A good handbag is hard to find. As much as we’d like to skimp in this arena, having a decent handbag has become a brutal combination of functional necessity (especially us urban ladies) and status… while I’m not so big on the whole ‘status’ thing… I have had a few bad experience buying cheaper handbags, a $50 bag that breaks after two weeks becomes an expensive bag!
I had my eye on a few bags, but with the rise of the ‘it’ bag, it’s apparent that you can’t find a decent bag in a department store for less than $500. Even certain luxury brands produce bags with stiff, plasticky texture and obscenely simple lining (for the price). Friend, Christina of Style Bite suggested I take a look at Clare Vivier, a Los Angeles based handbag designer who produces ultra chic, lush bags at a price point that won’t break the bank. During my visit, I stopped by her studio and had a look at her collection.
Bright colors, simple designs with amazingly soft leather… I was super impressed by the quality of the leather. She finds great leather and produces each piece in Los Angeles in small runs. Perforated yellow pouches, amazing pebbled red and blue, interesting textures, each piece has a unique quality. I ended up buying the yellow pouch, as I’d been eying the folded pouch trend and this one was love at first site. Christina has had the messenger bag for over a year, and it’s worn in nicely. If only it fit my laptop AND SLR then we’d be talkin’. Otherwise, it’s the perfect city bag.
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Oh, so gorgeous textures and colors!
The colors…Fabulous!!
Love the beautiful bright colors paired with simple shapes. You can just tell by the photos that these are quality bags. I believe that a nice bag is a good investment that can last you years but you should definitely choose one based on your style, carrying needs, and the quality of it’s construction and not on the small tag bearing some designer’s name. The prices of some hand bags I see in stores and online is laughable at times especially when you think that the $1000 “it” bag is subject to the same pen marks, scuffs, and bathroom stall hooks as any other bag.
Such brilliant and vivid colours! I love it :)
I’ve been Clare Vivier obsessed for the past year! Her products are a league ahead in their materials and wear-anywhere designs. LOVE!
Love those clutches! They come in such nice colors! :)
Never mind the bags, I love your nails!
Ok, the bags are beautiful too. And so, so perfect for SS11!
the red messenger one has been on my wish list for like ever! so buttery and beautiful
I LOVE these clutches, especially the fold-over. Thanks for sharing! I am now adding it my Pinterest board, the price is definitely right.
just what i have so been wanting and needing! what a great combination. i love this!
xx, http://wordbyjessie.com
i love the colours aswell - but i also am totally fascinated by your nail(s). is it some kind of sticker and where can i get it? :-)
Author
yes! they are sally hansen nails… i think i’m going to have to do a post on them a lot of people are intereted. not sure where you can get them in germany though. i can send you a pack! :)
Emerging and local designers are a fabulous resource for a great quality handbag without the inflated price tag. Often the big brands, as you mention, are charging hefty prices for items that may not even be leather. Looks like you found a good one. The colours are incredible and I like your new pink border.
Very cool looking bags… priced a bit high, perhaps. But really nice.
thanks jennine! it was great to meet you. I saw a cute pic of you at coachella! xoxo
Author
thanks for having me over! it was so nice to meet you!
:)
love the clutch i have!
Love the vibrant colours!
They look beautiful!
http://sweetharvestmoon.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing! Have been looking for a spring bag!! I bought a vintage 80′s Coach clutch this winter that I’ve been carrying, but want something BRIGHT! The American Apparel ones were so hot, all the bright colors are sold out! These seem a bit more exclusive. Just my style.
Great post - I love Clare Vivier’s bags. Also love your beaded bracelet. Where did you get it?? Do tell, please!