Monica Botkier is the latest designer to hop on the Target express and create a low cost line for the company. By now, the novelty has definitely lost it's luster, maybe these capsule lines don't seem as special since a new one appears every other month it seems. I could just repeat what I say every time one of these lines comes out, but you've heard it before. Instead, I'll just concentrate on why Botkier is a line Target would want to work with.
Materials aside, the designs are really very nice, and all have a signature Botkier look to them.

The attention to details is evident here, where you can see the gathering on the 2 outer pockets. This Hobo Bag in white python, at $39.99 is a steal. On the bright side, white bags are so hard to keep looking fresh. At least in PVC you can safely sponge it down as needed. Hopefully, the texture also adds to the material.

A more interesting bag, is also a hobo, here, in a fabulous fuchsia.

Am I crazy, or does it look like an early Bulga bag? Again, the attention to details is fantastic. From the seam work, to the tiny rivets, this is a funky but not too much so bag. Also, it's a tough color, but one that is very hot...at $39.99, however, this style Hobo Bag makes it much easier to take the plunge.

One of my favorites, is this soft silver hobo.

It's very simple in style, and I love the softer pouchy bags in the summer, they're just so free and casual feeling. This bag, which comes in gold as well is sparer in details, which shows that less really is more, especially where metallic is concerned. The biggest detail is the handle, which has a lovely twist. At $49.99 the Silver Hobo hit's the highest price point in the collection.

I really liked the silver hobo, but I saved the best bag for last.

This little clutch, here in grey python, is the best bag of the whole group. It has many Botkier hallmarks, from the brilliant use of small details to the stitch work. A small bag is also the most forgiving where cheaper materials are concerned. At $19.99 the Clutch is one the least expensive choices, and a perfect price for a bag that may wind up on the dance floor, on a wet spot on the bar, or lost on the floor of a movie theater amidst the popcorn and wrappers. It also comes in that fantastically hot fuchsia!
Like all special target lines, Botkier for Target will not be around forever. If spending $800+ isn't your thing, it's definitely worth taking a look at these bags which make up for what they lack in material quality with great design.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

I don't think I'd carry this Mandeville Signature satchel from L.A.M.B. myself, but that doesn't mean I don't think that the right person could totally rock it.

I love the 80's punk vibe (80s punk being the antithesis of what it was) of this with the black and white checkerboard. What I love most about it, is that I can envision Gwen Stefani carrying one. With so many celebrity fashion lines out there, it is one of the few that really does seem to give the impression that the design work is not done by a random group, and that the celebrity in question isn't doing it for the vanity and (extra) paycheck, but because they really have an aesthetic to sell.
The bag is coated canvas with leather trim, and has metal feet. It is fully lined. At $425, it is a fresh looking take on the satchel...sort of a punk LV Speedy, or Gucci Boston.
The Mandeville Signature satchel from L.A.M.B. is available at Bloomingdales.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

I'm honestly not adverse to the idea of bringing my own tote bag to go shopping...not just to the grocery, but to the bookstore, pharmacy, anywhere I might be picking up a light load of smaller things. My problem is that most of the tote bags, many of which I have featured in the past, are fabric. Eco-friendly, but also easily stained, and quickly worn looking. Not to mention, I often shop in a few places on a walk, and find many are on the small side, unable to hold my purchases without being stuffed.

Enter The Palazzo Patent Tote, from the unlikely source for a bag, Crate & Barrel.
Deep and wide, with sturdy flat handles that sit comfortably on your shoulder, this bag is adorable as well as handy. The colors are cheerful, and I love that handles are all contrasting colors...no need to be solid all the time. The large grommets add a retro touch, and make this far more chic than crunchy (there's also the little problem of it being leather...not too crunchy, but it still isn't plastic). But is gets the job of toting stuff done as well, if not better (certainly better looking) than any one of those other not-plastic bags.
The bags are lined with nylon in colorful, unexpected, shades, and have an open pocket for stashing receipts. They close with a magnetic top closure.
Best of all, the Palazzo is just $34.95. Order one, or two, from Crate & Barrel.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

According to an article in last week's New York Times, sunglasses are the new "It" bag.
In case you haven't been in a department store recently, you can't help but notice that displays of fashion optics has grown, and just like handbags a few years ago, it seems every major designer has a line of sunglasses these days.

Balenciaga 0015s, $360...I love tortoise, the logo is big but almost butterfly-esque. Perfect for hiding behind.

So, maybe you need more proof than that? According to an industry analyst quoted in the article, handbag sales are down 14% against a 10% rise in eyewear. Common sense, would also make it seem like a real possibility. Where a handbag was once an accessible designer purchase, the current prices make them less attainable...but the desire for designer products is still there...can't buy a $2100 Balenciaga bag, but you can buy a $360 pair of Balenciaga sunglasses.

Jimmy Choo, $345...The loop holding the arm to the frame is an almost shoe-like accent. The best "instead of a bag" pair. Fabulous!

Like a handbag, a pair of sunglasses is right up front, something people notice immediately, and incorporated with designer logos and trademarks, there is no reason to believe that they will not become "IT" items with waiting lists, and legions of fans who can spot a pair of the popular shades from 50 feet...there is also no shortage of celebrities to wear the shades giving them the same push handbags get.


Fendi FS448, $415 ...As much as I deride the bags, these rimless shades are cold, hard, and very sexy chic. Perfect for someone who wears sunglasses at night.

Besides, even at the high end, most of them still cost less than half a handbag from the same company...it's easy to create a wardrobe of them. Something more difficult when the item in question is thousands of dollars.
Now that the argument is made for why sunglasses may very well be the new "IT" bag, there is still one tiny problem...the other things you carry around besides your shades. You know, wallet, cell phone, PDA, iPod...not to mention, those pricey sunglasses all come in fancy hard clam shells that need to be on hand for storage.
Sunglasses may be the new novelty on the "must have" horizon, but replace the handbag? I don't think so.

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion

The hotly awaited See by Chloe handbag line is finally set to debut next week and you can count on Chloe's trendy little sister's accessory line to be popping up all over.

With reversible fabric bags in awesome patterns to supple leather bags in an amazing palette of rich Fall tones (how awesome is that eggplant?) it is sure to be an instant hit. With prices from $75 to $795, the affordability factor is not going to hurt the popularity...or your wallet.
Look for the line of cute mouse zip purses, to totes and messengers to show up in stores ranging from brick and mortars like Bloomingdale's and Scoop, to the online favorite Shopbop among many others.
Keep your eyes open for them...I have a feeling the best ones will go fast!

Tags: None Categories: Shopping Handbags Fashion