In the September edition of  Real Simple Magazine, there was an article about the top five “must have” items in your wardrobe.  The items ranged from the classic cut black dress to a tuxedo jacket.  If I had to write a a top five list of “must haves” in a handbag, this Prada BR4085 would have them all.

5.  Pebbled leather.  For those of you who are not in love with Prada’s nylon bags, you’ll love the pebbled leather.  It’s classy, yet understated.  All the women in a meeting will stare at this bag when you walk in and pull out your laptop. (For those who ARE in love with the nylon, the Prada BR4098 is perfect for you!).

4. Goldtone hardware.  The buckle strap details at the base of handles would not look as luxurious if they were silver.  The most outstanding detail on this handbag is the gold-toned side zippers accented with silver.  I LOVE it. See the Picture to the right.

3.  Zip pocket.  It’s important to have a safe compartment to put your purse.  More importantly, you’ll know exactly where your purse is when you need to pull it out while you’re at the grocery store with a crying baby, nagging husband or even a grouchy cashier. Seen the save time with visa commercials? Well, save time with Prada!

2.  Patch pocket. It’s the other pouch on the inside of the bag.  I store my Blackberry in this pocket, you can put your iPhone if you fancy.  It’s easily accessible and has a snap enclosure.

1.  It’s Prada!  Prada, with it’s elegant, yet trendy, handbags are a definite “must have.”

Now how do you decide between the nylon and leather? The leather looks expensive, well, it is, but the nylon is a lot lighter to carry. If you get both, you won’t have to choose!

Prada Handbag BR4098 Nylon Black: http://www.edesignershop.net/Prada-Handbag-BR4098-Black.html

Prada Handbag BR4085 Leather Black: http://www.edesignershop.net/Prada-Handbag-BR4085-Black.html

Or see all our beautiful handbags here, including Prada, Fendi, Balenciaga and more: http://www.edesignershop.net/Authentic_Designer_Handbags_s/35.htm

There was a time early on where Prada focused mostly on producing waterproof handbags for travel use made out of walrus skin. However, walrus skin was extremely heavy. The company continue to develop within it’s core industry for the next several decades. Financially the company was not doing well with competition that popped up including Gucci over the years. It wasn’t until 1978, when Mario’s granddaughter Miuccia Prada (Ever wonder where the brand Miu Miu came from?), took over the company, the company started to become the Prada we know today.

Miuccia introduced nylon to the Prada line in 1985.  It became an overnight hit due to the light weight, functional yes very luxurious. Due to the rise in popularity and price, the first large scale copies of Prada fakes started appearing around this time.

Throughout the 1990′s Prada continued to be a force in designer luxury brands. in 1992 Prada released Miu Miu, a like of more affordable items aimed at the younger crowd. Today, Miuccia is considered one of the most powerful women in Europe  and credited with making Prada what it is today.

To see a sample of Miuccia’s works of beauty, see here:

http://www.edesignershop.net/Prada_Handbags_Wallets_Keychains_s/12.htm

This review is for the Prada handbag BR3980black, but we also carry this item in a beautiful white color, so most of this review should also apply to the white.

The Prada BR3980 is the perfect blend of elegance and style!  I love the simplicity of the black leather paired with the silver hardware.  The shoulder strap with silver plating is exquisite.   The plating has 6 dots on it as well as an engraved Prada logo…pictures really can’t do it justice.

When you’re walking down the street, whether you’re stylin’ in your new tailored pantsuit or having a lazy sweats day at the park with your kids, people will definitely glance twice at this handbag.  The silver tone plating is eye-catching and trendy.  As you can tell, the plating is my favorite detail on this purse.   That’s not the only thing I like though.  As I’ve said before, the the zip pocket is perfect for easy access to my purse and the patch pockets seems to be made for my Blackberry or your iPhone if you please.

The bag seems big, but it’s not very wide (Measures approximately 14” wide x 11″ tall x 6″ deep). While it’s not practical for everyday use, it’s perfect for the slim laptop and a project folder for meetings.   Or head to the beach with sunblock, a towel, sunglasses, and a trashy novel.

Some people love the long shape of this bag, but if you’re looking for a wider bag in the same style, Prada Handbag BR3408 which comes in both Camel and Black might be just the thing for you. You can checkout the Prada Handbag BR3408 bags here:

http://www.edesignershop.net/store/Search.aspx?SearchTerms=br3408

For the White BR3980 see here:

http://www.edesignershop.net/Prada-Handbag-BR3980-White.html

If you fancy the Black BR3980 see here:

http://www.edesignershop.net/Prada-Handbag-BR3980-Black.html

We have many leather Prada Handbags in stock, so come on by anytime. Have a great day!

One of my favorites JP Tod’s handbags is the Lady “D” bag. The newest redition of the bag named after the much missed Lady Dianna is offered in four colors:  Beige (Camel), Chocolage Brown, White and of course the class Black.

This fabulous Tod’s tote handbag has all the qualities of a classic Tod’s bag that you expect: rich,  full grained leather, comfortable yet classic styling, and white top stitching which accentuate the crisp lines of this classic tote handbag.

The distinctive TOD’S logo is embossed on the grained leather on the outside.  This bag is ultra functional with 2 lined pockets and 1 zippered compartment on the inside. The Lady D, of course, also comes with a Tod’s dust bag to protect it when it is not in use.

I use the Lady D bag all the time for business presentations.  I keep my Apple iPhone (another must have, but you can’t get this from eDesignerShop unfortunately) and pens in one of the inside pockets; my lipgloss, mascara, mirror, and comb in the second pocket; my purse in the zippered compartment; my laptop and notes in the main leather lined purse.

When I take my kids on a day trip, I replace my laptop with some snacks, sunblock, a bottle of water and I’m ready to go. Plenty of room to carry the little extras you need to be a prepared mon.

The drawstrings are perfect for keeping my items safe and they’re ultra stylish.  The tiny D-Bag charm attached to the drawstring is so cute…I’m tempted to cut it off and make it into a cell phone trinket.

You can get all four colors at edesignershop! The links will only work until the item is sold out:

Black: http://www.edesignershop.net/Tod-s-D-Bag-Black.html

White: http://www.edesignershop.net/Tod-s-D-Bag-White.html

Camel: http://www.edesignershop.net/Tod-s-D-Bag-Camel.html

Chocolate Brown: http://www.edesignershop.net/Tod-s-D-Bag-Chocolate-Brown.html

You can find our entire JP Tod’s Collection here: http://www.edesignershop.net/JP_Tod_s_Handbags_s/13.htm