Author Archives: Megs Mahoney Dusil

Chanel Everything

Shop Chanel bags and accessories via Chanel online

Happy Labor Day to all of our US readers! I spent much of the weekend on the couch because I somehow caught a cold, but that didn’t keep me from feeling a deep Chanel obsession. Not only did it take over every part of my being, but it also gave me the urge to scour both my closet and my girlfriend’s to look at Chanel pieces.

In doing so, I found the perfect compilation of Chanel everything for an accessories post. Of course I had to have a Chanel bag, and the classic caviar Timeless Clutch is a favorite. This is my girlfriend’s bag and one of her favorite evening clutches because it is both spacious and totally chic. Unlike the Classic Flap Bags, the Timeless Clutch runs at a reasonable price in (relative to other Chanel bags) even though there’s nothing lackluster about it. (Current price varies depending on material.)

Next I added a really fun Chanel bracelet that I received as a gift and have used in many of my “bracelet party” rotations. The piece brings a seriously edgy vibe. My other wrist addition is the Chanel Black Ceramic J12 Watch (38mm, automatic, diamond markers). This is the only watch I own and will be for a long time. I love that it’s practical while also being a fashion piece. The necklace is borrowed from my friend who loves designer bags and accessories as much as I do and happened to have the perfect color combo necklace from Chanel to add to the photo.

Lastly, my newest obsession after my love of handbags is nail polish. Y’all, I am obsessed, the kind of obsession that means I went from owning ten polishes four months ago and now own over 200 polishes. For my main color, I opted for Chanel #08, Pirate, and for the manicure tips #529, Graphite. The true red paired with the glittery tips makes for a sultry fun combo.

Shop Chanel Nail Colours via Neiman Marcus for $25

Watch this Lanvin video for Friday Laughs

Watch the video now!

Friday, you are here!! That means fist pumps and party time, or in my case shopping, movies, and long walks. Either way, TGIF to all PurseBlog readers. I wanted to end this week on a light note, with the clever yet hilarious Lanvin Fall-Winter 2012 Ad Campaign video.

We’ve got Pitbull music in the background and beautiful models adorned in Lanvin attempting to dance. I think this video reminds me why most models bodies are better for runway walks and still photos versus awkward dance moves. We’ve got a dash of uncoordinated movements paired with flimsy head rolls and lots of arm swinging. All-in-all, this video is sure to brighten your day, and make you get up out of your seat and dance. Because, after all, you won’t look much weirder than the ladies and gents in this video.

And don’t miss Alber Elbaz dancing his way through two male models to end the video. Now go have an amazing weekend, dance like no one is watching, and we will be back Monday!

The Botkier Chocolate Sasha makes me salivate

Botkier Sasha Medium Duffel Bag, $595 via ShopBop.com

When I laid eyes on this bag, I began to feel hungry. Images of chocolate bars and fudge danced through my head and I realized that not only does this bag remind me of one of my favorite food groups but also I do not own a dark brown bag. Both Amanda and I don’t usually care for brown handbags, but Botkier has released this delightful version of its coveted Sasha and I just might cave.


This is one of my favorite designs EVER, in the history of handbags, for many reasons. First off, the bag is both easy to carry and wear in a style that is sure to entice the majority of the handbag loving world. Second, for the price you pay, Botkier always gives quality leather, and this lambskin is going to be super soft and age magnificently over time. Third, and most importantly, do you all remember our Botkier + PurseBlog Exclusive Design? You created a one-of-a-kind Sasha Duffel bag and I will never forget it nor will it loose a place in my heart.

Obviously, we edited the photo of this bag. No, it will not melt when you touch it and spontaneously give you a handful of melted chocolate (wouldn’t that be amazing though?!). There you have all my reasons why this bag is delightful to look at, reminds me of chocolate, and will always be a favorite. Now I just need to buy it. Via ShopBop for $595.

In Depth look at Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012

Oh, how I wish that Oscar de la Renta made more handbags. I wish it with every ounce of my being because then I would have that many more opportunities to write about this designer-genius that pays such close attention to detail, fabrics and colors that it makes my fashion-loving heart pound. Luckily, OdlR does design a collection of bags (and furthermore, in running this website, I have free reign to add a little Oscar delight in here whenever I’d like to). And for this, you should be happy, because I like to think of these photos of the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012 collection as a treat to your eyes.

Vlad and I had the privilege to go backstage and attend the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2012 show, about which I have already shared my thoughts. It is time to let the beauty of the creations speak for themselves and for you to have an ever closer look at the divine collection Oscar created.

Click on the images to enjoy them in their full resolution beauty.

Want it Wednesday: Tory Burch 797 Collection

Shop the 797 Handbag collection at ToryBurch.com

Today is the last day of August. I realize we all share the same calendar but I needed to say that out loud to remind myself that summer is over and fashion week is a week away. INSERT PANIC HERE. Kidding, kind of. Fashion Week is one of the best times to be in this industry, because not only do I get to attend the shows I love most, but also I get to dress up to attend them as well. Of course I take my job seriously, but I never forget how much fun it is at times, and fashion week is one of those times.

One of the shows I look forward to seeing is the Tory Burch Spring ’12 show. I have Tory Burch items floating in my closet to choose from and the bag I desperately want to finish my look with is the Tory Burch 797 Suede Messenger Bag.


Tory Burch 797 Messenger Bag, $525 via Tory Burch

This week I can not take my eyes off the Tory Burch 797 Collection. On September 8th, the Tory Burch Manhattan flagship at 797 Madison Ave opens, and this collection was designed in honor of the opening. From a clutch, to a messenger, to a satchel, the collection was inspired by a vintage military bag Tory found on a trip to Europe.

While I would take any of the editions of this bag, I truly want the Tory Burch 797 Suede Messenger Bag in Navy Blue. I love the combination of suede and leather as it works seamlessly with the different lines of the design. The bag possesses a feel of downtown cool meets everyday chic. Prices for the line are $425 for the clutch, $525 for the messenger, and $625 for the satchel – all through ToryBurch online.

Chloe Gabby colorblocks in all the wrong ways

I love colorblocking. I love the way the seemingly simple trend took over the fashion world quickly and had everyone feeling like some novel idea was introduced in a ground-breaking manner. Yet the trend works so well on everyone, showcasing solid colors paired together to give a sleek yet bold look. The handbag world has taken to the trend as well, with many designers releasing versions of the trend that they believe will get people buzzing. But as always, some do it in a way that draws us in, and others totally miss the mark.

Chloe missed the mark with its Gabby Bucket Bag and its sister bag, the Chloe Gabby Mixed-Snakeskin Duffel is just as bad, if not worse.


Chloe Gabby Mixed-Snakeskin Duffel, $4335 via Neiman Marcus

I know that python is huge for fall, but mixing viper, ayers, and python snakeskin in one design makes me dizzy. I want so badly for this bag to somehow work, I want it to be one of those quirky accessories that looks ridiculous but has the right amount of pizazz to lure me in. But it doesn’t. The bag falls far from it’s mark, offering a confusing amount of broken-up colors and patterns on a bag that is supposed to be classic in its shape.

I loved the direction Chloe took when they released the Marcie, but their recent designs leave me confused. Who is the Chloe girl? Does Chloe even know who the Chloe girl is? All that I feel is lost at a hefty price tag of $4,335 via Neiman Marcus.

Versace makes a bag I like at a price that I don’t

We aren’t known to be the biggest Versace supporters at our site, but we’ve been feeling a it warmer lately. I know some people absolutely love the brand, but Donatella’s accessories almost always go over the edge of overt opulence; they’re often too ornate for my liking. However, upon seeing the Versace Structured Snake-Effect Leather Tote I felt true excitement. Sure, the overall design is simple, but the python print along with the coloring screams “fall statement piece.” (It also sort of screams “Valentino Fall 2011,” but that’s another post entirely.) The sad news is that PurseBloggers, we have a problem: the price.

When the description read snake-effect and the price showed $3,995, I was certain there was a mistake. A mistype, perhaps? But no, this bag’s faux finish is printed on leather; it’s not exotic python skin. And no matter how much I want to tell you all that Versace is getting it right, the brand is still getting its prices all wrong.



Versace Structured Snake-effect Leather Tote, $3995 via Net-A-Porter

How can a brand that has spent the last several years floundering around in its own accessories mess ask us to pay $4k for a leather tote? The Versace name does not have enough pull in the handbag world to be able to ask these prices and I do not know who will go out and actually spend it. I guess you would have to really, really, really love the design, and I don’t. I merely like it.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a Versace creation that I liked before even realizing it was Versace. The royal blue, brown, and cream color combo flows together beautifully. There are two top handles and a detachable shoulder strap for ease of use. I was happy to see the tasseled key fob is removable, and while I am not usually a fan of these adds-ons it works with this bag. What still doesn’t work is the price. Buy via NAP for $3,995.

Gallery: In-Depth Look At Ferragamo Resort For 2012

I never shared my experience of the Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2012 show with you. Shame on me because it was drop dead gorgeous, the kind of gorgeous that made me pinch myself to see if what I was experiencing was a dream. Held at the James B. Duke Mansion, this was the first time Ferragamo has shown in NYC and many celebrities and fashion insiders were in attendance. The paparazzi were out in full force trying to photograph the likes of Eva Mendes, Emma Roberts, Minka Kelly and more. I thoroughly enjoyed the celebrity spotting as well, but the show itself was what I was there for and it was breathtaking.

When the music began, the models began their walk through the mansion and the collection reminded us that resort is all about chic. Blue, white, and silver took over the runway and for twenty minutes I forgot where I was and was transported to the resort world of Ferragamo.


A couple days after the presentation, we went to the showroom for a re-see and I was able to view all of the items up close. Vlad took detailed photos that capture the true beauty of every piece. Once the line hits stores, you must find a way to go see it in its entirety and allow yourself to be transported to the world of Ferragamo Resort as well.

Marie Turnor bases a bag on brown paper lunch bags

Growing up, I had my lunch made for me every morning by my mom. In a brown paper bag, she meticulously packed healthy foods that no one wanted to trade for at lunch (thanks mom, you were ahead of the curve!). My childhood was filled with brown paper bags, and for this reason the Marie Turnor Picnic Bag called out to me from the first time I stumbled upon it.

You can’t tell me there is not a tinge of nostalgia you feel when you see this bag. Whether you had an awesome hard case lunchbox or bought lunch everyday, the brown paper bag was part of all of our lives in someway or another. Marie Turnor uses this design to give us a pouch-like bag that can easily work as a clutch or be placed inside of a larger bag to hold some essentials.


The best part after the design is the price. For only $175, the Picnic Bag holds plenty of items at 8″ x 8″ x 2″. The Italian calf leather looks luscious and soft in the photos, so I hope it will not disappoint in the flesh.

If I bought this bag, it would end up getting most use as an organizational pouch thrown in a larger bag. The design rolls at the top and closes with a magnet, though I do not believe there are any organizational pockets on the interior. This bag could offer an easy accessory to the inside of your bag. There are many colors, but my vote hands down goes to the tan version. Buy via Marie Turnor for $175.

Fill in the Blank: The Marc Jacobs Spotted Teddies Shearling Hobo Bag is…

While this bag is considered one of fall’s statement pieces, I wonder how many of you plan to go buy it.

The Marc Jacobs Spotted Teddies Shearling Hobo Bag is all about fuzzy shearling with a few bold black polka dots. While some risk-taking fashionistas are surely scurrying out to buy this bag, I would only consider buying it to double as a pillow in times of sudden sleepiness.


Marc Jacobs constantly designs collections to appeal to many different styles, from the subdued to the funky, and this bag falls into the funky category. I remember this bag being carried down the Fall 2011 runway, catching my eye much more than the outfit, although not necessarily in a good way. Keep in mind the dimensions are large, 12″ x 11″ x 6″. Buy via Net-A-Porter for $1,495.

Let’s have a little fill in the blank fun. You know what to do: the Marc Jacobs Spotted Teddies Shearling Hobo Bag is ____________________.