I’ve been disillusioned with COACH. I snatched up a Mini Signature Pocket Tote in black at a special sale, recently. I thought I lucked out with the signature aligning just-so from the pockets to the body. Saving it for Christmas, I pulled it out (among other bags) to examine and make-with-the-happy, once a night. Until one late night, I noticed something. Let’s just say strike 12 and my COACH turned into a pumpkin. The signature on the back and the front, where the two meet on the sides, was completely off, horizontally they weren’t even on the same, level field.

I threw into a fit of mania! (Addictions have their bad sides, of course.) For one black-magical night, I couldn’t imagine continuing with blogging or the life I’ve been leading. I thought I would give up COACH and find lesser known designers (I have). But I also recently purchased a python stripe Signature bag that is perfect (confuse me, much) that I can’t return or make a profit of selling. And my Chelsea Bouclé demi, I have nothing but love for. I think our affair will last, that little tweed darling.

I’ve decided that I will keep a careful eye on COACH Signature and still buy a few leather bags. Their up-and-coming designs show that the company is putting money into luxe details; they’ve just abandoned the standards for Signature I once saw in them!

Let’s examine: The new Signature Pocket Satchel doesn’t even have symmetrical pockets! The horizontal alignment is, again, not even level!

I’ve also decided that I should be hired by COACH to design for them. Oh, yes. I would whipstitch them into structured shape, or at least guide forward motion. Money cuts can be made elsewhere, not on the company logo!!

I do stay confused over how I want to proceed with them, and am leaning back on my thoughts of being brand loyal. Although, I am happy with a new wristlet and currently want two new COACH bags and a new pocketed mini skinny (and perhaps the wristlet).

Where was I? Oh. Sigh, sigh, sigh. (The only answer really is to hire me! Yes, yes!)

Popularity: 10% [?]

We recently discovered and wrote about Liz Mole’s bag creation of the double-duty Detachables. Now, we’ve been informed of a promotion by the company for Lucky Magazine. And Ms. Mole shared the special code with Pursed Lips! The code is “LM05″ (for Liz Mole, Lucky Mag, or Ella & Mallory; which ever!) and entering it at checkout will get you 25% off your order, the deal lasts through January.

I love so many of their bags, including the previously mentioned Squash_It. It has that inverted chef hat shape that I love, and don’t you?! Leather and sizable at 13.5″ wide, this beauty is only $219 (plus that discount!).

Popularity: 3% [?]

Okay, I’ll admit it—originally, I had no idea what the word “furoshiki” meant, but now I do. Furoshiki is the name of a traditional Japanese cloth and the Furoshiki bag by Ananas is named that because the shape of the bag was inspired by the shape items take when being wrapped in furoshiki. There, that’s your lesson for the day!

This bag happens to be the best-selling bag in the Ananas Collection and I can see why. It’s available in a multitude of colors, has coconut shell rings, iridescent taffeta lining (I wish I could see a picture of that—it sounds gorgeous!), a magnetic closure and two interior pockets. There’s also a front slit pocket that is designed in a way that it’s secretive and not noticeable to everyone—very neat idea! It measures 16.5″ l x 18.5″ h and you can have it for $260.

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s usually about this time of year, after there have already been a couple months of dreary, cloudy days, that I start thinking about bright-colored purses. Come January and February, I definitely need a splash of color!

The Poppy shade of the Hype Bonanza Drawstring Hobo caught my eye immediately, plus the white whipstitch details only add to the freshness of this design. The bag measures 13″ l x 9″ h x 4″ d, which means you’re getting a lot of leather for $198.95. The other draw of this bag is that even though it’s classified as a hobo, it has a top drawstring design that gives it a very unique feel, which I’m always looking for.

This is also a great purse if you love to be organized; it has two outside front pockets, two multi-functional slip pockets, an interior back wall zipped pocket and a card slot! Hmm, I really need to think about getting this bag!

Popularity: 3% [?]

It is my inspired opinion that imitation bags, yes I mean especially ones that copy design without logo, lower the value of the original, creative and unique designs of the big designer handbags, thereby raising individual bag costs due in part to lower sales, but also the mere essence of the original look being perverted and disbursed to the masses!

Think about this, an ever-increasing pricetag for a line with an ever-decreasing value? You don’t want to carry that, even if you rock the income and covet the style.

But what should low-end consumers do when faced with a reputable brand-name’s copy? It is under $100, or on sale for so, it might even be genuine leather. Maybe one wants to “stick it” to the pricemakers of $4,000 … $7,000 … $11,000 bags.

I know when I saw this Wilson’s Leather Turn-Lock Handbag that was in the style of Hermes Birkin, I suddenly liked it, and it was suddenly perfect for my needs. I bought it, I love it, and I’m into it more than the original design. (But sometimes I feel guilty.) What do you think is crossing this fine line (or perhaps it’s large yellow tape)?

For another angle on these bags, visit Kiss Me, Stace, our fashion and shoe blog.

Popularity: 7% [?]

I have been a fan of Hable Construction for a few years now, ever since they started producing unique wool felt appliquéd pillows. If you don’t know, Hable Construction is a company that started out producing accessories that were hand-dyed, hand-beaded and hand-sewn; they progressed into manufacturing hand-screened-printed fabrics that have become very popular among interior designers.

I recently discovered that some of those fresh, modern fabrics of theirs are now available in small and large bags. Among my favorites is the Small Zip/Cosmetic Bag, available in three prints, my favorite being Sweet Pea! Only $35, it’s a great size (8″ l x 5″ h x 2″ d) to fit into a larger bag. Plus, the prints are just so darn cute!

I also really like the The Camper, which I think is perfect for a quick casual weekend trip. Fill the bag with a few clothes and daily essentials and you look totally prepared and pulled together!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Okay, give me a drumroll and start to get really, really excited. The number 12 and final handbag in the “12 Handbags of Christmas” is … the Crystal Clutch by Larisa Barrera! Breathtaking—isn’t it? Words simply cannot do this purse justice—it’s gorgeous! Metallic silver snakeskin, faceted crystal accents, beaded shoulder strap and trim; all eyes will certainly be on the lucky lady who walks through any holiday party with this on her arm.

I know I’m definitely buying it—oh wait, that’s not going to happen because it’s $1,675. Who knows, maybe Santa will surprise me! Hey, it’s Christmas Eve—I can do some Christmas dreaming.

Special thanks to Ella for bringing this purse to my attention; it made a beautiful finale to the series.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!!

Popularity: 4% [?]

The blog has moved to its own domain!! Are you excited? Q’eul excitemente! Trés Bien! Pursed Lips .net!

You’ll find EVERYTHING that was there, now here. I’m good, huh? Now, be a deerskin and update your bookmarks!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Isabella Fiore designs are always a bit kooky, and it’s because of such that the company gets a lot of flack for their “misses.” I love their hits, but here’s a bag I don’t like. The Isabella Fiore Large Knit Hobo. If you hate sweater shoes, then you’d never give this a thought. This design effort didn’t make it luxe, instead, it resulted in a bag too similar to the forbidden holiday sweater (or its ski-bunny cousin). (Don’t even look at the “warm” color choice, I’m warning you.)

click for large details

On the other handbag, this Isabella Fiore Embroidered Cashmere Hobo (available exclusively at Saks for under $200) is a different case. The similar pattern you see (larger details picture) is not knit, it’s sewn on … and that’s on cashmere. It’s still a bit hokey and thematic, but it’s nice for such a theme bag. Plus, the pom-poms seem just right, they add a cute touch, without overdoing it like the first hobo.

See a matching, ugly boot at Kiss Me, Stace!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Clutches, clutches, clutches. I know we’re seeing a lot of that for the holiday season (and we’re not done, yet!), but I’ve got something different for you—very different. It’s a nicely-sized Red Leather Tote Bag, going for $65 (Buy it Now) on eBay. But the real difference is that this seller’s donating 100% of the profits to the Red Cross.

It’s the perfect way to give–to charity–while receiving (and saving!).

And if your holiday’s going to be cut a bit short, by perhaps a mid-session Winter college course, this is a great foundation to get you ready for your unconventional start. Who cares what time of year it is? I, Ella, have decided that I should always care about the plight of the school-bag-needy.

The listing claims this tote has “several smart pockets: cell phone, pen and pencil pockets, etc.” It’s also sized 12″ x 12″, which is great for the need, as well.

So while you’re lucky enough to go to a school of higher education, and you’re moving up in the world, why don’t you give some back in a way that fits your “poor college student” sized budget!

(You can find more Mission Fish Red Cross Auctions here.)

Popularity: 7% [?]