Botkier

Isn’t Venice sinking? Don’t I keep hearing about that? I feel like I’ve been hearing about it since I was old enough to know what Venice was, so maybe they’re just crying wolf at this point. Either way, Botkier definitely isn’t sinking with the Venice Satchel (Har har, yes, I know, bad segue. Gimme a break, I just got back from vacation last night). It’s made of soft-n-wonderful Italian lambskin, sports both double satchel straps and an optional shoulder strap (as always, the best option with optional straps is to remove them), and has about as many zippers as anyone could ever want.

My mom, who takes the attitude of “the more zippers, the better” will certainly be excited that this has shown up, and I can’t blame here. It looks entirely functional, like you could absolutely carry it every day, while still being stylish and and having people ask you about it. The straps and zippers allow the bag to border on the industrial without being over the top, meaning it can be worn by a large variety of people, instead of just those that embrace a very specific look. Good job, Botkier – I’d love to see more like this. Buy through Saks for $595.

I’ve been decidedly “meh” on the whole tiny-bag-long-strap trend, as some of you may have noticed. I questioned the wisdom of that kind of proportion on an average-size woman, I wondered whether it would do weird things to my chest if worn across my body, and sometimes I’m just cautious of trends in general. After all, a healthy dose of logic is often required in the face of new fads. The Botkier Trigger Moto Clutch may be starting to sway my feelings, though. This particular photo doesn’t show it, but it comes with a long, black leather strap that can be used optionally if you’d rather have it as a hand-held. There’s a certain amount of wisdom to having a shoulder strap when going out at night, and I’m slowly beginning to tire of having a clutch constantly in my hands, particularly when it comes time to dance. It would be useful for everyday, too – you don’t need much when you go shopping, and it’d keep your hands free for carrying bags or clothes that you haven’t yet tried on. Not that I should be encouraged to shop more…But yes, anyway, I’ll admit the trend might deserve a bit of a look after all, and you have Botkier to thank for that. Buy through ShopBop for $395.

I like the Botkier Violet Runway Hobo, even though for some reason I feel like I shouldn’t. I’m not really sure why I feel that way, but it might be the brown strap with the metallic body of the bag. Surprisingly, despite my dual hatred for brown in general and bicolor bags in particular, I think it totally works. The small brown accents turn what could have been an enormous metallic monstrosity into a reasonable day bag by breaking it up a bit and providing a good counterpoint to the blingy nature of shiny metallic leather. I also think Botkier did a great job picking an appropriate shade of metallic for a large bag – gunmetal is the most versatile, most day-friendly metallic available, and it also goes with the greatest variety of colors and outfits. My only bit of trepidation is that this is a bit dark for a spring bag, but I know that many ladies out there aren’t as neutral-averse as I am. In fact, I’ve heard that some of you PREFER neutrals – who woulda thunk? Not I, says the girl with the purple handbag. At any rate, I think this is a real winner from a brand that’s been struggling to find its way for the past several seasons. Buy through Saks for $695.

Now this is change I can believe in. I’ve had some questions about Monica Botkier’s sanity for a season or two, and I haven’t been sure exactly where she was trying to go with her brand. She had a big hit with the Bianca satchel that has been the brand’s signature for several seasons, and of course there was the wonderful Trigger bag before that, but I feel like she’s been looking for her next big hit for about a year. I’m not sure, but I think the James line may be the bags that Ms. Botkier needs to be putting her bets on. The line contains several bags, but because I’m me, my favorite is, naturally, the Botkier James Hobo. Because I love a hobo more than pretty much any other type of bag. And this one is great – soft-looking but still slightly shiny enough to be glam, understated pleats (two of which are really zipper pockets – and I love a zipper pocket), and a couple tassels without reminding anyone of, uh, the slightly more untoward uses of tassels. So I think it’s a winner, and just the type of back-to-basics bag that Botkier needs right about now. Buy through Nordstrom for $595.

Once again, thank you Botkier. I am definitely happy with what I see here. The Botkier Olivia Small Chain Shoulder Bag is one I want. I would have to say, for the most part, I don’t carry around small handbags. Well, of course I love my clutches, but other than that, small bags aren’t really my thing. But then, I found this handbag and I started to think that small bags could work for me. Per usual, I love the black leather but even more than that I love the chain handle with leather detail at the top. Of course, just a bit of square stud detail on the front and on the sides has to help add a little edge to the bag. But I think it’s the hint of “bad girl” I see in this handbag that I really like. I probably wouldn’t be carrying this around a lot during the day, but you better believe I would love to tote this around at night! Buy through Singer 22 for $475.

Well, goodbye work week, hello weekend! Hmmm, not quite time to call it quits for the day, but still, the weekend is very much on the horizon. I would have to be one of those people who really believes you should work hard and play hard. When I say “play” I am not saying I stay out and close down all the bars, but anything I can do to relax is much appreciated. Whether I am walking around a farmers market, window shopping or hitting the bars, I have to have a great handbag. The Botkier Trigger Bag has just made it to my “I really, really, really want this” list. I love how the bag is chic, a little bit rock-n-roll and completely versatile. The metallic leather handbag has zipper details as well as a bit of fringe. To me, it is a total knock out; a handbag I would carry just about anywhere. Thank you Botkier, you made my weekend! Buy through Shop Bop for $610.

Botkier Jackie Large Hobo

I had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Botkier last spring. She was gracious and had a great story about her bags. Botkier has launched a line of shoes and continues to please us with her handbags. My new favorite from Monica is the Botkier Jackie Large Hobo which is done in soft pebbled leather in the perfect sunshine yellow color. The zippers and pleating give an edgy appeal as well as the tassel at the side. There is not much for me to say about this bag other than when I loaded Shop Bop page it jumped out and grabbed my attention. The look of the hobo is simplistic, the design is not life-altering, but somehow this bag just has it together. The lined interior features zipper pocket, 2 patch pockets, pen slot, and key hook. My only worry is the strap drop, which is 5″. I am tall and not super petite, and if I were to wear this bag with a coat, I am afraid it will not go over my arm. Nonetheless, a great bag! Buy through ShopBop for $675.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a fan of the color purple. I remember when we moved into a new house and our mom asked if we wanted to paint our rooms a certain color or if we wanted wallpaper put up. I begged and pleaded to have my room painted a “soft” shade of purple, but mom was reluctant. I guess I can see where she is coming from; I bet she thought it was a color I would get sick of rather quickly. Although I lost that battle, I’ve definitely always noticed my eye is still drawn to purple. Perhaps that is why I like the Botkier Morgan Large Satchel in Grape. And actually come to think of it, I’ve found myself taking notice when it comes to Botkier bags like the Botkier Gemma Tab Flap Hobo. The Botkier bags I’ve written about seem great because of the space! Day to day, I need a handbag that can withstand my running around. I think the Morgan Large Satchel could do the job. Plus, I love the color, the shape the fringe accents, and really, more than anything else, how completely gorgeous and fun the bag is. I am sure if I am out running errands and throw this bag up on the counter as I pay for my groceries, someone will comment. What do you think, is Botkier soon to be a front runner in your closet? Buy through Singer22 for $775.

I am at a loss for words. Honestly, I don’t know how to even start talking about this bag. I guess I will start off by saying that the Botkier Metallic Gladiator Tote is not for me. I am usually a huge fan of earth tones, but to me, this bag is not worth the selling price. I guess I can see why it is called a Gladiator Tote though. Doesn’t the material remind you of either the armor or shoes worn in the movie Gladiator? I appreciate the attention to deatail though. The snake-embossed metalic leather might look better if the color was a bit different. I do like the gold hardware found on this Botkier bag. However, I think the gold hardware and the color of the material run together too closely. Instead of adding an elment that stands out, the hardware seems muted. More than anything, I struggle to think of a single outfit that would work with this purse. But, if you feel differently, you can buy this bag through ShopBop for $695.