The Black Handbag

Skin That!!

I want to digress from black handbags for this particular post.  I have a craving for skinned bags!  Snake-skin, crocodile skin, and leopard skin bags have been pretty hot for a while now.  It seems to be at its peak this year.  Check out some the hottest skinned handbags out there right now!

   

 

Judith Leiber Crystal-embellished jaguar clutch at a whopping $5,495

This is for the high maintenance diva out there.  This minaudière is absolutely stunning!!! When it comes to having something incredibly unique, this is it!  This is simply a work of art.

Judith Leiber was born and raised in Budapest, Hungary, where she studied the craft of handbag making during World War II. In 1947 Judith Leiber and her husband immigrated to the U.S. and after many years working for leading New York handbag manufacturers, they launched the Judith Leiber Company in 1963. The Leibers sold the company and retired in 1998.

Judith Leiber creations definitely separate the men from the boys as the quality and craftsmanship are top notch. Her artful handbags and minaudières are part of the permanent design collections at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, The Smithsonian Institute in Washington, The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Los Angeles Museum of Art.

You can check out more of these wonderful designs at judithleiber.com

 

Michael Kors has a few wonderful pieces of python that will surely get you slithering to store to buy one!!

 

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL Michael Kors

Beverly Drawstring Satchel, Python

 

 

 

 

 

 

MICHAEL KORS

Coral Python ID Chain Clutch

 

 

 

 

  MICHAEL KORS

  Rehearsal Drawstring Satchel

Bring Black to the Beach

So I am in the Cayman Islands this week with my family and what a better way to start my new post... Bringing black to the beach.  I know because we all love the beach, let's wear the brightest, most colorful beach bag to carry all of our warm weather essentials!  Let's change it up and see some amazing black beach friendly bags!!

This is the beautiful Prada 'Tessuto Pietre' Tote Bag.  It is nylon, which is great for the beach because you will not have to worry about your leather getting damaged from the sand and water.  It comes a bit pricely on suggested retail ($1,350), however there are plenty places online where you can get this baby for half the price!! (www.modaqueen.com for $599, while supplies last).  Remember, this is multi-functional.  Therefore, if you want to spend the money, make sure you use it well and often to get your money's worth!

LongChamp is well known for their nylon handbags that fold up into this nifty little case that can fit into another bag for later use.  This timeless bag, which has been around for as long as I remember, made my pick for this post.  The LongChamp Le Pliage Tote bag...  

This bag is very affordable at $145, www.longchamp.com.

These are functional, stylish handbags that can be taken from beach to street anyday of the week!!

Five indicators that you have found the right bag...

How do you know that you and the right bag have found each other?  Finding a bag that does all that you need can be a very difficult task.  Here are my five indicators that you have found the right bag...

1.  First and foremost, does this bag have separate compartments to hold your cell phone, blackberry,ipod, and keys? Baganistas, isn't this always the problem?? Those who make their black bag their everything tend to have very large bags that are all space inside.  Your items can easily get lost inside this abyss of a bag! The bag below is great as it has separate compartments all over.  From the two front pockets on the outside, snap compartments on the front and back, as well as the standard inside zip and cell phone compartment within the bag.  

                               

        

2.  Are the shoulder straps long enough that you can wear this black bag throughout the year?  Most of the bags out there today have very short straps which makes it difficult to wear with a coat in the winter, therefore, you have to keep your bag on reserve for the summer. However, in the past couple of years, some designers have caught on and started to make handbags with two straps. 

3.  Is the shape of the bag right for you.  Believe it or not, this can make a big difference in how the bag can complete your look.  If you are short with a small frame, getting a bag that overwhelms you can make it seem as if you are carrying luggage!  Where as if your frame is larger, having a very large bag will complete the look just right.  The bag should be in proportion to your body.  If it is a large bag, make sure that when on the shoulder, the bag does not go past your hip.  Also, make sure that the body of the bag is such that you do not disappear when someone looks at you from the side!

4.  Does this bag have some pizazz?  It's no fun getting a bag that it too plain.  Then what's the point!  It is all about the hardware, hardware, and lastly hardware! Pockets on the outside work well too!

5.  Of course, if you are in love with it at first sight, BUY IT!!!  

The bag on display is the Celine Blossom Medium tote .

Black Watch- Volume II

Expensive Black Handbags that are totally worth it!!!!!

As baganistas, we tend to break the bank to put together style.  Of course, if you decide to spend the money you must consider whether the item you are purchasing is a true investment.  These days, the best investment is one you can always have with you... on your shoulder!  If you are going to purchase your first expensive handbag, make sure it goes with the majority of your wardrobe.  What color goes with everything... BLACK!!!!!

Take a look at some expensive black handbags I have recently come across that are totally worth breaking the bank for...

                   

The ANYA HINDMARCH Patent leather tote coming in at $1,115.  This bag is very crisp.  The patent leather of this bag and the chain linked handles prevents the "blaah" effect that some classic designed black handbags tend to have.  For those divas working hard out there, check out how this piece of elegance will complete your work ensemble.

Check out Jimmy Choo...

For $1,495, this lovely Jimmy Choo Sky hobo bag will have all eyes on you with envy!!  The python handle adds the finishing touch to this classic hobo.  The classic diva can work this bag as follows:

Awww.... just lovely!

Black Watch- Volume I

What's fashion without Black!!

Enough said!!!  Black will always be the foundation!! When you are at loss on what to wear and what looks best on you, Black is the way to go.  Once you go black you never go back...

Now to break down this amazing collage.  Starting from the left and venturing to the right:

1.  This is an absolutely beautiful and unique quilted black patent leather clutch from Cate Adair .  In her collection this is also known as the Viola Black Croco.  For those Desperate Housewives fans out there, Cate Adair is the custome designer for the show.

2.  This perfectly functional GUCCI LARGE DIALUX QUEEN BAG  is a style that will last for a long time. 

3. Balenciaga Patent Leather Bowling Bag.  The clean lines and structure gives this bag a very classic style as well.

4. Marc Jacobs Collection - Quilted Kari Bag.  This bag is simply gorgeous!!

5.  Last but not least, the Anya Hindmarch Large Louisa patent clutch.  A very unique design just like the first clutch in this collage.  She is a London-based designer with shops worldwide.

Imagine having this amazing collection of bags, dresses and shoes in your wardrobe!