Anya Hindmarch for Target

So far, Devi Kroell, Loeffler Randall, Botkier, Rafe and several other handbag designers have premiered their lower-priced lines at Target, to much success. Personally, I’ve admired all of them from afar, but never have been impressed enough to actually purchase one. Until now. Anya Hindmarch’s handbag collection for Target is just as chic as her Anya Hindmarch line of designer bags. In fact, I think the Target collection rivals her original designs. The designs are signature Anya Hindmarch with the same modern vintage looks, classic glamorous styles and details like tonal trims to lure me in. The only thing I’m not excited about is the materials (not a fan of PVC) but it is Target so I can’t really ask for much more in the way of materials. Plus, the bags are spectacular enough that I just may overlook that. In stores October 12.

Gustto Umbria Bag

Chic carryalls are hard to find since they usually come in the form of a shapeless tote or bulky bag. But the
Gustto Umbria Bag
, despite its odd shape is the cutest carryall you can find. The super soft leather bag features puckered pockets on the sides, quilted, layered, angled front pockets secured with a large buckle, and a roomy top opening that zips closed. Two double handles allow you to carry in the crook of your arm or in your hands but the bag features a long, diagonal shoulder strap as well. Carry your stuff to work or the gym in style. This big bag is hot!

One More Day to Win a JoJo Carrie Laptop Tote from CareerBags.com!

I recently took a trip to Africa to visit my sister. She asked me to bring her a new laptop along with a laptop bag. Shopping for the computer was easy; the laptop bag, not so much. I couldn’t believe that in 2008, with all of the brilliant designers out there, there was nothing more than black nylon briefcase-style bags.

CareerBags.com is an online retail store that specializes in women’s laptop bags that are not only functional, but also fashionable enough to be used as handbags. CareerBags sent me this JoJo Carrie Laptop Tote to review. I was impressed with not only the quality of the bag, but the style. The Jojo Carrie is cute enough to tote around shopping, to the beach, etc. But it’s also light and roomy enough (it measures 16″ W x 11″ H x 6″ D) to carry a laptop, papers, books, magazines - virtually anything!

The double handed bag is made of brown canvas with white trim and includes a removable shoulder strap. At $99, it’s an investment - it’s affordable, it’s multi-use, the colors are great for every season and this sturdy bag will last you year after year.

Win it!

Here’s what you need to do. Visit CareerBags.com and find a bag that fits your laptop needs. Then tell us about it in the comments section!

Contest ends October 1, 2008 12:01 am EST. Please subscribe via the link at the top of the page so we have your email address to contact you if you are the winner. What’s Haute respects your privacy and will never share your email address.

About CareerBags.com

CareerBags.com is the first online retail store created by the working woman for the working woman refusing to settle for anything less than fabulous business cases, laptop bags, handbags, and travel accessories.

It is our mission to reach all women who dare to step out of the norm and prove that they not only have a place in the corporate world but can also look amazing on their way to the top. Whether you are casual,trendy, or classic, just starting out or a seasoned career woman, we have just what you need.

At CareerBags.com,we focus our attention on featuring women-owned boutique style collections. Although you will find many name brands we are dedicated to search for up and coming designers across the globe.

Equally important is establishing CareerBags.com as a community and career resource for professional woman. You can read the inspiring stories of accomplished women within our Profiles area. Our laptopbaglifeline features articles addressing the challenges and opportunities professional women face daily.

We vow not to rest until the chapter on the bulky black-nylon case is closed and you look nothing but amazing in the boardroom, on a plane,or during a night on the town with the girls. We are here to help you Stay Organized, Look Professional, and Travel with Ease.

Treesje Maddox Hobo in Black

My favorite style, the hobo, never gets old. In fact, I always look forward to seeing new versions of it. But black handbags are so over that it takes a lot to make one really special to me. The Treesje Maddox in Black is the perfect black hobo that truly sets itself apart from the sea of other black hobo bags. The slouchy shape is covered with a top flap with a unique trio of gold rings looped with black leather. The bag features an expandable zipper around the bottom along with a big front zip pocket. The gold hardware is just enough to add some kick to the bag, but not enough to overdo it or make it too trendy. The shape is simple but looks edgy with the leather trim. It’s a nice black bag to complement your wardrobe.

Alexander McQueen ‘Blow’ oversized hobo bag

Designers are struggling to come up with something new in their bag of tricks. That must be why the Alexander McQueen Blow oversized hobo bag looks suspiciously familiar, a lot like last year’s ‘It’ bag, the YSL Patent tribute Flat Tote. I guess the popularity of the Tribute propelled other designers to sit up and take notice. And while a little creative competition is always exciting, outright copying is just not haute. The two bags looked so similar I wondered why it had McQueen’s name when it was obviously a new version of the Tribute (or so I thought). But even though it is a downright duplicate, I prefer the ‘Blow’. Why, you ask? Well I love the rounded, hobo shape, the gold hinge hardware on the rounded straps, and the two side zips. The ‘Tribute’ looks more like your basic work bag; the ‘Blow’ is more versatile.

Celebrities love the Alexander McQueen Britannia Clutch

Alexander McQueen’s Britannia Clutch has been spotted in the hands of Brits and Americans alike. Both rapper Eve and Spice Girl Mel B. carried the cute clutch on the blue carpet and out on the town. Made to look like the British flag, the clutch is made of red, white and blue trapunto-style leather with a skull head clasp closure. Though I’m an American girl, the clutch is adorable enough that I’d carry it proudly!
Buy Alexander McQueen at NET-A-PORTER.

Prada Pizzo S Satchel

I don’t typically like lace bags, or lace anything for that matter, for fear of looking like an 80-year old woman. But leave it to Miuccia Prada to take something slightly tacky and turn it into something fabulous. The Prada Pizzo S Satchel is made of nappa leather overlaid with lace. With two top handles and extended ruffle detail concealing a top zip closure, the bag looks like a high fashion couture fortune cookie but it is still more chic than you would expect in a lace bag. The satchel is full of Prada charm and style. Made in Italy.

Alexis Hudson’s Aspen Bag

It looks like the ombre trend is still going strong into this fall. The Alexis Hudson Aspen Handbag combines rugged leather with an ombre print that softens up the toughness of the bag. This is a great bag for fall because it combines the two primary fall colors, black and brown. And the bag is perfect since it is full of pockets for tons of extra storage space. I especially love the top front pocket that looks like a mini envelope clutch! The bag also has two more inches of space once unzipped at the bottom. At 15″ x 6″ x 13″, carry a small laptop, books, magazines, change of clothes, whatever you desire!

Zagliani’s $10,500 Bag: the Small Tomodachi Crocodile Tote

Zagliani, the exotic handbag brand known for injecting silicone into its skins, is now known for something else - ridiculously expensive bags! The Zagliani Small Tomodachi Crocodile Tote costs a whopping $10,500! In this economy, it’s definitely not worth it. The bag is nice, yes, but it’s nothing incredibly special. It’s made of handcrafted crocodile with double top handles, top zip closure and calf leather trim. Nancy Gonzalez has been designing fabulous crocodile bags for years and I’ve never seen any this expensive. I still haven’t figured out why this bag costs so much. Maybe the price of silicone has gone up too. Damn this depression!

Beyonce’s photoshoot featuring the Sang A. River Tulip Tote

Photographer Tony Duran recently shot Beyonce with the Sang A. River Tulip Tote in black woven eel. It’s Sang A.’s new take on the classic ‘River’ with scalloped eel skin resembling flower petals and it’s absolutely stunning. Sang A. is known for her simple, beautifully crafted bags made out of exotic skins like python, multicolored mink, pony and eel. The River Tulip comes in black, rosette (pink), and crema (khaki) and I want all three! Though if I had to choose, the pink is my favorite. These are truly timeless bags well worth the (pricey) investment.

Corner of Beyonce.com

Navy is the New Black

I hesitated when I went to purchase an Abaco Paris handbag from ideeli a few weeks ago. I initially wanted the grey but by the time I logged in to buy it, they were all sold out. So I settled for the next best one, the navy color. Little did I know that this would be right on trend for this season!

Navy bags are big right now. I think they look best with all shades of denim, which is largely my fall wardrobe outside of work. But navy bags are also a great alternative to black - still dark and neutral yet with a bit of color. And navy has a classiness that stands out in a sea of blacks and browns. Here’s a variety of great navy handbags that you’ll want to pick up for the fall:


Clockwise, l to r:
See by Chloe Pipeline Medium Satchel

Rebecca Minkoff Nightcap Clutch (at shopbop.com)


7 For All Mankind Monaco Satchel in Midnight



Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote in Midnight

Smythson of Bond Street ‘Nancy’ Clutch

I’m always amazed at the variations of clutches that designers can come up with. I mean really, how many different ways can one do a small bag? But the ‘Nancy’ Clutch by Smythson of Bond Street is one standout clutch. I love this particular color, turquoise, though to me it resembles ‘robin’s egg blue’ (doesn’t it remind you of a gift from Tiffany?), and the style is trés chic. This soft leather geometric clutch has a pintucked body and framed opening, with a unique tonal clasp closure. The bag boasts a spacious interior, due to the frame top, so not only is it beautiful and jewel-like, but it’s more than just a gum and cigarette carrier. A practical beauty.

What bag is that: Naomi Watts edition

Reader Bridget H. asks “Are you able to tell me what bag Naomi Watts is carrying in this picture?”

Hi Bridget,

Naomi is carrying the Yves St. Laurent Large Muse Two. Her style is the tan patchwork with croc-embossed leather and sells for $1895. You can buy this bag and more Yves Saint Laurent at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Receive a $500 Saks gift card with your $2,000 purchase of women’s handbags! Receive a $200 Saks gift card with your women’s handbag purchase of $1,000–$1,999. Use code HANDBAGS. Offer valid 9.18.08–9.24.08.

Celeb bag spotting: Lauren Conrad with CC Skye Lucy Bag

I admit it - I’m a Hills addict. But not just for the bad acting and forced pregnant pauses, but for the fashion, of course! Though the girls wardrobes are better on the show than off, you can always count on then to have a hot bag. Lauren Conrad aka L.C. was spotted with her CC Skye Lucy Bag. The ‘Lucy’ is an edgy satchel, with braided double-handles and CC Skye’s signature 18K gold-plated corner plates and logo name plate. The bag is one of those perfect day-to-night versions - carry it in the day to work or even the gym, but it works equally well at night when going out for dinner and drinks.

3.1 Phillip Lim Cerise Day Clutch

Summer may be officially over but that doesn’t mean you have to say ‘buh-bye’ to the sun. Add some rays to your wardrobe with the perfect clutch for Fall. The 3.1 Phillip Lim Cerise Day Clutch comes in a vibrant metallic bronze to brighten up any look. This half-moon shaped, cracked leather clutch/shoulder bag features an external woven pocket and removable shoulder strap. The bag is dainty yet surprisingly roomy. At 12″ x 16.5″ x 2.5″, it’s just the right size to store your all your stylish fall essentials.

Christian Louboutin Layered Leather Hobo

The maker of the famous red-soled stiletto has been creating handbags that are equally lustworthy. Christian Louboutin’s bags are crafted from luxurious leathers, and have the artful design detail that his brand is known for. My favorite this season is the Christian Louboutin Layered Leather Hobo. This armor-inspired bag features carefully stitched panels of calfskin to create a scalloped silhouette. Topped with a 13.5″ shoulder strap, this uniquely designed hobo dips in the center making it more comffortable to carry. It also features black and red ring detail, red sole print jacquard lining, and a top zip closure.

Shop more Christian Louboutin at Saks Fifth Avenue