Bag It: Chain Strap Bags February 2nd, 2010 By

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

Chain strap bags have been reinvented as the new “it” bags!  If you are in search of a handbag specifically for ‘dress to impress’ occasions, consider one with chain straps.  Perfect for parties because of the elegant details, chain strap bags are more elegant than your everyday bag without crossing over into fancy evening bag territory.  The wearability factor for chain strap bags is high because of their versatility.  Check out some of my favorites listed below:

Tory_Burch_Distressed_Bag

Tory Burch Crossbody

1. Tory Burch Distressed Metallic Mini Crossbody
$250, Saks Fifth Avenue

This bag is versatile because its platinum metallic color can be worn with almost anything.  The chain straps are long enough for the bag to be worn across your body, making it the perfect bag to hit the dance floor!

Caliente Tote

Caliente Tote

2. Caliente Ninety Nine Tote
$43.98, Endless

This shoulder bag shows how multiple colors and textures can create a striking bag.  The copper and gold metallic snakeskin embossed fabric complement the mustard, black and taupe leather, making this a fun and funky evening bag.

Marciano_studded_flap_bag

Marciano Flap Bag

3. Marciano Oversized Studded Flap Bag
$195$129.90 (33% off), Nordstrom

Talk about a chic alternative to sequins and rhinestones.  The camel pleated leather balances the large pyramid studs and serves as the focal point of the outfit.

Dolce & Gabbana Bag

Dolce & Gabbana Clutch

4. Dolce & Gabbana Miss Martini Jeweled Clutch
$1,295, Neiman Marcus

This over the top chain strap bag nails the embellished look with gorgeous detailing.  Made of blue denim with multi-jewel and beaded flap, it’s designed for the woman who enjoys turning heads at the fashion forefront.

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Top 5: Must-Have Men’s Luggage February 1st, 2010 By

Style and fashion aren’t limited to what’s on your chest, rear and feet. It’s also what luggage, gym bag or laptop bag you’ve got in your hand. Just ask George Clooney. beso was thrilled to have a guest contributor bring us up to speed on women’s luggage. But what about the men? Not all of us have George Clooney’s costumer, much less his Oscars, of course. So if you’re a busy guy on the go, what do you need to pull out of your storage closet?

Aston Gym Bag

Aston Gym Bag

#1) The Aston Leather Gym Bag : Sure, gym bags often conjure up images of sweat and personal recrimination, but all duffel bags are not created equal. And this one will make you feel like a million bucks, even as you take care to keep your sweaty hands off its supple leather lining at the end of a tough workout. At $338 from luggage.com, make sure you treat it with care.

#2) Kenneth Cole Reaction Messenger Bag : I’ve previously extolled the virtues of the gorgeous Jack Georges laptop bag, but Kenneth Cole does a great job with leather products, and this is the perfect computer bag when you’re headed to the office.

Go Lite Carry On Bag

Go Lite Carry-On Bag

#3) Go Lite Carry-On Bag : How many times have you debated: should I stuff this novel I’ll never read into my carry-on bag, or will that make it so heavy that I’m going to be grumpy during this whole, tiresome airport experience? Go-Lite has come up with a reliable carry on bag with straps. Not quite a backpack, and not quite a suitcase. Somewhere in the middle, but it’ll make the long travel day go a lot faster.

#4) Tumi Luggage : This has long been my favorite brand of luggage, with their lifetime guarantee and wonderful customer service. Their bags last forever, which is a large part of the reason they never come cheap. However, eBags has some good deals, like the Tumi wheeled garment bags.

And, of course, don’t forget no. 5…

#5) The Man Bag : No, it’s not a “murse”, and it doesn’t make you any less manly. How many of us have compared our fat, bulging wallets with our friends? Ok, that wasn’t an unfortunate double entendre, but rather, an invitation to carry all those credit cards, grocery store value cards and IDs in one convenient place. And it even has a key chain to go along with its industrial strength shoulder strap, for those who need the extra power while fending off the fawning women this bag will attract.

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Bag It: In Love with Valentino October 29th, 2009 By

Valentino Petale Patent Leather Satchel

Valentino Petale Patent Leather Satchel

I don’t know what happened, but I’ve suddenly fallen – hard – for Valentino handbags.

I possess neither the flair nor the funds to support a habit for designer, luxury, or Italian leather goods; but the incredible craftsmanship, style, color and art of these bags is positively killing me.  They’re wearable sculpture.  Art for the everyday.  I’m in love.  Check out this gorgeous Valentino Petale patent leather satchel, $2,195 at Neiman Marcus.

There are many more Valentino bags on beso. Even if they aren’t to your taste (or budget), you have to admit, the originality and design is inspiring.

Bellisima!

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