The Return of Lady Like Structured Handbags

Handbag news flash!!  While the latest handbag styles have trended toward large slouchy bags with big chunky hardware, grommets & more; we are now seeing a resurgence of the more “lady-like” structured handbags.

Like anything in the fashion industry, if you hold onto something long enough it will eventually come back into vogue.  Redolent of the purses our mothers and grandmothers toted around these bags have a vintage feel with a modern twist; they are newly improved and hotter than ever!!!

Some great examples of these revived handbags with fabulous 21^st Century style include:

• The Dooney & Bourke Florentine Flap Satchel:  The Flap Satchel has a very traditional form reminiscent of the structured handbags of the past, but what is different and better about this handbag is the leather. The Florentine’s Vachetta leather is casual, yet elegant, with a rich beautiful texture that is both natural looking and sophisticated, and with a patina that becomes more and more beautiful with age. The stunning but subtle gold hardware Dooney has chosen, adds a distinguished elegance without overpowering the bag; less is truly more in this case, wow!
• The Big Buddha Mia Handbag:  With its’ bell-like shape, distinguished handles, zipper closure and big bow on the front of the bag, this new style from Big Buddha epitomizes the lady-like trend. It has a distinctive shape that is both soft and feminine. The long shoulder strap that comes with the bag gives you the option of wearing it cross body, adding a lot of versatility to this bag for the modern woman on the go!
• Harveys Seatbelt Bags Stella Hobo:  Although it does have the name hobo attached to it, there is not much ‘hobo’ in this handbag!  With a feminine teardrop shape that comes in both small and large sizes, and elegant silver hardware; this satchel style handbag brings you back to the 1950’s and 60’s with a great vintage look that is a little retro, very functional, indestructible and super chic.

I believe absolutely in the power of women today; we can do and be anything we choose. I also believe that we, as women, can still be exquisitely feminine no matter what we do, and that we should embrace that part of ourselves. So jump on board and try out this latest fashion craze, lady-like handbags….. Mom and Grandma would be proud!!!

Your Perfect Summer Handbags from Dooney, Harvey’s & JPK

As we are welcomed by very warm spring winds and summer like temperatures, I am reminded that new summer handbags are on their way – pieces that are roomy, colorful and so unique that I won’t want to carry anything else. Are you feeling the same way? With color-blocking hitting the runways and city streets in a big way plus bright bold colors on clothes and accessories everywhere, there are unlimited options for handbags this season! We have compiled some of the best and brightest (and newest!) handbag styles for the upcoming season and wanted to give you a sneak preview!

Dooney and Bourke is a perennial favorite – their bags are classic in shape and size – and they are always looking for the newest trends to show off their style. This season brings about a certain nautical flair with a variety of white handbags and wallets to choose from, as well as the classic Lambskin O-ring Shopper which comes in a variety of colors (white with a red base, white with a black base, red and white stripe with a blue base and many more! Hello Color-Blocking!!) Another cute handbag option for the summer is the DB Novelty Retro collection. With their logo in a multitude of colors, on a crisp white or solid black background, Dooney is right on track to style you for summer.

It’s no surprise that Harvey’s Seatbelt Bags have an ever-growing fan base. With each season, new styles and patterns are created to complement previous collections, encouraging fans to mix and match their favorite handbags. This season’s “it bag,” the Hampton Carry All, is a nod to the lazy days of summer. With designs in two different color combinations: Sea Sprite – stripes of blue and green and Sherbet – stripes of pink, orange and yellow this tote bag will fit anything you might need for an outing and will look great with your summer outfits!

Are you looking for a slouchy, everyday handbag in a great color? One that will guarantee you complements everywhere you go? Look no further than our brand new colors from JPK Paris! Available in the same classic silhouette, JPK has answered all of our wishes for a great summer bag. We just received the Nylon Bucket Bags in Fire Engine Red, Chili, Turquoise, Fluorescent Green, Lipstick and Husk and we could not be more excited to show them off! JPK has also created a cute cross body bag – perfect for travel, shopping excursions and more.

Whether you are looking for a new daytime purse, a fun beach tote or just want to stay up with the latest trends in handbags, we have hundreds of options for you to choose from at Irv’s Luggage.

Amazing Colors of the Hottest Spring Handbags in 2012 from Dooney & Bourke

Spring is almost here and although we have had a mild winter, it is still a very welcomed time of year! While the warmer temperatures are even now a relief, it’s the amazing color palettes that both Mother Nature and the spring fashion industry present that are truly a breath a fresh air as we roll out of March and head into April each year.  The spring color selections from Dooney & Bourke Handbags are no exception; Dooney & Bourke has once again in 2012 succeeded in providing the hottest new colors for the spring and summer handbag market!!

Beginning with the perfect hue of brown, Dooney’s Chestnut color is a rich warm tone that is not too dark for summer and the perfect shade to complement many of the fabulous sandals, shoes and even boots that are being spotted on the runways and streets as the warm weather fashions appear. These marvelous Chestnut colored bags are available in many of Dooney & Bourke’s highly sought-after silhouettes including the gorgeous Florentine Mini, Medium, Domed and Pocket Satchels and the highly popular Smith Bag.

Also new from Dooney & Bourke are their incredible Orange and Royal Blue leather handbags!! Not your traditional Dooney colors but wow these handbags are truly amazing and will give a lift and punch to just about any outfit you wear.  Classic enough, not trendy and a little more interesting, these colors are especially nice with jeans, white or even khaki pants.  These Orange and Royal Blue bags are available in many styles from the Florentine Collection and have one big additional advantage….they can also be carried right into the fall and winter seasons as well!!

Finally, Dooney & Bourke’s top color choice in 2012 for spring and summer couture is Strawberry! Incredible, the perfect shade of pink and red combined; not too “little girl” pink and not too “hot neon” pink! Dooney has given new life to all that is feminine about the color pink. Available in the Dillen 2 Crossbody Satchel, the East/West Shopper Tote, the Medium Zippered Pocket Sac and more; these handbags are flying off the shelves as many fashionistas are already heading off to exotic warmer destination for spring break travel and other well deserved adventures!

Check out these and the new Dooney & Bourke Sunflower and Seafoam bags; the newest trend in handbag design, color blocking, on the Lambskin O-Ring Shoppers and Dooney’s latest release the DB Retro bags. These fabulous colored bags are all now available at IrvsLuggage.com!

 

Stylish Handbags for Every Woman Everyday

I am a bit of a fashionista. Every night before I get ready for bed, I have a routine: I check the next day’s forecast, pack my lunch and make sure I have my “work” purse ready to go. As a woman in the working world, I have a lot going on in my life – school, work, family/friends and volunteering – and I don’t want to worry about the quality of the handbag I am carrying. I own dozens of handbags: from Dooney & Bourke wristlets to a Vera Bradley large black microfiber diaper bag (which works quite well as a school bag!) but I always end up using the same bags day after day. Here is just a glimpse of my favorite handbags for every occasion!

My current everyday handbag is from Tano Leather, the  Zippy Bucket with Shoulder Strap in Chili. Now some might think this purse is “loud,” but I think it has personality. The Zippy Bucket is a rather large bag but it holds all of my stuff and then some. One perk is that I can wear it on my shoulder to hold my belongings close or I can use the longer strap to make it a crossbody bag. And I LOVE the extra zippers on the outside of the bag where I stash my phone, gum and Kleenex. (I know I can fit more in there, but I don’t have enough to bring with me!)

There are days when I don’t want to carry a big bag – usually after a long weekend or during a busy week. That is when I reach for one of my Ameribag or Baggalini handbags. With the Baggallini Everyday Bagg, the name says it all. Comprised of three different sized compartments for everything you might need, this bag is lightweight (just 10 ounces) and comes in fun colors to suit any personality. The strap is also adjustable to be worn as a shoulder bag or across the body on days you have a million things to carry and don’t want to be bothered by straps falling. My Ameribag is very similar, but I love that I can wear it as a backpack – not necessarily a purse. They come in extra small, small, medium and even as a baby bag. Plus – the variety of colors makes me want to carry a different piece everyday.

Every so often there are days, I just want to make a statement with my handbag. On those days, I carry a Dooney & Bourke purse. My first purchase was a signature barrel bag – a simple and classic piece, but designed to last me a very long time (and it has!) In the time since I have acquired a few more pieces and lusted over many others; but working with handbags everyday (and not buying them) has NOT been easy. The current favorite collection around our office is the Florentine. With multiple styles for every personality and richly colored leather, this is the perfect handbag to own. Whether you are like me and own many handbags or prefer to stick with a few classic pieces, you are sure to find a style or brand you love here at Irv’s Luggage!

Handbags, Purses, Clutches and Everything in Between for New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is nearly a week away. People are finalizing their plans for the big night – from going to a huge bash at a hotel to spending time with friends or family at a small get together to even staying at home with a cup of hot chocolate while you’re wrapped in a blanket – and the night is sure to be one to remember. The best way to commemorate the year’s end is through pictures and what better way to tote your camera than with a beautiful handbag? We carry handbags for every style personality – from clutch wallets or wristlets to cross body bags to coin purses – at very affordable prices.

One surefire way to be noticed this New Year’s Eve is with the Big Buddha Minna. This unique bag with python lining comes with a zippered closure under the flap and an interior zippered pocket ensuring that your belongings will be kept securely hidden while you dance the night away. The Minna is available in both black and gunmetal and comes with two detachable straps (one short, one long) that can be changed out depending on your mood that day. The versatility of this bag can take you from day to night (and you won’t have to worry about balancing your bag and drink while you survey the room.)

If you’re looking for something a little bit smaller that will stand out, you’ll definitely want to look through our wide selection of Hobo International wallets. With multiple styles to choose from, you’ll have a few decisions to make. Will my clutch snap or fold over? Will my clutch be simple or have a design or texture to help me stand out? If you’re looking for a handbag that will stand out, you need the Rachel in Metallic Copper. With room for credit cards, cash and even a mirror (!) the Rachel will hold just what you need for New Year’s Eve and look fabulous against that little black dress you cannot wait to wear.

If these options haven’t enticed you, (you’re a classic, stick-with-that-handbag-you-love kind of woman), then Dooney & Bourke is perfect for you. Dooney is crafted to last a lifetime and offers a variety of styles, cross body bags, satchels, hobos and wallets to match. With precise detailing, rich colors and a unique style you will not regret purchasing one of these bags (especially one of the Florentine bags…have you felt these bags? The leather is like butter!!)

Even if you don’t use one of these bags for this New Year’s Eve, they will make a great addition to any wardrobe. And what woman doesn’t need a new handbag?!?! Check out all of the handbag styles we offer (Big Buddha, Hobo and Dooney & Bourke included!) at Irv’s Luggage today!!

The Return of Lady Like Structured Handbags

Handbag news flash!!  While the latest handbag styles have trended toward large slouchy bags with big chunky hardware, grommets & more; we are now seeing a resurgence of the more “lady-like” structured handbags.

Like anything in the fashion industry, if you hold onto something long enough it will eventually come back into vogue.  Redolent of the purses our mothers and grandmothers toted around these bags have a vintage feel with a modern twist; they are newly improved and hotter than ever!!!

Some great examples of these revived handbags with fabulous 21^st Century style include:

• The Dooney & Bourke Florentine Flap Satchel:  The Flap Satchel has a very traditional form reminiscent of the structured handbags of the past, but what is different and better about this handbag is the leather. The Florentine’s Vachetta leather is casual, yet elegant, with a rich beautiful texture that is both natural looking and sophisticated, and with a patina that becomes more and more beautiful with age. The stunning but subtle gold hardware Dooney has chosen, adds a distinguished elegance without overpowering the bag; less is truly more in this case, wow!
• The Big Buddha Mia Handbag:  With its’ bell-like shape, distinguished handles, zipper closure and big bow on the front of the bag, this new style from Big Buddha epitomizes the lady-like trend. It has a distinctive shape that is both soft and feminine. The long shoulder strap that comes with the bag gives you the option of wearing it cross body, adding a lot of versatility to this bag for the modern woman on the go!
• Harveys Seatbelt Bags Stella Hobo:  Although it does have the name hobo attached to it, there is not much ‘hobo’ in this handbag!  With a feminine teardrop shape that comes in both small and large sizes, and elegant silver hardware; this satchel style handbag brings you back to the 1950’s and 60’s with a great vintage look that is a little retro, very functional, indestructible and super chic.

I believe absolutely in the power of women today; we can do and be anything we choose. I also believe that we, as women, can still be exquisitely feminine no matter what we do, and that we should embrace that part of ourselves. So jump on board and try out this latest fashion craze, lady-like handbags….. Mom and Grandma would be proud!!!

Top Ten Gifts for Women in 2010

Having a hard time finding the perfect gift for the special woman in your life?  You have come to the right place; we have been in the business for over 63 years and we know what women want and what they buy!!!  Here is a list of the top ten selling gifts for woman in 2010:

1.       Dooney & Bourke Handbags – If your special someone has never had a Dooney & Bourke, she will absolutely love the quality and the style of these handbags.  If she is already a devoted Dooney fan, a handbag from the new Portofino Leather, Dillen 2 or the Croco Satchel will send her to the moon!

2.       Knomo Women’s Laptop Bags – A stunning collection of womens’ laptop bags!  Fashionable and feminine with everything the busy female executive needs!  “Knomo Bags knows that the bag you carry everyday must work as hard as you do.”

3.       Kathy Van Zeeland Pebble Beach Luggage – The latest luggage from Kathy Van Zeeland Luggage.  With a beautifully glazed crock finish and a fully lined Kathy Van Zeeland print interior this luggage is sure to please the devoted Kathy Van Zeeland handbag gal.

4.       Tano Handbags – Leather, leather, leather… choose from a broad range of gorgeous bags; hobos, cross body bags, slouchy hobo bags and more. Tano is famous for adding lots of extras;  extra pockets & extra shoulder straps. When you find the right Tano bag we guarantee it will be love at first sight for her this holiday!

5.       International Traveller Large Dots Hard-Sided Luggage – Fun and fashionable luggage, yet every bag produced features innovative design at the forefront of technology. Constructed of Polycarbonate/ABS material, International Traveller’s hard-sided luggage is super lightweight, while offering superior protection, without an internal frame to restrict packing!

6.       Harveys Seatbelt Bags – Harveys Seatbelt Bags became popular with:  fashionistas looking for that next hot look; environmentalists trying to reduce, reuse, recycle and avoid leather products;  and everyone else who just appreciated the well made, beautifully designed bags as something new to complement their own unique style.

7.       Big Buddha Handbag – Exciting, casual and fun – that’s Big Buddha. You’ll love these bags for the trendy styles, soft materials, funky hardware and great colors.  Big Buddha is a front-runner in affordable fashion-forward handbags for women.

8.       Mywalit – The wallet you never forget! Wear any color and match it. Using the softest leather, quality linings and zips, Mywalit products are made for those who love quality and understated elegance. You’ll find it hard to resist these mouthwateringly colorful wallets!

9.       Alicia Klein Taxi Wallets – Some of our best selling wallets!  Chic urban design, the perfect wallet for the woman on the go!  Wonderful colors and sleek lines, just the right size wallet for the multitude of smaller handbags now on the market!

10.   Cathayana Jewelry Pouches – A great stocking stuffer, the beautifully designed Cathayana Jewelry pouches are made from stunning brocade material and designed with eight highly functional interior pockets.  The perfect gift for the woman who likes to take her jewels with her wherever she goes!

New Dooney & Bourke Venus Patent Handbags

Dooney & Bourke just released another gorgeous line, the patent Venus Collection; and the colors, functionality and styles of these handbags are exquisite!!!

My first memory of patent is my black party shoes I wore as a young girl. Boy was I impressed with those shoes!…..However, it had to be quite the special occasion for my Mom to let me wear them; so when she did, I felt like a princess!

Now many years later as an adult, without needing anyone’s permission…… I am happily going to purchase one of the fabulous new Patent Venus Handbags from Dooney & Bourke and use it when and where I want!!!  🙂

The crisp shiny appearance of patent sets it apart from all other handbags. Not only does it maintain its shape better and longer, it is easier to clean and can be used for all occasions; contrary to my Mother’s opinion – sorry Mom!

Available in an amazing array of colors; bright red, pink, turquoise, purple and traditional black; these bags are not only elegant they are a lot of fun!!

With the drop down and adjustable handles, lined interior, multiple organizational pockets and zipper closures; these handbags not only look good they provide all the features a modern women desires.

Offered in many wonderful styles, the Large and Small Nina, the Mini Margot Cross Body, the Lee Tote and the Large Slim Wristlet……. deciding on which handbag might prove to be difficult! Maybe I’ll get more than one, and even purchase one of the fabulous matching patent Continental Clutch Wallets as well!

It sure is nice being an adult….. life is good……. thanks Dooney and Bourke!!!!!