Lamarthe, spring 2001
9 ½” l. x 4 ¾” w. (base) x 9 ½” h. + 7 ½” drop

Like the Calvin Klein seafoam pieces which I showed 06.23.2009—06.25.2009, the dusky aqua of this crisp, fresh tote is a just-beyond-neutral color—easy on the eyes, easy to wear. I love the effortless combination of the satin finished split cowhide with the natural cotton cord handle—another great summer look. And, the bag is beautifully, minimally crafted, unlined and with clean-cut edges.

Alfred Lamarthe founded his French luxury leather goods line in 1930 with the premise that his bags should be functional as well as beautiful; after patenting several accessories innovations he opened his first boutique in Paris in 1936. In addition to the Lamarthe boutique at 19, Avenue Opera, 75001 Paris, this European top seller can be found at Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marche. My bag was featured at Nordstrom, but I found the last one at T.J.Maxx!

Popularity: 57% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Handbags, lamarthe, leather, tote

Michael Kors, early 21st century

How great is a belt that’s also a necklace? Or a necklace that’s also a belt? With this elegant Michael Kors creation I take my inspiration from Coco Chanel and wear it a different way each time I put it on. It’s really quite stunning as a lariat!

This piece epitomizes the Michael Kors vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear.

Popularity: 53% [?]

Technorati Tags: Belt, designer necklace, leather, michael kors

anonymous, spring 2005
6 ½” l. x 4 ½” w. (base) x 8 ¾” h. + 5” drop;                                
bag flairs to 20” @ top edge

This light-hearted nude saddle leather tote works equally well with a simple linen sun dress or jeans and a tee. It’s another feel good piece—so much fun to carry—it seems that flowers should be spilling over the top!

I can’t tell you any more about it than what you see in the pictures—it has no label, logo, or “made-in” tag. However, the Loehmann’s price tag did say it was from Italy.

Popularity: 54% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Handbags, leather, tote

Charles Jourdan, spring 1985
“Liscorne”, noir/blanc (black/white)
10 ¼” w. 6 ½” h. + 46” detachable shoulder strap

This bag could be black or white! Love the contemporary geometric shape and the
graphic use of color!

Color blocking is not usually my taste—I generally prefer a much more monolithic look, but this was such a fresh approach—I just had to have the matching shoes and bag.  This combo was too much fun to pass up!

You can see that the bag has a detachable shoulder strap; I never used it.  The bag is much more chic carried as a clutch or tucked under the arm.

This bag and the shoes came from the fabulous Charles Jourdan boutique in the Trump Tower.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Technorati Tags: charles jourdan, clutch, Designer Handbags, leather, vintage

Issey Miyake, autumn 2006
4” x 4” base x 6” h. + cord

Adorable! This charming little bag is a unique combination of butter-soft leather and Kyoto bamboo with urushi lacquer. Hachiroh Kosuga, of the Kohchosai Kosuga Bamboo Gallery in Kyoto, is the bamboo designer. According to the gallery, “Kyoto bamboo gained the place in history when it was found ideal by Edison as the filament for his first electric lamps. And it is still highly prized for its purity, its natural flexibility and the living quality it retains even in finished works.

“With honor and respect for the bamboo, the craftsman combines his sensitivity and skill with this beauty in making a masterpiece. His creativity determines the value of the works.

“The delicate rhythm found in each piece is sometimes a harmony of the two.”

I was honored to be given this by a Japanese friend who knew of my passion for unique bags. It came from the Madison Avenue Issey Miyake boutique.

Popularity: 32% [?]

Technorati Tags: bamboo, Designer Handbags, issey miyake, kyoto bamboo, leather, urushi lacquer