Not too long ago, Saks invited me to meet handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. For those not familiar, Nancy has been delivering decadent — read: exotic — handbags since 1998. Think of a Nancy Gonzalez bag as a classic — up there with Chanel and Bottega Veneta — only spicier. That is because Nancy hails from Colombia and splits her time between New York and her native country. She was very Read more

I'm totally besotted with Danielle Nicole handbags. What makes Danielle's collection stand out from the rest is her precise eye for detail. Take for example the cream hobo, my fave piece from her collection, seen left; so funky, flawless. It's the perfectly placed fringe knot or purposeful splash of color that makes her creations so refreshing. Quality doesn't come cheap — Danielle's bags range Read more

Sometimes, all I want is a simple bag. Sounds easy enough, but you'd be surprised with the number of nasties I've run into lately. Some designers tend to mistake simplicity for drab, but not Jasmin K. Her handbags evoke a cool, modern aesthetic without looking busy. Succinct and sexy. Jasmin's newly launched line encompasses a casual lux attitude and I'm loving it. My favorite is the Tia Read more

If the name Liz Carey sounds familiar to you, it's probably because you've seen the model/actress walking the runways of Alexander McQueen or Versace. Or maybe you caught a glimpse of her in the movies Spanglish or The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Now fast-forward. Liz has taken a new role — handbag designer — and it looks like she's found her niche. Her handbag collection, dubbed Bird, is all about Read more

Andarei handbags are made from fine Italian leather so they are highly reliable. They are feminine but have a bit of attitude to them. The Fall/Winter '07 collection includes Fede, a pleated satchel; Capri, a pleated clutch with a flap; Sempre, a crocodile clutch; Sogno, a patent clutch (pictured); Nipote, a ruched clutch; and Godere, a tri-color clutch . They can be purchased in store or online Read more