Cross Body Handbags & Purses

3 Preppy Cross Body Bags as Classy Summer Accessories

Karla Manlangit — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:57:47 +0000

We love the preppy look for its streamlined design and this rather sophisticated vibe it puts across. This summer, we’re bringing our posh on with the preppy look, and carrying it on over our choice of cross body purses!

We found 3 bags from top designers Diane von Furstenberg, Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs from the wide collection of bags at Shopbop. Check out below the 3 preppy purses and let us know which prim and proper look suits you!

1) Mini Keller Bag, $345, Diane von Furstenberg

Go full on sophisticate with this mixed material bag from DVF. The textured front flap, logo plate, and patent leather material is certainly very tasteful.

2) Dash Mini Messenger Bag, $295, Tory Burch

Take white canvas to an outdoor luncheon by way of red and blue stripes. This Tory Burch creation is not without its brown leather trim and signature logo.

3) Bars & Bells Colorblock Cross Body Bag, $298, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Color block gives off class in this leather bag by Marc Jacobs. Its clean and simple design makes this purse a classy, everyday accessory.

Pour La Victoire Handbags on Sale at Bluefly – Get Up to 75% Off!

Charlesa — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:53:16 +0000

This is the perfect time to go handbag shopping, ladies! Bluefly is having another site sale and you can get up to 75% off on your purchases. Every single item is on sale right now, so you might want to browse around and get some matching shoes and dresses too! Pour La Victoire is not the only label on sale but we love this brand so we are featuring it. Here are just a couple of the options available on the site.

SAVE 59%: Pour La Victoire ‘Roma’ Envelope Clutch, sale price $$134.50 (from $325)

SAVE 59%: Pour La Victoire ‘Roma’ Satchel, sale price $182.40 (from $445)

SAVE 60%: Pour La Victoire ‘Pissa’ Tote, sale price $158.40 (from $395)

SAVE 60%: Pour La Victoire ‘Venezia’ Bag, sale price $118.40 (from $295)

There are a lot more options on the site. If you are an international shopper, you also get an extra 10% off on top of the marked down price. Make sure to check out the site soon, as stocks are quickly running out too!

5 Sweet Cross Body Purses Under $70

Karla Manlangit — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:21:52 +0000

Sweeten up your summer weekend in casual, relaxed style. Ballerina flats matched with flowy tops, lace shorts and crisp blouses, ruffled skirts and bright tank tops. Finally, accessorize with dainty cross body purses from Topshop! Here are 5 of their prettiest cross body bags for a cool, feminine summer style.

1) Turquoise Lady Bow Bag, $50

A retro-inspired, turquoise bag is girly with an attitude, especially with its large white faux croc bow. It also features a matching single top handle and an adjustable cross body strap.

2) Tear Drop Bag, $60

Exude elegance and understated luxury in this cream, tear drop-shaped cross body bag. It comes with gold-tone hardware which trims the bag and matches its grab handle.

3) Binocular Case Bag, $60

Who thought binocular bags make such great purses? This amazing coral red, croc-embossed binocular bag will provide structure and a quirky touch to your loose and flowy outfits.

4) Box Chain Leather Bag, $56

Glitter underneath the summer sun in this lilac suede bag. Its boho shape is complemented by its box chain short strap. A lilac cross body strap is also available.

5) Leather Scallop Cross Body Bag, $64

Cool down a bright outfit with this mint green cross body bag. This leather purse features a scallop design on its flap.

Mother’s Day Handbag Gift Guide

Charlesa — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:46:06 +0000

Don’t have a gift for your beloved mom yet? Don’t fret, it’s never too late to show your affection and love to the most important woman of your life. We’ve compiled some of the best handbags and crossbody bags for these superwomen. This is the perfect time to splurge for your moms, ladies!

1. For the Practical Mom

If your mom is not a big spender, you will likely get a scolding if you buy something too pricey. This nice crossbody from Pour La Victoire delivers style with a reasonable price tag. Plus, it is also on sale! That’s more than 50% off!

Pour La Victoire Snake-Embossed ‘Farrah’ Crossbody, sale $102.40 (from $245)

2. For the Classic Mom

This polished tote/crossbody bag is perfect for the moms who want a refined, classic look. Additionally, this bag has a pretty big storage space with two inside open pockets and one inside zip pocket. If your mom has a habit of bringing loads of stuff everywhere she goes, she will love this carry-all.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Too Hot Tote Bag, $528

3. For the Trendy, Hot Momma

A lot of moms make sure that looking good is part of their daily routine. If your mom seems to be updated with all the fashion trends of each season, give her this super chic ostrich stamped crossbody from Micahel Kors. It is done in beautiful turquoise blue, which is a hot color for the spring and summer seasons.

Michael Kors Ostrich Stamped Clutch, $450

Lastly, don’t forget to give your mom the gift of love too! Nothing says “I love you, Mom!” more than a heartfelt hug and some quality time. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! You guys are the best! <3

Get Kate Upton’s Sexy, Sophisticated Look for Less!

Charlesa — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:21:02 +0000

I bet 90% of men know who Kate Upton is. This sexy swimsuit model has stolen the hearts of many men for reasons that are quite obvious, plus two very popular viral dancing videos. Women, before shrugging her off as just another sexy girl in the limelight, you might want to take a look at this picture first.

Normally, Kate is featured wearing super sexy bikinis. This time though, she was caught sporting an uber-chic look that made me think twice about this girl. I love her all-black ensemble as it covers up her voluptuous curves and makes her look more sophisticated. Plus, that blush-toned Celine Classic Box Bag is such a gorgeous sight too! The purse is priced at around $1,200 but we found you a pretty alternative at Endless that sports the same hot, summer color and is way cheaper too!

Treesje Sloane Crossbody in Coral, $365

What a Colorblocked Delight!

Charlesa — Sun, 06 May 2012 19:02:42 +0000

I think one of the best things that ever graced the planet is colorblocking. There are so many trends that surface in the fashion world but most of them fizzle down as easily as they become popular. Who knew mixing unconventional colors together would become such a widely embraced trend? Here’s another colorblocked beauty that will get you drooling in delight!

Barbara Bui Python Skin Colorblock Bag, $2,340

I know the price tag is a bit harsh but here me out on this first, ok? First off, it’s python so expect the price to be no less than the thousand mark. The python skin is displayed on the front panel in a beautiful salmon color. The color blocking on the front looks pretty modest but there’s a pop of bright turquoise blue on the back, which is done in suede.

If you’re up for the splurge, you can buy this beauty at SSENSE. But fret not, frugal fashionistas! We have also found you some cheaper versions that sport the colorblocking trend gracefully.

Z Spoke Zac Posen Americana in Navy Colorblock, $295

Vince Camuto Dristen Shark Nappa in Navy/Bone, sale $158.40 (from $198)

We Think the Ikat Pattern is Still Pretty Hot

Charlesa — Sat, 05 May 2012 18:42:45 +0000

The ikat print trend surfaced around last year but the pattern has actually been around for a long time. Although not as popular as other trends, I love this pattern because it’s very refreshing. It exhibits a bit of an exotic ethnic vibe, which I find very appealing and interesting.

While some might say the ikat is no longer worthy of the spotlight, I say it definitely still is. I spotted this fabulous crossbody purse at Shopbop that totally re-affirms my love for the sort of forgotten trend.

Rebecca Minkoff Ikat Mini Minaudiere, $250

This pretty purse is the perfect evening clutch. It automatically gives a pop of color to your wardrobe, plus the beautiful ikat pattern has a gradient colorblocked effect that makes the purse looks even more interesting than it already is. You can also wear it in two ways – as a crossbody or you can tuck in the chain strap to turn it into a clutch.

Bucket Of Fun: Cross Body Bucket Bags for Practical Style

Karla Manlangit — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:52:08 +0000

I love bucket bags. My first one had been a canvas one, and straight from my mother’s medical convention. So it had the name of a gout medicinein front of it but I loved that bag. It was huge, functional, roomy yet easily portable. Fortunately, a lot of people love bucket bags too so designers have now come up with the most pretty designs to give us both style and functionality. Here are just some of our finds at online clothing store, Nasty Gal. Check them out!

1) Pierced Bucket Bag, $235, MK Totem

This sky blue suede bag comes with a drawstring closure and a gold tone chain cross body strap. Bring on the effortless glam with this crossbody bucket bag which also comes in black and deep green.

2) Seeing Spots Bag, $50

Go deco in this vegan leather cross body bag! The bag features a textured material which coincides with its perforated detailing. Neon yellow patent leather lining adds a jolt of color to the design. Also comes with an adjustable/detachable strap.

3) Tryst Bucket Bag, $345, Collina Strada

Coming in classic black, this bucket bag from Collina Strada does a modern take with geometric flap detailing. For additional dimension, it features braided straps and a triangle bottom. Made out of 100% lambskin leather.

My Gold-Plated Fantasy

Charlesa — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:00:58 +0000

When it comes to evening clutches, I usually prefer gold or brass ones because they just look so darn good. Moreso, these clutches also go well with virtually any evening outfit, especially with LBDs. I spotted this gorgeous piece of wearable art piece at Zappos that literally made my jaw drop. Take a look at my beautiful, gold-plated fantasy!

Alexander McQueen Skull Clutch, $2,795

Everything, from the knuckle duster top and signature skull to the intricate bead work, makes for an amazing and elegant evening clutch. But that price tag is as jaw-dropping as the clutch itself! If you don’t want to splurge almost three thousand bucks on this, we also found you some pretty alternatives that won’t break the bank too much. Take a look at these other gold-toned beauties!

Love Moschino JC4096PP0VMT0, $320

Mettle Simi’s Brass Bag, $258

BCBGMax Azria Metal Sequin Clutch, sale price $57.60 (from $128)

In the Mood for Fringe

Charlesa — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:52:13 +0000

Fringe is pretty risky but when done right, it can be very glorious too. If you like the laid-back, bohemian look, fringe crossbody bags are a must have for you. I always turn to Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 line for accessories that cater to my vintage vibe. We spotted the perfect fringe crossbody at Singer22 and wanted to share with everyone. Check this out!

House of Harlow 1960 Skylar Fringe Bag in Black, $286

The ‘Skylar’ combines luxe and casual perfectly. It features embossed snakeskin leather topped with tastefully-made fringe detailing. This bag is also quite economical, as it can be worn from day to night and season after season. I love that it has a fuss-free closure, a drawstring top that lets you easily grab your things. No buttons, no zippers and other whatnots. It is simple and effortlessly cool. We found another equally-covetable colorway available in Nordstrom too. Which do you like better?

House of Harlow 1960 Skylar Fringe Bag in Mushroom, $295