Perfectly Prada

Here’s an unusually casual Rihanna in Italy this week. Although her red hair is pretty hard to ignore, I think it’s her cute ostrich Prada bag that’s the standout. Ostrich is a super durable material that has an inherently chic pattern worked in naturally, and some of my favorite bags right now–in all colors and sizes–are made from it. Whether you’re looking for a similar Prada bag (try this Runway Bauletto Cervo Patch Naturale Satchel on for size) or something in ostrich (see below), it’s good to know that a signature tote can really make the outfit.

Here’s my ostrich faves of the moment:

HERMÈS Saffron Ostrich 35cm Birkin Bag with Gold Hardware. The gold standard of ostrich bags in a warm, neutral color.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Grey Ostrich Clutch. It’s totally minimal and very chic.

BODHI Genuine Ostrich 13″ Laptop Sleeve. It’s a total splurge, but the acid orange makes carrying your computer around super fun.

Image via JustJared

Hand-held Handbags

It’s London Fashion Week right now, and one of the most anticipated shows was Christopher Bailey’s presentation for Burberry. This storied fashion house has a ton of history to draw from, and Bailey didn’t disappoint by taking those much-loved silhouettes and making them totally modern. His 2010 Burberry woman is definitely an Easy Rider–signature trenches were shrunk and cropped and then quilted to take on the appearance of ultra-couture motorcycle gear. Leather pants and neon belts were also everywhere, again proving that body-con looks will still be around next year.

But maybe most interesting were the handbags that came down the runway. Nearly every one was compact and brightly colored, whether in neon patent leather or eye-catching python. Even if they had long shoulder straps, the models carried them by hand, grasping the body of the bag rather than swinging it from the body. Could this possibly mean the beginning of the end of oversized handbags? Probably not, considering all that women have to lug around. But I wouldn’t be surprised if women start putting their small satchels inside their larger bags, ready to pull out at a moment’s notice.

Shop these Portero favorites to get the look:

JIMMY CHOO Snakeskin Patchwork Celeste Clutch

HERMÈS Orange Chevre Leather 23cm Constance Bag with Palladium Hardware

HERMÈS Special Edition Palm Tree Jaune Epsom Leather Shoulder Bag

Kanye’s Vintage Hermes

Love him or hate him, Kanye West definitely has strong opinions about style. He’s collaborated with Louis Vuitton on a shoe line, has an apartment full of modern art that has been featured in many magazines, and even loves to talk about his accessories on his Twitter account. His most recent post? The worn leather tote above, complete with a caption reading: “Vintage Hermes travel bags are tight yo!!!”

While everyone might not get the appeal of a bag with obvious years under its belt, there’s something about the aged patina of good leather that feels like luxury. Kanye’s bag, while rough around the edges, is still fully functional and has a lot more character than somethings straight out of the workshop. Plus, I love the initials on the front–doesn’t it make you wonder who used to own the bag and where it’s been?

Want to check out Portero’s pre-owned Hermes? Shop here, and know that every one of these pieces are made so well that you can pass them down to the next generation!

Ultra chic cases

This just-launched Bottega Veneta suitcase is making the blog rounds today, and it’s no surprise that people are interested. Made from soft-finished matte black alligator, priced at $53,000, and named Nero, this is not just your average piece of luggage. Besides just looking really, really pretty, this case has every upgrade you can think of, including locks, black alligator handles, a removable garment bag and burnished metal hardware.

While luxe luggage can be a pricey purchase, these pieces are really made to last. Exotic skins, if treated properly, can outlast any modern materials. Want to peruse some pre-owned options? Try our selection of suitcases, carry-ons and attaches, some in crocodile, ostrich or even alligator. If you’re partial to vintage and like the Bottega Veneta, try either this Hermes black crocodile briefcase or this Gucci brown crocodile briefcase for a similar look.

Totally Two-tone

Leighton Meester looks like the all-American girl while filming Gossip Girl in NYC yesterday. While I really like her cute red, white and blue outfit (oh those shoes!), I’m particularly taken with her navy and white oversized handbag. I love the stark two-tone color scheme and the structured shape.

There’s something pleasingly preppy about this look, and I have a few similar favorites that I’d love to carry around this summer:

First and foremost, this Hermes toile and barenia leather Birkin is at the top of my list. Impossibly chic and absolutely perfect for the warmer months. While it’s not as stark, I also like the similar lines of this Louis Vuitton canvas and leather Sac de Nuit. Want a pop of color? Try this generously sized Lambertson Truex toile and red leather single flap tote.

Check out more images of Leighton and her tote right here.

Image via JustJared

Our Big Giveaway–Revealed!

We crafted a teaser poem last week to get you excited, and then left you for a week to stew. Our partners over at FabSugar and PurseBlog also dropped some hints, and many of them guessed correctly: We’re giving away a gorgeous, coveted, pristine pre-owned Hermès Birkin!

Pictured above, this ultimate handbag (30 centimeters, black evergrain leather) is timeless, elegant and totally chic. Besides being guaranteed authentic (this is Portero Luxury, after all) this particular bag is pre-owned and in pristine condition, which means it has never been worn. Valued at $8,350, this is really the giveaway of a lifetime for a lucky handbag lover.

You might know that the Hermès Birkin is referred to as the Rolls Royce of bags–you’ve probably seen it slung over the arm of celebrities ranging from Victoria Beckham to Mary-Kate Olsen, and from Martha Stewart to Marc Jacobs. But do you know why?

Always hand-built by expert craftsmen, a Birkin’s high price tag comes from the materials and labor. Each takes weeks to create, and when they are distributed to Hermès boutiques, it is on an intentionally unpredictable schedule in low quantity. This particular model has palladium hardware (lock, keys, buckle and feet) which, unlike silver, won’t tarnish. Because of the high demand for Birkins, fakes are everywhere. Want to know some factors in determining authenticity? Here are some key markings:

–Even, consistent stitching

–“Hermès Paris, Made in France” should be gilt or blind stamped in the front face under the tap

–Craftsman’s marks and letter year of manufacture stamped in a square underside of right belt

–Interior leather zipper tag parallel with zipper hardware, not perpendicular

We are THRILLED to be bringing you this fantastic holiday giveaway, so be sure to enter now to secure your spot. Enter your email address here and you’ll automatically be signed up for the contest*. Good luck and happy holidays!

*Read the contest rules right here.

Don’t get Tricked! Buy Authentic.

Everyone’s purse strings are a little bit tighter these days, but it doesn’t mean that buying replica designer luxury goods is the smartest choice. Here’s Portero.com‘s top three reasons to buy authentic every time:

—Investments will last. Purchasing a replica handbag or watch may seem like an economical way to be fashionable, but your savings may be short-lived. The inexpensive materials and construction of many of these pieces means that they will not stand the test of time. Instead, invest in the real deal and you’ll have a little bit of luxury that will last.

—Higher price means higher quality. It’s the little details that make authentic designer handbags and watches so coveted: Supple leather, sturdy hardware, Swiss movements and expert stitching among them. You just can’t replicate the craftsmanship of authentic goods, and replicas usually don’t make the grade. Want one telltale sign of a fake designer handbag? The piping and stitching on real bags is flawless–it’s usually messy and imprecise on replicas.

—The ethical question. While buying a replica designer handbag isn’t a crime, selling them is. The first Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting took place in 2004, and since then, the group has found that trade in fake goods supports sweatshops, child labor, terrorism and organized crime.

Posh Birkin

If you follow Victoria Beckham at all, you’ll know she’s on the absolute cutting edge of fashion–sometimes choosing to wear things that most of us would never consider a “real life” wardrobe. But just as she has you feeling completely befuddled by her choice of footwear or handbag, she goes and totes a totally classic Hermès Birkin around town.

Here she is just yesterday at London’s Heathrow airport looking travel chic. You can never go wrong with a black Birkin, and she pairs it with another favorite accessory of mine–a bold, oversized yellow gold watch. This just goes to show you that while a Birkin may be a big investment, it is an ultimate classic that straddles the line of fashion and function perfectly.

Want in on her look? Shop our collection of Hermes bags now, or check out a few of my favorite bold gold timepieces:

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day Date President 18k Yellow Gold Men’s Automatic 18038 Watch

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Automatic 2164.75.00 Watch

Cartier Cougar 18k Yellow Gold Quartz Unisex Watch

Shop Hermès scarves–Now or Never!

Didn’t get the message about our Hermes scarf sale? Hurry, they’re going fast! We’re almost sold out, but we want to give you a chance to shop our remaining selection of Hermès scarves at up to 70% off retail prices. Click here to shop now–prices go back up at 5pm and there is still a great group of coveted scarves to snatch up.

Want to make sure you’re on the list for our next Now or Never sale? Click here to subscribe to Portero.com for information on all of our special events.

Now or Never Sale tomorrow: Hermès Scarves!

If you get excited about quick sales filled with collectible luxury goods, you’re going to love our new Now or Never sales! Our first one launches tomorrow at noon EST and will be stocked with an amazing collection of rare and gorgeous Hermès scarves. Even better–we’ll be pricing these silk beauties to sell with some scarves as much as 70% off of retail.

Want to get in on the action? You have to be a registered Portero member to receive the private link for the sale. Either register on Portero.com (upper left corner) or submit your email address by signing up for our $1,000 Shopping Spree on the home page. Once registered, you’ll receive an email tomorrow before the sale starts at noon. You’ll have just 5 hours to shop our scarves at already reduced ‘Now or Never’ sale prices. After the sale ends, the extra discount will be removed.

Want a preview of the sale? Become a fan on Facebook to see a sample of what we’ll be offering.