shopbop shoptalk

Spring Handbag Report: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Big hair bows, tribal-print bags, and cinched waists were key accessories on the Marc by Marc Jacobs runway.

I just got back from an appointment at Marc by Marc Jacobs, and I’m not sure I can wait until spring to get these bags! The collection in a nutshell:

COLOR: The shades run from the bold and the brilliant to the beautifully neutral. Watch for metallics, hot pink, shocking orange, navy, caramel, and cream.

PRINTS: They’re mixed and varied: African inspiration, tribal, oversized polka dots, neon hearts, and of course, Miss Marc (she’ll be blonde and brunette this spring!).

EMBELLISHMENTS: Coming in the form of tribal-inspired mixed-metal studs, zippers, chains, and sporty quilting.

SHAPES: Watch for duffels that convert to messengers, hobos that convert to messengers, and messengers that, well, are just messengers. Plus all sizes ranging from the mini to the oversized.

ACCESSORIES: The much-talked-about LV bunny ears are reinvented for the Marc girl as look-at-me hair bows, and your waist will continue to be defined this spring with studded belts.

--Kassidy

More pictures after the jump!

Spring Handbag Report: Mulberry Goes to the Carnival

Fuchsia bags stole the show at Mulberry, while fringe underlined the presentation's playful feel.

“Scream if you want to go faster! Love, Mulberry”

The British handbag juggernaut transformed the Soho House Library into a full-on fairground fantasy complete with carousel horses, carnival candy, pink lemonade, and a Mulberry girl’s best friend: a cute pooch. Bags in hot peony pink in a range of shapes from totes to hobos to messengers and even animal prints stole the show! Mixed-media bags combining snake, leather, and leopard were neutralized with splashes of nude, and the playful feel of the collection was accentuated with oversized fringe hobos, studded clutches, chic animal-print messenger bags, and bow-embellished totes.

Splashes of nude neutralized the line's animal prints, and studs offered a touch of edge.

--Kassidy

Spring Handbag Report: Rebecca Minkoff

A few things to look forward to this spring, courtesy of Rebecca Minkoff.

Rebecca Minkoff lovers are going to have fun picking out their must-have bag next spring!  Mixed-metal studs, animal prints, and primary colors are the key ingredients for these fresh, amped-up bags. Sporty, studded-out duffels gave off an all-eyes-on-me effect, while luxe oversized hobos, boho messengers, and the best mini cross-body bag out there radiated Minkoff’s signature balance of rocker and chic.

--Kassidy

P.S.  Watch out for Rebecca’s new studded wrap bracelet coming to Shopbop this holiday!

More pictures from the presentation after the jump.

get yours now! alexander wang handbags have arrived

 
Think back to more innocent times, specifically childhood: the night before Christmas/your birthday/some major event that had you lying in your bed tingly with excitement. Now imagine that sensation spanning five long months. It’s a feeling that’s been in the air of the shopbop offices ever since accessories buyer Kassidy brought back photos of the fall Alexander Wang handbags in February. And this week, the tension finally broke.

These bags are more than leather to be stuffed with everyday necessities and slung over a shoulder. They’re a phenomenon. The Coco Duffel Kassidy mentioned in her Fashion Week report, the one spotted on Mary-Kate Olsen long before we mere fashion mortals could get our hands on it? Sold out. In a day. Sorry to dangle that in front of your nose only to snatch it away, ladies, but you see my point. These are bigger than It bags. They’re carry-for-the-rest-of-your-life-and-love-it bags.

So pick your buttery-soft, brilliantly designed, absolutely undeniable poison while it’s still there for the choosing. I, for one, will make short order of deciding between the Eniko Gunny Sack, Jess Small Tote, and Donna Hobo (I especially love it in the black denim leather). Or maybe it’ll be the Dorothy Shopper (the last time it was in it sold out before I could nab it, and I spent the weeks following daydreaming about it).

Am I overdramatizing the urgency here? Maybe, but I think these beautiful creations are worth the commotion.

--Amie

Build a Better Handbag Wardrobe

More than any other piece of fashion, a handbag is an extension of the woman carrying it. It’s a daily part of her life that travels with her around the world and back on quixotic caravans, enlightening caucuses, and clandestine rendezvous. If you want to get to know a woman in 30 seconds, just empty out the contents of her purse.

Problem is, some women are searching for that one singular satchel when they really should be building a handbag wardrobe. You’re not one-dimensional, so your closet shouldn’t be either. Like any valuable collection it takes time to acquire, and with a bevy of designer handbags to choose from, the task of finding what you absolutely adore can feel a bit exasperating. Here’s a little help to get you started:

Sensational Color
You probably already own a practical black shoulder bag, but how much more would a little black dress pop with a patent cobalt blue Botkier on your arm? Exactly. Matching heels to purse is a thing of the past; instead use a contrast-colored bag to add interest and depth to your look.

Brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch are known for their clever hues (think grass green, marigold, cognac), and each designer is so influential in terms of fashion history that their creations rank high on any collector’s list. For the feel of European luxury, a Mulberry handbag is as much a British fashion icon as Kate Moss (who has been spotted carrying Mulberry bags). Their upcoming fall line is bursting with burnt orange and coral, while the current collection shines with crackled and croc-embossed metallics.

 
Must-have Mulberry bags brighten up Fall Fashion Week. 

A Little Bit Girly, a Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll
If you’re like me, one day you’re Alexander Wang edgy and the next you’re feeling more Nanette Lepore romantic. No need to pick sides when there are plenty of great bags that go with both. Versatile Rebecca Minkoff handbags manage to be polished in their shape and iconic styling, and punk in their copious use of studs. Bonus points for offering the Nikki Hobo in seven different shades, and for Minkoff’s new ostrich-embossed pieces.

Size (and Shape) Matters
If silhouette is really perplexing you, a convertible style provides a chic solution. In some cases, the convertible handbag is foldable (Foley + Corinna City Tote); in others, a detachable shoulder strap takes it from daylight to date night; and some bags (LeSportsac Leigh Tote) play Transformers and morph into a totally new shape with a little creative maneuvering.

So next time an overzealous stamp collector condescendingly asks “What are your hobbies,” smile politely as you clutch that covetable Kooba. 

--Suzanne
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to hobo or not to hobo

I have a confession to make: I’ve been carrying the same bag since the beginning of last fall. I know, the disgrace! But I simply haven’t found a contender that’s as perfect in size and shape as my trusty (and often complimented) Gustto. I’ve got a soft spot for oversized clutches, but they’re not really everyday practical. And on the other end of the spectrum, shoulder bags are practical, but the plain silhouettes just aren’t doing it for me anymore.

So, with summer approaching, I think it’s time to make a switch. I have a few minor demands of my everyday handbag: 1) It must be big enough to carry at least one book and one magazine. 2) It’s got to be versatile. 3) It’s got to have style (obviously).

After browsing handbags, I’ve narrowed it down to three contenders:


Exhibit A: Alexander Wang Trudy Tote
Perfect size? Check. Color? Timeless. Leather? Sublime. Style? Up the wazoo (technical fashion term). I tote my laptop everywhere, but sadly, laptop bags are never very chic. When this one’s expanded, however, it’s roomy enough for my computer, as well as all the other miscellaneous things I have with me at any given moment. Even better, forget six-months-and-I’m-done, I may just get away with wearing this one for years.

Exhibit B: Foley + Corinna Dyed Mid City Tote
I’ve been mulling over the print handbags trend, and for the longest time, I just couldn’t take the plunge. I like to carry my handbags for a season, put them away for a year, and pull them back out again. It’s like getting a brand-new bag. And when I asked myself if the print bags I was browsing could do this, all too often, the answer was no. Not the case here. This one will feel spring/summer chic year after year.

Exhibit C: See by Chloé Ring Around Hobo
Now, this bag is big, really big, but I have a bit of an unnatural love for oversized handbags (and lately, See by Chloé—oh, those jelly shoes!). And, hobo bags have that slouchy, laid-back feel that’s so perfect for summer. This is a signature in the making, and if I play my cards right, I think I can carry it into the early parts of fall as well.

So ladies, help me decide. Which gets your vote: A, B, or C?

--Amie

fashion week report: mulberry handbags

A model shows off Mulberry’s slouchy orange hobo, coming this fall.

Oooh color! The Mulberry presentation burst with brights as the models strode among the looming dark forest set at Soho House. Oversized hobos in burnt oranges and midnight blue hues will make a huge statement in their fall collection. I am love love loving their update on animal prints—the smudged leopard print really pops in coral and putty! The entire collection was a parade of statement bags, each one a must-have in its own right.

Mulberry updates the leopard print for fall—a must-have!

--Kassidy, Accessories Buyer

fashion week report: handbags

Shopbop accessories buyer Kassidy takes a closer look at the accents we all love: handbags.
 
The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag with python (left) and zip clutch (far right).

Rebecca Minkoff
I adore Rebecca Minkoff bags and I adore Rebecca herself! And now with her apparel launch for fall '09 there will be even more to love. The designer kicked off Fashion Week last Thursday with her presentation at Milk Studios, and her line captures a rocker edge with flirty feminine details both in the bags and the apparel. Zippers and exotics made her bags stars. I love the two-tone, updated Morning After Mini Bag with python accents (pictured at left) and the killer triple zip clutch (pictured at far right). Both bags will find their way to shopbop for fall '09—no doubt!

 
Alexander Wang denim leather, now in black (left), and a new take on the fanny pack.

Alexander Wang
For spring ’09 Alexander Wang is all about the striking blue denim leather Brenda bag and Donna hobo. For fall ’09 this denim-esque leather trend continues, but this time in distressed black denim (pictured at left)—so hot! Alexander Wang truly sets the bar high in handbag lovability. Now, you hear “fanny pack” and instantly want to run for cover, but the designer’s updated, oversized rocker version is going to change your mind. You’ll be rocking this pack (pictured at right) as a cross-body bag in no time, I promise! And, Alex Wang’s new collection uses studs in a way you’ve never seen them before. The Coco duffel (seen here on Mary-Kate Olsen) is going to be on every girl’s wish list. I can’t believe I have to wait until July to get it! (And by the way, the oversized beanies that were so hot last fall will be back for 2009!)

--Kassidy