Handbags Fashion

One of my very first designer purchases was a Burberry scarf. I was a freshman in college and remember being frugal for a month so I could use my typical entertainment money for a Burberry scarf without my dad realizing it. Number one, he realized it and number two, the scarf was totally worth it. The classic check pattern from Burberry is as recognizable as the Louis Vuittton signature monogram. Burberry is are widely counterfeited as well, so you be aware of what you are buying and from where.

Burberry may be known for their nova check pattern, but their leather bags should not be passed up. Why I love their leather bags is the price is typically still manageable for premium designer and the quality coincides with the price. The Burberry Glossy Grain Tote does not give you the typical check pattern, rather soft, glazed grain leather with nickel hardware. What I adore about this bag is the engraved check drop chain detail, it is an easy but edgy touch. The inside brings you logo check lining along with a center zip divider, interior zip, cell phone, and additional pockets. Dimensions are sizable: 3.25″W x 13.25″H x 6″D with a 7.5″ drop. And then there is the price, which like I said before it relatively great.

bally-spring-summer-2010

Bally company

decided to revisit quite a few things for its most recent advertising campaign. Not only does the spring/summer 2010 photo shoot reunite the label’s fashion with ubiquitous American supermodel Christy Turlington, but Bally also took things back to its Swiss origins.

Instead of using Mario Sorrenti, the brand’s chosen photographer from the last three campaigns and whose talent we recently saw with Max Mara’s spring ads, Bally opted for talented Swiss-born photographer Raymond Meier.

Meier isn’t the only piece of Switzerland to be a part of the photo shoot, however. In an interesting twist for a spring and summer-centered campaign, the Swiss Alps provide the backdrop for Turlington and her Bally fashion.

Sure, she’s tanned and glowing and wearing warm weather appropriate clothing and accessories, but it seems like a bit of a contradiction considering the ice and snow behind her. No wonder she’s slightly hunched over. She’s probably bracing herself against a brisk wind.

The slouchy python hobo, however, is absolute perfection for the upcoming season. I love how it takes front stage in the ad. You can’t help but notice it, and it’s totally worth the look.

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Bally Pemba Kid Suede Pouchette | Convertible Striped Tote and Clutch

If you’re going to pay over $900 for a replica bag, it might as well be one you can use several different ways. I appreciate how many designers today are offering handbags that can convert between two or more styles.

This Bally Pemba Pouchette is one of those clever totes that actually transitions between three different purses. You can carry it in your hands as a vertical tote, although this option might not be terribly comfortable for long periods of time. Also, the top half folds down so the bag can function as a clutch for dressier outfits. The last, but not least, option is to attach the single chain and leather strap and carry the Pemba on your shoulder.

Of the three styles, the shoulder bag is probably the most practical, but I do think that the style of the Pemba Pouchette is fully appreciated when extended as a tote. The soft striped suede is in plain view, and the modern square cutout handles are easily seen. These are two of the best features of the bag, so why not display them in their best form as shown in the picture.

However, it’s nice to know that you’ve got options with this fashion handbag. With Bally, you know you’ll be getting great quality and style, but you’ll be grateful for the versatility as well. If you like the concept but wish it were more basic, look for the Pemba Pouchette in an equally soft solid black leather.

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Bally Annita Travel Bag | Quilted Black Patent Leather Shoe Handbag

There’s no need to leave your favorite stilettos behind when Bally’s Annita is your travel companion. This spacious bag has enough space to carry four pairs of shoes with room to spare!

The cleverly designed interior is divided into eight separate shoe compartments, so you don’t need to stress about scuffing your prized Jimmy Choos. If you’re not a shoe lover those dividers could make packing frustrating, but if you don’t love shoes the Annita’s probably not your bag of choice!

There’s less innovation outside, but don’t accuse the Annita of being boring. Classic quilted leather in glossy black patent never gets old. The gold plated lock and key is a welcome addition for keeping your Christian Louboutin heels safely inside. The metal trimmed corners and protective feet on the bottom work hard to protect the Annita from wear and tear.

$1995 is pricy for a travel bag, but consider it this way. If you’re going to spend thousands on your shoes, shouldn’t they travel in style?

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Bally Jana Tote | Luxurious Ostrich Leather Designer Handbag

This sexy Jana from Bally is all about the ostrich. The basic tote shape and lack of designer accents allow this exotic leather to take center stage.

This glossy cuba brown bag really brings out the bumpy quill follicles, but there’s also a matte black variety if you want to play things safe. Personally if I’m going to spend nearly six grand on a bag, I’d prefer to let everyone know about it!

While the details are kept simple, the straps are worth mentioning. The dual rolled leather handles are probably long enough for petite girls to carry over their shoulder, but Bally wasn’t leaving anything to chance. They’ve also added a removable shoulder strap, which features gorgeous tortoise shell chain links. Metallic tones may be all the range, but the retro appeal of this chain strap really stands out.

Clearly all the budget went on the leather finish because the interior doesn’t have a lot to praise. The twill lining is functional but frankly a little drab. Where’s the suede or satin Bally? It’s also lacking in organizational features. One zippered pocket is clearly inadequate for a bag of this size. Prepare to spend a lot of time rifling around the bottom of your purse ladies!

Ostrich is always an expensive proposition, so the $5,900 retail price shouldn’t come as any surprise. If your budget won’t stretch quite that far there’s a buffalo leather version for $1,295. It may cost significantly less, but it also lacks

Bally Alunina Quilted Tote | Stunning Luxury Hot Pink Purse

label Bally may have just managed to make itself even more desirable with this $795 Alunina tote.

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Luxury and exclusive handbag

Hot pink, when done well, can actually be one of the most sophisticate, yet individual, colors on the market. It can actually look great in more formal situations, where anything other than black is unexpected. As this large tote is quilted, it is instantly classy and mature, so the bright shade works perfectly.

Whilst the handle is a little small for those who actually want to load a tote like this to the top, the small size looks great. I know that fashion shouldn’t ignore practicality, but I find the wide base works just right with the dual handles. That said, I must hold my hands up and admit to being completely and irrevocably in love with this incredibly expensive bag. One day I dream of owning this!

Inside, class is the name of the game, and the multiple patent trimmed compartments and pockets show you just where your money goes. This is sublime, and hugely luxurious.

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Bally Pachina Handbag | Soft White Tote and Shoulder Bag Combo

Bally has a great collection of handbags with modern square handles. In fact, the cute handles on this one are nearly identical to the ones on the Pemba Pouchette, but the Pachina is a little more grown up.I guess the Pachina could even be considered an older sister of the Pachi Tote, but there are several unqiue details on the Pachina that make it slightly more appealing to me.

For starters, on those aforementioned contemporary handles, I like how they make a complete square that combines metal and tortoise shell for a chic look. Hanging off one handle is a chain and logo medallion.

The edges of the rounded-edge rectangular are topstitched for a clean, crisp finish. The interior has a fantastic middle zippered compartment that separates the inside into three areas, which is always a practical touch.

Just in case you’re worried about the comfort factor of those cutout handles, Bally also endowed the Pachina Tote with a longer chain and leather strap to throw on your shoulder for days that carrying it in your hands isn’t realistic. The Bally Pachina retails for $1,190.

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Bally Cabala-E Traditional Tote | Spacious Slouchy Luxury Purse

This is a Bally bag that Bally can be proud of. As some of the most expensive and desirable purses on the market, Bally bags always ooze glamor and luxury, and this huge spacious tote is no exception.

This soft leather hold-all is designed to last forever, from the quality leather to the artistic workmanship. For $1800 you expect nothing less than perfection, and the fantastically sculpted lines suggest that the Bally designers have done their utmost to make that the case.

This tote, with its slouchy shape and space, is great for carrying your belongings through day and night. With the huge and versatile capacity, however, I am surprised that the handles are so small. Despite the shape hinting at heavy loads to be carried, I get the impression that this status symbol bag is more about looks than actually being used. Somehow, although it isn’t unexpected, I feel disappointed that such a fabulous bag doesn’t quite live up to its hugely posh expectations.

Whatever the little hesitations, however, this is a true Bally bag. It is sophisticated and classy, and perfect for work or play. Taking you seamlessly from day to night, I love it!

Bally Jana Tote | Luxurious Ostrich Leather Designer Handbag

This sexy Jana from Bally is all about the ostrich. The basic tote shape and lack of designer accents allow this exotic leather to take center stage.

This glossy cuba brown bag really brings out the bumpy quill follicles, but there’s also a matte black variety if you want to play things safe. Personally if I’m going to spend nearly six grand on a replica bag, I’d prefer to let everyone know about it!

While the details are kept simple, the straps are worth mentioning. The dual rolled leather handles are probably long enough for petite girls to carry over their shoulder bag, but Bally wasn’t leaving anything to chance. They’ve also added a removable shoulder strap, which features gorgeous tortoise shell chain links. Metallic tones may be all the range, but the retro appeal of this chain strap really stands out.

Clearly all the budget went on the leather finish because the interior doesn’t have a lot to praise. The twill lining is functional but frankly a little drab. Where’s the suede or satin Bally? It’s also lacking in organizational features. One zippered pocket is clearly inadequate for a bag of this size. Prepare to spend a lot of time rifling around the bottom of your purse ladies!

Ostrich is always an expensive proposition, so the $5,900 retail price shouldn’t come as any surprise. If your budget won’t stretch quite that far there’s a buffalo leather version for $1,295. It may cost significantly less, but it also lacks the ostrich Jana’s wow factor.

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Bally Regis Messenger Bag | Gray Leather Organizer Handbag

My deciding factor for considering the purchase of an expensive designer handbag is to find something one-of-a-kind or one that I simply can’t live without. Personally, I can’t imagine spending $875 on a gray leather messenger bag. However, if you find yourself shopping for bags in that price range and you’d get quite a bit of use out of it, this Bally Regis Messenger is a great choice.

The unisex look of the Regis makes it appropriate for men or women. Perhaps men might prefer the clean lines and practical appearance of this messenger, but I can also imagine women carrying it for a safari or military style accessory.

The Regis’ practicality is its best quality, however, and what will probably attract people most. There are quite a few organizational pockets inside and outside of the replica bag. An adjustable strap with a significant drop allows for the perfect fit whether you prefer to wear it on your shoulder or across the body. The front strap buckles down, although this is more decorative than anything since there’s also a snap closure.

This Bally messenger’s kidskin leather is uptown quality mixed with a downtown design. I suppose the caliber of material is what justifies the price more than anything else. The Regis might be out of reach more many budgets, but it’s worth it if you can afford it.