Beauty and Fashion News

10 Hottest Gucci Handbags. Since the early 1920’s, Gucci has been the Italian brand to beat. They’ve consistently come up with trendy yet classy designs - and despite the hefty price tag - their and accessories are selling like hotcakes worldwide!

No wonder they’re the biggest selling Italian brand in the world!

Check out our top 10 picks best Gucci which are a real arm-candy this season:

10. Off-white Tapestry ‘Hysteria’ Bag
$1,295.00

This off-white tapestry bag is from Gucci’s “Hysteria” collection. The black leather trim and gold hardware lends it a classy touch which is bound to be a classic!

9. Guccissima Leather ‘Hysteria’ Bag
$2,150.00

Also from the “Hysteria” collection, this off-white bag which is made from Guccissima leather can be worn as a handbag or a shoulder bag. The off-white leather trim and gold hardware makes it easy to mix and match this bag with almost any outfit.

8. Purple Python ‘Hysteria’ Bag
$4,190.00

The fall-winter fashion collection is dominated by animal prints - whether it is faux or the real thing. Wear this purple python bag from Gucci even with your simplest outfit - and you can still have that off-the-runway look!

7. Black Leather ‘Babouska’ Boston Bag
$3,195.00

Our next pick takes its cue from a classic doctor’s bag, and it’s straight out of Gucci’s “Babouska” collection. I personally find that heart centerpiece and the tassel charming!

6. Beige/Ebony Crystal ‘Babouska’ Boston Bag
$1,950.00

Bring out the artist in you with the elegant fable embroidery of this Gucci handbag, which is also from their “Babouska” collection. It is made from Gucci’s CG fabric, it has a brown leather trim and an antique brassware.

5. Brown Suede ‘Babouska’ Bag with Brown Leather Trim
$2,395.00

This is one of my personal favorites - just check out the fringe detail and the adorable Gucci crest charm! The bag also has detachable shoulder straps, a snap closure - and plenty of room inside to hold your knickknacks and cell phone.

4. Black Leather ‘Babouska’ Bag with Antique Brass Hardware
$ 2,350.00

If you’re out and about town for an all-nighter, this roomy black leather bag from Gucci is your ideal companion. The shoulder straps are detachable, the bodice is finished from black leather and those studs are made of antique brass.

3. Beige/Ebony Crystal ‘Hysteria’ Clutch
$695.00

This is part of Gucci’s “Hysteria” clutch collection. The really classy handbag is made from GC fabric, has a brown leather trim and golf hardware. Pick one up for yourself and grace any event with style!

2. Red Leather ‘Babouska’ Evening Bag
$1,350.00

This bag’s definitely a sight for sore eyes! All that rich, red leather, the stud detailing, the feminine side ties and the heart-shaped Gucci crest detail all combine to make one fancy evening bag.

1. Moss Patent Leather ‘Hysteria’ Clutch
$1,050.00

Our top pick is this simple yet elegant Hysteria clutch with zip-top closure. It has that signature metal Gucci crest detail, side ties and inside pockets to hold your knickknacks in. Wear it with other metallic accessories or metal-hued clothes, and let the glint of the handbag allow you to sparkle all night long!

From: http://allwomenstalk.com

Gucci Fall 2008 Handbags. Fashion designer and founder of the Gucci firm, Guccio Gucci, was born in Florence, Italy. He opened his first shop in Florence in 1920, becoming known for his leather craftsmanship and accessories. His four sons joined the firm, and in 1953 (the year he died) the first overseas shop opened in New York City. Gucci’s grandson, Maurizio oversaw the resurrection of the firm in the 1980s, and became group president in 1989.

Gucci Hysteria Clutch
Metallic leather style with a wristlet strap and signature metal Gucci crest detail.
• 10″W X 3″H X 5½”D
• Goldtone hardware
• One inside pocket
• Top zip closure
• Made in Italy
$795

Beginning in 1990, American designer Tom Ford transformed the dormant Italian luxury brand into a billion-dollar empire of interlocking Gs. Along with Gucci’s CEO Domenico De Sole, Ford effected an astonishingly successful turnaround in a relatively short time.

Gucci Crystal Patent Clutch
Evening bag in shiny leather with gold buckle detail.
About 8¼”W X 3½”H X 1¾”D
$495

The breakout collection for Tom Ford was fall 1995, where his brightly colored fitted coats over satin shirts (unbuttoned to show cleavage) and hip-hugger pants pretty much changed the way fashion looked overnight and established Ford as an international tastemaker – a role the good-looking former actor embraced enthusiastically.

Gucci Babouska Evening Bag
Slim leather bag accented with a chain strap and signature heart-shaped Gucci crest detail.
• One inside pocket
• Brass hardware
• Snap closure
• 8¾”W X 5″H
$695

Gucci became the preferred wardrobe for international high-powered women and men who believe that sex appeal is an important part of social interaction. But following a series of legal and family disputes, the company was sold to the multinational Investcorp in 1993.

In 1999, the fashion world was riveted and entertained by the business battle that erupted when French luxury group LVMH tried to acquire Gucci. Tom Ford feared that its CEO, Bernard Arnault, would diminish the creative and financial autonomy he and De Sole required.

With Ford’s blessing, rival PPR triumphed, created the Gucci Group, and acquired Yves Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney, and Alexander McQueen. But as Ford’s contract ended, he and De Sole battled with PPR’s executives, and both left in April 2004.

Replacing Ford wasn’t easy. Alessandra Fachinetti, the first successor, quit after two seasons and was replaced by another in-house designer, Frida Ginanni, whose collections are selling well, but have yet to receive Ford-level raves.

From: http://designingdivas.blogspot.com

Handbag Trend Watch Big Bags. The reports of the incredible shrinking handbag have been grossly exaggerated as evidenced by the amazing roving lens of The New york Times’ Bill Cunnigham. Once again, he has captured a great selection of New York women and their amazing handbags for his On The Street feature.

The big focus this week was on the ever growing and ever brightening selection of handbags. Doubtlessly, the Louis Vuitton Richard Prince duffel on the left and it’s ilk was the most popular look. Other styles included the large L.A.M.B. tote (interesting how similar to the Louis Vuitton it is when they’re side by side), and brightly dyed skins. You can view the entire gallery which includes Guccis, Balenciagas, and lots more LV, along with wonderful commentary by Bill Cuningham himself via a fabulous video slide show on the New york Times site.
But, obvious “IT’ bags aside, the most amazing big bag in the set is this Yohji Yamamoto worn by a woman who has a truly singular and amazing sense of style (I see her in my neighborhood often, and she will also be familiar to anyone who regularly reads On The Street).

Most closely resembling a coin purse, this ginormous red fabric frame bag is the best tongue in cheek take on the over sized craze. I’m not even sure how you’d go about finding your wallet in there without a flashlight and one of those extended grabbers…of course, with a bag this size, you have room for both!

From: http://inmybag.blogspot.com

What Is So Great About Jimmy Choo Handbags? There are a lot of designer handbags on the market today. Of course, some of them are currently more popular than others. Lately, Jimmy Choo handbags have been getting a lot of attention. But what is it about the bags that seem to grab the interest of the buying public? Here are some suggestions as to why these handbags are at the top of the list for many folks.

First, handbags by Jimmy Choo are something a little new and different. While it is true that a handbag is meant to be practical, it should also by stylish and help to accentuate the personality of the person carrying the bag. The Jimmy Choo line seems to fill the bill for a lot of people on this point.

Second, the bags are extremely well made. There are no shortcuts with the materials used. The construction of the bags includes stitching that is even and tight. There are no dangling threads, no linings that are not secure. This means that the bags are not only eye-catching, but also are built to last through a lot of wear and tear. When you buy a Jimmy Choo, you get something that is worth owning, and is not going to collapse into a pile of rubbish after one or two outings.

Last, the Jimmy Choo handbags are versatile. They can be used in a number of different settings. They work with a tailored suit during the day and also can go to the club for an evening of fun. This means it is possible to move from work into a night out with friends without the need to switch handbags. So in a sense, you can say the Jimmy Choo line helps to save you time, and at a point when you would much rather be doing something else. Not every designer handbag can make this claim.

From http://www.imageandstylenews.com

Handbag Trend for Fall 2008. We of the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) ilk are already lamenting the end of summer, but what keeps our disorder at bay is the handbag trend for this fall.

Think Buying Fake Handbags is Harmless? Thinking of buying a fake designer handbag? One might reason that they are a harmless way to own a designer label without paying the hefty price tag. Unfortunately, this reasoning couldn’t be farther from the truth. What was once believed to be a “victimless” crime is, in reality, a crime of many. At TBF, we do nothing but love handbags and their designers. And we want everyone to know that it is so much more serious than simply infringing upon the intellectual property rights of companies or “cheapening” their images.

So who exactly are the victims of this so-called “victimless” crime. Many of these victims can be found in the factories in which the fakes are made. The truth is that most counterfeiters rely on child labor to produce their goods. What’s even worse is that many these children are forced to work in deplorable conditions. Of course, this is to be expected. After all, producing fake goods is illegal. This means that the work must be done in private, with these children being locked up in large rooms that are set up for assembly line production. According to an article in the January 2007 issue of Harper’s Bazaar, children as young as eight are “worked ragged in barely tolerable conditions, turning out everything from faux-luxury-brand handbags, wallets, and belts to cell phones.” The author of this article, Dana Thomas, goes on to say that the children live in these factories with little to no adult supervision.

For some people, the thought of exhausted little children piecing together fake designer handbags half way around the world is no big deal. Out of sight and out of mind. But what about the victims that can be found here in our own backyards? According to another article written by Dana Thomas, found in the January 2008 issue of Harper’s Bazaar,
“counterfeiting costs American businesses $200 billion to $250 billion annually and is directly responsible for the loss of more than 750,000 jobs in the United States.” The truth of the matter is, we are all victims of counterfeiting because it has such a devastating effect on our economy.

Unfortunately, the list of victims does not stop here. Innocent people all over the world could have potentially died due to the counterfeit trade. According to The Providence, a Canadian newspaper, terrorist groups such as al-Qaida and Hamas derive a large portion of their funding from the sales of counterfeit merchandise in North America. And according to an article written by Scott Malone for WWD, officials have evidence that the 1993 truck bombing at the World Trade Center was funded by a counterfeit T-Shirt ring. Knowing this, it’s disturbing to think what a “harmless” fake designer handbag bought off the street could have helped finance.

So if fakes are so bad, then why are there still so many of them out there? At one time, law enforcement officials would turn a blind eye to peddlers selling fakes on the street or house wives selling knockoffs at purse parties. After all, they do have more “important” matters to attend to. But this has started to change over recent years as the government has become more and more aware of the link between counterfeits and other, more serious, criminal activity. However, law enforcement efforts continue to be under minded by ordinary people that deliberately buy fakes. As long as there is a demand, there will continue to be a supply. So that’s where we, the consumers, come in. All of us at TBF urge everyone to think twice about intentionally buying fake designer handbags (or fake anything for that matter). If you can’t afford to buy the real thing, then don’t buy one at all. Pick out something nice from a legitimate, less-expensive brand or designer. Please! Help put a stop to counterfeiting!

From: http://www.bagbliss.com/

Fendi Snakeskin Circles Baguette Bag. Once again the House of Fendi creates one artistic and unique piece of couture, take a look at the Extra-Large Snakeskin Circles Baguette. I think its so fun how Fendi plays around with their signature Baguettes, varying in styles and patterns, but sometimes, you must admit, they do get a bit carried away. Personally speaking when I first saw all the appliqué on the Baguette, I disliked it all together. Too much and extremely tacky was my first reaction, then again, I was judging this piece off of images via the Internet. As many of us bagista’s know, pictures or better yet, stock photos do not justify the beauty of a handbag in person. With that said, after seeing this baguette and playing around with it, I began to admire it for its craftsmanship and detailing. A collage of snakeskin dyed in various hues decorates this baguette and rich leather compliments this piece finely. Buttery soft suede can be found lining this bag and its size is great for those gals who like to carry more than just their keys and lipgloss. Just because I did mention what great workmanship was put into this baguette doesn’t mean I’d give into this Fendi. It’s really not my style, but rather something I admire, instead. Then again, I don’t have the $4, 580 to drop on one single baguette!

From: http://bagbliss.com//

Mischa Barton Launches Retro Boho Handbags for Asos. Mischa Barton gets a lot of flack for her style mis-steps so my expectations for the handbag collection she did exclusively for Asos weren’t very high. In the photo above, she embodies her muses Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull to the tee, but in my opinion her collection contains more “misses” than hits for sure.

Here are a couple that don’t suck:

Retro bohemian babes can get their fix with this new line. 

From Site: http://alwaysinstylenyc.blogspot.com/

2008 Fall Handbag Trends. We’ve grown accustomed to putting some handbags away at the turn of the seasons as styles change from whimsical in summer to more romantic and sophisticated in the fall. But for Fall 2008, pretty much anything goes. While toting a big straw bag is probably not the best way to accessorize for a brisk fall day, a small rattan clutch with serious hardware is still au currant. Of course trends like jeweled clutches are more appropriate as the mercury drops but fun wristlets and slouchy hobo bags and oversized satchels like the Lily Satchel by D&G will transition seamlessly.

Getting a lot of play this fall are structured handbags with short handles and long straps alike. Oversized clutches and elongated clutches are still a hot ticket item but for women who like to travel lightly small, hardcased clutches are the way to go. I like the Elongated Shiny Silver Clutch, python clutch, and Large Bugel with Drop in Chain, all by Kotur.

Throwbacks to the traditional “purse” have a spot in the fall 2008 lineup, as do retro handbags reminiscent of the 1950s and printed totes like the Majorelle Bag by Laurent.

Classic handbags in traditional styles always have a place in your accessories wardrobe. The timeless tote and satchel will carry you through the week, and a sophisticated backpack is perfect for weekends. The Lexi Leather Satchel and Emma Shoulder Bag will take you from day to evening and season to season.

For dressy occasions, a clutch is an option or go for a satin handbag like the D&G Gemma Satin Clutch.

Whatever your style, there’s a handbag with your name on it. All you have to do is take your pick!

From: http://belisi.typepad.com/

Admit it, you’ve been waiting for a bag made from recycled chopsticks, haven’t you? No? It’s a good idea, obviously, but I’m not sure it’s incredibly successful in execution. The lining and strap are made from hemp and the strap can be adjusted, but it’s just not all that pretty, is it?

It costs $32 from Kwytza Kraft, where you can find lots more stuff made from recycled chopsticks. No, really.

From:http://www.thebaglady.tv