What better way to start out the New Year than with a purse? OK, so there are plenty of things you can start anew in 2008, but we say, why not start with your wardrobe?
Clutches are very hot and look great no matter what season you are in. Who could resist one of these:
Urban Expressions Hayden Clutch - $36.00
Our Urban Expressions Hayden Clutch has a unique crescent half-moon shape at the bottom with a clutch closure at the top. It comes in several different colors including brights and neutrals, making it perfect for fall and spring alike. At only $40 you can buy more than one, too!
Urban Expressions Woven Clutch - $36.00
Another of our very popular and new Urban Expressions bags, the Urban Expressions Woven Clutch is a true beauty that is comparable in style to fashion house Bottega Veneta. It is similar to the Hayden in shape but the leatherette material is woven to give it a basket-like weave and texture. Unique and gorgeous, all at once!
Urban Expressions Sophie Foldover Clutch - $36.00
This simple and darling little bag is also part of the UE line, the Urban Expressions Sophie Foldover Clutch. It is on sale now if you hurry, marked down to $43.20 from $48, a part of our extended holiday sale. But it won't last long at that price so hurry now to take advantage of this special!
Now THIS is a trend we can really get on board with! Faux croc in purses, belts and shoes is stylish and very much affordable! Normally a lot of these fashion trends are way out of our budget. In fact, if the tend was authentic croc instead of faux, we would find ourselves missing out on this one.
Speaking of being out of budget, Ashley Olsen's vintage Fendi croc bag is way out of our league, and no longer available. The equally snazzy Elliot Luca "Etoille" bag is too pricey for us at $228.
Baghaus East/West Satchel-$49.99
This, however is much more our speed. This black East/West satchel is faux croc inspired by Versace and is very sturdy and well-made for only $49.99, meaning you could by four of these for what you could get only one Elliot Luca for.
Baghaus faux black croc duffel-$59.99
Here is another beauty we love, the faux black croc duffel inspired by Bottega Veneta. This one retails for $59.99 at Baghaus and goes with almost anything in your wardrobe. In fact, we would pair it with a belted dress that we blogged about previously as another fall fashion trend.
We know this isn't fashion, but it's faux croc and it is too cute not to show you. These pink train cases allow you to lug all of your beauty essentials. If they were just a little smaller, we might use it as a lunchbox, it's so adorable!
Though animal prints come and go in popularity in the fashion world, one thing that remains pretty constant is items made from the skin of animals. From always-in-style leather goods to fur (controversial or not), some animal pelts will never go out of style.
One that quietly seems to be around season after season is crocodile. Though it is not always the 'it' material of the moment, almost every fashionista has at least one piece in her closet that is made of crocskin. Whether it is a classic pair of slingback shoes or perhaps a small evening clutch that goes with nearly everything, croc is a part of nearly everyone's wardrobe.
Montaigne Crocskin by Bottega Veneta- $16,000
Bottega Veneta knows this, and therefore has included a small selection of croc skin bags in their latest round of handbags. Their Montaigne Crocskin is gorgeous, but with an oh-so-ugly price tag. At an astounding $16,000 for a single bag, there is only a very small portion of the population that can afford such a bag.
Baghaus Montaigne Crocskin Bag-$49.99
If you still want a Montaigne, why don't you try the Baghaus inspired version instead? In brown, green, purple and red, there is surely one that will match a few things that you already own. And at only $49.99 each, you can buy something to match if you don't already have something. Not that we are advocating spending more money on clothes or anything (wink wink).
Last year, Bottega Veneta celebrated forty years of business, and luckily shows no signs of stopping. Of course, just a few years ago, the classic line known for their clothing and fine leather goods was having a bit of an identity crisis. This may seem hard to believe coming from a brand that has a well-known and established aesthetic, but it is true.
In 2001, Bottega Veneta was bought out by Gucci. Normally, a buyout of any kind means that the company being bough out is in trouble. Luckily, Gucci (in their infinite wisdom) decided that instead of eradicating the competition that BV brought, they would instead nurture the brand and make it recognizable again.
Proof of how Gucci helped Bottega Veneta regain their identity and go back to the fine, supple leathers and clean lines of their menswear and women's clothing line can be found in each new season's offerings. A really great example is the white croc duffel that takes the always-chic croc pattern and puts it into a bag with very elegant details.
Baghaus Pewter Sequin Woven Tote-48.99
And yet, BV can also take a very trendy item like metallic handbags and put their own look on it, making it an instant classic that is neither trendy nor old, but simply chic. The pewter sequined woven tote here at Baghaus is the bargain $48.99 version inspired by the $1600 original. Likewise, Baghaus has a budget $59.99 version of the white croc Bottega Veneta, a bargain compared to the $2000 BV.
Baghaus Croc Duffel-59.99
As summer approaches, stepping onto the sand with the right beach bag is just as important as the SPF in your sunblock. The ideal beach bag should be an easy blend of style and convenience that is perfect for lugging around all of your summer essentials. Here are several Baghaus bags that complement a variety of summer needs:
Katy Tote inspired by Coach, $49.99
The Katy metallic trim tote is the quintessential summer bag. This gorgeous tote illuminates under sunlight with its signature rainbow stripes and warm gold overtones. Click to see all of our Summer Handbag Recommendations
