Handbags Fashion

We keep talking about spring trends in handbags, clearly there are many. We have brought you stories on denim and perforated leather, and today I will tell you about another trend; floral patterns. Typically we would cover this Coach bag on PurseBlog Savvy, but I actually wanted to feature this on PurseBlog.

Coach bags receive quite a bit of flack from many handbag enthusiasts. And while this may be the case, Coach continues to be the brand that starts many people’s handbag obsession on their way into other brands while remaining the go-to brand for many as well. In fact, my first bag was a Coach bag.

In the past few years I have loved the direction Coach has taken. The collection is so diverse, it is easy to find a bag that suits different tastes and wants. Here we are with the Coach Madison Floral Audrey and I am in love. I am not typically drawn to floral print bags, but with spring around the corner as I see more floral prints I also realize how much I would love one.

The combination is romantic, with the feminine colorful floral printed canvas being accented with gold metallic leather trim. I just bought a new floral printed pillow cover for our couch from Williams Sonoma that reminds me of this bag. I keep staring at the pillow and realizing that I can no longer fight my old aversion to floral prints, I now embrace it.

Another reason I love the idea of this bag is because it is a trendier style that you may not wear year round, so it is perfect not to spend thousands on a trend. Dimensions are 11.5 L x 8.25 H x 6.5 W. Also, there is both top handles and a detachable shoulder strap.

louis_vuitton_candy_scarf-180x179

So, I got TI’s new CD, “Paper Trail,” a few days ago and there’s a song on it that I really like called “Swing Ya Rag.” It’s a song you’ll probably hear on radio eventually, and if you like to go out and dance, you’ll probably hear it even sooner. When singing along in my car (yes, I rap alone in my car. You should try it), I can’t help but notice how much he mentions Louis Vuitton and Gucci “rags,” which I’m assuming must be scarves. Mostly, while rapping, I mistakenly say “bag” instead of “rag” because I think I’ve developed some weird sort of mild, purse-related Tourette’s, but I digress. These “rags” are apparently swung above the head, in lieu of dancing, at clubs.

So, I couldn’t help but ask myself: if I were to swing a rag, what rag would I swing? And today, I would swing the Louis Vuitton Candy Scarf/rag. It has a fun, pop-art sensibility to it that reminds me of the jelly-filled jewelry I used to have as a little kid in the 80s. That jewelry had glitter and other tiny, shiny treasures floating in the brightly-colored goo inside, the the arrangement of the LV logos and stars in this scarf look like someone has squeezed all the floating goodness towards the edges. It’s casual, glam, and a lot of fun – perfect for the type of rag-swinging that TI seems to be advocating.

To print or not to print, that is the question. With the Gucci Spring ‘06 Cruise Line being released we see the use of patterns and prints to take over and give off some tropical flair. While I love the shape of this bag, I don’t find it very practical. Gucci wants to welcome spring with the Gucci Spring ‘06 Medium Shoulder Bag. The tropical print you find of this Gucci bag is labeled the pigna print which looks like pineapples and bananas, but in a sort of abstract art. Yes, my description is lacking a bit, but nevertheless you understand what I mean (and if not you can see what I mean through the picture). The shape of this bag lured me in when I was recently in the Gucci store. Brown leather trim and braided handles set the patterned body off nicely along with goldtone hardware. If you are one of the ladies, much like my mom, who likes a bag to hang comfortably on the shoulder bag and not “ride up”, then this replica  bag will suit you well. Measuring 13″H X 17″L X 4 戮”W, this bag is cute for spring but to me isn’t completely practical.

Sneak Peek of Lara Stone’s Spring/Summer 2010 Ad Campaign for Louis Vuitton

lara-stone-for-louis-vuitton-spring-summer-2010

The rumors of Lara Stone following in Madonna’s footsteps and replacing the international pop star as the new face of Louis Vuitton have proven true. The recently released sneak peek at the spring/summer 2010 shots couldn’t be more opposite to the campaigns involving Madonna.

As opposed to the singer’s porcelain doll poses and fishnet gloves, model Lara Stone is all about relaxation in the new ads. The campaign features Stone stretched out comfortably in the grass surrounded by moss, doves, and LV paraphernalia.

It’s all quite bohemian-chic, free-spirited, and a little Brigitte Bardot-inspired, if you ask me. This seems to fit with the vibe that Louis Vuitton was going for, according to Marc Jacobs:

“After our successful collaboration with Madonna, we are very happy to be working once again with Steven Meisel on the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 fashion campaign,” says artistic director Marc Jacobs. “Because the collection loosely took its cues from the idea of the new age traveler, we decided to create a green, outdoorsy set that would evoke a spirit of peace and love. To model the clothes, we wanted a modern, iconic, sexy beauty … It had to be Lara Stone.”

Sometimes functional hobos get to take a break from being useful and concentrate instead on being good fun.

This Sharif bag may not be constructed from real leather (such a shame), but it sure as hell looks like it is. That fun nature is channeled through a patchwork pattern of suede-esque and patent panels, which work together to give the replica bag shape and also a bit of attitude. After all, if you are going to have a good time you might as well look good whilst doing so!

The delicate girly side of this purse is provided by the big blue and green flower applique, both coordinating and contrasting with the slouchy hobo body. Just in case you thought this was getting a little serious and fashion-heavy, however, the brand are clever enough to break up the blue monotony with chain detailing and studs. Even better, the shoulder part of the handle is in leather, so you get the looks of chain without the discomfort!

Elegant and delicate day-wear, this is a great way to carry your belongings without looking like you are also carrying the kitchen sink. Just be careful not to over-pack and ruin the effect. What more could a work hard and party harder girl want?

lucky-brand-road-rebel-shopper

Lucky Brand

has perfected that perfect cool, laid-back vibe with a hint of bohemian. The Road Rebel shopper bag exemplifies the label’s blend of casual and just a bit of edge to it.

As with Lucky’s other designs, the Road Rebel is made from quality leather. The soft, pebbled material makes this replica handbag well worth its $199 price tag, especially considering the relatively generous size of the purse. Although the Road Rebel is also available in a slightly larger oversized version, this shopper is ideal for everyday use, without being too bulky to carry around in your arms throughout the day. 

With curved topstitching and a few tassels, the Road Rebel is all casual and definitely not meant for dressing up. I wouldn’t recommend it for evening outings, but the style is ideal for days spent in jeans and t-shirts.

This deep cobalt blue leather is fabulous for the season, but you can also get this shopper in a slightly more versatile brown color. Look for it also in patchwork or metallic leather versions.

miquel-rius-agatha-ruiz-de-la-prada-mini-bag

If you want a cute and handy little coin purse, or a bag for bits and bobs, then this $10.99 wonder will do fine.

Sure, it isn’t made from the skin of some exotic animal, or encrusted in diamonds, but sometimes you just need something fun, silly, and functional. All it really needs to do, after all, is hold your valuables, keys and more, and if it can be fun in the bargain then great!

Of course, this tiny purse could actually be used as a day bag, thanks to the long and basic handle. In many ways the bright colors and argyle-esque pattern make this great for little kids carrying their pocket money, although obviously adults could use it too!

Through and through this replica handbag is about affordability and having fun whilst doing so. It may be a little rough around the edges, but for the price, it can be!

sr-squared-martini-glass-credit-card-holder

SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Martini Glass Credit Card Holder | Whimsical Patent Faux Leather Wallet

This SR Squared by Sondra Roberts pocketbook is for gals who like a little whimsy with their accessories. It’s hard not to take notice of this quirky little bag.

If you’re not looking closely, it might be easy to miss the martini glass on the front of this credit card holder, but really it’s quite in plain sight when you know it’s there. The dead giveaway is the green and red olive on the tip of the envelope flap, or rather the “bottom of the glass.”

Although a patent sheen on synthetic leather isn’t always the best choice since it can sometimes make a bag’s manmade appearance stand out even more, it somehow seems appropriate on this SR Squared design given the topic. My only hesitation is the matching stitching that runs around the shape of the martini glass and olive. I would’ve preferred a solid shape instead to keep everything simple.

Classified as a credit card holder, this wallet-like bag is certainly not substantial in size and is meant to sit in a purse or handbag rather than function as a clutch. However, it would be great for a night on the town when you need your cards and cash close by. It’s nicely priced, too, at only $25.