Handbags Archives | Blueprint for Style

Footwear

Best Time to Buy Luxury

Let’s be honest – luxury is fabulous, but full price? Not always necessary. If you’re smart about when, you can shop like a style insider. Knowing the best time to buy luxury lets you own the good stuff without the guilt. Seasonality, retail cycles, and insider intel all play a part. Here’s when to strike gold—without maxing out your card. Here’s when to shop for furs, electronics, denim, cashmere, designer fashion, handbags, and shoes based on insider intel and seasonal

2025/08/04

Accessories

any handbag collection must include…

As a professional woman and aspiring/full-time fashionista, your handbag collection must include an “archive handbag”…. Pair it with denim, an easy tunic dress, or layer it in fall with a meaty sweater as you hit the flea markets. My current favorite is the Ophidia GG supreme by Gucci pictured to the left ~ right size, right length, old school panache…DONE!

2018/03/02

Accessories

sister gift

I saw this clutch and thought, “how perfect for my travel to carry stuff and then to use for an evening out….”. And then I found out it was available in navy ~ style win! It’s big enough to fit your smartphone, keys, slim lipstick, and credit card charger…. So fingers crossed my sister doesn’t see this because I scooped one for her in black since they were on sale HERE!

2017/12/18

Accessories

FREE Download Available: Handbags under $100!

We’re keeping the free style advice coming – and the latest download available is for the handbag junkies who don’t necessarily want to blow the bank! We make an effort to update the downloads but snag it now to click and purchase any of these 8 fabulous finds under $100… Download HERE!

2016/08/17

Accessories

Designer Handbags are OUT!

Trends ebb and flow and come and go but the last time the designer handbag industry saw an “ebb” was ages ago! Peek in your closet and count the number of designer handbags you have….maybe seven, 10, or maybe just one? Designer handbags are going the way of the samurai and while the reasons are numerous, we can partially thank millennials for not wanting the cache of a Chanel or Louis Vuitton neverfull. If you’re in your 40’s or 50’s,

2016/04/26

Accessories

Truffle Privacy Clutch Giveaway

Functional. Sleek. Versatile. Chic. I loved my Truffle bags so much that sharing made sense. And if you’ve read my book, Without Saying A Word, then you know I have no love for black thus, this giveaway is for the gorgeous teal/red privacy clutch (pictured above). The privacy clutch is made of textured leather, measures 6.5″ H x 10.5″ W so big enough for all your essentials, and has a minimal, sleek design to be worn alone or tossed in

2015/10/06

Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Pretty Bags

I love a good bag that I can use to keep my makeup, tech peripherals, or handbag odds n’ ends. And we all know a love a good clutch too so, when I saw these Truffle bags, I got all tingly inside! They’re sleek. They’re functional. They’re versatile. They’re quality. I scooped a few different ones (the clarity document case, privacy clutch, and small clarity pouch which is TSA-friendly!!) and next week, Blueprint for Style will be hosting a giveaway of

2015/10/02

Accessories

Spring Must Haves: Satchels

This can be a tricky thing because the average “working girl” today uses one bag and that bag has to work as her tote and handbag….for the entire week. While I don’t advocate it, if you’re looking for dual functionality then a satchel is the way to go: enough to carry your essentials, a small clutch [that doubles as an after-work bag], an ipad, a magazine, and perhaps a shoe bag with flip flops. My second and equally as important

2015/04/22

Features & Series

Suede Rubber

I’m showing this on MANly Monday but this is a tool for anyone who owns suede! I’ve tried it and I’m a believer ~ Redecker suede rubber is EVERYTHING! Save a frustrating trip to the cobbler and get a bar of this to remove dirt and stains for your shoes, handbag, belt, even that vintage skirt….. Get it and make your 2015 go a lot smoother….having nice things is cool but taking care of what you have is just as

2015/01/05

Accessories

Handbag Shuffle

I have quite a few handbags especially clutches because I have a belief that they are always useful whether to dress up a casual look, to hold small tidbits, or for travel. Similar to shoes, handbags can be transformational to an outfit. The perfect leopard print bag can bring together the disparate parts of a pair of black pants and a camel sweater; or a cute aubergine and navy clutch sets off a pair of dark rinse denim and navy

2015/01/01

Accessories

My Version of “12 Days of Christmas” Gifting

The giving continues…. This time it’s all about a bag that I was introduced to many, many years ago by the name of the O.G. I was SOLD on it from my first use and proceeded to spread the gospel. Now they (aka Lo & Sons) has created a crossbody bag that I am dying to get my little hands on! I wasn’t a fan of the crossbody until I saw how this Pearl can convert from crossbody to clutch with no

2014/12/21

Accessories

Hermes: More Than The Kelly Or Birkin

We all get lost of the splendor of Hermès (pronounced “air mess”) and it’s easy to focus on its traditional beauties, the Kelly and the Birkin bags. Indeed the Birkin rests as the number two item on my Wish List (behind a specific Patek Philippe watch). Let me share some fun facts: The average size Birkin or Kelly bag takes fifteen to sixteen hours to make The bigger bags take twenty-five to thirty hours Most Hermès bags are built from

2014/08/26

Accessories

Carry. Cross. Travel. Clutch.

I held out on my approval of crossbody bags but they are growing on me especially when they’re as versatile as one like this Rebecca Minkoff mini box two-tone bag. You can wear it on your shoulder, sling it across your front (which makes it very travel-friendly), and detach the shoulder strap and just clutch it. Added bonus is the two-tone color combo ~ cream and black make this wearable year round! The Outnet has lots of other handbags on sale

2014/02/08

Accessories

Newest Celebrity “It” Handbag

We’ve seen the Celine luggage bag, Proenza Schouler’s PS1, Alexander Wang’s Rocco duffel, and Chloe’s Paddington, so you were just waiting for the next celebrity “it” handbag and it’s here ~ Viktor & Rolf‘s Bombette bag {$1995, available for preorder at 416.861.6251} from the label’s F/W 13 collection. The “it” bag is currently being rocked by the likes of Charlize Theron, Miranda Kerr, Cate Blanchett and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley ~ all style heavy hitters known more for their style curation than

2013/06/12

Accessories

What’s In Their Handbags

What would you expect to find in the designer handbags of Vogue’s fashion & beauty editors?. We got a peek ~ and look what we found! I caught wind of it at a fun blog called Studded Hearts; and they scooped it from Vogue Australia. Now I’m sharing it with you. It’s a harmless, fashion-addicted version of voyeurism ~ if you’ve ever wondered what the big fashion gurus are toting around….. Notice any difference/similarities between the contents of these handbags? Each handbag

2013/04/26

Accessories

Ideal Bag…In the Clutch!

An easy find at Gap ($40) ~ colorful foldover clutches in statement-making hues that will set your outfit apart! If they look a little familiar, it’s because they are painful similar to Clare Vivier‘s infamous clutches (found here). Needless to say….I scooped the navy one {and the contrast color is cream…winning!}!

2013/02/25

Handbags

Vintage Hermes [POLL]

The big question of the week: [socialpoll id=”3473″] A favorite of Jackie Onassis, the Constance bag is a legend amongst handbag connoisseurs, with this brown crocodile-skin version a stunning investment piece. This clean-lined Hermes Vintage classic has been handcrafted to the highest specification for an understated and timeless allure.

2012/12/19

Accessories

Minaudieres

Minaudiere: A small ornamental case for a woman’s cosmetics, jewelry, or personal items that is often carried as a handbag. They are polite. They are sophisticated. They are elegant. They are sleek. They are ‘old school’ (they’ve been around since the 1930s). They are the brainchild of Charles Arpels of Van Cleef & Arpels. They are an oxymoron ~ because they are very now. Worth investing in? Yes Worth foregoing rent? No Able to be found for a steal? Yes

2012/12/11

Accessories

Can’t Miss Hit List: Handbag

{click the round, red-outlined dot to link to the item directly} Navy blue is so rich and so chic. Handbags don’t discriminate based on size. Every lady needs someplace to stash her lipstick (or gloss), cell, business cards and wallet. It’s even vegan-friendly! It may not last you seven years but, if you rock it with your denim at least four times, during the Black Friday sales, on three dates, and once to girls night out, you’ve more-than-gotten-your-monies-worth! Buy: navy

2012/11/21

Accessories

My $99 Marshall’s Find: Feeling Blue Today

I’m part of Lucky Magazine‘s Style Collective and I was given an assignment – head to Marshall‘s, find something stylish, show us, and then share it! Done! It was a quick jaunt outside to do lunch with a friend and I didn’t want the bulk of a coat (going for house to car) and didn’t need to bundle up too much…. If you wanted to add a bit more polish ~ you could have rocked a nice tweed or print

2012/11/20

Accessories

A Casually Sassy Lady

I love the overall look of this outfit ~ the dress and heels keep it classic and feminine; the layering with the white top and colorful scarf make it ideal for fall [luke warm days, cool evenings]; and the unstructured feel of the handbag and dress keep it comfortable. SCORE one for the classically sassy lady who wants to do professional but keep it cool! Which is your favorite piece?! Mine is the 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Bag…

2012/10/09

Accessories

NYFW Handbag Must-Have

I love this print clash clutch because whether I’m rocking all-black {that’s standard fare for NYC}, going with this fall’s hot color, navy blue, or simply mastering my mixed print skills, this bag is the answer. A clutch ~ it’s ladylike The colors ~ they’re closet-friendly The price ~ makes it a no-brainer ASOS print clash clutch, $34

2012/09/04

Accessories

Burning (Hermes) Birkin Bags?!!

Are you familiar with Hermès‘ Birkin (& Kelly) bag? Do you know they cost upwards of $10,000 (and as high as $150,000) depending on the material? Do you know they are completely made by hand by one person (& inspected every step of the way)? That said, you can absolutely assume they are precious and hard to come by ~ not to mention the waiting lists that can extend upwards of one year. So, the big question is ~ what

2012/06/25

Handbags

TODAY Only, 50% Off

This Corrente Marlow Mini-clutch is only $57.50 today! It’s the perfect clutch for summer: it comes in fun summer colors {mustard, teal, blue} it has a detachable wristlet it’s made of genuine leather {in the USA!} just big enough for the essentials {5 x 10 x 2.5} with the code “luckydaily3” at checkout, it’s 50% off!

2012/05/11

Handbags

My New Bag

I caught wind of this J Crew Tillary Tote bag and my dreams of the Celine Shopper Tote were put on hold…for good reason. This bag will be my go-to bag for the summer ~ pictured is the tote in flax canvas, but I’m truly torn between tote in warm sienna leather and canvas stripe (red, white & blue). Take a peek ~ and tell me which one is your favorite?

2012/03/02

Our Blog

Best Time to Buy Luxury

any handbag collection must include…

sister gift

FREE Download Available: Handbags under $100!

Designer Handbags are OUT!

Truffle Privacy Clutch Giveaway

Ready for the Weekend: Pretty Bags

Spring Must Haves: Satchels

Suede Rubber

Handbag Shuffle

My Version of “12 Days of Christmas” Gifting

Hermes: More Than The Kelly Or Birkin

Carry. Cross. Travel. Clutch.

Newest Celebrity “It” Handbag

What’s In Their Handbags

Ideal Bag…In the Clutch!

Vintage Hermes [POLL]

Minaudieres

Can’t Miss Hit List: Handbag

My $99 Marshall’s Find: Feeling Blue Today

A Casually Sassy Lady

NYFW Handbag Must-Have

Burning (Hermes) Birkin Bags?!!

TODAY Only, 50% Off

My New Bag

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