One Handle Wonders

The latest trend popping up throughout the 'must have' accessories?  You guessed it, the single handle look.  What sets these bags a part is the fact that they aren't you're standard fold-over top handle satchels (think the Hermes Kelly).  No, they are a new breed of bags all their own playing with silhouette/shape, hardware/zipper placement, etc. sharing the common trend of the single top handle.  Did I confuse you yet?  I guess that's why they say a picture is worth a thousand words- take a look for yourself.

 Alexander Wang, Opanca Bag, $1,095 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

 BOYY, Martin Bag, $855 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

Chloe, Dalston Bag, $2,650 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

3.1 Phillip Lim, Ryder Bag, $990 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

 

Givenchy, Pandora Bag, $2,390 (www.bergdorfgoodman.com)

The Work Bag

When it comes to handbags I have pretty high standards and strict guidelines; quality, style, function, etc.  So it's no surprise that many contemporary/bridge-line designers/brands fail to make the cut.  Apparently, I'm not the only one with these standards as we see new designers and brands every year trying to make it in this market only to fail after a few seasons or so.

With that said, let's shift to the contemporary designers that are succeeding and have made the cut.  Below are my favorite bags that are reasonably priced and have style and quality.  Coincidentally, they all just happen to be great 'every-day'/'work' bags and are worth investing in.

Rebecca Minkoff, Avery Tote, $345 available at www.shopbop.com

 Marc by Marc Jacobs, Deconsrtucted Laura Tote, $548 available at www.shopbop.com

Milly, Logan Large Tote, $425 available at www.shopbop.com

Trend Alert: Saffiano Leather

I've known about Saffiano Leather for quite a few years.  It's a practical leather; durable, scratch resistant, easy to clean, etc.  To me it was really Prada that put it on the map, having used it in their accessory collections for years and most notably in the iconic Galleria Bag...but I digress.  So what exactly is Saffiano Leather? 

Saffiano Leather: (courtesy of aspinoloflondon.com) is made by a stamping method. Saffiano, being a textured leather, meaning that it is a treated leather made with the texture pressed on it by a machine. It gives the leather a cross-hatch finish, which is a special diagonal pattern. This calf hide leather is also finished with a wax treatment. As a result, the leather is pretty much scratch resistant, durable and easy to clean.

...And on to my point; Saffiano Leather is in full trend swing.  The leather has gone from being scarcely used in the designs of high-end luxury accessories such as the aforementioned Prada to more affordable bridge-line designers such as Micheal Kors and Rebecca Minkoff.  I for one support this trend, Saffiano is a great leather to add to your bag collection. Go get it NOW

 Kate Spade, $348, Neiman Marcus

 MICHAEL Michael Kors, $228, Neiman Marcus

 Tory Burch, $575, Neiman Marcus

 Zac Posen, $595, Neiman Marcus

 Prada, $2,200, Neiman Marcus

Fendi, $2,550, Neiman Marcus


 

3.1 Phillip Lim Wednesday Accessory Collection

Welcome to your new investment bag.  Phillip Lim knocks it out of the park yet again, with his Wednesday accessory collection.  Fresh, practical, simple and chic....just a few adjectives to describe the collection.  Each bag features two square top handles and a detachable shoulder strap.  As of yet there are three variations to suit your needs; The Cosmetic Shoulder Bag ($875.00), The Medium Boston Satchel ($950.00), and The Wednesday Trapezoid Tote ($1075.00).  Available for pre-order via saks.com.