New Arrivals Alert: Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Patent Messenger Bag

It was just a little over six months ago that the design duo of Mark Badgley and James Mischka announced the launch of a new day bag collection set to debut Spring 2008. Fast forward to today and the collection is slowing trickling into high-end department stores at promised affordable prices. Since I'm a mom who appreciates a chic, stylish bag that facilitates my endless list of daily chores, I'm picking the Patent Messenger Bag as the best of Badgley Mischka's Platinum Label collection.

This patent agata leather bag features a practical 20" drop adjustable shoulder strap, extended flap closure with BM's signature Platinum Label circular accent piece and maintenance-free nylon interior with zip, cell phone and key pockets. This design, measuring 11.5 x 12.5 x 4, is an on-the-go mom's dream. If you factor in the bag's delicious current (burnt orange) color, then you'll realize Badgley Mischka's Platinum Label Patent Messenger Bag will serve you well year-round. For $365 via Saks, what more could you ask for?

Lanvin Odeon Large Messenger Bag

Lanvin is a reliable purveyor of classic handbags with a sophisticated flair that appeal to both young and mature women. Once again, I must commend the buyers at Barneys who've struck gold with their acquisitions for the fall. The Odeon Large Messenger Bag is a perfect example of how Lanvin successfully implements trends without compromising its' design philosophy or alienating their core clientèle.

This timeless shoulder/messenger bag is crafted from dark brown suede and accented with silver-tone hardware and brown leather trim. Features include a leather top handle, adjustable web strap for messenger-style carrying, fold-over flap with leather straps and snap closure, large front pocket and fully lined interior. Measuring 15 x 12 x 3.5, the 'Odeon' is generously-sized to serve you well for many seasons to come.

While $2100 is steep for a messenger bag, the Lanvin Odeon Large Messenger Bag is more of an investment than a flash-in-the-pan piece of arm candy. Aren't all Lanvin bags worth the expenditure anyways? Yep. Available via Barneys.

Tod's Luna Nylon Media Bag

I've only recently come to appreciate the beauty and practicality of owning a nylon handbag. For anyone that lives in Florida, it can come as no surprise that summer afternoons mean torrential downpours. Since the world stops spinning for no one, I am often forced to continue my schedule of errands under such pleasant circumstances. These tropical storms preclude my ability to venture out of my home with a leather designer handbag in tow. I can still remember the first time I was caught at the mall during a thunderstorm with my beloved Balenciaga. I sat on a bench and waited 45 minutes for the rains to cease for fear my lovely bag would get even a drop of water on it. This may sound crazy to many of you more practical (an less anal) ladies out there, but, trust me, I know quite a few fellow bagistas that carry a garbage bag inside their purses for just such an eventuality!

Seeing as my days are busy blogging, running around, and shuttling my son to play dates and other events, I would greatly benefit from owning a nice nylon messenger bag. The Luna Nylon Media Bag by Tod's fits the bill perfectly. An amply-sized 16 x 11.5 x 4.7 nylon exterior featuring gold-tone hardware, patent leather-trimmed outer zip pockets, adjustable patent leather shoulder strap, wrap-around zipper for bag-extending capacity, zip top closure and satin-lined interior with patent trimmed pocket provides women on the go (like me!) with a highly functional bag. My only criticism lies in the bag's lack of style. Thankfully, Tod's offers this design in black and berry (both shown) which gives ladies a couple of options. While the black version is fine, it does seem a bit boring. I much rather prefer the berry color. It's bright enough to pop against most outfits yet just the right shade of red that appears muted and refined.

For $875 via eLUXURY, the Luna Nylon Media Bag is priced reasonably when taking the "Tod's" brand name into account, which, of course, is always a major factor when pricing designer handbags.

Bing Bang Shelly Messenger Bag

If you haven't heard of Bing Bang before, you'll definitely notice this label now. The brain child of New York transplant Anna Sheffield, Bing Bang offers impeccably-designed jewelry as well as a full line of handbags. The current collection is impressive with everything from shoulder bags, to hobos, to clutches beautifully represented. A particular standout is the Shelly Messenger Bag.

This relaxed design sports an edgy perforated leather exterior and extended chain shoulder strap with adjustable buckle-detailed leather inset. Additional features include adjustable buckled sides, subtle inverted pleat detail along the front and back, two-way zip top closure, and lined interior with zip and patch pockets. Measuring 17 x 13 with an ideal 20" shoulder strap drop, the 'Shelly' is a perfect bag for chic fashionistas that still crave practical handbags from time to time.

While a suede/leather version of the Bing Bang Shelly Messenger Bag retails for $745 via Barneys New York, you can scoop up this great all-leather design for 12% less or $660 via Shopbop.

Hayden-Harnett Barnard Crossbody Bag

There is something so effortlessly chic about a crossbody bag. I find myself trudging through the mall admiring women who appear to glide with ease as they pop in and out of stores with sleek bags slung across their bodies. I'm sure they're not suffering from sore backs or a pinch nerve as a result of toting a heavy shoulder bag. So why do so many women insist on carrying a pack mule on their backs when they could look hip with a crossbody style? The world may never know, but I think it's time we rebel against our own expectations. A great bag to start with is the Hayden-Harnett Barnard Crossbody Bag.

This fun bag with an undeniable equestrian look is made from black leather with muted gold-tone hardware and features a long, adjustable crossbody strap with stitching detail, top flap with buckle detail and magnetic closure, large front slit compartment, rear zip pocket, and lined main compartment with zip/slit pockets to organize all your small items. The 'Barnard' measures an adequate 13 x 9.5 x 1, but the soft leather will allow some "give" for just a tad more depth space.

If looking chic and sparing your back and shoulders years of physical therapy weren't reason enough to scoop up the Barnard Crossbody Bag, the folks over at Hayden-Harnett have added a wonderful incentive to seal the deal. 30% of sales from now until June 30th will benefit Cure Autism Now, an organization of parents, clinicians and leading scientists committed to accelerating the pace of biomedical research in autism through raising money for research projects, education and outreach. So help yourself, and, more importantly, help others and grab a Barnard Crossbody Bag for $325 via Hayden-Harnett.

Celebrity Style: Prada Double Zipper Messenger Bag

Photo via Teddy & Moo's Place

Easy Style. We all want it, admire it, and imitate it, but it can be quite difficult to achieve. When it comes to handbags, today's modern designs with their heavy leathers and fabrics, excessive hardware bits, and enormous sizes do not exactly promote casual chic. Remember ladies, sometimes less is more, and my favorite Brit actress, Kate Winslet, knows this.

Kate's everyday style is effortlessly chic, and her handbag choice caps off the simple look. The Prada Double Zipper Messenger Bag offers style and function all rolled into one. Part of Prada's famous nylon line, this messenger, measuring a perfect 12 x 10.5, features an adjustable cross-body strap, front zip pocket, and zip top main compartment with interior zip pocket. Ideal for running errands or just wanting things uncomplicated, the Double Zipper Messenger Bag achieves casual chic with ease.

Available in bluette, sesamo, or nero (Pictured) for $345 via Saks Fifth Avenue.

Rafē Horatio Milla Foldover Shoulder Tote Bag

Are you looking for a tote bag? Are you looking for a messenger bag? Would you like to get both styles in one bag? Then take a look at the Rafē Horatio Milla Foldover Shoulder Tote Bag.

This brilliant design allows for a quick transformation from shoulder tote to cross-body messenger. Made from soft, textured leather, the 'Horatio Milla Foldover' features antique brass hardware, dual twisted leather handles, detachable cotton-webbed shoulder strap, magnetic top closure, side zip pocket, logo-lined interior with zip and slip pockets, and key loop. Minimal pleating along the bottom of the bag serve to soften its' ultra-functional look. Measurements are 15 x 14.5 x 2.

The Horatio Milla Foldover Shoulder Tote is available in brown, navy and blush (Pictured) for $495 via Rafe.

Savvy Shopper Saturday: The Perfect Weekend Accessories

If you're like me, you tend to put off many of your errands for the weekend. I personally love to shop and bop around town on a sunny weekend day. The only trouble I run into is that by late afternoon my feet are aching and my shoulder feels like it's about to fall off from my heavy shoulder bag. I've been searching for a stylish and functional messenger bag to sling across my body and a cute pair of sneakers that won't feel like I'm a walking Frankenstein. I found both accessories, and, since it is Savvy Shopper Saturday, they're under $100 combined!

Let me start of with the Nine West Active Weekend Nylon Cross Body Bag. This appropriately named bag is the perfect messenger style. Measuring 11 x 10.5, this black nylon bag features an adjustable strap ideal for both shoulder and cross-body toting. There are two front zip pockets, a back zip pocket, and interior zip and pouch pockets. Minimal, muted gold-tone hardware finish off this bag's modern look. Available for $39 via Nine West.

Now that you have a great functional bag, you must pair it with an adorable pair of shoes. The Easy Spirit Traveltime is the perfect sneaker clog. This comfortable shoe, which I've personally worn around town thanks to Easy Spirit and their 20th Anniversary celebration, has wonderful cushioning and shock absorbing qualities which are a welcome break for my aching back and feet. With an array of available colors and materials from leather to suede (!), you can take your pick of which style best fits your personality. My personal favorites are the silver leather (pictured) and black/white suede combo. It's no wonder the Traveltime was the 2006 #1 selling shoe in dept. stores. Available for $59 via Easy Spirit.

Theory Leather Tote

Double your pleasure, double your fun. This gorgeous bag is two bags in one. The Theory Leather Tote is both a stylish, spacious tote and a convenient messenger bag. This cleverly- designed tote, measuring 15 x 9 x 5, is made from soft, textured leather and accentuated with brass tone hardware. It features a front pocket with double magnetic snap closure, dual top handles, a cross-body adjustable strap, and hook closure. The faille-lined interior has zip and open pockets.

Being both a tote and a messenger bag, you'd expect the Theory Leather tote to have a hefty price tag, but for $585 via SaksFifthAvenue the price is just right.

Roberto Cavalli Fall 2007 Collection: Bringing Glamour Back

Roberto Cavalli is the king of all things sexy and glamorous. If you think I'm exaggerating, just look at the classic handbags in his Fall '07 collection. The leather and croc clad fold-over clutches embody the union of sensuality with sophistication. He continues to thrills us with the exact same combination but placed in the shape of youthful and trendy messengers. Cavalli's collection is vintage glamour. He proves yet again that high fashion doesn't need to be strange or different to be beautiful. I am excited beyond words.

For a complete runway show pictorial and review visit Style.com.