I always appreciate getting emails from designers about their new handbag lines. It is hard to find out about each new designer myself, so getting an email gives me the perfect heads up. This post is long over-due, but this is a new brand that offers a great selection of practical everyday handbags. Today I am introducing you to Catherine Adair Handbags, which were featured on The Rachel Ray Show on October 5th of this year. The designer behind Catherine Adair is Catherine, who goes by the name Cate. Cate is not new to the fashion world, having been the Emmy-nominated Costume Designer for the well-known series, Desperate Housewives. With an outreach like Desperate Housewives carries, Cate has been credited with influencing fashion trends in 203 countries. While you watch this series, you undoubtedly check out the designer outfits of the ladies (as I always have) and wonder who thinks it up and where you can get the outfits. Now Cate has branched into the handbag design world, offering extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, her designs are geared toward the multi-tasking woman. Right now her collection can be viewed online and is available in stores such as Fred Segal and Kitson.
I was sent a handbag to try out and offer you all insight to this new line. Cate sent me the Pandora Tote, which falls under her Monterey collection. The bag offers a slightly western feel, yet the leather is very durable and the bag is over all practical. At times I may get a new bag to try out, and on paper it looks great, but it does not always translate. With Cate’s bags, this is not the case. The bag I was sent looks just as it does on paper, only it is better. My laptop fits in the bag perfectly, only peeking out of the top a little bit. While my lap top is heavy (aren’t they are?) but this bag’s deep dimensions are perfect for your lap top or other work essentials. My tan version is a great everyday color, but this bag is also available in black, espresso, and teal. There is also an east/west version of this bag, which is a shape I typically am drawn to, that is called the Verbena (also part of the Monterey collection).
The house of Gucci has only had me cringing the past few seasons. It is unfortunate to walk by a luxury store and literally walk as far away as possible. Then, when I feel a little bad, I go into the store and peer around. But the end result is the same, I am bored and ultimately not drawn to anything. Even a few weeks ago when we were in NYC there was a celeb in Gucci. We were allowed in to look around (more like look to see who was there), yet it was so painful to be in the store that we left and could not have done so quick enough. But their cruise ‘08 line has a handful of bags that I actually am liking, well so far they are ok. The shape on the Gucci Pop Bamboo Handle Bag works great if you need to lug a large amount of goods around and offers a removable shoulder strap for ease of use. Like the name says, there is a bamboo handle top, which makes this bag great for cruise collections but not easy to wear year around (unless you live in the tropics). Gucci is banking on this shape being a hit, hence they have designed three versions of this bag for everyone to choose from.
Welcome to a slightly delayed Edition of Tuesdays with Twiggers! Cruise season is officially upon us! Although if you are like me you are merely thinking of turkey dinner and trying to finish up your holiday shopping. However, the idea of taking off on a cruise to a faraway island and leaving the husband to finish his own holiday shopping, decorate the tree, hang the decorations, and cook the Christmas dinner (all while toting a fabulous new Louis Vuitton bag) somehow appeals to me! The cruise season also makes me think of sun and fun…and the dreary Midwest is not going to be providing any of that for at least another 5-6 months!
Even though I’m not escaping to any distant islands this year, Louis Vuitton has still released some beautiful new bags that will help get me through the dreary winter months. The new Mini Lin Croisette line was released on November 1 and contains a great selection of handbags and accessories sure to please everyone. The Mini Lin Croisette is a variation of the traditional Mini Lin line, part of the permanent collection; however, for the cruise collection the bags now come in two new colors, red and blue, and are subtly striped. When I picture red and white stripes I automatically think of candy canes, but not so with these new bags! The bags are trimmed in a gorgeous white pebbled leather. I am very impressed with this new collection and am curious to find out what you think too!
Right off the bat this handbag carries a very different look. The gray is a subtle hue, that is soothing, and then there are large circular studs that run up and down the sides of the bag. Yet the subtle gold metallic under-layer shines through the metallic gray perforated Jimmy Choo Riki Bag perfectly. The hardware is gold but it appears very subtle, as if it is silver, not gold. There are double top handles and one of Jimmy Choo’s signatures, thin straps of leather threaded through rings along the top. When I look at this bag I love it, but I can not put together exactly why. Why does a bag that seems to have quite a bit going on lure me in? Must be because I own plenty of ’simply’ bags and maybe I am subconsciously telling myself I need a new funky bag. If that is the case, thank you self for allowing myself to believe I need a new handbag.
A couple months ago Botkier sponsored a giveaway you all, and the reception was amazing! It seems the simplicity behind their Sasha Duffle just fits your lifestyle and wants perfectly. So I kept looking at the bag (keeping the bags for a month during giveaways is TORTURE!), and fell in love also. The Botkier Sasha Duffle converts from a shoulder bag to a tote easily, offering optimal room, and gives a perfect slouch with its Italian lambskin leather. The black version is obviously perfect for everyday use, but the pewter adds such a bang that it is a great metallic option. When choosing a metallic, especially if you are not sure that is 100% you, go for an option that is more affordable in a shape that will last seasons. The pewter adds a little bling, and the black and brown are toned down but perfect for everyday use. There is the option of double top handles or a shoulder strap. And when you open this bag, the inside compartment is huge and filled with organizing pockets. There is a zip pocket, an open pocket, and a cell phone pocket. Just a fabulous everyday bag with a much more affordable price than the others.