A bag with the names Mason and Warrior is a bag that is set to go to war. But war against what?
The tinsels and silver studs to this look really deadly. It takes a special kind of fashionista who can carry a bag like this. But yes, with the right kind of look? Say punk-ass chic? This bag would work.
They come in cool, solid fall season colors. I can’t pick the color I like best.
Soft vintage crafted lambskin • aged brass hardware • top zip closure • hand stitched handles 4.3” drop • front zip pocket • leather strings on zips • leather framed hand mirror • fine textile lining • interior zip pocket with Balenciaga engraved plaque • 19.7” x 15.4” x 5.9” • lightweight 2.4 lbs • made in Italy.
Selling for $1595.00+
Tags: balenciaga, brass hardware, hand mirror, lambskin, season colors, seasonal colors, zip closure, zip pocket
Good l
Tags: Bag, Embellished, embellishment, embellishments, Evening bag
Made from a Medici evening top belonging to my sister-in-law. She decided that she wasn’t going to wear it any more and wondered if it would be useful to me in my textile work.
I decided to make a bag out of it for her. She was thrilled to bits with it and is taking it with her on a cruise at the weekend!!
Tags: Beaded, Evening bag, Red
Here are some cute designer evening dresses from the red carpets of the SAG Awards. Sopranos Jamie-Lynn Sigler wears Calvin Klein white and sapphire two-piece, Gone Baby Gone Amy Ryan wears a pewter and ivory gown, Eva Longoria Parker dressed up in a gown by designer Naeem Khan, Christina Applegate is in a Elie Saab dress, Brittany Snow sparkles in a silver evening gown, and Becki Newton sequined in white layers.
Antique leather with a smooth finish because the grain has been crushed and undergone shrinkage.
Athletic bag a soft, roomy bag used to carry sporting equipment and apparel to the gym.
Backpack a bag that is supported by the shoulders with double handles and lies across the back. Backpacks are supported on either one or both shoulders.
Billfold a flat wallet with a clip or slip-in compartment, which holds bills.
Box rigid bag shaped purse, square or rectangle in shape, with a variety metal, bone, shell or wooden handle.
Bucket roomy bag shaped like a bucket, usually has an open top and shoulder strap.
Burlap a coarsely textured material used to make casual bags such as school bags, backpacks and satchels.
Calfskin leather made from the hide of young cattle. Calfskin has a soft, smooth texture which makes it desirable for making fine handbags.
Camera bag an adaptation of bags used to carry photographic equipment. Todays camera bags are rectangular with many additional zippered outside compartments.
Canteen bag a round, stiff bag that resembles a travelers water flask. Canteen bags typically have a shoulder strap.
Canvas a durable, somewhat water resistant material that is popular in backpacks and school bags.
Card case a hard case typically the perfect size and shape to hold business cards.
Carpet bag a large satchel-like bag, typically used for carry-on luggage and made out of carpet fabric.
Change purse a small purse just large enough to hold loose change. Maybe attached to a handbag; closes with a zipper, clasp or snap.
Clutch a bag with no handles that must be carried clasped in one hand or under the arm.
Convertible bag a bag with a handle that can be tucked or folded inside, in order to turn it into a clutch.
Cosmetic case bags of varying sizes and shapes with a zip closure lined to hold cosmetics.
Cotton various prints and textures are used to make novelty handbags, book bags, cosmetic bags, etc.
Cowhide leather made from adult cattle.
Drawstring a soft bag with a gathered drawstring closure. The drawstring, once synched, may form into purse straps or have a separate strap.
Duffel typically a bag that is long, horizontal and cylinder in shape with short handles.
Envelope a flat, square or rectangular bag with a triangle-shaped top flap that folds over like an envelope.
Feed bag a drawstring bag, usually with a shoulder strap, shaped like a horses feed bag; also referred to as a bucket bag.
Fishing creel a woven basket with a flap top and shoulder strap; originally carried by fly fishermen to keep their catch fresh.
Flight bag used by passengers and crew to carry on belongings aboard a plane, often has a flight insignia and used rather then a tote bag.
Glazed leather has a polished finish but not quite as high gloss as patent leather.
Half moon bag any bag shaped like a half moon, with or without a handle of various sizes.
Hobo bag a soft, large bag that has a zip top and shoulder strap. Tends to crunch down when carried or laid down.
Kip also called steer hide, is a type of leather taken from older cattle, not as supple as calfskin.
Needlepoint has a tapestry appearance and has a heavy, ornamental fabric used to make knitting bags and carpetbags.
Minaudiere a small evening bag embezzled with pieces of metal, semi precious stones or beads and covered with fabric or leather.
Muff a winter bag made of real of faux fur, wool or velvet that has zippered compartments and a slip opening for your hands.
Patent leather an extremely high gloss type of leather finish.
Pouch a gathered or straight bag evening bag.
Peau de soie a dull type of satin used to make evening bags.
Reptile skins from snakes, turtles and lizards used to make handbags. Reptile is distinguishable by its scaly pattern and texture. Many laws protect endangered reptiles whose skins are used to make illegal bags.
Safari a soft leather bag with a curved shape, a top zipper, two top straps or handles, and two outside pockets with flaps and buckle closures.
Satchel a bag with a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel style was inspired by a piece of luggage and can be various sizes such as the doctors bag.
School bag a roomy bag with a snap, clasp or buckle top flap and one wide shoulder strap; often a thicker variation of the envelope bag.
Sheep or lambskin light, fine grain leather used to make imported bags.
Shoulder bag any bag with a shoulder strap.
Silk used for elegant evening bags, sometimes beading is incorporated.
Straw hand woven willow or rattan used to make summer bags and picnic baskets.
Suede a treatment applied to the flesh side of a skin to produce a napped, velvet-like finish.
Swagger a roomy, framed bag with two straps or handles, open outside pockets and a zippered or clasped open top.
Tote a bag inspired by a shopping bag, which is sturdy and rectangular with an open top and two strap handles. The inside may have zip compartments.
Quilted bag is quilted in texture and typically has a chain strap or handle.
Velvet a rich, lustrous fabric used for evening bags.
Wallet hard or soft, with zippers or snaps, has compartments for coins, bills, credit cards, etc.
Coach started in 1941 as a family-owned business New York. Six leather workers in a Manhattan loft made wallets, billfolds, and other small leather goods, primarily by hand. Miles Cahn joined the company in 1946, and by 1950 he ran the small factory for the owners.
In the 1950s, Cahn was fascinated by the properties of leather baseball gloves. The leather only became softer and more supple with wear, and its appearance became more distinctive as well. Once he understood exactly how the leather for baseball gloves was produced, Cahn developed a way to process leather that made it soft, strong, and flexible. It also absorbed dye well, so items could have deep, rich colors.
Lillian Cahn, Miles’s wife, suggested making a few handbags from this beautiful, luxurious leather. Shortly after the first line of a dozen simple bags was developed in 1960, the Cahns bought out the previous owners. Once the business was theirs, they were ready to make history.
Those first twelve handbags were highly unusual. Most mid-range women’s handbags of the time were made of very thin leather pasted over cardboard. The new handbags, given the name Coach, were made of sturdy cowhide. The grain of the leather could still be seen in the finished bag. The difference marked the kind of classic, long-lasting, luxury handbags that would make Coach famous.
The Cahns knew exactly who they wanted to design their innovative totes and handbags: Bonnie Cashin. She was heavily committed to other design projects when they approached her in 1960, but began to design for them in 1962. Over the next decade, her Coach designs became legendary.
When the Cahns left the business in 1985, Coach became a subsidiary of the Sara Lee Corporation. In an unusual move, the Cahns split one million dollars of the sale proceeds with longtime Coach employees.
The new Coach president was Lew Frankfort, who had joined the company in 1979 as vice-president of business development. He planned to increase sales by 45 per cent in 1986 — and he did it.
Part of the increase was due to the introduction of the Coach Lightweights line. These bags featured lighter weight leather, smaller sizes, lighter spring colors like taupe, light brown, and navy, and some new shapes. It broadened the Coach appeal, and the line soon accounted for fifteen percent of the company’s overall sales.
A decade later, Frankfort hired Reed Krakoff as creative director, in late 1996. Coach needed a makeover, without losing its reputation for quality. “Coach was an American icon, but something was missing,” said Krakoff in one interview. “I had to take these ideas and make them fun — young in spirit.” Under his direction, Coach began to make edgier styles, and to use fabric and nylon as well as leather. He also introduced new styles once a month, instead of once a year.
Coach’s success has brought its own problems, as other manufacturers began to imitate its trademark shapes and styles. Coach has sued a number of manufacturers to prevent infringement of its own trademark style. In 1990, Coach won a suit in federal court against several companies, including Laura Leather Goods and Ann Taylor.
Coach profits have continued to increase even in periods when most luxury goods makers had difficulties. Its reputation for quality has never faltered. Coach totes and handbags are beautiful, durable, and luxurious, as they have always been.
Choosing a Classic designer Handbags
Why do some handbags have the title “classic?” Are they named “classic” once a slew of women run to the stores to get that one bag on everyone’s wish list for that particular season? Or maybe they are named “classic” when women want the same handbag over and over again especially when it comes out in different patterns? Or maybe the most logical definition for a “classic” handbag is a bag that is worn year after year by women, becomes iconic in the fashion world, and never goes out of style.
Finding a classic handbag that will never go out of style is hard to find. It’s even harder when you are looking for that classic handbag that you will love forever and never get sick of. The best place to find an everlasting handbag is from a designer who has iconic handbags. Women always flock to the handbags that every girl wants, or that have been in style for years. Some of the designer brands that have classic handbags are Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and YSL to name a few. Some people may not consider Marc Jacobs to be a classic handbag designer, but I beg to differ. When Marc Jacobs introduced the “Stam” handbag he provoked women across the globe to update their wish lists and dream about another gorgeous bag.
Don’t forget “classic” designer handbags cost a pretty penny so when looking for that special handbag, be sure you are looking for something you absolutely love. Just because everyone else loves it, doesn’t mean you too are going to love it for years to come. Most handbag loving women, like myself, sometimes impulse shop. You convince yourself you love that one handbag, you buy it, and a month later you HATE it! I’m always on a handbag budget and I always find that it’s best to “think” about a bag. I look at the bag numerous times on the computer, check it out at the store tons of times, and even try it on a few times to see if I’m absolutely in love with. What is the point of spending hundreds maybe even thousands on a handbag if you won’t wear it much? After many hard shopping impulses I have learned my lesson. If you think it’s a “classic” bag you will love forever, do some testing before you purchase it!
Some handbags that you never have to fear of being outdated are the: Chanel Classic Flap Bag; Chanel Large Shopping bag; Hermes Birkin; Louis Vuitton Alma; Louis Vuitton Speedy; and the YSL Large Tribute. This is a very tiny collection of some classic handbags in the fashion world, but there are much more out there. With a little research, and store visiting you too can find your favorite classic handbag to purchase.
Here are some of the bags, I listed above, that I consider classic:
Pictured Above: Hermes Birkin
Find it: from angelsoffer.com
There isn’t much to say about the Hermes Birkin, it pretty much speaks for itself. It’s gorgeous, and oh so classic. It’s very hard to get one, even if you are on a waiting list. Be careful though, there are many fakes out there! Gorgeous, and breathtaking.. what more is there to say.
Pictured Above: Marc Jacobs Patchwork Stam
Find it: from angelsoffer.com
Some people may not think Marc Jacobs can have the privilege of listing a bag as “classic” yet, but I disagree on all counts. No he hasn’t been around a ton of years, but he created one of the most memorable handbags that will be remembered for a long time to come. That handbag is the Stam. He brought out the: Quilted Stam; the Quilted Little Stam; and my favorite the Patchwork Stam (pictured above). He also has some beautiful Stam like bags coming out this fall. The Stam bag is gorgeous, spacious, and unique. What more could you want in a bag?
Pictured Above: Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Find it: from angelsoffer.com
No one can deny that the Speedy by Louis Vuitton is a “classic” handbag. Audrey Hepburn made the Speedy (25) happen after it was made for her and ever since then it has been one of Louis Vuitton’s most popular handbags. The Speedy comes in many Louis Vuitton styles including Epi, Monogram Mini Lin, Monogram Multicolor, Damier Azur/Ebony, etc. The Speedy is definitely one of my favorite handbags, and it’s a handbag that will be around for years to come.
Tags: Classic, designer Handbags, Handbags
Oscar de la Renta is considered an International Fashion Designer but we Americans prefer to claim him as our own (For the record, Mr. de la Renta was born in the Dominican Republic, part of the Americas. He also resides predominantly in New York City, actually, he IS New York –so yes, we win). I wonder if the 18 year old boy from the D.R. who followed his dream to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid knew that he would one day become one of the most influential designers in the history of Fashion. I don’t think there is a woman alive today who has not heard of Oscar de la Renta! 
Every one of my girlfriends has an “Oscar” story– the first time they obsessed over one of his beautiful creations.
I remember the first Oscar piece I coveted, it was a shimmering champagne colored frothy gown worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in 2001 (I still have a photo of it from Vogue in my desk, not kidding). I was planning my wedding at the time and was determined to wear it as my wedding dress (so it was a bit see thru and it was not white– but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen and I wanted it!). Unfortunately, I was not the lucky fashion blogger that I am today with a direct line to the Oscar folks and was unable to locate the gown. But my love affair with Oscar de la Renta began, and it has grown to epic proportions ever since I met the iconic designer this spring. Tell me, do you remember the first time you fell for Oscar?
You may remember our visit to the Oscar de la Renta showroom in February, it was a day that fashion dreams are made of. Not only did I get to play with all the new Fall pieces, I was able to watch the Master of Elegance at work! Oscar is as hands on today as he was four decades ago when he began his signature ready-to-wear label, which now includes accessories such as bags, belts, and shoes. How did it all begin? During his years at the Art Academy in Madrid, Oscar became interested in the world of design and began an apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga (which is why the Spaniards refer to him as a Spanish designer). Later, Mr. de la Renta left Spain and joined the house of Lanvin in Paris as a couture assistant (the French would like to claim him as theirs as well, but he’s ours, all ours!). In 1963, he came to New York to design the couture collection for Elizabeth Arden and the rest, as they say, is fashion history.
(Balmain Haute Couture)
In 1992, Oscar De La Renta took the role as Creative Director of Balmain, a position which he would hold for 10 years. His last collection for the House of Balmain was Haute Couture Fall 2002 but it’s evident from his ready-to-wear line that he has retained the same haute couture detailing he has practiced for decades. This is why all women should own Oscar de la Renta bags and clothes; they are truly investment pieces to be treasured for a lifetime! With so many young designers coming in and out of fashion, I am going to stick with the Master, thank you very much! I always feel fabulous in Oscar’s clothes and impossibly chic with his bags on my arm. Even my hubby, the pickiest man alive, agrees wholeheartedly and never complains when a trip to the Oscar boutique is on the agenda! And who can blame him for wanting his wife to look gorgeous!?!?
I caught up with Mr. de la Renta again this month for a quick Q & A (I know, how lucky am I that he’d give me the time of day considering his incredibly hectic schedule!?!?! He is such a gracious and kind man!). I tried to think up smart questions to impress him with, but in the end, I gave in to my curiosity and just asked him questions I think all of you would like to read about!Bag Snob: What would you consider the biggest accomplishment of your career?
Oscar de la Renta: For me, my greatest accomplishment is that I’m able to be doing what I love most, design, and be successful at it.
BS: Tell us your childhood dreams, what did you dream of being when you grew up?
ODLR: When I was 18, I left my native Dominican Republic to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While I was in Spain, I began sketching for newspapers and fashion houses to earn some extra money. From there, my interest in the fashion industry grew and I knew I wanted to be a designer.
BS: Do you have any hobbies?
ODLR:I am a dominos fanatic! I take the game very seriously and can be pretty competitive. I also love gardening. Ever since I was a child, I have been planting and growing my own vegetable gardens.
BS: Describe your morning routine.
ODLR:During a typical week I’ll wake up, have a light breakfast, and then immediately head over to the office to begin working in my studio. From there, it’s nonstop. But I love that about my work, because I’m a very restless person. My best times are when I am designing with my assistants.
BS: How do you relax before designing a new collection? Where and how do you find inspiration?
ODLR:I sometimes go down to my house in the Dominican Republic to relax and refresh before starting on a new collection. The beautiful vibrant and colorful island is such a wonderful source of inspiration. But in general, when I design I am mostly just thinking about a woman and how to make her look her most beautiful.
BS: Describe the perfect evening.
ODLR:An intimate dinner party with good friends, great food, and interesting conversation.
Brown alligator New Mini Fairfax bag- $17,500
BS:What should every woman have in her closet?
ODLR:Beautiful separates for mixing and layering, from sophisticated knits and jackets to feminine blouses and skirts. She also needs some stylish accessories to make the look her own, like a bold shoe or a fabulous handbag, of course.
BS: How will you spend your Summer this year?
ODLR:When I’m not working in my studio, I’ll be enjoying the peaceful fresh outdoors of my country home in Kent, Connecticut.
BS: Your favorite bag for Fall?
ODLR:All our bags for Fall are extremely luxurious, but the graphite Goya is truly the ultimate statement bag. It’s designed in a rich, soft shagreen, which makes it especially unique and exotic.
(Bag Snob note: I was secretly smug that I, too, picked the graphite Goya as the bag of the season! Goya bag, $4,795)
For more of Oscar’s fabulous bags, clothes and shoes– check out the Oscar de la Renta website or visit one of the eight Oscar boutiques in the US!!! International locations also listed on the website. But be careful, Oscar de la Renta is highly addictive!
Dallas- North Park Center Tel: 214.346.0400
LA - 8446 Melrose Place Tel: 323.653.0200
Las Vegas- The Wynn Resort Tel: 702.770.3487
NYC - 772 Madison Avenue at 66th Street Tel: 212.288.5810
Bal Harbour- 9700 Collins Avenue Tel: 305.868.7986
Manhasset- 2114 Northern Boulevard Tel: 516.627.7440
South Coast Plaza- 3333 Bristol Street 714-754-9044
Status Dog Tag Clutch in ring lizard- $4495
We will be attending the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2009 show next week in NYC and will give you a full report. I like Resort shows, they’re usually indicative of what’s to come for spring/summer! I am also looking forward to attending shows without the mayhem of fashion week!
Tags: designer, Fashion Designer, Handbags, Oscar
Has enough time gone by for us to do yet another Chanel bag? Well, you have been warned, Chanel has a strong collection this Fall so start saving, girls! Nice evening bags do not have to be exclusively clutches, I mean, we all know the drawbacks of clutches - nowhere to put it down in the bathroom, can’t hold it when dancing and drinking. But this can also work for nice formal events, which is the beauty of this beauty. Go across the body for big nights out with big drinking involved and keep it at your side on the shoulder for wine sipping events. It is patent calfskin with oh-so-Chanel metal and strass jewel details, there are a few bags for Fall with this detail but I love the youthful fun of this one. The new Robertson boutique in Los Angeles has the best selection of bags I’ve seen and they are all the cute young bags that are meant as the centerpiece of your outfit. The store is already full of tourists, but that is to be expected on Robertson these days, that is why a lot of designers are leaving the street and opting for Melrose Place instead, which I love. The quaint and quiet street is conducive to serious shopping and it is of course the most beautiful street in LA. But Chanel is too huge for there, they need the big exposure - like the other day I was in the Rodeo store and Usher walks in, bringing along with him a gaggle of female fans. He was very very nice and took pictures with all of them but he was not able to do much shopping (too bad because I really really wanted to see what he was going to buy). Gotta love Chanel! This bag is $5,495, view www.angelsoffer.com to them locate it for you.
Tags: Bag, Evening bag
