Haute or not: Foley + Corinna’s Cargo bag

As much as we love clutch bags, chic as they are, sometimes they can be a bit impractical. But we expect it – clutches are small and cute and only meant to hold the basics for going out (keys, money, credit cards, lip gloss, and cell phone). But when we buy a hobo, our expectations are that it go beyond a clutch - and hold a lot. That said, we think the Foley + Corinna Cargo Bag ($495) is one of the poorest excuses for a hobo, or a handbag for that matter. This has to be one of the most ridiculous bags we’ve ever seen. More »

Halston Heritage Sequin Folded Clutch

Is this an SJP creation? Much as we love her style, we were highly skeptical about her being named Creative Director of Halston Heritage. And if this bag is a shining example of her work with the brand, then we’re sorry to say that we were right. The Halston Heritage Sequin Folded Clutch ($195) is pretty hideous. We have mixed feelings about sequinned anything, and the small gold sequins covering this clutch looks pretty gaudy. More »

Haute bag of the week: Be & D New Garbo Tote

Leave it to Be & D to create such a stunning studded bag that we’ll never want to give up the trend. If you thought studs were so last year, you were wrong. The BE & D New Garbo Tote denim blue leather incorporates the new stud trend - cone studs - with this dreamy denim blue leather in one irresistible tote. More »

D&G Dolce and Gabbana Mindy Satchel in Black/Brown/Luggage

I can’t decide whether or not the D&G Dolce and Gabbana Mindy Satchel in Black/Brown/Luggage is the most ingenious bag I’ve ever seen or one of the most ridiculous. The concept is this: a basic black leather satchel is accessorized with three pockets stacked on the front. More »

Handbag du Jour interviews handbag designer Joanna Maxham + a giveaway!

In the ever-growing field of handbag design, it’s always nice to come across a fresh collection full of classic, wearable pieces that don’t follow trends, but instead, allow you to set your own. I first had the opportunity to preview some of Joanna Maxham’s Fall 2009 collection while judging a recent “Rock the Look” fashion event held at Shoegasm. (That’s me pictured on the right, with the Cast Away in port wine.) The bags were beautifully crafted, ever-so-slightly structured and made of butter-soft leathers. They weren’t trendy, but still pretty pieces that you could cherish forever. And in addition to their beauty, they were - most importantly, practical. Large bags with lots of room and tons of useful pockets and compartments are just some of the characteristics behind those beautiful bags.

I had the chance to chat with the designer on her current collection, her fashion obsessions, what celebrities she’d love to see with her bags, and a peek inside her own! Check out what she had to say: More »