I’ve been trying to figure out for some time now exactly what it is that makes me love Valentinobags oh so much, particularly since Shannon called me out on it last week. It’s not like no other designer has ever done ribbon and flower motifs – that, in and of itself, is not what sets the brand apart. And it’s not the shapes or colors they use, either – the vast majority of their bags are traditional shapes like hobos and totes, decorated intricately but in usually neutral shades.
I’ve been trying to pinpoint why I like them so much for a while, and as best I can tell, it’s because they feel like clothing to me. Instead of creating something that’s tough and somewhat exterior to an ensemble, Valentino’s accessory designers seem to put as much thought and detail into things like the Valentino Tulle Rosette Bag as they would into an evening gown destined for the red carpet. In a marketplace full of mass-produced bags, a lot of the bags that Valentino turns out still manage to feel and look special.
Admittedly, this bag is probably too fragile for almost any setting and certainly a tad over-designed. When you see it, however, you instantly get a sense of the workmanship and attention to detail that goes into one of the brand’s bags, something that may be slightly harder to articulate with a leather canvas. Indeed, the pleating and folding would be right at home at the sort of swanky awards show to which most of us will never go, but a lack of need for couture doesn’t mean that we can’t all own a piece of the Valentino magic.
The brand’s bags seem more cohesive with the line’s overall aesthetic than a lot of other options in a similar price range, and you still get the femininity and painstaking attention to detail that you would get from one of Valentino’s far more expensive (and less functional) evening dresses. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2790.
First, thing first: Amanda’s going to kill me for writing about this bag before she does. Ok, now that I’ve stated what you PurseBlog readers might already know, I can move on.
As soon as I saw this Valentino Raised-Rose Tote I knew I had to write about it. I mean, look at it! It is such a statement piece. Typically I consider evening bags to be more “statement piece-y” than larger bags. But this time, let’s call a spade a spade and agree that it is a statement piece. If you reach into your closet and come out with this bag as the one you are going to carry, you know you are making a statement – a fashionable statement.
I actually love this bag so much that I’ve already mentally planned outfits I’d carry this bag with. It is simply gorgeous. Yes, the raised tonal petal detailing is in your face, but that’s the point. As I’ve already mentioned, this bag is meant to make a statement and that it certainly does. There is absolutely no way that you could go anywhere without some one staring and/or commenting on this bag. I love the nude shiny napa leather, silver hardware and buckled shoulder straps. Clearly, you’d need to pair this bag with an outfit that is rather understated so that you can let the bag do the talking, but that is doable. I’m just so thrilled to see Valentino capitalize on an ever-popular design and take it to the next level. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1595.
You know why I love finding handbag looks for less? Sometimes it is the less expensive bag that catches my attention and that is a double wow. I can’t say that with today’s Look for Less though. Valentino is a handbag favorite on the PurseBlog team. If you see their bags in person, it is easy to see why. The designs are feminine, sexy, and luxurious.
One of my favorite designs from Valentino lately is their 360 Handbag, which features feminine touches on a large slouchy body. But at $1,400, it is not the most affordable bag. And that is why I have found a look for less with the Elie Tahari Pebbled Melrose Tote.
For some reason, I thought the Valentino 360 Handbag would cost much more than the asked for $1,395. If you go into the store and try the bag on, you will fall in love. Their quality is superb andValentino has a way to make every woman feel gorgeous and glamorous when wearing their bags. This specific bag suits every aspect of a bag I like (and comes in bright pink!!). Buy the Valentino 360 Handbag via Saks for $1,395.
If you love the look of the Valentino bag but it does not fit into your budget, the Elie Tahari Pebbled Melrose Tote may be a great look for less option. While the body of the bag is very similar to the Valentino bag, there are additional ruffles along the top. The black distressed leather looks lovely and the self ties extending from the handle are reminiscent of the bow detail on the Valentino bag. A great look for a more manageable price. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $498.
