Cole Haan

This clutch took me a bit of guard. I am not always as up to date with Cole Haan handbags as perhaps I should be. I guess they just aren’t on my radar screen like some other designers. But, almost every time I stumble across a Cole Haan handbag, I like what I see. The Cole Haan Keaton Buckle Clutch is no exception.

The sleek snakeskin clutch serves more than just one purpose. Not only will it hold whatever you might typically put in a clutch, but it also will keep you uber organized. Brushed goldtone hardware is a great accent to this clutch. Add the buckle strap detail and buckle strap along the back break up a typical clutch which results in some real texture, some real individuality. Oh one more thing, the price is beyond right!!! Buy through Bluefly for $170.99.

Does anyone else think that the Cole Haan Kyle Large Nylon Tote seems kind of…crowded? I count…one, two, three, four…FOUR pockets on the front alone, the top two of which don’t match each other or the twin pockets below them. At the same time, it’s one of the “tobo” bags we’ve mentioned before that seem so popular this season; it’s the shape of a hobo, but it has two handles, making it a tote. And then there’s the webbing that stretches all the way up the corners of the tote, framing in the orange-trimmed pockets (which, varyingly, have both buckles and zippers) and making them seem all the more squished.

It kind of reminds me of a fly-fishing vest you wear on your shoulder (and for all of you girls that aren’t familiar with fly-fishing vests…you’re lucky). It looks a bit like it’s a duffle bag made into a hobo (excuse me, tobo), and I’m not entirely sure that I’d pay $298 for a nylon Cole Haan bag when the leather ones are scarcely $100 more. I think I understand what they were going for here, but I can’t say I think the end result is good. Buy through Zappos for $298.95.

I’ve been kind of bored with Cole Haan bags for the past few seasons. Their designs are perfectly respectable – tailored, functional, and usually with lots of pockets. And, I mean, who doesn’t love pockets? I know I do. But something about them hasn’t had much of a zing in a little while, which is too bad, since they’re a great brand. They make somewhat affordable bags out of really thick, luxurious leathers that last a long time, and I’d buy them left and right if they were just a bit more fashionable. Well apparently, ask and ye shall receive: the Cole Haan Phoebe Pleated Leather Satchel.

I was taken (somewhat unwillingly; there might have been some whining like a 12-year-old on my part) into the Cole Haan boutique in Atlanta by my mom yesterday, and I’m glad I was. If she hadn’t made me, I would have never realized how lovely this collection, and this bag in particular, is in person. The leather is luxurious and smooshy, but the pleating and construction still allow it to mostly keep it’s shape. It comes in several sizes (from tiny to enormous) and a few colors, but my favorite was the medium in crisp, summer-ready white. The bag was light as a feather and had enough room for even the biggest packrat to load it down, but the straps were so thick and soft that it would take a ton of stuff to make it uncomfortable to carry. I was thoroughly impressed – I hope Cole Haan continues on the road that brought them to this bag. Buy through Saks for $498.

I’ll admit it, I have a weak spot for metallic finished handbags. Not all of them, but a lot of them. There is just something that grabs my eye about something sparkly or something that shimmers. Without a doubt, the bronze metallic finish was the first thing I noticed about the Cole Haan Village Soft North/South Rouched Satchel. Sometimes I think it is great to take a break from handbags with lots of bells and whistles. Other than the bronze metallic finish, there isn’t anything out of the ordinary about this bag, but I think that could be one of the reasons I like it so much. Cole Haan did a great job sticking to what the line is great at, making functional and fun handbags. I am also a fan of the buckles located where the bag and handles meet. It is a great addition. And who would have thought, a brand that began by selling men’s footware 80 years ago would one day make such gorgeous handbags? Buy through Zappos for $449.

Can Cole Haan give you the woven Bottega Veneta look?

So, we all love designer handbags and have our wish lists. However, let’s be honest, we can’t all spend thousands of dollars on each handbag we purchase. Sure, there are special occasions, but more often times than not, we might need to try and capture a certain look for less. Over at Purse Blog, we’ve talked about the fabulous Bottega Veneta Bags before. In my mind, there is no other way to describe them other than gorgeous. Yet, they are definitely on the pricey side. Luckily, I think I may have found an alternative, the Cole Haan Marigold Woven Leather Small Hobo. No, it’s no Bottega Veneta, but it is an option. The shape is similar and both bags boast woven leather. Plus the woven leather shoulder strap has the same look, shape and overall feel as the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo Slouch Bag. I know, I know, the Cole Haan bag doesn’t have suede lining and it doesn’t have the Bottega Veneta label, but I don’t think it is a bad choice. The question remains, do you think while saving up for the Bottega Veneta bag, the Cole Haan hobo will do the job? Buy the Cole Haan Hobo through Bluefly for $177 or if you are ready to splurge, buy the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Hobo through Net-a-Porter for $2,450.

Pumpkin Pie… delish! Well, actually I am not a huge fan of Pumpkin Pie, but I do like the smell of it. And while we enter Fall, I can’t help but notice the change of decorations in not only retail stores, but also grocery stores. Just the other day when shopping for groceries, I noticed the plethora of pumpkins that were available. I have to say, I truly love the deep, rich colors of the Fall, especially shades of orange. So as you can imagine, this orange Cole Haan Village Shoulder Bag instantly caught my eye. In fact, Cole Haan calls this color harvest orange which makes me like the bag that much more. (It’s the simple things in life that make me happy.) The silvertone hardware, belted sides plus a front flap pocket with buckle detailing all bring the bag together nicely. To state it simply, just looking at the bag you can tell that it is put together with thought and detail in mind. And of course, going back to what I originally said, I think the color is absolutely perfect for the Fall. Even better yet, although the bag is orange, it can go with many outfits! Buy through Neiman Marcus for $325.