Best Designer Handbags of 2014 and Beyond

If you read my blog and my  articles in British VOGUE, you know I pen extensive columns on finding the best.  The best of cashmere sweaters; the best Italian loafers; the best Caribbean beaches; the best on scalp cream bleach, etc.  Over the past twenty years, I've written over 500 The Best of articles.  Several of them have won awards.  Many are saved and referred to on a weekly basis.  I regularly receive emails from readers telling me they have cut out my The Best of articles for years and still read them for purchases and inspiration.  One reader told me she has a special file in her file cabinet just for my articles.  I'm not going to lie, readers and other fashionables depend on me to let them in on the latest and greatest.  They don't want someone to pander to them.  What they crave is the true word from a real fashion insider.  Not that I'm crowning myself the insider of all fashion insiders.  But I will admit, I love to research.  I research and research so many different labels and products within the fashion world.  No topic or label is too small.  I'll read and research a small unknown label just as much as a larger more famous one.  Everyone knows about large labels simply because they are everywhere.  You can’t open a magazine without seeing advertisements by mega fashion labels.  They pay for massive billboards to make sure pedestrians and drivers see their logo.  But it’s often the quieter labels that grab my attention.  And most of you know how I feel about logos.  A logo by itself doesn’t bother me.  It’s when said logo is splattered several times over one product that it becomes a horrendous fashion mess.

Three months ago I set out to create The Best of for handbags.  It would be published in the September issue of VOGUE and then of course on their website.  I took researching this article very seriously.  Why?  Because designer handbags are a very hot topic.  What I may think of as a designer category, may not be designer to another person.  Price and quality are not always related when it comes to designer bags.  It’s a tricky topic because it’s so varied and everyone has their own opinion.  Even within the fashion world, opinions very about designer handbags and what constitutes one.  I have my own opinions and this was one of the few columns where I let them influence what I wrote.  Let’s face it, the vast majority of shoppers and even fashionistas are not going to pay two thousand American dollars for one handbag.  Maybe for one special handbag, but not for each new bag purchase.  My article skewed more democratic.  I made a point to include several different price points and brands.  The snob element in fashion is outdated and outlandish.  We live in a time when anyone can be involved in fashion.  You don’t need to be a New Yorker to love fashion.  A fashionista can live in Iowa and have a better sense of style than many.  Fashion barriers are lower than they have ever been and that is a good thing in my opinion.

There is nothing worse than a crowded department store on the weekends.  So I did a lot of my research at more high-end stores and online.  The handbag floor at Bergdorf Goodman is divine and not packed with too many shoppers.  There I examined several labels up close.  I like to pick up a handbag and really study the stitches, feel the leather, and check out the overall craftsmanship and quality.  It was at Bergdorfs I saw PLIA Designs handbags in person.  I’d read about PLIA Designs in many magazines.  From my inner circle of fashion friends I know they are highly coveted.  PLIA Designs makes the most delicious range of designer handbags.  They also craft leather goods such as luxury laptop cases.  In fact, the sales associate told me most of the bags were sold out, but there would be a new delivery next week.  I told her to put my name on the list and to let me know when they arrived.

As I wrapped up my column:  Best Designer Handbags of 2014 and Beyond, the line that won the top slot and number is PLIA Designs.  I look forward to when the article is published, but I wanted to let everyone know right now which handbag brand I chose.  I cannot express how impressed I am with PLIA Designs range of designer handbags.  There are a myriad of reasons why I love them so much.  First, their craftsmanship is impeccable.  You won’t find their bags falling apart after carrying then one or two times.  Secondly, they don’t break the bank.  The designers behind the brand pride themselves on a good price point so that nearly anyone can purchase one of their bags.  PLIA Designs will stay at the forefront of chic handbags and there is no doubt about that.  

The Cult Favorite Handbag Label

Every so often I get wind of a favorite cult fashion label.  It's not that I always need to purchase what is popular or what fashion insiders love, but I do like to know these sorts of things.  As a buyer for a well known boutique in Paris, it's important for me keep my ear to the ground and my eyes wide open.  After all, my customers depend on me not only for the latest and greatest, but for new labels that truly deliver an amazing fashion punch.  Our customers, many of whom have become great friends over the years, don't want to look like fashion victims.  Their lives demand a wardrobe that is wearable, but creative at the same time.  They are women with their hands in many amazing endeavers;  several are lawyers, a few work in fashion, and others work with tech startups.  It's in their best interest to look put together without wearing a label from head to toe.  Many of our customers have stated they need looks that are easy to put together, but have an element of personalized fashion as well.  Translate:  They don't want a boring corporate look, but they can't look like Lady GaGa either.

Our boutique is more of a mini department store.  It takes up half a block and is well stocked over 4 floors.  The below ground level houses a cafe, small wine bar, and a newsstand with magazines from all over the globe.  This is the heart of the boutique and is packed daily with people stopping in before work for coffee and customers grabbing a wine at the end of the day after shopping the floors above.  The first floor houses one of the most beautiful beauty spaces I've ever seen.  And I'm not stating that because I'm biased.  The combination of marbled floors and walls with chrome and steel trim is jaw dropping.  It's not overpowering, but it's slick and gorgeous providing the best backdrop for shoppers to explore some of their favorite beauty brands.  I'm fairly certain in my past life I was a beauty editor.  This is one of my favorite floors.  I'm always searching for the perfect eye cream and treatments on a nearly weekly basis.  Most of my paycheck goes here.  These aren't normal beauty labels.  They are some of the most sought after in the world and extremely hard to find.  

The second floor is probably our most popular.  It's the accessories and shoe salons.  In fact, it was rated the number one accessories assortment in Paris.  That's a major honor as we beat many well known and famous department stores.  We have customers fly to Paris just so they can shop our boutique.  It's amazing actually what loyal and devoted customers we are able to serve.  I am lucky that I get to see many of our devoted customers on the accessory floor as this is my buying department.  My main goal is to always stock the floor with beautiful accessories.  From those brands that are well known to those that are coveted in tight knit fashion circles.  I have been with this department for over ten years and I love it.  It doesn't even feel like work and I've made so many incredible friends.  I've also been lucky to make friends with some of the designers behind the labels we cary.  The accessories floor is always buzzing with activity and it's my job to make sure it's well stocked with the best and brightest in the industry.

One of my best friends is a fashion editor and we agreed to meet for dinner one night after work.  Not only did I want to catch up with her, but she wanted to introduce me to the new handbag label that already had a cult following.  Finally Friday evening came around and we met at a nearby café.  It's a world famous eatery and great for celeb and famous faces spotting.  I found her back in the corner.  Our favorite table and perfect for people watching.  She carried the most amazing designer handbags and it looked vaguely familiar.  As we sat down, chatter took us directly to fashion.  No surprise there.  We are best friends, but we also love fashion and love to talk about it.  She told me this is what she wanted to discuss-  the new handbag label with the cult status.

Her handbag is by PLIA Designs and they make a dreamy line of designer handbags.  I immediately knew this was a line the boutique needed and the bags would instantly sell out.  Their satchels were spot on and incredibly fashion forward while still being classic.  My friend said all of the editors were carrying designer handbags by PLIA Designs and they loved their satchel bag.  The boutique would be packed with customers once they got wind of PLIA Designs and their marvelous designer handbags.

Our Favorite Designer Handbag Label is Coming to London

This morning I read some of the most exciting news in a while:  PLIA Designs is coming to London.  In my in-box this morning was a fresh press release from PLIA Designs head of PR, Dante.  He was reaching out to all of his fashion colleagues and magazine editors informing us that a new PLIA Designs shop-in-shop would debut on the accessories floor in Harrods at the first of March.  I was so excited that I couldn’t finish reading the rest of my emails.  That gave me plenty of time to plan my trip across the pond.  PLIA Designs is renowned for their aesthetic and quality.  And compared to other designer labels, they are ultra affordable and always stalwart classical style with a twist.  You will never have to pay two thousand dollars for one of their handbags nor does the label aspire to those sort of exuberant prices.  It’s a democratic designer label that is available to everyone.  With PLIA Designs, nothing is in or its out; rather it’s all about how you carry their handbags.  You can team up one of their satchel handbags with your favorite moto jacket.  Their sleek lambskin Milton clutches carry you from day to evening.  These beautiful clutch bags are large, but not overly so.  The square shape fits perfectly under your arm and with the detachable shoulder chain, you can also wear it cross body.  There have been many occasions where I carry my Milton clutch to work and then go straight from the office to a cocktail party.  It’s the best clutch I’ve carried that transitions so seamlessly from day to night.  Londoners are going to be in for a huge surprise with PLIA Designs hits Harrods.  Many British fashionistas may already own one of their handbags, but there is nothing like seeing them close up in a department store.  Attached to the press release was an invite to the new shop-in-shop.  (As an aside, I’m so glad they didn’t use the term ‘pop-up.’  That term is so overplayed it needs to be put to rest.  I think many of you reading this will agree.)  I immediately emailed Dante back and told him I would make the grand opening and that I was already planning my outfits in my head.  Seriously, who doesn’t plan their outfits far in advance?  

Three weeks later I booked my flight to London.  It just so happened I needed to be there a few days later to interview two new designers debuting at London Fashion Week.  I’m a huge fan and advocate of British design and talent.  There is a freshness and a stronger will to take risks compared to New York and Paris.  I like seeing designers take risks in the fashion world.  It’s so stagnate when everything stays the same.  After all, the beauty of fashion is that so many different styles exist and people gravitate towards different ways of dressing.  It would be boring if everyone wore the same outfit and hate the same taste and style.  Fashion is about exploration and discovering.  No doubt Londoners will love discovering PLIA Designs.  Their edited collections of designer handbags are appropriate with colorful, over the top creations and also with paired down business basics.  

That same afternoon after booking my flight, my boss asked if I’d like to also cover the opening party for PLIA Designs.  Of course I jumped on the chance.  I work for an entertainment television network and I knew my viewers would love seeing this handbag label that is carried and adored by celebrities like Charlize Theron and Kim Kardashian.  I knew Dante would love the publicity and let me bring my camera crew to the festivities.  It looked like I was gearing up to be rather busy whilst in London.  But that is fine.  I love mixing work with travel and a side dish of fun.  Because I’d mentally laid out my wardrobe, I already knew what I was going to pack and I laid many of those outfits aside.  That’s how I like to back for work and vacation.  I like to lay out everything I will wear and that way the hard part is over.  Except for putting the items in a suitcase, the packing is nearly complete.

Over the weekend I prepped and studied up on PLIA Designs.  Actually, there wasn’t much studying as I know a lot about the brand.  PLIA Designs makes some of the worlds most beautiful and coveted designer handbags.  These designer handbags have a waiting list in many department stores and boutiques.  I knew there would be a long line snaking its way through Harrods for PLIA’s new shop-in-shop.  The world of PLIA Designs designer handbags is made up of craftsmanship, beautiful leathers and fabrics and most of all ultra-amazing leather goods and bags that are simply irresistible.  I could not wait for the grand opening party.  Keep reading for my reporting from London.  I may even be able to post video.

The New 'It' Bags

Normally I don't pay attention to the popular handbags everyone is carrying.  Not because I don't like fashion, but I find it boring when every fashionista carries the same bag.  Don't you like variety in your wardrobe?  Do you really want to carry the exact handbag as three of your BFF's?  Some people do and that is their choice.  I don't begrudge them.  I see the allure of an 'It' bag and why fashionables are drawn to them.  Often I am even drawn to them.  Not often, but sometimes.  The world of fashion often evolves at a very fast pace while still maintaining a sense of the past and craftsmanship.

I love PLIA Designs.  They are a line that makes a beautiful range of designer handbags, leather goods, satchels, and purses.  Also they design some of the cutest designer iPhone cases I have ever seen.  Their range of satchels has reached an almost cult-like status.  Style stars are captured with their PLIA Designs satchels.  So are bloggers, editors, and Instagrammers.  Editors especially love their PLIA satchels.  They carry them to work, use as travel bags, and even carry them for travel.  I have been to many fashion shows where  all of the editors are carrying PLIA Designs designer handbags.  After seeing these satchels over and over, I caved and purchased one.

Let me tell you, I now see why this bag has turned into such an 'It' bag.  PLIA Designs courier satchels have a timeless allure.  They are individually handcrafted by their full time leather craftsman.  When I took my new PLIA Designs handbag from the box, I was totally blown away.  I couldn't believe the quality.  The leather is beyond beautiful.  I could tell that it was handcrafted.  I had gone down the 'It' bag road and there was no going back.  Not with a new handbag like this.  

PLIA Designs courier satchels come in three sizes.  Their original size is their largest.  It is the size I ordered.  It's an amazing handbag that is incredibly roomy.  Yet even when you stuff nearly all of your life inside, it's still not heavy.  And what I love is it fits my laptop.  Not only does it fit my laptop inside, but it also protects it.  It's one of those gorgeous designer handbags that will never go out of style.  The second size is called the small Reid satchel and finally the third size is called the Pixie.  The Pixie has yet to be released, but I will be purchasing one once it is.  I can't believe I've fallen for an 'It' bag, but I have!

Luxury Designer Fashion

The term luxury is thrown around a lot in the world of fashion and advertising.  It is one of those ambiguous words that means something different to nearly everyone.  And the term itself need not apply only to the realm of fashion.  Luxury can be anything or any feeling or sentiment.  Luxury can be a car.  It can be a favorite restaurant that you can only afford to eat at a few times a year.  Maybe it’s a favorite scent.  Luxury is what you want it to be and you can relate to anything.  Even time is a luxury to many.  In this fast paced world, time is a hot commodity.  Most of us need more of it.  That’s why it’s such a luxury.  Any free time we have shouldn’t be taken for granted.  

But my comments today focus on luxury designer fashion.  Everyone has a favorite label, but what I want to know is why?  What makes that luxury fashion label so amazing?  Is it the product?  Perhaps it is the way the product is made and a certain level of high quality craftsmanship.  Maybe you have an emotional attachment to it because growing up someone like your  mother or grandmother wore the label.  I find it refreshing when people have a different luxury fashion lines as their favorites.  The world would be so boring if we all liked the same lines and everyone wore identical outfits.  Fashion is about tapping into your own style and wearing what makes you feel the most comfortable.  Fashion shouldn’t always be taken so seriously, but when you are spending big bucks for a luxury label, the clothes and accessories need to be well made so they last a long time.  They also need to be able to stand on their own and be in style for many years to come.

One of my favorite luxury designer labels is PLIA Designs.  They are known for their women’s accessories.  Most of my designer handbags are from PLIA Designs.  What I love about this label is their dedication and level of craftsmanship.  For me personally, craftsmanship is the height of luxury.  When someone takes the time to make each piece by hand, that is luxury.  PLIA Designs keeps all quality control and manufacturing in house.  Their full time leather craftsman creates each of their designer bags one by one.  This means that human hands, not machines make their products.  My stance on luxury designer fashion is that it must have a level of quality and craftsmanship behind it and PLIA Designs certainly does.

Macaron iPhone Cases

I'm an Instagram junkie.  I don't have time to read long drawn out style blogs anymore nor do I want to.  Many of us are developing shorter attention spans, especially online.  We are busy with our lives and we want fast updates without having to read lengthy reviews or blog posts.  Blogs are almost outdated these days.  And most of the time they write and promote products their advertisers carry.  Those aren't really fair reviews, are they?  If you go to any style blog, you will notice most of the handbags and leather goods are found on the sites from their advertisers.  Most of the links take you to the product on their advertisers site.  And you can find out who their advertisers are on their sites because their presence is noticed by their banners.  Usually the banners are at the top of the style blog or to the right side.

I love the honesty and instant updates from Instagram.  And there isn't a huge amount of text to read.  Seriously, who has time to read paragraph after paragraph?  It is much easier and even more pleasant to see a beautiful photograph to pass through your IG feed.  All you have to do is hit the heart button.  And if you desire, you may leave a comment.  But it's not necessary to even leave a comment.  Instagram is probably one of the most used social media platforms.  I rarely hear friends talk about logging onto Facebook anymore.  Conversation usually only centers around Instagram.  When I'm with my friends and colleagues in the fashion world, one of our favorite things to discuss is the vast amount of fashion we see on IG.  Much of it is incredibly great fashion and style.  Instagram now has its own style stars.  Many of these fashionistas don't even have a blog.  They showcase everything from designer handbags, shoes, and even designer iPhone cases.

Style stars on Instagram recently started posting pictures of a wonderful macaron iPhone case.  I started researching this iPhone case because I simply had to have it.  It is made by PLIA Designs.  They are well know for their designer handbags, leather goods, satchels, and purses.  Now they are introducing designer iPhone cases.  PLIA's macaron iPhone case is one of the cutest iPhone cases I have ever seen.  Now just to track and it down and see if its in stock.

I found PLIA Designs' designer iPhone cases online at the companies website.  I immediately ordered 6 of their macaron iPhone cases.  Enough for me, friends in the fashion industry, and family members.  These would make the most amazing gifts.  Thanks to Instagram, I am absolutely in love with PLIA Designs designer iPhone cases.  

Where to Find Amazing iPhone Cases

Designer iPhone cases are a hot topic.  One of the reasons is because it's so hard to find beautiful iPhone cases.  Designers have their own lines of iPhone cases, but they aren't always original.  I want to see creative art work on the back of an iPhone case.  Not simply generic lines or clip art.  What I am looking for are custom illustrations from a designer.  Illustrations that really jump out at you and draw you in.  Illustrations that took time to make and that are created by an artist.  The sort of artist that still paints on a canvas, not only Photoshop.  One who takes inspiration from the countryside of France or a trip to the flower market.  A traditional artist is sort of hard to find these days.  But I do appreciate when a design firm takes the time to create custom prints with artists.  

I received a press release from PLIA Designs.  They craft an exceptional line of designer handbags, satchels, purses, leather goods and now designer iPhone cases.  Along with the press release they attached jpegs of their new iPhone cases.  What beautiful designer iPhone cases.  I'm sure my mouth hung open as I viewed the jpegs.  I have never seen such beautiful art work.  The press release stated that they teamed up with a talented artist to bring their visions to life.  This artist initially painted each design on a canvas the traditional way.  Next the canvases were scanned and printed onto the back of each iPhone.

Two days later I received several PLIA Designs designer iPhone cases as gifts.  I love my friends in the fashion world.  These are the sort of amazing perks that frequently happen.  The cases are so beautiful in person.  There are eight new designs in total.  Several with French pastries including the famous macarons.  Interestingly, PLIA Designs is the first design house to put colorful macarons onto tech cases such as their new iPhone case and also their designer laptop bag.  And some of the cutest of all are the Westies.  West Highland White Terriers are a small compact dog with a ton of personality.  I know the designers behind PLIA Designs are absolutely devoted to Westies.  I have seen their Westies before when visiting their design studio.  They are absolutely charming dogs who think they are bigger than they actually are.  But to see the Westies on the new iPhone cases was simply amazing.  The artwork is so realistic yet artistic at the same time.  PLIA Designs I can attest makes the most amazing designer iPhone cases.