SPRING HANDBAGS - A FEW FAVORITES

Spring is arriving in just a few days. When a new season begins, I usually freshen up my wardrobe and that includes buying a new handbag. (At least one bag and hopefully don't go overboard!)

After recent store visits and internet searches, I've picked out a few stylish handbags for further consideration. Based on interesting designs and attractive colors, below are the three standouts.

Bottega Veneta, known for its Intrecciato craftsmanship with handbags and shoes, has a fun way with the attractive Mini Jodie design. The bag shown, in shades of camel and brown in printed lambskin has a cotton shirting effect and sleeve knot detail. It is distinctive and makes me smile. Have you ever seen leather looking like a shirt? It even fits iPhone 15 Pro Max!

I could see this bag made to look like other cotton shirts in an endless variety of colors and stripes and other buttons. Imagine it designed with a royal blue and white stripe and pearl buttons. The price is $3,000. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/3v7s94nz

Longchamp, known for a diverse offering of Le Pliage bags in man-made and / or leather fabrications recently added several leather bags to its line up.

One of the notable bags has an interesting shape. It is named Le Foulonne. It has a double handle and a cross body strap as well as a snap closure It comes in six colors. The lovely bag is shown here in this cheerful apricot shade. The price is $495. The link is here: https://tinyurl.com/399v4dne

The Swedish fashion company TOTEME known for minimalism and focusing on sustainability has a smart looking bag that is available in several colors. Shown here is the T-Lock top handle in the color fawn.

The curved top curved top flap adds interest. There are two inside pockets and a feature that should be in all ) if style permits) handbags is it has protective feet. A detachable and adjustable shoulder strap is included. It currently is available in three colors and the Company's website shows three additional colors will be coming soon. The price price is $1,390. The link to it at Saks Fifth Avenue is here: https://tinyurl.com/4tmpsxnf

Are you planning to buy a new handbag for Spring? What are your top picks?

EMBRACING PEARLS IN YOUR WARDROBE

Are pearls in style now? I’ve seen this question included on fashion websites and in articles during every season for years on end. I think pearls are always in style. Depending on the type of pearls and what outfit the pearls are a part of you can’t go wrong. Pearls are perfect!

The options are endless for embracing pearls in your outfit and could be worn anywhere from head to toe. Don’t over pearl it though! Sticking to one or two pearl items will work just fine.

Starting from the top of the head and working down to the feet, here are a few options. Lele Sadoughi, known for delightful headbands, hats, handbags and jewelry has a number of pieces with faux pearls. This one is the light denim pearl bezel denim knotted headband. Another nice reason for wearing this piece is that is shows off denim, a current (but isn't it always?) fashion trend. The price: $195. https://tinyurl.com/3dasstnx

Selecting pearl earrings could be daunting. Yet, I find it fun experimenting with both real and faux pearl earrings along with the range of styles. Mulberry, the largest manufacturer of luxury leather goods in the United Kingdom has an attractive jewelry collection as well and it includes pieces with pearls. These are the Amberley baroque freshwater pearl with gold plated glass earrings. The earrings are also available in silver. The price: $320 https://tinyurl.com/yc354ras There are two Amberley necklaces and the Amberley chunky necklace is a great look!

LAGOS, a favorite brand, and one I previously wrote about offers many pearl pieces. A search on its website shows over 100 pieces with pearls. The assortment includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. You will find something nice with a pearl on the website.

However, scanning Nordstrom’s website the other day I came across this lovely LAGOS necklace. Described as “A sterling silver necklace pops with bubbly Caviar beading and glossy freshwater pearls.” Beautiful! The price: $850 https://tinyurl.com/9wxj6ed7

Dresses with pearls is a smashing look. Two recently seen online are posted here. The first one is on the demure side and the second one a little on the bold side -- because it is a mini!. Both stunning! The first, a black pearl trimmed sheath is available at Neiman Marcus is from the brand Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon.

This company has magnificent day to dinner wear and has been operating for over 30 years. The company one of my favorite fashion finds. The price: $540. https://tinyurl.com/5fcfw22w

The second, is a white minidress is from Cinq à Sept. It is the Joel charm detail bouclé blazer minidress. The charms, which includes pearls are in the front and the back. It is available at Nordstrom. The price: $695. https://tinyurl.com/2vtkjhfd

Handbags with pearls have yet to make it into my wardrobe, with the main reason being either if fake or real pearls it would be too fragile for the way I live. Nevertheless, this doesn’t stop me from looking! This Balmain B-Army imitation pearl grocery bag is a leather bag, both inside and outside. Love the detachable coin purse and with a removable gold chain, the bag can be worn several ways. Fantastic! The bag is on the Bloomingdale’s website. The price: $2,450 https://tinyurl.com/28chn86c

If feet are the place to flaunt pearls, a pair by Jimmy Choo might be the right choice. These are the Aurelie 65 patent leather pumps. There are three color options, black, latte and ballet pink. A great feature is the heel is about 2.6 inches so that is a walkable heel. (at least for me!) The price: $925. https://tinyurl.com/53kyw8sv

To put it plainly, wearing pearls makes me feel good. A favorite pearl piece I have is a baroque pearl necklace purchased at Rio Pearl while working in Hong Kong. Rio Pearl, located in Kowloon has an amazing selection of pearl jewelry. Its professional, patient and friendly associates are wonderful to work with helping me to find the perfect pearls.

FINDING MY PERFECT MULBERRRY BRACELET AT NORDSTROM

Last week during New York Fashion Week I was invited to a Mulberry event at the New York City Nordstrom store. It was enjoyable creating a custom fit and personalized leather bracelet.

Seated on the store’s second floor with a few other guests at a table with a range of tools and boards, two professional and eager to help Mulberry artisans who work in the Company’s Somerset, UK Atelier guided us to create a fabulous bracelet.

The first step, choosing the color was tricky as all the choices were beautiful. I opted for a neutral shade. After that we used the tools to set the hole, placed it on our wrists for a custom fit, banged away and set the hardware in place. The last step was placing the monogram on the leather.  

In addition to this being an engaging event, it showed Mulberry’s commitment to circularity. The leather used is called an “offcut” which is a waste material that can be reused or recycled. In this case it created a lovely finished product.

The Made to Last section of the Mulberry website is a straightforward and an extensive description of the Company’s commitment to sustainability. As it is the largest manufacturer of luxury leather goods in the UK (according to the website) the Company’s efforts could be impressive over the long term.

With my interest in luxury resale, the website’s Pre-Loved section caught my attention and I explored further. It was comforting reading the pre-loved bags “have been expertly authenticated and by highly skilled artisans in our Somerset Atelier." Authentication is the most important aspect of luxury resale as it creates trust. The website has just a few dozen

handbags listed and this could be a growing segment for the Company.  I’ll be keeping my eye in this.

I’m glad to have been part of this engaging event. Not only did I find my perfect Mulberry bracelet at Nordstrom, I created it.

Maybe during the next New York Fashion Week Mulberry and Nordstrom will have an event to take it to the next level and work with us to create a personalized handbag!