Style Cynics

I love leather and calfskin as much as the next girl, but the truth is; they’re not environmentally-friendly or kind to animals. (Well, duh.) There’s a lot of fur and leather boycotting, and I’m not going to deny that it’s a good cause. However, the problem with a lot of synthetic bags is that they just don’t look as nice as the real leather ones. Although I know I’m doing a good deed by buying synthetic, I do feel a little sad that the real leather bags are so much nicer. So, I decided to see if there was a premier designer willing to make a bag that doesn’t involve skinning a cow, deer or lamb, and I found one in Tod’s collection.

Yes, I know I’ve said it before. Every girl likes to feel like a princess when she wears a certain pair of shoes or carries a certain amazing handbag. However, I didn’t actually expect any designer to take me literally! Juicy Couture has made a, well, interesting handbag that calls out to all the little princesses inside those stylish fashionistas. Ever wished you could live in your own fairy tale? Now you can! The question is, do you want to do it so obviously?

If the fashion world were like wrestling, Miu Miu would be one of the heavyweight champions. There are other designers who would rank, but I guarantee, Miu Miu would come out on top in a lot of designer duos. (Except maybe for Dolce and Gabbana. They just rock.)

Now, I’m normally not one for animal prints at all, but I do like the way this bag is made. The reason why is because it’s not totally animal-printed; and, they’ve broken out of the common, boring leopard/tiger print to pattern this with a black-and-white zebra look, which actually sets off this bag perfectly. In fact, the more I see the sexy zebra print; the more I really like the look. Most women wear black or white, so the bag can go with virtually anything you’ve got to wear.

I’ve always been one of those people who hate graffiti. I do recognize it as an art form, when it’s done well, but really, I’d prefer that my apartment exterior walls stay clean and spray-paint free. However, after seeing these beautiful Christian Louboutin pumps, it’s safe to say that my dislike of graffiti doesn’t extend to my shoes. Louboutins always get me excited, but honestly, where else would you find a pair of lemon-yellow shoes with a black upper and a red stiletto heel? And what’s even better is that the combination works – I’m not left wrinkling my nose at the thought of a wildly-patterned shoe designed for shock factor. Yeah, I’m shocked, but shocked in a good way – the same shock I’d get if Dolce and Gabbana decided to lower the price on their sexy Tall Harness boots.

Fashionistas are all ages – they don’t just have to be stylish girls. These days, many fashionistas are having babies, and who says that your style has to stop when you’re pushing a stroller instead of carrying a briefcase? Kate Spade doesn’t think it has to – she’s made a diaper bag that could actually be mistaken for a purse. Gone are the days where baby bags have to be garishly printed with colorful animals or flowers – you can have a sexy bag and still have room for all of baby’s stuff (and we know, they can have more things to carry around than we do!).

Well, well! When I played doctor as a child, I never had a proper doctor’s bag. Mine was either a plastic bag full of my “supplies” or one of those molded plastic kits where everything had its proper place. I would have killed for this sexy red bag to throw everything in, if only I could be the only “doc” on the block that had one. Nowadays, I feel the same – this scarlet vision in leather is something I would adore to carry. Forget playing doctor – I’m stealing their medicine bag for my own fashion collection!

It seems that in this fall season, all the designers are harkening back to the days of their childhood. Case in point: the Kate Spade Riley Red Daisy Rain Boot. It reminds me strongly of rain boots that I had as a child; except, well, they were better. I had these awesome red and yellow boots that I wore constantly, even when there weren’t puddles on the ground. They were my six-year-old fashion statement, and man, were those other girls jealous. These boots can be my twenty-five-year-old fashion statement, I guess, if I were brave enough to wear them outdoors. Actually, I’ve seen a lot of ladies dressing up for the watery weather with these crazy-printed rubber boots, and I think that if you can’t wear your designer pumps outside when it’s raining, you may as well wear your designer boots.

Remember the last Fendi style nightmare? Well, it’s safe to say that the designer has bounced back, and I for one am sighing with relief. Part of Fendi’s resort collection, this Bag de Jour handbag is bold and black – and ultimately sexy. It’s made of black shining perforated leather with a zingy turquoise topstitching and silver-toned hardware. The double handles are woven and attached to the bag with rings, and it also includes a shoulder strap in case you get tired of holding it in your hand.

I have a sneaking love for drawstring bags. When I was a kid, we all used to carry our gym clothes to Phys Ed class in wildly-patterned drawstring bags, and I’ve had an affinity for the style ever since. Even though my drawstring bag at the time was a completely unfashionable Christmas nightmare, I loved it to death because it was just so easy – throw your stuff in, pull the string, and sling it over your shoulder. As an adult (and a stylish girl), I now have no less than three drawstring handbags of various sizes. Thankfully, these ones don’t have Christmas patterns on them.

All these fall boots are extremely appealing to a shoe-loving girl like me – and Gucci’s offering is no exception. However, I do take issue with the fact that this is called a bootie. In my day, booties were little knitted sock-like items that you put on babies’ feet to keep them warm. I’d call this a full-fledged boot; at least, it has the sex appeal of one, anyway. At a staggering four-and-half-inch stiletto heel height, this boot definitely towers over most of its competition. It’s swathed in black patent leather with a fiercely pointed toe and has a signature Gucci coin that tells everyone exactly whose boots you’ve got on.

Whenever I see a handbag like this, I’m reminded of those commercials where you see couples gallivanting on a yacht, somewhere on a sapphire sea. The more I’ve seen of this season’s handbags, the more I’m convinced that these designers have been influenced by a nautical mood, of sorts. Frankly, I like the sailor look. Valentino’s Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag is no exception – although, what else would you expect me to say about Valentino?

These days, pumps are taking new and interesting forms that I don’t completely understand, but I can’t say that I don’t like them. These Fendi Logo Wedge Pumps are just one example of the new pump incarnations that are actually beautiful. The white leather is accentuated with cut-outs at the edge of the toe and the three-and-a-half-inch wedge heel ensures that when I put on these shoes, I’m not going to be falling off a spiky stiletto. I’m quite fond of the wedge look, actually – the seventies really are stylish! Plus, I don’t have to worry about breaking a heel – a feeling that constantly plagues me when I’m wearing an expensive pair of designer shoes.

Western-style bags, especially when they have a vintage look to them, have always made me happy. Maybe it’s the whimsicality of the designs; maybe it’s the way that they call up strolling on a beautiful ranch in the sunshine. Either way, they’re beautiful. They make me think of those lanterns with cut-outs in them. They’ve got a certain delicacy about them that adds style and grace to an otherwise straightforward handbag. I think a bit of detail can literally dress up an elegantly simple outfit, and that’s the sort of feeling I get with this handbag.

We’ve got skinny jeans, and now we’ve got skinny handbags, which for the most part, don’t impress me. I’ve seen a lot of mediocre creations, but this bag by Christian Louboutin definitely catches my attention. It’s barely four and a half inches high, but it’s definitely the most interesting thing you’ll carry this season. Maybe it’s because I have an attraction to shiny handbags, but when I saw this one, I practically drooled. I certainly had to fight my credit card back into my wallet!

I can’t help but be a big fan of slingbacks – I constantly have the problem of the heel of the shoe slipping from my own heel. I can’t count how many times I’ve tripped because my shoe slips off. Enter the slingback – it keeps the shoe on my foot and looks stylish with whatever I’m wearing. When the shoe’s designed by Dolce and Gabbana, I’m in heaven. The D and G Pony Peep Toe Slingback has at least three elements that make it my perfect shoe: one, it’s got the aforementioned slingback; two, it’s got a peep toe; and three, it’s animal printed. Okay, so sometimes animal prints are cheesy. However, when it’s Dolce and Gabbana, you could have purple polka-dots printed all over the shoe and it would somehow be trendy. In this case, the leopard print is slightly understated, so that it’s obvious you are wearing animal print, but it’s not garishly orange and black. The shoe also has an elegant silver buckle on the toe and a three-and-a-half inch heel. The whole package is simply stunning.

Style doesn’t stop at luggage – some of the best and most beautiful bags are found in the luggage category. Take the Gustto “Cala” large duffel bag, for example. This is something I would not be ashamed to see on the luggage carousel when I get off the plane. The bag is made of soft, smooth black leather and has brushed metal hardware. The duffel bag has a two-way top zip closure and an interior zip pocket with a space for your cell phone. The dimensions are nineteen inches by ten inches, and the bag has a depth of eleven inches – plenty of room for all your belongings. This bag works both as a carry-on shoulder bag and as an overnight pack. It’s certainly nicer than anything I have for overnights with friends!

So, I’ve decided to give heeled Oxfords another try. This time, I decided to go straight to the source of designer shoe talent, Chloe. I thought for sure that Chloe wouldn’t let me down; they’ll have made a beautiful creation that I’ll really like, and then I can give this design genre a great review. Unfortunately, it’s got to be the style of the shoe, because every single Oxford-style bootie that I have seen has been absolutely ugly. Chloe’s is no exception (and yes, I’m extremely disappointed).

Burberry, I’m absolutely applauding at my computer, here. You’ve finally broken the mold and created something that’s absolutely stunning! When I was a young girl in high school, one of my favorite things to do was to shop for the prom. Getting “the” dress was the highlight of it all, but I also loved to peruse the hundreds of candy-colored clutches on display to complete your look. I used to pick the shiniest, sparkliest clutch I could – so much so that now my closet at my parents’ house is full of old costume clutch handbags. The point is, this Gems Satin Wristlet by Burberry is exactly the sort of purse I would have chosen for my senior prom. That was the year of the Red Dress. I chose a silver clutch, but this would have done even better to set my outfit’s level to fabulous.

When I was a schoolgirl, I had a green canvas messenger bag that I carried until an ink stain rotted through the bottom and punched a good-sized hole through the fabric. I used to pin all sorts of buttons and jewels to the front of it – my idea of a fashion statement, I guess. I had one favorite button, a mother-of-pearl, shiny moon and star made of enamel. I lost that button one day in a fire drill and never saw it again – and I’ve missed it ever since. Now, I know I’ll never find another like it, but Marc Jacob’s newest messenger bag, the Stones Joseph Messenger, reminds me strongly of the bag I once had, and the button that once adorned it.

I’ve got to admit it – I’m a sucker for vintage-style handbags. There’s something about the style from another time that can absolutely make or break an outfit, depending on the time you’ve chosen to emulate. I think it’s because by accessorizing with a past style, you can actually pretend that you’re in that time period. Who wouldn’t want to be an elegant 20s flapper or a funky 60s flower girl? The great thing is, designers understand that, and no one gets it better than Valentino. He’s made a leather bag, called Historie, which encompasses everything I love about vintage-style bags. It’s made with white leather, contrasted with a gunmetal grey topstitching, and it has braided double-handled straps with gold-tone hardware. The purse is made with double front flap pockets and an inside zip pocket, so that you can store your odds and ends safely. On the side, discreetly placed near the bottom, is Valentino’s signature gold plate. In all, this bag is simply delicious.

In my opinion, pink is never overrated, although I have some fashionista friends who would like to see the color erased from the fashion spectrum. For people like me who just love their shoes, these Christian Louboutin classic pink pumps are absolutely delicious. They’ve got a shiny leather upper paired with a deeper pink stiletto heel that stands a whopping four and a half inches. You’ve got to be serious about your shoes if you’re going to balance on these babies. The shoe has a peep open toe, for showing off that fresh pedicure, and a padded insole for those long nights of dancing (although if you’re going to wear Louboutins, you’re pretty much wearing them to be noticed). The shoes themselves, according to the site, run a bit small, so if you’re going to spend the half a paycheck to get these pumps, get a half size larger.

How is it that one designer can make everything he touches absolutely elegant and perfect? Valentino is one of the world’s premier designers, and I think it’s pretty safe to say that any girl would love to own one of his pieces. Even a simple thing like a tote is rendered amazing when Valentino is the designer in charge. His Glam Leather Tote is perhaps one of the most beautiful purses I’ve ever seen, and it’s really just a glorified bag. My cynical side is scoffing, “It’s not worth the almost $1900, not for just a bag”, but my fashion side can’t do anything but drool.

I had a friend, who, after a break up with her boyfriend, would go out and buy the tallest, sexiest, blackest boots she could find. Next time she has relationship problems, I’ll have to point her to these boots, because these are about the chicest pair of footwear I’ve ever seen. Dolce and Gabbana is known for their incredibly sexy designs, but I think they’ve surpassed even themselves with these amazing boots. The Tall Harness boot is all business – the business of man-murder. It’s made of delicious patent leather, has a three-and-a-half-inch heel, a loop detail at the top, and a kick-ass silver buckle harness that lets you know that this boot takes no prisoners. With its 15-inch shaft height and 13-inch calf circumference, you’ve got to have the legs to wear this boot – and the confidence to pull it off. As well, make sure that when you order, you get a half-size bigger, because they tend to run small.

It’s funny; whenever I see a handbag with a chain shoulder strap, I’m always reminded of those little boys who carry their wallets on a chain attached to their pants. It’s not that the chain doesn’t have a function – it does – but it’s mostly worn for shock and edge factor. You can easily carry a purse or wallet without a chain, but to have one shows just how much you crave that little bit of edge in your life. Thankfully, chains on purses mostly work for the style, and Via Repubblica’s Large Quilted Satchel is a case in point. The army-green soft pieced leather satchel has a single handled strap and silver-toned hardware, including a front buckle and studded exterior. The bag also includes two exterior side pockets. The chain strap is detachable, so if you feel like you’d rather not tap into the edge today, you can choose to simply carry the casual, yet elegant satchel by itself.

Handbags are more than simply a container to hold your odds and ends while you’re on the move – they are the epitome of style; they make a fashion statement that says a lot about your taste. In my opinion, no one understands that function of handbags better than Roberto Cavalli, who has come through again with this beautiful dome satchel. It’s not just that the “Soul” bag has an elegant shape and design, picked out in metal studs; it’s not that it has double handles connected by silver-toned rings. These are just details. The real power of the bag lies in its full-on view – all of the details work together to create an amazing piece, and this is rare in handbags with two or three different design details. My favorite part of this bag is its plisse-effect leather, which ribs along the sides of the bag to create a style that’s not only elegant, but also interesting.

The phrase “it shines like gold” can be applied to almost anything metallic, but when it comes to handbags, for me, it shines like silver. I think it’s because like most people, I’m attracted to shiny things. A silver handbag can be garish, but in the case of this Be & D Perry Metallic Tote, it’s simply luminous. This beautiful bag has a stunning crocodile-embossed silver leather exterior with silver-toned hardware and a front pocket. It also has a top zip closure, a number of pockets strategically placed on the bag, and a canvas lining with an interior zip pocket. The bag’s dimensions are a 12.5-inch width by 10.5-inch height, with a three-inch depth. The shoulder drop is five inches, perfect for tucking under your arm when you’re on the move in the city. How can you not get noticed with this wonderful creation?

To tell the truth, this handbag sort of confuses me. Is it supposed to be a satchel? A shopper? It kind of resembles a shapeless mass of leather, which is not what I’ve come to expect from the amazing designer that is Dolce and Gabbana. Although I like the shining patent leather and the interesting handle, I really hate the awkward way the leather wrinkles down and the extraneous buckles on the sides that aren’t really doing the best job to keep this bag’s shape.

Fendi, what have you done? I’ve always been so impressed with your designs, but this handbag – well, this is frankly a monstrosity. I can understand wanting to make a unique convertible bag, but I think you all went a little too far on this one. Remember how I said that if you pay enough for the name, you should be able to advertise it on your person any way you want? Well, I didn’t mean as literally as this. This bag reminds me of an explosion between a confetti factory and a Fendi design shop.

This is a hobo? Really? The last time I checked, hobo bags were, you know, a little more relaxed than this. Just when I thought Burberry was finally loosening up, they’ve gone back to their uptight plaid design. Now, don’t get me wrong – it’s not that I don’t appreciate the style of this bag and Burberry itself, but this is just not a hobo! Where’s the slouch? Where’s the soft fabric or leather? Not in this bag.

I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore! This tote is simply delicious – made of marine patent leather, it’s got brown leather cross-straps and a silver-toned buckle. Personally, I like how the color can be construed as either purple or blue, depending on the light. I also like that it’s a fairly big 16.5 inches by 17.5 inches, with a depth of 5.5. Sometimes, when I have a lot to carry, it’s nice to have a tote that can fit everything that I need to lug around. I have found, however, that no matter how pretty your tote is, the weight of all the stuff you carry stays the same!

When I look at this bag, I get an image of the Jetsons in my mind’s eye. Made of textured silver and brown leather, it’s futuristic while still giving a hint of a seventies look. If that sentence doesn’t make sense, it’s perhaps because I’m getting both a blast from the past and a space-age feeling from this handbag. The Be & D Venus Bowler Bag does indeed look like something that you’d bring along on a trip to the lanes, but it’s stylish enough to pair with couture jeans and a peasant blouse, or even a funky skirt. I personally enjoy the brown leather trimming and silver hardware. It’s got a top zip, a canvas lining, and of course, the signature cell phone pocket so that a fashionista need never be without her contact to the outside world. If you don’t like the space-age look, the bag also comes in a grungy gunmetal grey-black, for those who prefer an edgier look to their handbags.

Have you ever seen a blue python? I haven’t either, but once I stumbled on this Jimmy Choo handbag, I knew I’d seen everything. Despite my hatred for the snakeskin look, I actually really like this bag, perhaps because it’s my favorite shade of grey-blue. It’s got a slouchy look, with a double-buckled top, silver-tone hardware, and one bad-ass chain shoulder strap. I really like the way the second buckle is laced through the strategically-placed grommets – it gives a look of delicacy to an otherwise completely hardcore handbag. Equally at home on the runway and on the city streets, this bag would look great with a casual couture look or with your most unique outfit. Heck, I’d even bring it to the club – provided that I was willing to keep a close hold on it. For this price, you might just want to put this one in a glass case.

You know, it’s really nice to see Burberry breaking out of the stiff country-club-and-yacht design rut that they seemed to be in. It’s not that I hated Burberry handbags; rather, I just hated the same stiff plaid and two strap design. Now, the design company’s got their priorities straight – just look at this beautiful wine-colored quilted leather creation. It’s got an open top with a satin interior lining and beautiful polished nickel hardware. What I like most about this bag is the fact that it has the typical Burberry quilted exterior, but it also has a decorative belt and buckle detail that gives it a little bit more of a trendy look and appeals to younger fashionistas. Don’t worry, however; it’s still got enough room inside for all of your odds and ends, from sunglasses to cell phones, and everything in between. Heck, you could even take it to your country club, if you wanted – it’s versatile enough for casual and business wear.

I’m all for creativity in design, especially when mainstream stores pump out the same pap year after year. It does get tiring to see the same handbags and shoes over and over on different girls’ feet and arms. That’s why I can always count on Zac Posen to come out with something spectacular, and in this case, he’s done it again. The Billie Top Handle bag is a marvel of flowing design and creativity. It’s made of pebbled teal leather with metallic gold leather trim. It also has stud accents, ring pull tabs, two inside zip pockets and suede lining. This is luxury at its finest, and you can be sure that you’ll be unique with this design.

Remember when hobo bags were a stained red-hankied bundle on a stick? Even if you’ve never seen a real hobo, you probably know what I’m talking about. Who would want to carry that disease-ridden bag? Thankfully, I’ve got to say, I think I like these designer hobo handbags a lot better. At least you’re not going to find a rat or worse inside these beauties.

When it comes to handbags, a girl can never have too many. However, a snakeskin-esque look is something I hope to never see again on a handbag, even if it is Dolce and Gabbana. I’m not complaining about the shape and style of this bag – in fact, it’s big enough to be an overnighter if you so wish – but the stamped leather just doesn’t do it for me.

To me, a handbag is more than just something to carry your wallet, cell phone, lipstick and iPod in – it’s got to have class, style, and edge. Luckily, Fendi gives a girl all that, and more. How could you resist this beautiful shoulder bag? Not only does it have class, found it its gleaming black or dark-brown patent calfskin, but it also has beautiful golden hardware and an elegant double front strap closure. It’s got the style in its oversized buckles and signature logo prongs (because hey, if you’re going to carry Fendi, you’ve got a right to shout it out to the world), and if that wasn’t enough, it gives you edge with its chain shoulder strap with a leather handle. Girl, break out your sexy black boots and hottest club outfit, because with this bag, you’re guaranteed to pick up tonight!

I love, love, love gun metal grey.

I paint my fingers in this tone all the time. My car is gun metal grey and I even prefer it to stainless steel in many appliances.

Why? Because it looks slightly distressed. Slightly damaged, but well loved.

Why not have a little fun – you’re too serious all the time. And fun is exactly what this “Giddy Up Betsey” tote, from famous and outrageous designer Betsey Johnson is all about.

Betsey Johnson infuses a little fun into everyday life with her Betseyville line of handbags. Imagine swinging this gorgeous leather bag over your shoulder and heading to the office. You can, because this handbag is roomy enough for all of your work essentials – plus a little overnight supply – a change of underwear, bra, toothbrush, face cream…not that I’ve tried ;)

FENDI Spy Bag

I truly believe that every woman looks the best in black, and this sleek and supply crafted black Napa leather Fendi Spy Bag just proves my theory.

The texture of this leather, grained and supple Napa leather, just makes me want to stick my face in this bag and smell it, but I’m a sucker for genuine leather.

The fact that this purse was a yummy mint green and I just so happened to be craving mint chocolate chip ice cream, had me drooling over this Balenciaga “The First” designer handbag.

Swathed in trademark distressed mint green or rather as those oh-so-fashion-forward Italians purr (Vert de Menthe), this Balenciaga is no doubt delicious to behold – and hold.

These darling black satin elasticized ballet pumps from Pedro Garcia’s exclusive collection embody the ultimate in ladylike grace. Why, you ask? Because they’re the ultimate in girlie girl - they encompass all of what a woman wants in a pair of shoes. First, their a comfortable style. Not many can argue that ballerina pumps are comfortable. Sure they’re flats, but the black satin covering sure makes them sexy on a slender pair of feet. The black satin against a slender ankle is just beautiful.

From Chloe’s Autumn/Winter collection, the Paddington bag is perfect for when the weather chills.

This slouchy hobo-inspired design is rich soft grained calf skin leather, in a supple tan hue.

The Paddington design has 2 rounded handles swathed in the same soft tan calfskin and fastened with brass rivet hardware. Matching calfskin straps and buckles adorn each side for a slimming affect.

This delicious Balenciaga “The Day” hobo bag is anything but down on it’s luck. This skinny, slouchy bag is reminiscent of many of the stars that favor its soft supple design – such as Mary-Kate Olson and Sienna Miller. Basically every fashion conscious young celebrity in Hollywood has one – probably because they go from casual to dressy with ease. Plus they can house an arsenal of makeup, and maybe even a change of clothes.

Ok I admit it patent leather isn’t always so bad, but who are we kidding the case of this hideous excuse for a handbag…barf bag is more like it!

Pauric Sweeney is probably laughing on his private jet right now. Why? Well because he’s selling a cheap-looking patent leather and metallic 80’s rip off for $1,400 dollars by the thousands.

It’s about time we finally saw some Burberry with an edge. Let’s face it, the traditional Burberry design makes me think of tennis matches and country club soirees – it definitely doesn’t reek of fun or excitement. Most purses from Burberry have been about as out of the box as their signature black, white, tan and burgundy rigid plaid. And plaid is about just as exciting as a game of cricket. It just seems stuffy and dry to me.

However suddenly out of nowhere comes this electrifying black mesh Burberry metallic leather shopper. Did you hear that “MESH”! What kind of tennis going cricket player wears mesh? One who has a great sense of style – that’s who!

If Cleopatra went shopping for an evening bag this Roberto Cavalli velvet snake wrap clutch would definitely be it!

This smooth velvet snake wrap clutch oozes the mystery and intrigue of exotic lands and sensuous women with mysterious agendas. Swathed in plush navy blue velvet, the color of royalty, with an exotic gold snake hugging its center, this Roberto Cavalli Velvet Snake Wrap Clutch will bewitch anyone who lays eyes on it.

Does any real fashionista really think they will look fashionable carrying this skull printed canvas Thomas Wylde Fairground Tote?

This is something I expect every carnie bitch to be carrying come fall when the fall fair circuit comes to town. I can just see them now, getting out of their trailers with their Thomas Wylde Totes and searching through them for a pack of menthols on the way to set up the tilt-a-whirl.

Come on people this is not Goth chique – it’s just trailer trash taste.

Even though this Christian Louboutin hobo bag looks soft and fluffy, you you’re your handbag to be more than a mock pet – don’t you?

Sure it might look ready to warm you lap, because this luxurious hobo bag is covered in soft orylag fur and trimmed in patent leather. I can’t even see you going for this bag if you were coo-coo for fur. That, or so die hard Christian Louboutin you think he can do no wrong.

The Apple clutch is really not shaped like an apple at all. In fact its sleek black geometric design is actually something out of a futuristic sci-fi flick. However, designer Zac Posen decided to call it Apple, probably in honor of the city that made him one of the hottest young designers in the world – and maybe, by the look of his futuristic design – out of it as well!

This sleek grained leather clutch is contoured for an elongated look, and trimmed by patent black leather.

The delicate floral and butterfly cutouts will certainly draw a lot of positive attention in your direction when you wear this Mistico Cork Calfskin Shoulder Bag out and about.

This stunning metallic affected pewter colored cork calfskin shoulder bag is all about the details. Upon closer examination you’ll see complimenting embroidery in the same pewter hue, and subtle yet edgy antique-finished brass studs and zippers. The rings on the shoulder straps carry the pewter throughout the entire design.

This Christian Louboutin is simply delicious because it looks like a bar of pure sliver.

Cold, calculated, sharp and strong – those are just a few of the words that came to mind when I first laid eyes on this Asymmetrical Leather Clutch by Christian Louboutin.

This is the coolest purse this side of Hollywood…if I were a 10-year old child star going to my first red carpet walk.

I know that Vivienne Westwood isn’t known for being subtle with her design choices, but a metallic blue kid’s purse – come on Vivienne, are you having a Michael Jackson moment?

Did you know that Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. designer handbags are one of the only celebrity-turned-fashion-designer lines that actually moves product? And the L.A.M.B. Aviano purse is exactly why the singer is given cred and respect by the designer community.

The L.A.M.B. Aviano satchel is lipstick red, just like Gwen, swathed in bright red grained leather with etched golden “L” logo, reminiscent of a certain popular Chanel design that would have Jackie O going bonkers for this L.A.M.B. version today.

This large Isaac Mizrahi Studded Tote isn’t just a purse – it’s a funky black and white studded carry-on bag.

At 18-inches wide, 9-inches high and 7 ½ inches deep you can carry an entire weekend wardrobe in this black and white canvas bag. Yes, its canvas, and it had me fooled too. I thought for sure that this tote was covered entirely with leather, but it turns out only the rolled handles are leather.

Ok, this is my absolute favorite purse – EVER!

This Jill Stuart Patent Yana Purse has all the elements that I love. First it’s available in my two favorite colors – red and java – mmmmmmmmmmmmmm java!

Most of Stella’s designs are pretty exciting, but it seems like when it comes to designing for the sake of what she’s really passionate about – animal rights – she comes up drab and boring.

I respect the McCartney families passion for animal rights – mom Linda, dad Paul and daughter Stella have all be avid anti-fur and leather activists – Stella more so because her industry is often too scared to shy away from using animal pelts for fear of lack of ideas.

I’ll be honest I think this Pucci Jacquard Logo tote is completely hideous. It reminds me of something I’d pull out of the back of the seat in front of me on a plane if I was feeling a little peakish!

The psychedelic jacquard signature tote is what makes Pucci perfectly pukey! Ok so I’m not a fan of Pucci…and I apologize if you are, but I find the majority of their designs ghastly…like drag queen ghastly.

This one might be a bit questionable for the PETA activists out there, but Miu Miu Ostrich Satchel is quite elegant.

So would I really think so if I constantly thought about how this purse was made from ostrich skin? But there’s no doubt that this taupe hued ostrich leather is probably the most ladylike, business ready satchel ever to hit the streets.

I’m a little confused and sickened when I look at this Corto Moltedo Priscilla purse.

For instance, the distressed denim inspired pale blue leather, the side zipper pockets that sort of resemble saddle bags and the woven leather rope handle with tassels really call to mind a cowgirl western design.

When Fendi says he’s going to design a hologram bag – he means it!

Just take the Fendi Hologram B.Mix Bag for example. I’m actually not sure if I love it or hate it at this point…I think I’ve actually been blinded by too much silver vinyl, but hey that’s a great way to stun your audience into fashion submission.

No it’s not an intergalactic pencil case! Its Gucci’s newest crystal evening bag design – and it looks like well, a pencil case for an engineer or architect.

What, I could see someone putting their compass and pencil sharpeners in there.

Berry, berry quite contrary…in Mark Jacobs that is when it’s this vivid berry colored quilted stam.

And what exactly is a stam? I wasn’t quite sure either, but after looking for 10 minutes via my search engine I gave up hope and realized it’s probably one of those fashion-forward words that haute couture designer types like to use to make the rest of us feel like silly little creatures.

Ruby red never looked so luscious, until I set eyes on this elegant patent leather ruby Kate Spade Varenne Jocelyn clutch.

It’s as tempting as the evil queen’s apple, when she handed it to Snow White through the window. Equally tempting at almost $600, this Kate Spade beauty is almost convincing of such a price tag.

If you’ve read my other reviews you already know that I’m a sucker for the gathered look. In my opinion it’s the sexiest and romantic design element you can use in a shirt, bustier, tank dress, tailored jacket…and yes, even a purse.

Dior shows his knowledge of what is romantic and sexy in his Le Pisse Dior Frame purse.

Simply adorable in brown satin with a golden heart zip charm all wrapped up in a chocolate brown patent leather bow, the Moschino Heart Purse will certainly steal…well, your heart!

This hard-cased heart shaped evening bag is pretty tiny. It probably won’t hold more than paper money, car keys and maybe, maybe a lipstick. It’s a minimal little purse to say the least, meaning that if you want to carry a purse that looks like it might be made for a 5 year old you’ll have to start resisting to carry any more than a fruit flavored lip gloss and a few licorice whips in your purse…maybe there’s room for one of those candy necklaces, but that would be stretching it.

If it weren’t for the immaculate designs of Chanel, I don’t know that my passion for handbags would be what it is today. As a typical bored and lonely teenager, I spent hour after hour leafing through fashion magazines dreaming of the day when I would become a famous supermodel.

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