbags are very unique all on their own.

James Piatt has been designing handbags for the past 4 years in Los Angeles, California and it’s no surprise that, in his own words, he is most recognized for “creating controversial work.” Mr. Piatt created and designed his first handbag in 2004 as a gift. The unique handbag was called the Peacekeeper and it is still being produced today. The latest version of the Peacekeeper is called the Peacekeeper 400, and it may just make your jaw drop. The Peacekeeper 400 does not have a strap for you carry on your shoulder or handles for you to carry it with your hand. The handle on the Peacekeeper 400 is brass knuckles. When I think of brass knuckles gangs, and someone very violent comes to mind, so to see brass knuckles on a handbag is very different but also very unique. When was the last time you can say you saw brass knuckles on a handbag, never I’m sure. Mr. Piatt told us his reasoning for putting brass knuckles on a handbag was because, “He felt it was unexpected” and indeed was he right.

The Peacekeeper 400 is not the only bag James Piatt has designed. Other names of Mr. Piatt’s handbag collection include: The Persuader; Chesterton; and lastly Tinkerbell. The most shocking of them all in the handbag named Tinkerbell, which was inspired by the way Paris Hilton treats her pets. To me the handbag looks like you are carrying a dead dog, but there is more of a message to this handbag. “This design capitalizes on the trend of carrying a small dog as a fashion accessory”, which was quoted straight from Mr. Piatt’s website. When you read the actual message for the handbag, you realize that it is actually quite humorous. The other handbags in Mr. Piatt’s collection are also very unique. The Persuader mimics a machine-gun, and the Chesterton is a roomy handbag that has no stitching and was constructed by interlocking laser cut leather. If you have an artistic and unique way of thinking you will definitely be craving one of James Piatt’s handbags.

Overall, James Piatt is a very creative and unique handbag designer. Mr. Piatt’s handbags are the kinds of bags that you will either love or loathe them. The Tinkerbell handbag may be a little overwhelming at first but, once you realize the real message of the handbag, it’s quite the hilarity. Mr. Piatt’s other handbags are just as unique. The Peacekeeper 400, Persuader, and Chesterton all have their own style and are very different from each other. Like them, or hate them there is no doubt that if you carry one of these handbags all eyes will be fixated on you.

Here is a look of the James Piatt handbags:
All photo’s courtesy of James Piatt
The Peacekeeper 400 (available in Black and Red)

The Pursuader (available in Pink and Silver)

The Chesterton (available in Black and Pink)

The Tinkerbell (available in Black)

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