All posts filed under: Handbags

A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag by Out of Print Clothing

i want: A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag by Out of Print Clothing

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is one of my favourite books. I re-read the book and watch the Kubrick movie it every couple of years. The art by David Pelham from the 1972 Penguin softcover is my favourite rendition of the book’s cover. A quick Google Image Search on “a clockwork orange book” will give you a list of other covers and it’s easy to see why David’s work is so iconic. You can see some other famous David Pelham covers over at Flavorwire. So when Out of Print Clothing created their A Clockwork Orange series using this iconic cover image I had to own it. I purchased the grey A Clockwork Orange sweatshirt and it’s easily the most commented on piece of clothing I own. The shirts and phone cases are great too but the A Clockwork Orange Canvas Book Bag is calling my name. Now, I have no damn need for another canvas bag, I have a closet shelf full of them but I just can’t resist the all over print of …

Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

i got: Totem Dopp Pouch by Bookhou

I almost walked away from the Bookhou Totem Dopp Pouch. I was visiting City of Craft for the first time with Monique from MoonRox and we both had our eyes on it. Why the hemming and hawing? Well, I really like cross body bags. They are my staples as they are versatile and easy to carry. Pouches and clutches are kinda a pain in the ass and I only really use them when going to something formal. That being said the Totem Dopp Pouch print was gold and I really liked the oatmeal linen it was made from. So, I spent the 30 bucks and picked one up, at that price it was hard to say no. Totem Dopp Pouch measures W 25.4 x H 17.78 cm. It’s large enough to carry the essentials (Wallet, Smartphone, Keys, Gum, Mascara and Lip Balm) and it’s not bulky. The print placement varies on each pouch due to its handmade nature. The outer material is 100% linen and the lining is 100% cotton. The Totem Dopp Pouch has …

i got: Black Lizard Rider Bag by Loeffler Randall

I’m having an intense love affair with a handbag right now. It’s the Loeffler Randall Rider Bag in black lizard printed embossed leather. This bag came into my life with the help of eLuxe’s great personal shoppers. I made a comment on the eLuxe Facebook page when they posted a preview of the beautiful Neon Red and Bubble Gum Loeffler Randall Rider Bag. It seems my Internet squeal of a comment prompted a mental note for this personal shopper. I soon received an email telling me that the Rider Bag was in stock and ready for purchasing. The Rider Bag is adjustable. It’s an attaché , a shoulder bag or a cross body bag. It also has two straps on the back that allow it to attach to your bicycle handles if you do that sort of thing. The dimensions of the bag are 11.5″ x 8.75″ x 4.5″. The shoulder strap is 14.5″ long and it adjusts to 20.5″ when in cross body mode. There are 3 pockets inside the bag and it can …

i want: Obsedia Handbag by Givenchy

I have a bit of a Givenchy bag obsession. I’ll admit that. I’ve talked about the Pandora and Antigona perviously and I love the Obsedia Bag too. Both the Givenchy Taupe Leather Gold Trimmed Obsedia Shoulder Bag and the Givenchy Red Leather Gold Trimmed Obsedia Shoulder bag are both available at ssense.com for (le sigh) $1775. images: lyst.com

i want: Leather Pouches by Mary Katrantzou

Mary Katrantzou is releasing her first line of leather handbags. The stamp and currency prints of the Spring Summer 2013 collection are perfect for the Wristlet Pouch Clutch and Leather Pouch styles.  You can pre-order the collection at saksfifthavenue.com with an expected shipping date of April 14, 2013. The collection comes out March 11, 2013 in Europe. The handbags priced at $681 and $854. Saks also delivers to Canada. EDIT: I’ve just found out from Mary Katrantzou herself that these leather pouches will be available at The Room by The Hudson’s Bay!! images: en.vogue.fr

Kara Ross Spring Summer 2013 Preview

Kara Ross is Queen of the exotic skins. This award winning designer is known for her luxury clutches made of out of a colourful assortment of skins like lizard, python, alligator and ostrich finished with a clasped made from coloured stones. Kara is a certified GIA gemologist and she puts that experience into her handbag and jewellery designs. To compliment the skins, Kara uses mother-of-pearl, labradorite, black onyx, rock crystal and hematite gemstones. Kara by Kara Ross jewellery uses alternative materials like jet, marcasite, lava, wood and chalcedony to create her statement making jewellery in addition to traditional materials like resin, crystal, Malachite, Lapis, Tiger’s Eye, Amethyst, Turquoise and Onyx. I attended a preview of the Spring Summer 2013 Kara Ross Handbags and Kara by Kara Ross Jewellery. It was the first time I got a look at the product in person and I’m such a fan of the handbags. I love the Art Deco inspiration in the shape and the clasp design. The skins are so unique and colourful with all kinds of colour …

Hermes Spring Summer 2013 – Long Live Sport

Hermès does an incredible job with their product videos. They are extremely well done and hit that sweet spot of cute and whimsical that wins me over every time. The Sporting Life is the theme of the 2013 for Hermès and this set of four videos does a terrific job of conveying the theme. Each video takes items from the spring summer 2013 and incorporates them into sporty vignettes. Ping Pong features the Toolbox bag and the Rallye 24 Porcelain Collection. Rallye 24 Porcelain Collection: The new Hermès porcelain collection designed by Benoît-Pierre Emery and Damian O’Sullivan will be available in Canadian boutiques in May 2013. Rallye 24 has the emblematic anchor chain caught up in and propelled along by a new story on porcelain. It is playfully reworked as a car race track with its straight lines and oval corners, all short-circuiting with their foot to the floor.(source: Hermès PR) Toolbox bag: A slight family resemblance… A cousin of the Kelly, with a vanity-case touch, this bag unites the Hermès spirit and the practicality …

i want: Accordion Briefcase by Philip Sparks

I’m excited about Philip Sparks’s new lines of accessories for men and women for Spring Summer 2013. Right now I have my eye on this leather and canvas mens Accordion Briefcase. I love the colour combination. It’s available for pre-order right now at philipsparks.com or at the Ossington Shop until Sunday. It retails for $395.00 and will ship on March 15, 2013s ship March 15, 2013, images: philipsparks.com

Porsche Design TwinBag Preview

I attended the launch of the Porsche Design’s latest product, The TwinBag. This is the company’s first handbag and Thomas Steinbruck, Creative Director was on hand. Thomas is the Porsche Design’s first creative director joined the company in 2012. He has an extensive background in fashion industry as well as a bachelor’s from Studio Bercot and a Masters from the Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris. When I first received the invitation I was a bit sceptical of the handbag. I’m not honestly sure why since Porsche Design already has some classic luggage and briefcase designs. I was pleasantly surprised after some Internet investigation. Porsche Design managed to create a classic looking satchel handbag that converts to a shoulder bag when the clasps on the handles are released. I wanted to check the handbag out in person so I decided I would attend the launch. The Porsche Design TwinBag is beautiful. It’s a great size and well constructed. It sits perfectly on the shoulder when converted. The Italian manufactured handbag …

Miu Miu Comes to Toronto via Holt Renfrew Bloor Street

Everyone has been buzzing about the new Miu Miu mini boutique that opened up in Holt Renfrew’s Bloor Street location. This is Miu Miu’s first Canadian point of sale. Architect Roberto Baciocchi designed space that is dedicated to Miu Miu handbags and accessories collections. No clothing folks and shoes are still available in shoe department. The space is very Miu Miu with damask finish covered in crystal and studs, small display windows and polished brass backlit logos. Miu Miu can be found on the first floor of Holts in the handbag section. It occupies the space where all the Balenciaga bags were hanging about. It’s like walking into a gold box. I stopped by today. It’s not very big and I didn’t see much jewellery but there were a ton of handbags though. It was super busy too. The space looks pretty slick and makes the product so desirable looking. Miu Miu Toronto, Holt Renfrew 50 Bloor Street West Toronto images: courtesy of Prada

i want: Givenchy Antigona Handbag

Cue the new handbag obsession, the Givenchy Antigona. Ricardo Tisci introduced the Antigona in 2010. This boston style bag comes in a variety of skins and colour combinations. Right now the above blue and black combination is my favourite. It’s $2300 at Bergdorf Goodman. The handbag is named after Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta who are all characters dreamed up by Sophocles. The orange Givenchy Antigona is $1989.22 on farfetch.com. The brown and black Givenchy Antigona is $2426.00 from shopzoeonline.com. The Antigona comes in three sizes. You can get an idea of the price range from this link.. Givenchy is available in Toronto at Holt Renfrew. images: bergdorfgoodman.com, luisaviaroma.com, lyst.com

i want: Marni Flap Bag Resort and Spring Summer 2013

I’m on the hunt for a great all around bag. Ideally it would have a messenger strap but I think I can overlook that it’s missing from the Marni Flap Bag. It’s a great size and comes in colours to match many outfits. The form is reduced to its pure essence, laid bare to expose the precision of the cut and beauty of the leather. The material used is fine calf leather on a monocolour or bicolour panel. Studs decorate the bag leaving its shape clean and graphic.(Source: press release) The photos show styles from the Resort 2013 collection and the Spring Summer 2013 Marni fashion show. images: eastnews.ru, tooklookbook.com

i want: Raya Backpack by Rimanchik

It’s always funny how everything runs in circles. The backpack was my staple bag during high school and university. The thought of using a traditional bag was absurd at the time. After finishing my school years, I ditched the backpack and never looked back. Now backpacks are everywhere and I’ve been broken. I want in on this action. Enter the Raya Backpack in fall’s trendiest colour, oxblood. Rimanchik is a Montreal based accessories brand that started in 2003. They keep things local and they also manufacture their products in Montreal. I like how streamline and sleek this backpack is. It’s the size of handbag but gives you the hands free advantage without resorting to something messenger style. The Raya Backpack is available online at Rimanchik.com for $260.00.

I want – I got Holiday Gift Guide – Part 1

So, this year I lost my mind and I decided to create a holiday gift guide. I’m usually anti-gift guides because I’m not much of a Christmas person and gift guides are a shit ton of work. I don’t know what made me change my mind this year but here we are. People have told me this is a good idea, so I hope you find it helpful or amusing. This is the part one of four in the I want – I got Gift Guide series. I have so many favourite things I wanted to include. This gift guide is very much I want – I got. You’ll see things I want, things I got and other obsessions.  Some things are affordable and some aren’t but I’ve tried to mix it up. The list covers fashion, beauty, electronics, art, toys and booze. Basically, all the items on the gift guide are I want – I got approved. So, join me on this exploration of things I would love to see under my tree at Christmas. …

i want: Monocle x Porter Tote Bag

A Monocle store is opening around my neighborhood. I spotted it walking home from the first night of Festival Music House. Every since then, I’ve been thinking about this simple tote. It’s not an it bag but the Porter Tote Bag. The Monocle store will open on October 18, 2012 in Little Italy.

i want: Duck Bag and Backpack by Baggu

Backpacks are such a huge trend right now and I’ve been overloaded with backpack pitches. Now I’m interested in backpacks. I have an MEC pack that’s very good but not stylish in any way. It’s also too big. I’m currently enjoying a Nella Bella backpack from the Fall Winter 2012 collection but I could use one a bit smaller. Baggu creates simple cotton handbags in vibrant colours. I love the simplicity of these packs and the colour schemes. The Duck Bags are really cute too. Baggu bags can be found at Magic Pony in Toronto and The Drake General Store. images: magic-pony.com

Roots x Dealuxe Handbags

I just love Dealuxe. I’m a customer and fan. The company is making all the right moves with hires like the amazing Susie Sheffman (formally of FASHION Magazine) and Amina Said (formally of Holt Renfrew). So I was pretty happy to hear about the Roots x Dealuxe handbag collaboration. “We are so thrilled to welcome Roots to Dealuxe and collaborate with such a quintessential Canadian brand. The bags are bursting with colour and style and work perfectly with spring’s top trends. Best of all, I love that they are made with the highest quality leather, right here, at home!” Susie Sheffman, Fashion Director, DEALUXE The collection is right on trend with the candy coloured bags with styles for a variety of uses.  It’s a great way to add a pop of colour to your outfit if you are colour phobc.  It also makes a great addition to a colour blocking outfit just to make it over the top obnoxious (in a good way). The Roots x Dealuxe handbags can be purchased online at dealuxe.ca. Prices …

Holt Renfrew x Tory Burch x FEED Limited Edition Totes

Holt Renfrew’s latest charity collaboration brings Tory Burch together to benefit Lauren Bush Lauren’s FEED Foundation and the Tory Burch Foundation. FEED was created to help fund the United Nations World Food Programme’s school feeding efforts stateside, abroad and during humantiarian disasters. The Tory Burch Foundation, together with partner ACCION USA, provides microloans in women-owned small businesses in the United States. “FEED is thrilled to partner with Tory Burch and Holt Renfrew to create and sell a product that will provide much needed food and nutrition to children around the world through the FEED Foundation as well as empower women through the Tory Burch Foundation. This bag is a fashionable do-gooder’s dream come true!”- Lauren Bush Lauren “I am so thrilled to partner with FEED on this initiative,” says Tory Burch CEO and designer Tory Burch. “I have always admired the organization’s mission to help children around the world. When this opportunity came up we didn’t have to think twice — the collaboration between Holt Renfrew, FEED, our brand and our foundation was a natural …

i want: ela Spring Summer 2012 Handbags

The candy coloured M.I.L.C.K clutches from ELA handbags are so great. The colours are so vibrant and perfect for summer. I also love the black studded handbags in the ela Spring Summer 2012 collection. The Lady Bag is one of my favorites and in this fabrication it looks pretty cool. The small version is an option for those looking to scale down in size. ela is available at Chasse Gardée, Ewanika, La Merceria, rac and The Narwhal in Toronto. images: courtesy of ela

I want- I got’s H&M Conscious Collection Fall Winter 2011- 2012 Top Picks

I’m liking the new H&M Conscious Collection Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 collection. I picked up a few pieces from the Spring Summer 2011 collection and I see a few fall pieces that I like. This season the H&M Conscious Collection takes influences from romanticism and Swedish folklore.  The collection features recycled wool and organic fabrics like cotton , linen and hemp. The Conscious Collection collection uses embroidery and lace this season and I’m hoping they look good in person too. I’m never into H&M shoes but I love, love, love these booties. The Conscious collection will be available staring October 6, 2011 at the Eaton Centre, Yorkdale and Bloor Street locations in Toronto. Other Canadian locations are Downtown Montreal, The Pacific Centre and Metropolis at Metrotown. images: courtesy of H&M

I want – I got’s Aldo Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 Top Picks

Aldo used to be my inexpensive shoe fix years ago and then I discovered the joys of Nine West. For the last couple of seasons, Nine West hasn’t produced styles that I’ve been interested in so I’ve switching my fix to Aldo has once again. Here are my top shoe and handbag picks from the Aldo Fall Winter 2011 – 2012 lookbook.  My top pick is the mustard tassel wedges.  So cute. I tend to like the non-faux leather handbags at Aldo but these ones look good in photos and I love a structured bag.  Lots of animal print choices in this lineup.  It took many years for me to appreciate the style and I prefer to incorporate it via accessories. images: courtesy of Aldo

i want: Lanvin Convertible Handbags

Lanvin has some great convertible handbags in their pre-fall collection. The Dear Danae Convertible is made from washed-leather and python. The python oversized clutch is removable The Dear Danae Cabas is a slouchy leather shoulder bag.  The detachable clutch is just one of the many ways you can wear and use this handbag.   images: net-a-porter.com