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Help Bobbie hunt for handbags!

Posted: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 1:49 PM by Bobbie Thomas
Filed Under:

 From Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

I'm on the hunt for handbags... and I want your help! Every spring and fall, I spend hours on end flipping through lookbooks, scouring stores, and surfing the Web for the season’s best bag offerings. While I’m excited to share some of my favorite finds, I’d also love to know what carryalls have caught your eye.

Whether you’re drooling over a designer dream bag or have spotted a style steal somewhere – leave a comment below and let’s see if we can kick off our own virtual handbag guide for all allDAY readers to enjoy. And tune in to see my fall’s hottest handbag segment on TODAY, September 17th, to see if your pick makes a cameo (with a shout out, of course!)

Photo credit: Foley and Corinna, foleyandcorinna.com

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I’m generally not a huge clutch fan (there’s never enough room to hold all my Sephora loot!), but I’m loving this season’s studded take on them. Instead of small and feminine, they look a little tough and edgy. My favs? The Rachel by Rachel Roy Kat Chain Clutch ($79) and Topshop’s Stud Panel Clutch ($80).


http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=418135&CategoryID=46898

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=32051&storeId=13052&categoryId=133521&parent_category_rn=133517&productId=1307869&langId=-1&cmpid=tsss

Riners (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 2:45 PM)

I love many, many handbags. But the one I really am hot for right now is the line of CAMPO bags at J crew. I love the gray for fall, probably in the cross body style.

Alison Jaeb (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:02 PM)

Why does New Year's Eve get all the sparkly fun? I'm stocking up on sequins early this year.

DVF Kate Clutch in Gold Sequins: http://www.dvf.com/dvf/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=H1187175T9&categoryId=ACCESSORIES+AND+GIFTS&source=shopstyle

Betsey Johnson Glam Frame Shoulder bag: http://www.betseyjohnson.com/store/productdetails2.aspx?productid=6581&np=9001

Riners (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 3:03 PM)

I own a store call Turquoise Door in "The Village" in Lake Las Vegas and sell a wonderful line of handbags called Ransom & Scout. This line brings to life a unusual collection of whimsical characters - Ransom, Scout and Apollo (to name a few), each with its own clever story. Hand painted Italian leather and surprising details create a line that appeals to those who are in search of unique, attention-getting style.  The Apollo shoulder bag is not to be missed!

Karen Saunders, Henderson, NV (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:01 PM)

I love this handbag from Moyna! Such a fun accessory to brighten up any outfit!

http://www.moynabags.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/products/bx3453.html?L+scstore+rmwy7194ffc654c6+1252936789

Melissa Dunn, New Orleans, LA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:20 PM)

I love, love looooove Laura Merkin. Her bags are gorgeous without being over the top. Our favorite versatile clutch is here: http://witwhimsy.com/2009/04/28/designers-we-love-laura-merkin/

she's got loads of great Fall options, too at LauraMerkin.com! Think you will love them, Bobbie!

Meghan Donovan, San Francisco, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:22 PM)

I am a handbag person for sure!  I love scooping out all the new bags from pricey designer to the inexpensive.  I think you should really check out this website, www.bkrebsbach.com.  She is a hot new designer and has some great innovative ideas.  She may have more from her first collection but does not show them on her website, but just ask for pictures.  I just love the uniqueness and how trendy they are!  

Bobbi (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 4:26 PM)

I love having a wide variety of handbags in my closet to choose from, so I typically hunt for great deals. This fall I am all over the embellishment trend and have found a few deals at HandbagHeaven.com. I have my eye on several, but have narrowed down my immediate selection to the SoCal, Carrington and Bethany.

https://www.handbagheaven.com/biker-glam-tote.html

https://www.handbagheaven.com/oversized-floral-clutch.html

https://www.handbagheaven.com/the-bethany.html

Victoria, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:12 PM)

Hobo International makes great bags for every woman. The interior organization is a dream come true for any woman who carries her life in her purse! They are know for their famous "Lauren" and "Rachel" clutch wallets, but their handbags and other wallets are equally fabulous! Check out their web site
http://www.hobobags.com

Lauren Boyd, Annapolis, MD (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:18 PM)

Check out these new bags from Gigi Hill.  Based out of Orange County, CA, these bags are very modern and chic yet very functional.  They are high quality bags that can go from the beach to the boardroom with unique fabrics and a practical pocket design.

Pamela Pearson, Orange County, CA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:26 PM)

I adore bags and one I got recently is the Jimmy Choo that has a zipper. It converts to a small when zipped and larger unzipped. I got the khaki green...It's awesome. The new Hermes birkin is also wonderful, they added a thick strap and outside pockets..It is HOT!!!

Judy, Wellesley, MA (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:34 PM)

My daughter and I both love the bags at www.oldbagzz.com They are made from vintage fabrics and have a variety of styles. My daughter loves that she doesn't walk down the street and see five other people with her bag.

Karen MacLeod, Hillsboro NH (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 6:44 PM)

Loving the new cross body chain mini bag from Banana Republic for $95.  Perfect to head out for dinner and then dancing with just your ID, credit card and phone.  I even blogged about it today!

Jenni, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, September 08, 2009 10:20 PM)

I love my Take it easy purple bag with studs and with silver chain I recently purchased on e-bay. I can remove the chain and wear it without it. It goes with everything and it is not too big and not too small - I put inside keys, phone, wallet, makeup bag.

Anka Bizjak, Ljubljana, Slovenia (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 4:17 AM)

I love suede for Fall, and Land's End has two GREAT suede bags that are beautiful quality at unbelievable prices -- a hobo style in lovely Fall colors like gold and charcoal gray for 99.50, and a satchel w/croc leather trim for 169.50. Not a typical place I check for handbags ... a real find!

Pam, Chicago (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 6:16 AM)

I am originally from Wisconsin but live with my sexy scottish husband in Edinburgh now and we have a little ladies boutique, so we are always paying attention to whats adorable right now! I know I am right when I say, the more different and original the handbag right now, the better! The style over here right now is crazy but brilliant! There is an amazing designer in the UK, whom we have had our eye on, who makes handbags that you would and will never see anywhere else or anyone else with the same one. The name is "Jolaby", and the style is so different. I think people in the US would love it! Very vintage chic.

Amber Shaw (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 9:19 AM)

Have one custom made.  You can choose colors, patterns, styles, etc. Here is an example of one.

http://elsieeleanor.blogspot.com/2009/08/finished.html

Karen (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 9:48 AM)

My favorite bag is my JPK Paris nylon bucket bag in burnt orange from Nordstrom. I am always getting complimented on it and must admit that my teenage daughter picked it out for me.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3030545/0~2376779~2374605~6022946?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6022946&P=1

Kris Diana Wallingford, CT (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:05 AM)

I LOVE the ecoist and english retreads handbags made from recycled materials. The ecoist is made FAIR TRADE from recycled newspapers, magazines, food wrappers and come in every shape and size. English Retreads look like black leather but are in fact made from reclaimed truck tire inner tubes. Ultra chic!

ecoist bags: http://myearth360.com/brand/ecoist
english retreads: http://myearth360.com/brand/english-retreads

VERY COOL are the solar powered bags--you can charge your ipod, cell phone right in there! http://myearth360.com/brand/noon-solar

Lynn Hasselberger, North Barrington, IL (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:15 AM)

check out Valextra bags !

miki munno (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:25 AM)

A great find at a great price is the Dylan Zip Tote by linea pelle - I've had mine (in purple) just over a month and I've never had so many complements on a bag before - it's a bonus that it's only $495!!!  Her entire collection is great and has been seen on stars like Marcia Cross & Lauren Conrad.  The Dylan comes in a great gray, black, a few brown hues, an olive hue shade, and a gorgeous purple that almost looks gray, black or brown in certain lighting - and hides all marks.  

Kath Duncan, Los Angeles California (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:38 AM)

I own two Elsie Eleanor purses by Elsie Eleanor Designs and love them both.  They are original designs, and will not be duplicated by Elsie Eleanor Designs unless requested by the owner.  They are so well constructed and of high quality fabrics.  I have received many compliments when I carry them, and I definitely will be owning more.  Custom orders are also welcomed.  An amazing designer!  Visit these websites to view her designs:  www.elsieeleanor.blogspot.com and www.etsy.com/shop.php?user-id=6533295

Nancy Yohe, Hermitage, PA (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 10:48 AM)

I think that I enjoyed the comments more than the article! Great info from the many like minded handbag fanatics out there. Thanks especially to Victoria from Houston - LOVE the Handbag Heaven site! My credit card is smoking!

Karen, NJ (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 11:10 AM)

For me it is all about the wristlet.  I love the large wristlets by coach in all sorts of colors especially my favorite color purple.  I also have one that is less expensive by Liz Claiborne the wristlet looks like a gold charm braclet with little gold charms on it.  They are handy for the busy woman especially mothers who have a toddler on their hip and need to run errands. Or a night out in the city.

Jennifer Nichols, Easton, CT (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 11:14 AM)

You can't go wrong with a seatbelt bag from Harvey's.  They're fun and stylish and come in just about every size, shape, and color you'd ever need. They're also durable and take a lot of abuse. www.seatbeltbags.com

Jen Stewart, Greenfield Indiana (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 11:21 AM)

Up to now I've pretty much been a small handbag person but this fall I'm searching out for the ultimate handbag. I'm looking to go bigger for the style (although the ones I've found have seemed excessively large compared to what I'm used to) and for sure I'm looking for some subtle color. I tend to always stick to black handbags but not this fall. I just ordered a handbag that I'm hoping is all that I'm expecting.

Stephanie (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 12:22 PM)

I just bought a Mary Frances bag. I have only seen her evening bags in stores before. This one named ROCK OUT is a great jean or casual bag with amazing detail (turquoise,red and brown lg beads other stones and three layers of ruffles. It is very eye catching.  

Nancy Talarico,Haines City, Fl. (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 12:43 PM)

I love this Audrey from Rowallan - reminds me of a vintage bowling ball bag!

http://rowallanusa.com/product_categories.php?/products/audrey/&collection_id=13&item_id=71-6335&category_id=3

jellybean1971 (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 1:37 PM)

I love my Miche Bag (michebag.com).  One basic handbag with lots of outside covers - dressy and/or casual.  With this bag you only change the outside of the bag - you never have to worry about transferring your stuff from one bag to an other.

Anneke Simmons, Albany, GA (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 1:46 PM)

I love my Miche Bag (michebag.com).  One basic handbag with lots of outside covers - dressy and/or casual.  With this bag you only change the outside of the bag - you never have to worry about transferring your stuff from one bag to an other.

Anneke Simmons, Albany, GA (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 2:01 PM)

I just fell in love with the Butler Bags by Jen Groover. One of my friends found her and now I own about 4. The bag contains dishwasher type compartments so I never lose anything

Katie, Washington DC (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 2:15 PM)

Okay, here's my current dream bag.  It's called the Sleepover Mini by Rebecca Minkoff.  Kinda pricey but so gorgeous!  Check it out: http://www.rebeccaminkoffstore.com/product/sleepover-mini/

parentingbydummies, Frederick, MD (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 2:27 PM)

I'm so excited to see this segment about handbags on September 17 and I also wanted to give my 2 cents on what handbags I think are adorable.

1.http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/shoulder-bags-totes/product/75857308-majocka/37

2.http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/shoulder-bags-totes/product/74239866-hodges/32

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THIS IS THE PERFECT GOING OUT ON THE TOWN CLUTCH

3.http://www.ninewest.com/Gabby-Clutch/4215348,default,pd.html?cgid=1005&itemNum=1

Ashley, lake city florida (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 4:35 PM)

Coach Cambridge collection, the large leather hobo in grey/black/gunmetal, I just bought it and it's the most amazing bag I've ever owned. Great bag for fall and forever!!!

Kate, Northville, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, September 09, 2009 7:26 PM)

I have fallen in love with my Harvey's seat belt bag.  It's made out of seat belts!  It's tough and looks great.  I chose kind of a neutral color, but they come in so many different colors.  I get lots of compliments on my beloved purse.

Tonya LeTourneau, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:18 AM)

I was never big on designer handbags but i found a coach satchel that I can't get enough of. Its roomy and sylish and makes a bold statement. It's the coach legacy signature satchel with patent leather(white) trim. It's a great summer bag and i always get complements when I wear it. And it makes anything I wear look great. I never knew a good bag could make an outfit!!! What a great investment!!!    

Annette Barbara (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 11:47 AM)

Not big - not fancy, but if you want something one of a kind and cute, how about this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10451847

Debi Rogers (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:00 PM)

Tod's d-bag -- got to have it, love the size, color and it's clean design www.tods.com, my other fav this season is Cole-Haan Sloane bag -- great texture and look

Susan Wade, Falls Church, VA (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:01 PM)

i've actually never been a handbag junkie . . . i keep it super simple and easy to throw around. right now, i am using a canvas tote bag that says JUNKYARD DOG . . . :) holds a million and one things! and i can throw it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. and i love it! OH . . . and it only cost 15 bucks or so!!!! :) can't beat that! LOVE BOBBIE THOMAS . . by the way!!!!

amie sikes, college station, texas (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:01 PM)

Hey! I recommend this 'Deux Lux Twist Bag' from Urban Outfitters. It's great for work and for Saturday afternoon shopping. And you have to feel it! Super soft and light weight! Perfect, because you can fit tons of stuff in it!

Here's the link:
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=16533192&parentid=W_ACC_BAGS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=12&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=W_ACC_BAGS&popId=WOMENS_ACCESSORIES&prepushId=

Melissa Duggan, Toronto, Canada (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:02 PM)

I am completely and uttery obsessed with the new Alexander McQueen skull and knuckl eduster clutches. They are totally glam, and if I had the budget, I would own them all. Here are the best ones:

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Womenswear/autumn-winter-09/Bags/P-RED-KNUCKLE-DUSTER-CLUTCH.aspx

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Womenswear/autumn-winter-09/Bags/P-BLACK-ORNATE-SKULL-CLUTCH.aspx

http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/us/en/shop/Womenswear/autumn-winter-09/Bags/P-BLACK-CRYSTAL-SKULL-CLUTCH.aspx

Lindsey, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:05 PM)

Can't wait for this segment! I am a handbag hoarder. I would love to carry a small bag, but with a 2yr old, I need SPACE! I currently am in love with my Badgley Mischka large black patent bag with removable gold chain straps. Zippered bottom for extra storage as well as 3 seperate compartments. Fits everything! I need a new bag as I've been carrying this for months now (NEVER without compliments). Anything you can find that's chic & large but with thought put to ease of orginization will be my next fave for sure!

Meredith, here in, NY (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:14 PM)

Naturally Knotty bags are what you are looking for. They are reasonably priced and can be found at Costco.com as well as Target. Knotty bags are made from sustainable factory scrap recycled materials. Therefore, they are environmentally friendly and can last a lifetime.
www.naturallyknotty.com

Sandi Kellogg, Payette Idaho (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:21 PM)

I tend to buy a great quality bag, like Coach, and use it for a few years.  If it's a classic design & great quality, leave the trendy to clothes or shoes.

Sally, Willow Oaks, VA (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:12 PM)

The owner of Tarotbagchic.com makes wonderful clutch bags from your old unused prom, bridesmaid, or wedding dresses.  They are not only beautiful and useful but they remind you of the dress and the ocassion!!  I have three and I can share photos but I don't know how to do it here.  I'll try adding a link to them http://tinyurl.com/ms8cc5

Patricia Cote (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:25 PM)

You should take a look at my friends' very unique products at www.trashbagz.com!  They're just getting started, but it is a great idea and very, very green-centric!  Tell them Eric sent you! :)

Eric Knight, Castle Rock, CO (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 1:50 PM)

Hayden Harnett Trophy bag. In any color!

Kimberly, Fincastle, VA (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:15 PM)

Naturally Knotty bags! I love them too! They are original and you can use them daily.

Chelsea Fine, Grants Pass, OR (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 3:07 PM)

I fell in LOVE with a Tory Burch bag I saw on Neiman Marcus's website.  It is brown and covered with fringe.  Perfect bag for the "Couture Hippie".  Then I saw some Cole Hann boots that would be perfect with it.  But alas, they will not be mine.  I gave up my fall purse and shoe fund to take my best friend on a vacation before she is deployed to Iraq for a year.  I will have to carry last year's Marc Jacobs.  Whoa is me.  LOL!  I will give up a bag any day to be with my personal hero.  

Eileen, Gilbert, AZ (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 4:02 PM)

Every time I take my Naturally Knotty tote out - people ask me where I got it! It's so fun to say that it's made from factory scrap leftovers and recycled pop bottles! Totally eco-chic.

Seri Setsuko, Portland, OR (Sent Thursday, September 10, 2009 6:58 PM)



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