Coach Beach Collection

　　

　　We have been lamenting over attempting to find the perfect beach bag. Do you spend $50 or $500, do you get a designer bag or kick-around-bag? It comes down to personal preference and what kind of use the handbag in question will get. What I advise is buying a bag that is in your comfort zone price wise and will perform the task you are looking for.

　　The Coach Beach Collection is coach handbags outlet worth checking out, with items illustrated by Pierre Le-Tan, known for his whimsical style and keen eye for color. While the actual beach bags that I would opt for in this collection still cost around $250, they are illustrated beautifully and have the perfect beach feel to them. As far as the illustrated canvas bags go, there is a seahorse, cabana, and umbrella theme. To be perfectly honest, I am having a hard time knowing which I like most. All I can picture is one of these totes, cut off shorts, a tee, my bikini, sunglasses, and a hat. Typical beach wear accessorized by the perfectly cute and fitting beach tote. Each canvas illustrated beach tote is $268 at Coach.

Lust, Love, Lose - Sequin Styles and Sins

　　As I start this post, I should confess that I put sequins in the same category as Pokemon; I feel like I've gotta catch 'em all, and some of them fell apart in my hands soon after. Through trial and error I've slowly learned what makes a great sequin piece that will hold up to a season of carrying.

　　When it comes to buying sequin pieces, it's important to look at the size of the sequins, the volume of sequins, and how they're attached to the bag. The best bags will have them stitched in place; I bought a clutch with stitched sequins three years ago and it's still in perfect shape today. Avoid bags that have sequins hanging off the bag, not only does it look cheap, but sequins will start falling off the first time you carry it and you'll leave a sparkly trail wherever you go (not as fun as it sounds, trust me).

　　Lust

　　

　　Valtentino Foot Candy Shoes

welcome my Coach handbags blog

　　This season I'm lusting after a grey and gold sequin and leather piece from Valentino. The muted colors contrast with the eye-catching effect of the sequins and the plain black leather reverse side makes the bag versatile enough to carry for a number of occasions. Sadly, at $1,695 retail I know it won't be added to my collection any time soon.

　　Love

　　

J. Renee Clutch Endless.com

　　Seeking a better option, I tried to pull apart what I really love about the bag so I could find those details on something a bit more in my budget. For me, the Valentino bag comes down to the two-tone sequins and the intriguing abstract pattern they create. Some web hunting led me to this J. Renee clutch, only $89 at endless.com, with a similar dual-colored feel. The purple and gold sequins seem to be attached well and the bag would be roomy enough for night out essentials. While it doesn't have the reversible quality of the Valentino, I'm sure I could find a small black clutch floating around in the depths of my closet if I really needed one.

　　Lose

　　

　　Vieta Balti Clutch from Endless.com

　　This Vieta take on the dual-colored sequin trend (also available at endless.com) is my choice to lose; the sequins are overly large and cheap looking and hanging from the bag instead of being sewn into place. While it has black leather detailing like the Valentino, the faux-leather material and giant bow just aren't doing it for me.

　　So, a little review: when it comes to sequin pieces, look for quality stitching and simple geometric shapes that can hold their own against all the shimmer and shine. Always, but especially with sequins, play with bags before you buy. Brush your hand over the bag, does anything flake off or feel sharp? Look around the display rack at the store. If the carpet is covered in sequins shed from the bags, chances are you'll be apologizing for the trail of sparkly mess following you everywhere you go. With a little careful shopping, you can find a great piece that will dress up your

What We Love Wednesday: Bagstil Handbags

　　

Bagstil, a name that mixes the English word 'bag' and the German word 'stil' (style), is both literal and accurate. We love these stylish yet highly functional bags. Cindy Gellerson, the founder of the brand, hails from Leipzig, Germany, a city known for craftsmanship, functionality, and quality. Now, fortunately for all of us, she lives in LA, land of all things trendy and aesthetically pleasing. She decided to combine two aesthetics in her brand making something "practical but sexy and cool at the same time." It certainly sounds German. Sure, a girl can tote a high-end designer bag around town, but can she fit her laptop in it? Will it strain her shoulder? Cindy's bags set out to solve this conundrum: she designed a bag to be stylish but functional and still retain a high quality for jetsetters and trendsetters alike. In short, Cindy wants it all. And we're glad she does as these bags are dripping with form and function.

　　Her bags (cleverly named THIS1 travels, THIS1 clubs, THIS1 computes and THIS1 shops) feature versatile interchangeable pockets that can be snapped in and out, making switching your valuables from one bag to another a breeze. The washed sheepskin leather makes each bag soft and buttery and the unique satin lining and hardware on the exterior makes each bag a gem to show off. Even if you're carrying around your laptop, makeup, cell phone and other accoutrements, you'll be hard pressed to put one of these gorgeous bags down.

For a twist on the velvet bag

　　

coach hands bags

For a twist on the velvet bag, these bucket bags fit well with a more casual outfit. Think chunky heather-grey sweaters with skinny jeans and over-the-knee boots. The cinched top, burgundy velvet, and chain strap on this White House Black Market Velvet Cinch Bag could cure the dreary winter outfits blues.

　　If burgundy isn't your flavor, try this Something Else Velvet Mini Bag in hot magenta. The mini bucket body with matching magenta velvet strap and fold over flap gives this classic schoolboy bag a new holiday zest. And if the schoolboy look isn't for you, go for a bag with more feminine details like this Kate Spade Skipper Flower Detail Bag-also in hot magenta! Pair it with a cream cable knit sweater dress, black tights and suede ankle booties, and you'll be sure to get some sleigh bells jingling and dreidels spinning.

　　Lastly, here's a bag for those of us who like to rock around the Christmas tree. This Asos Pieces Studded Velvet Bag with silver studs and chain link strap will add a punk edge to your outfit. Pair it with leather leggings, a maroon tunic sweater and cream oxford flats.

　　You can tote any number of velvet bags this holiday season and still retain your personal style. Or if you really want to step things up, go for a completely new look! Just be sure to talk it over first with Santa so he knows what to put on your fashion wish list.

How to Wear Animal Print Bags

　　

Rocking an animal print handbag can take a little guesswork, but there's no reason to stray from the prints because they can add major drama to any look.

　　1. Consider the Print

　　Some animal prints are subdued, others are in-your-face. Choose what suits your style and then factor the print in when creating a look. There's nothing wrong with a loud animal print (such as a zebra print in bold color), but understand that a subtle animal print can create just as much of an impact when worn with basic colors and sharp silhouettes.

　　2. Consider the Occasion

　　An animal print suits almost any occasion. OK, we aren't suggesting showing up at grandma's funeral with an oversized leopard hobo, but for most occasions, you're safe with a classic animal print bag in zebra or leopard print. A roomy hobo is ideal for traveling, a cross-body drawstring suits vacations when you'll need your hands free, and a day clutch is a great option for tucking in to your work tote and then grabbing when you're headed out for the night.

　　3. Keep the Rest Classic

　　For a 2010s fashionista, animal print is fairly classic. But if you don't want to look like a fashion victim, refrain from wearing an abundance of trendy pieces stacked with the animal print purse. If you want to do a trendy pair of shoes like lace-up booties, go with slim fitting jeans and a button-up shirt to keep the remainder of the look chic. For dressier occasions, try a structured sheath dress or a shrunken suit and pointed toe pumps to keep the look sophisticated and grown-up, but still playful thanks to the animal print bag.

　　4. Let the Bag Speak for Itself

　　In the end, if you're unsure how to wear an animal print bag, just remember to keep your look simple and let the bag be the focal point of the look. You can play with the animal print by add safari-inspired touches like a belted trench, aviator sunglasses or wooden bangles.

Before school took over my life and demanded a bag that fit my laptop

　　

Amanda Bynes loves her Speedy 35 (Image credit: blog.americanchic.net)

　　Before school took over my life and demanded a bag that fit my laptop, I spent my days happily living out of a Louis Vuitton Speedy 35. If you've seen a Speedy 35 you know you can live out of it. It's huge, fabulous, and a little daunting. But never fear! With a little direction you can tote a big bag without losing your keys or hurting your back in the process.

　　Get a base shaper

　　One of the best kept secrets of bag lovers everywhere, base shapers are typically made of plastic and fit perfectly into the bottom of your bag. Shapers do just what the name implies: they make a bag hold its shape and get rid of the "slouchy" look. You can buy shapers online for nearly any style bag or you can make one yourself out of cardboard. Either way, a shaper will create a strong base to organize your purse and keep everything from falling to the center.

　　Invest in bags for your bag

　　Inside my Speedy there live three little bags that function as organizing tools: one to hold pens and pencils, one for makeup, and one for my phone and keys. Little bags not only keep you organized, they protect your investment - who hasn't had nightmares of finding lipstick stains marring the interior of their dream bag? Some bag in bag action will keep your lining beautiful for years to come.

　　Pack sparingly

　　It's always tempting to tuck 'just in case' products in your purse and even more when you have a big bag. Be careful how much you're carrying and take time once a month to dump everything out of your bag and reassess. Do you really need everything you're carrying? Take out a few products and feel the weight lift off your shoulders.

　　Vuitton not your man? The same basic principals will get your comfortable in a Balenciaga City, a Hermes Marwari, or any large bag that catches your eye. With a little planning and some simple tools, you'll be rocking a big bag in no time.

Earlier this month, jaws in the high fashion world dropped

　　Earlier this month, jaws in the high fashion world dropped. The Row, the ready-to-wear line from Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, announced the release of its first line of handbags. It wasn't the pictorial reveal of said bags or even a rerun of Two of a Kind that caused the collective gasps and screams of horror. Rather, five little numbers set the blogosphere and Twitter on fire: 39000.

　　39000, also known as $39,000, is the price for a black crocodile backpack from the twins who, in a past life, performed ditties like "B-U-T-T Out" and "Gimme Pizza" on straight-to-VHS classics. They've matured, folks! Some Fashion News

　　Still, if I'm going to spend $39,000 on a handbag, it better come equipped with a real life Olsen twin ready to spout cheesy one liners ("You got it, dude!") at a moment's notice.

　　

　　Image courtesy of Marie Claire

　　So, what's the point? Are the Olsen twins simply trying to make a statement, declaring that they have, in fact, grown up and are as sophisticated as other high end bag designers? Are these sisters showing us that you really can't appreciate the art of their craftsmanship without possessing 39K? Are they trying to prove that the quality of their products is truly on par with the great leather goods houses?

　　If the Olsens are indeed testing the collective body of American fashion, I would say that I have failed miserably. No matter how gorgeous a handbag (and let's face it, The Row's backpack is pretty lame save for its glossy croc skin), I can't justify spending the equivalent of a year's worth of Ivy League tuition or the full cash payment for a really nice Lexus on a bag.

　　I'll admit, I would gladly drop $10,000 (donations accepted!) on an Hermès Birkin, a mythic purse that has withstood the tests of time and trends to remain one of the most coveted and superior designs to ever exist, but $39,000 on a brand new bag from a brand new accessories collection?