Givenchy makes me think that Pantone was right about tangerine

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Amanda Mull

As we all know by now, Pantone announced last month that 2012′s Color of the Year would be “Tangerine Tango” – a vibrant, saturated, deep orange that looks almost hot to the touch. With so many blazing bright colors dotting the runways as of late, the declaration seemed like Pantone’s most accurate in a long time. When I clicked over to Bergdorf Goodman today and saw the beautiful, sunny Givenchy Antigona Tote daring me to get out my credit card, I knew in my heart that Pantone was indeed on to something big.

We’ve discussed this topic before, but why can’t stock photos look like this? THESE are the types of pictures that make people open their online banking info in a separate tab and start doing desperate handbag math. In this specific instance, the bag itself is pretty simple – with its east-west shape and slim straps, the Antigona tote looks like an all-leather cousin of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. I’ll take this variation on the theme any day, though; ditching logo cavas for beautiful brightly colored leather is always an upgrade.

Actually, I take back what I said before. I’m thankful that more handbags aren’t photographed this way for retail sites. If they were, they’d have to reopen debtors’ prison just for me. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1280.

Fill in the Blank: “The Lanvin Amalia Patchwork Snakeskin Tote is…”

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Amanda Mull

I’ve been trying all week to think of something appropriate to say about the Lanvin Amalia Patchwork Snakeskin Tote and I just…can’t. I can’t! It’s Friday and I’m out of words, and this bag might be so complicated that it has now damaged my eyesight, which makes any attempts on my part to accurately review it utterly futile. So! That’s where you guys come in.

In today’s rousing game of Fill in the Blank, I want you to describe this tote to me. Y’all know how this works – either finish the title sentence in the comments or take a gander at this bag over at Nordstrom, where it’s priced at $3498.

Karl Lagerfeld’s eponymous line debuts at Net-a-Porter featuring portrait tote bags, Karl interviewing himself

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Karl Lagerfeld’s aptly named Karl “masstige” (that’s the portmanteau meant to denote almost-luxury items at a relatively-not-terrible price) line debuted at Net-a-Porter to much fanfare and hype on Wednesday, and I do have to admit that there were a few items I considered picked up: the faux leather pleated skirt, sequined collar, leather moto gloves, silver high-tops…okay, maybe there were more than a few. I like black, just like Kaiser Karl. But what of the handbags? And what of that slightly batty video of Karl interviewing himself, which we have provided for you after the jump? It’s Friday, after all.

The collection included a couple of black leather bags, none of which were of particular note based on their design and price points. What I did kind of enjoy, however, was these two canvas totes, both bearing the visage of Karl himself. At a price point of $25 and featuring drawings of Karl (on in profile, one from the back) on both sides, it’s easy to guess why the Karl Printed Canvas Shopper sold out immediately. If you prefer your Karl a little more abstract (and slightly more spendy), the Karl Large Printed Canvas Tote might be more up your alley if you have $135 to throw toward what is essentially a novelty. It’s a KARL LAGERFELD novelty, though, so that’s something.

And speaking of novel, among the seemingly endless media materials for this launch is this gem of a video from Net-a-Porter, in which Karl Lagerfeld sits across from himself and conducts an interview. With himself. I’d be perfectly content if Karl retired from fashion forever and spent his days making YouTube videos, honestly.

My Fashion Week wish is for a Reed Krakoff Atlantique

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Judging by the date on the calendar and the state of my email inbox, New York Fashion Week is upon us. Like everyone else in the industry, this is about the time when I look at my wardrobe and whine pathetically about how you guys, I just don’t have anything to wear. While my lack of sartorial options is objectively not true, not even a little bit, it sure does feel that way when you’re staring down the barrel of a week of nonstop industry events.

Given the part of the industry that we focus on over here, having good accessories is always the first priority on my list when planning an ensemble, particularly for a fashionable occasion. I’m more satisfied with my bag collection than any other part of my wardrobe, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love a new bag, particularly a Reed Krakoff Atlantique, to debut at Lincoln Center in February.

The Atlantique is one of a number of wide-gusseted north-south totes to pop up in the wake of the popularity of the Celine Luggage Tote, and it might be my favorite of the group so far. Although I know that this bag shape doesn’t work for my lifestyle (I recently parted ways with my own Celine because I just didn’t use it very much, I’m sad to say), I can’t help but be drawn to it. I need a shoulder or crossbody strap, but what I really want is to be able to enjoy an arm-carried tote like this one.

If I had my way, my first choice would be the cobalt blue python version – THAT COLOR. For those with bigger budgets and narrower views on color, there’s always the super-spendy alligator-trimmed version. If you want things to remain reasonable, the all-leather option comes in below $2k. Really, there’s an Atlantique for everybody. Except for me.

Reed Krakoff Python Atlantique Tote, $5900 via Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff Alligator Trimmed Atlantique Tote, $7150 via Reed Krakoff

Reed Krakoff Leather Atlantique Tote, $1490 via Reed Krakoff

Margiela makes the most expensive grocery bag ever

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Amanda Mull

You can always rely on Margiela for a good dose of the unexpected – a magnifying glass made to look like a pair of broken glasses, peep toe shoes that peep in an entirely different way, a clutch covered with broken reflective plastic instead of sequins. Whatever your expectations are, Margiela delights in turning them on their ear.

Similarly, when you consider a grocery bag, you probably have one material very clearly in mind – thin plastic, usually white or beige. The Maison Martin Margiela Studded Leather Grocery Bag, on the other hand, takes the expected shape and turns it totally luxurious with black leather and studs.

Thankfully, this incredibly expensive take on the grocery bag doesn’t seem intended to actually carry groceries, as some triple-digit bags of a similar shape seem intended to do. Instead, it’s a thoroughly modern design that takes a wink at another kind of bag that we all carry with great regularity but few of us every think about. Not only that, but because grocery bags are a little piece of everyday functional design that we take for granted, odds are that this bag would be pretty easy to carry. It may not fit everyone’s style, but for Margiela fans, this would be a pretty sound purchase. Buy through ShopBop for $1440.

Mixing snakeskin is still big for spring

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Ok, so we’ve spent plenty of time lately talking about brights, neons and other assorted eye-assaulting colors that you might want to wear for spring. While Megs and I love and adore those kinds of bags, we realize that they may not be for every, either in a practical or an aesthetic sense. If you’d like something a tad more neutral but you still want to update your bag wardrobe for spring, you’re in luck – snakeskin is still the texture that everyone wants to have.

We’ve covered the all-snake look in the past, but for many women, a bag that mixes snakeskin and regular leather is a more demure option that allows a bag to be acceptable in a work environment where it might have otherwise been a bit too showy. Plus, mixing textures is also a big trend, so you’re getting a little bang for your buck here. (Your metaphorical buck, at least. Stuff’s still expensive.) And yes, we included one bright option. It’s almost spring, I couldn’t help it.

Fendi Chameleon Colorblock Tote, $5370 via Neiman Marcus

Yves Saint Laurent Cabas ChYc Python Tote, $2795 via Neiman Marcus

Jimmy Choo Jasmine Python and Leather Clutch, $1695 via Saks

Dolce & Gabbana Dolce Straw Handbag, $1875 via Neiman Marcus

Reed Krakoff Standard Mini Shoulder Bag, $690 via Net-a-Porter

Michael Kors Saddle Bag, $895 via Neiman Marcus

The Look for Less: Colorblocked Totes

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Everyone knows the Celine Luggage Tote and the Celine Classic Box, but the Celine Bi-Cabas Tote has cruised along just below most people’s handbag radar for the last few seasons, largely the obsession of industry insiders and dedicated Celine fans. With its extremely minimal construction and huge colorblocking potential, the bag seems to be poised to make its biggest splash yet for Spring 2012.

But what if you don’t want to pay over a grand for something relatively simple? Well, the Rebecca Minkoff Toki Tote offers the perfect alternative, but you’re going to have to trade leather for nylon. You do win a healthy dose of neon in that trade, so it might be worth it.

Comparing anyone’s products to the accessories put out by a Phoebe Philo-helmed brand is unfair, pure and simple. But because of their popularity, lots of people are looking for alternatives that don’t break the bank, particularly since Celine seems to be increasing prices by the day. Also on that note, I don’t know the actual price of the Cabas because I have heard three different things from the three different people I’ve asked who are supposed to know for sure. It’s somewhere north of a grand. That’s all that seems to be certain.

The Rebecca Minkoff version, however, is $145. It will also be the same price tomorrow, which is more than I can say for its more expensive alternative. If you’re looking for a fun, bright bag to carry for casual activities when the weather turns warmer, the nylon construction of the Minkoff version might even be a wiser choice. It doesn’t have the flawless aesthetic of the Celine bag, but then again, what does? Buy the Rebecca Minkoff bag via ShopBop for $145. For the Celine Bi-Cabas Tote, call Kirna Zabete at (212) 941-9656, ask for Everest and hope for the best.

Balenciaga is the latest star of a Thursday Friday tote

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Amanda Mull

First Hermes (and then no more Hermes because they got sued), then Chanel and now Balenciaga – tote company Thursday Friday seems like it won’t be satisfied until every iconic handbag under the sun (except any made by Hermes because, well, you know…) has been immortalized on its Thursday Friday Together Tote Bag. This one, naturally, is called the “Moto.” Clever.

I’ve heard no news of a lawsuit against Thursday Friday for its Chanel tote, perhaps because even though it was clearly meant to depict a Chanel bag, there was no outright branding in the photo – it lacked the interlocking C closure or the word “Chanel” anywhere on the tote. If that’s why the brand hasn’t tried to interfere, then perhaps Balenciaga is out of luck if it wanted to stop production of this bag as well; despite the signature hardware and design, there’s no explicit branding on the outside of a Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag.

Come to think of it, that’s probably why we haven’t seen a Louis Vuitton version of this tote – not only is LVMH the most litigious of all the luxury conglomerates, but the most universally recognizable Vuitton bags are all in monogram canvas, the reproduction of which would make a lawsuit a veritable slam dunk. Has your opinion of these bags softened at all? Mine has a bit, if only because they seem to pretty clearly be going nowhere. Were you a fan from the beginning? Are you still appalled? Let us know, or if you so choose, you can pick up one of these bags via ThuFri.com for $35-$95, depending on size.

Eek! An Hermes price increase is coming at the end of January!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Hermes Steeple Canvas Horse Tote, $2700 via Hermes (for now)

Hold on to your horses, folks. Or at least hold on to your Hermes Steeple Canvas Horse Totes – prices for the most expensive handbags in the world are about to get even higher.

We’re hearing from multiple people, including Mizhattan and Jim Shi’s Twitter account, that prices brand-wide are about to rise 9% at Hermes. There’s some conflicting information over when exactly that will happen – some say the end of January, some say January 24th specifically, some say early February – but whenever it happens, it’s soon. If you’ve been waffling on whether or not you should make a purchase, it’s decision time.

Hermes cites the need for the increase as the ever-rising cost of raw materials, specifically silk and crocodile. While it may be factually true that those things are more expensive than they were a year ago, it would be just as factually correct for Hermes to say, “Why are we raising prices? Well, duh, because we can.” The Hermes customer is not a woman who can be accurately called “price-sensitive” in the first place, and even though everyone grumbles about increases, it never seems to stop Hermes bags from flying off of shelves. Get to shopping, ladies – it’ll be a lot more expensive in a couple of weeks.

Anya Hindmarch gives you two options: leather or rubber

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Anya Hinmarch Nevis Tote, $995 in leather or $495 in rubber. Both via Net-a-Porter

We first brought you news of these bags back when the rubber version of the Anya Hindmarch Nevis Tote was in pre-order, but now that the leather version has surfaced in all of its colorblocked glory and both are available for immediate purchase, we thought the design seemed worth a revisit. Rubber, leather, whatever – I can’t get over how much I like this bag. It’s just so simple.

The key to my love, though, is that the bag is simple without being dull. North-south totes under $1000 are a dime a dozen, but the unfinished edges and bold, modern color arrangements of this bag in particular make standouts out of both versions. As you can see, the leather option gives you more of a traditional slouch; the bag is soft and pliable, and I’d also hazard a guess that it’s quite lightweight.

On the other hand, the rubber version lacks the leather’s slouch, but it still looks like it would be maleable and incredibly lightweight, not to mention a strong option for people who try to limit their use of leather or animal products for ethical reasons. (Although, it should be noted, the handles are leather, so it’s not completely vegan.) Another thing this bag lacks: half the price tag of the leather version, which can be had for $995 via Net-a-Porter. The rubber, on the other hand, is priced at $495.

In which I put Versace on blast for the second time this week

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Versace Baroque Print PVC Tote, $1125 via Net-a-Porter

At first, I had no issue with the Versace Baroque Print PVC Tote. The yellow-on-white pattern may not be my personal taste, but it’s the kind of strong, intricate visual for which Versace is known, so I can’t fault them for pursuing that aesthetic. What I CAN fault them for, though, is charging over a thousand dollars for a very basic tote that’s not even real leather.

I don’t like to dogpile criticism on any brand, even Versace, so normally the post from earlier this week about the exceptionally horrid metallic pink bag would have been the last thing I had to say on the matter for a little while. When it comes to bad pricing, though, I just can’t keep my mouth shut and be the bigger person. That much money for a PVC bag is a ripoff of the highest order. (Are you listening, Stella McCartney?)

I don’t care how you market it, PVC is not a high-end material. It’s not even remotely based on anything that appears in nature, manufacturing it is terrible for the environment and some research indicates that it contains carcinogenic chemicals. It’s gross, in addition to usually being a very cheap-looking (and it looks that way because it is cheap) alternative to leather. I understand that Stella McCartney has at least a somewhat reasonable explanation for why she doesn’t use leather, but Versace has no such thing.

Personally, I find this bag’s existence and its price disrespectful to Versace’s loyal customers. They must think you guys are idiots, that’s really the only explanation for charging that much for a basic tote made out of the same stuff as those bags at the cart in the mall. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1125.

Anya Hindmarch’s clever canvas totes are for work or play – literally.

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Amanda Mull

Anya Hindmarch Printed Totes, $295 via Net-a-Porter in Beach or Homework Print

We all know that I can get a little bit feisty when I feel like companies are trying to cash in on their good name by shilling overpriced, under-designed canvas tote bags to their hungry fans, but Anya Hindmarch is always a notable exception to my personal canvas rule. Instead of merely slapping some leather handles and her logo on a canvas tote that you could get anywhere, Hindmarch’s design team actually take the time to, you know, design something.

With something like the Anya Hindmarch Printed Canvas Totes, you still get all the simple usability that you need out of a big, simple, lightweight bag. You also get a healthy dose of British humor, which I think makes the price tag a little bit more palatable.

As you can see, there are two versions of this bag – one beach-themed and on school-themed. Both of them have little details inside the trompe l’oeil graphics that make it worth your time to take a closer look. For example, the calculator on the homework bag has the digits to the old upside-down “boobless” gag typed in (I find it somehow comforting to know that sixth graders do that across the pond as well), and the beach-themed bag features a book called Bags and Bitches. Side note: I’d totally read a book called Bags and Bitches.

Still, $295 is more than I’d like to pay for canvas in a perfect world, but $1750 is also more than I’d like to pay for a Celine Luggage Tote and I still paid it, now didn’t I? In the pantheon of designer canvas totes, Anya Hindmarch has found a way to set herself apart, at the very least. Buy the beach or the homework version via Net-a-Porter for $295.

Forget straw – what you really want is a mirrored Marc Jacobs beach bag

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Marc Jacobs Cosmic Croc Embossed Leather Tote, $1995 via Net-a-Porter

I’ve been visiting my family in Atlanta for the last week, and because of the relatively temperate weather we’ve been having the South, I’m having a hard time remembering that the intense part of winter has yet to come. I haven’t worn a coat of any kind for seven full days. It’s sunny and shiny and happy outside. Snow? What’s snow? I’ve never heard of snow.

That being said, that’s probably why I looked at the Marc Jacobs Cosmic Croc Embossed Leather Tote and thought, “Oh, how perfect to take on a swanky resort vacation or pair with a sundress or, you know, whatever as long as the weather’s warm!” Except that the weather isn’t going to be warm for, like, four or five months. Sigh.

At nearly two grand, this bag probably shouldn’t be used around water or sand anyway, but the idea sure is attractive. The embossed croc breaks up the mirrored silver finish just enough so that finger prints or smudges won’t be a problem on such a slick surface, and the shape practically screams, “TAKE ME TO A BEACH. FILL ME WITH SUNGLASSES AND TRASHY NOVELS.” Or maybe that’s just what my subconscious is screaming? Either way, maybe this bag will get marked down by the time it’s warm enough to pull out the ol’ bikini. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1995.

Forget straw – what you really want is a mirrored Marc Jacobs beach bag

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Marc Jacobs Cosmic Croc Embossed Leather Tote, $1995 via Net-a-Porter

Yet another company would apparently like to be sued by Hermes

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Amanda Mull

V73 Canvas Printed Tote, $265 via Luisa Via Roma

Today’s start to feel a little bit like Groundhog Day, isn’t it? A few hours ago, we brought to you a story about Louis Vuitton suing a media company for violating its trademarks, and now we have news of a company that thinks it’s a good idea to print the visage of an Hermes Birkin on a canvas bag: the V73 Canvas Printed Tote. The day’s handbag news is downright retro.

For those who missed it, Thursday Friday already had this bright idea, and although the number of people who I still see carrying them in New York City would indicate that it definitely hit one something that people were interested in, it didn’t end well. Hermes sued them for trademark infringement, the lawsuit was settled privately and the bags are no longer available. (Well, at least not with an Hermes print – Thursday Friday moved along to Chanel recently.)

What V73 has used seems to be more of an artistic rendering than a straight-up photo like that used by Thursday Friday, but other than that, the concept is exactly the same and I’m betting that Hermes’ legal department will react similarly and eventually get a similar settlement. If you’d like to own a tote like this, I’d urge you to look for a secondhand Thursday Friday version instead – although the appearance of the leather grain on this version is pretty cool, the price is almost three times what the original version (the original copy? This is so…Baudrillardian) sold for. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $265.

Pre-order the 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bicolor Bag via Moda Operandi

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Amanda Mull

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag, $795 via Moda Operandi

When we talked about the 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag last week, several of you inquired about when we might expect to see the uber-covetable bicolor versions of the bag hitting stores. It seems as though my suspicion that we’d have to wait for Spring 2012 pre-orders to drop for those bags to grace normal retailers was accurate, but look what I found in my email yesterday: the very first opportunity to get your name on the list for the bag that’s shaping up to be the biggest accessories debut of the new year.

Moda Operandi is preselling two versions of the bag until January 3: the red-and-black iteration above and a totally luscious green-and-black version that you can see below, both priced at $795. The black and white bag has still yet to be spotted, but if it ever bothers to show up, we’ll certainly let you know. Moda Operandi also has the clutches and pouches from the 31 Hour collection available ($295-$450), if you’d rather pick up something a little smaller. Become a member of Moda Operandi and reserve your bag now!

Pre-order the 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bicolor Bag via Moda Operandi

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Amanda Mull

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag, $795 via Moda Operandi

The 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Collection makes its video debut

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Amanda Mull

3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Tote, $750 via Barneys in white or orange

When I posted about 3.1 Phillip Lim’s stellar Spring 2012 collection a few weeks ago, your reactions were just as enthusiastic as mine – the bags are minimal, modern perfection. Recently, a little bit more information has surfaced about the concept behind the collection’s most anticipated designs, including a Style.com video to show them in action.

The 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bags are meant for a woman who needs functional choices above and beyond a normal lifestyle – someone sophisticated, urban, blah blah blah. It’s the kind of lip service that every brand pays to its customers while trying to sell them expensive handbags, but Lim’s designs might actually fit their lofty descriptors. Plus, with price tags for $295 for a small clutch to $895 for the much-anticipated bicolor north-south tote, this might be the most affordable It Bag we’ll see for years to come. Check out the video after the jump or shop the first arrivals of the design via Barneys in orange, white or black. The bag above is priced at $750.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Stocking Stuffers under $100!

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Amanda Mull

You’ve made your list, you’ve checked it twice and…you’ve found some gaps. Although everyone is covered, technically, there might be some people on your list who you feel deserve a little bit more, or maybe a few people who you’d like to give a token of your appreciation. Naturally, though, you don’t want to go overboard; not only do we all have budgets, but buying something too lavish for a casual friend or colleague can be a faux pas.

That’s where this last-minute installment of our Holiday Gift Guide 2011 comes in: Stocking Stuffers!. From $15 to $98, we have plenty of suggestions to soothe your gifting panic. Hurry up and order, though – shipping takes time, which is something you’re running out of quickly.

The ONE by Subtle Luxury Carryall Bag is an easy gift for anyone looking to buy a girl in her teens or 20s – daughters? Nieces? Close friends’ daughters? Your son’s girlfriend? It’s a functional choice in the most popular print of the season. Buy through ShopBop for $80.

Sporty, simple watches are very trendy right now, and this sunshine-y Nixon Time Tell Rubber Watch will take its wearer straight into spring and summer. Best of all, Nixon makes them in a veritable rainbow of colors. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $60.

If you’d rather go glam with your wrist-related gifts, the J.Crew Crystal Enameled Bracelet is a strong vintage-feeling piece with a hand-enameled exterior. Buy through J.Crew for $68.

Let’s say the person on your list has champagne tastes that don’t match up with your beer budget – CHANEL by François Baudot and François Aveline is a set of three hardcover books that will meet both of your requirements. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $75.

Keeping up with a journal is hard, but the Keel’s Simple Diary Volume II makes it surprisingly easy – every page of this chic little tome has a handful of questions about each day that let you reflect for a moment without any melodrama. Buy through Taschen for $15.

I have a Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Printed Pouch from a previous season and I use it for EVERYTHING – it’s great to store your electronics and chargers while traveling (it’ll fit a Kindle with lots of room for other stuff!), it holds small items in a big, disorganized handbag, it’ll work as a makeup bag. The material is more thick and cushioned than you’d expect, and the size is generous. Plus, patterns never show wear. Buy through ShopBop for $62.

Nail polish has experienced an incredibly uptick in trendiness lately, and Deborah Lippmann’s glittering, unique colors are leading the charge. The Deborah Lippmann Get This Party Started set includes one of her previous hits (Happy Birthday) and two cool new variations. Someone buy this for me, please. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $42.

It took me a little while to get on board with such spendy candles, but I bought a Jo Malone Blue Agava and Cacao Scented Candle last week and haven’t regretted the expenditure for a moment. This scent is my favorite of Malone’s – warm, inviting and totally luxurious. (Side note – I have no idea why the description calls it citrus-y. It’s not even close.) Buy through Neiman Marcus for $65.

The Wool and the Gang Snood Dogg DIY Wool Scarf Kit is the perfect gift for the crafter in your life who can’t tear herself away from Pinterest. It includes everything you need to make a gorgeous scarf (Net-a-Porter has pictures of the finished product!), and it’s so cute that it almost makes me want to take up knitting. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $95.

You cannot possibly understand how fervently I wish this Reed Krakoff tote were leather

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Hey, handbag designers! We need to talk. Huddle up, it’s time for a chit chat.

I know that relatively inexpensive canvas totes probably sell well for you guys. They’re extremely low-margin compared to leather bags (which are already pretty low-margin compared to lots of consumer products), and having a strong brand name means you get to mark them up like crazy. I get it! I just don’t like it.

Take the Reed Krakoff Leather-Trimmed Canvas Tote, for example. When I first saw it, I got that little sparkly feeling in the back of my brain that happens as soon as I set eyes on something that I really like. Printed bags are under-appreciated, and this graphic python print in particular is quite nice. For a moment, I had hope that the bag was leather. Those hopes were quickly dashed.

To be clear, this isn’t something that’s limited to Reed Krakoff, and I generally think that Krakoff’s designs are well-priced compared to other options of a similar style and quality. Those things are generally positive, but in this case, they made the fact that this tote is canvas a bit of a bigger letdown. For such a simple shape in an inexpensive fabric, I can’t abide this kind of price tag from any brand. Jack up the price a little further and give me leather, Reed. Or anyone! But especially Reed. Priced at $540 via Net-a-Porter.

Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Snakeskin, both real and faux

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Without a doubt, snakeskin has been the biggest accessories trend of 2011. Everyone from Gucci to Valentino to Diane von Furstenberg has clamored for a piece of the exotic pie, and we’re betting that if you have a handbag lover on your list, she might want a little bit of snake in her stocking as well. Worried that you don’t have the budget for an exotic? Fret not, we have you covered.

From a little to a lot of snakeskin and from printed to embossed to the real thing, the latest installment of our Holiday Gift Guide 2011 deals with all things that slither (or that walk on hooves, but now we pretend that they slither so that we can save some cash). From wallets to everyday satchels, if it has scales, we’ve got it covered.

Gucci 1973 Medium Python Flap Bag, $2900 via Neiman Marcus

Elie Tahari Tammie Bag, $398 via ShopBop

Stella McCartney Falabella Faux Python Tote, $1435 via Net-a-Porter

Kotur Morley Embossed Minaudiere, $560 via Neiman Marcus

Diane von Furstenberg Zip Around Continental Wallet, $245 via ShopBop

Valentino One-of-a-Kind Snakeskin Satchel, was $2895, now $1939 via Neiman Marcus

VBH Brera Shiny Python Tote, $4800 via Bergdorf Goodman

Carlos Falchi East-West Gathered Python Tote, was $2495, now $1671 via Neiman Marcus

Marc by Marc Jacobs Snake Print Nylon Tote, $190 via Net-a-Porter

Even the tried-and-true takeout bag has gone high-end

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Cast of Vices Corner Store Leather Totes, $240 via ShopBop

Everyone is familiar with the plastic bags that the Cast of Vices Corner Store Leather Totes mimic, but as I’ve come to learn over my first six months in Manhattan, New Yorkers have have an even deeper connection to these little plastic totes. New York’s healthy population of bodegas, delis and mom-and-pop takeout joints keeps a steady stream of these bags flowing into use in the city, and where suburbanites might find themselves using a Target or Kroger bag to line their bathroom waste baskets or carry their lunches to work, in New York, the odds are that it’ll be one of these generic designs instead. (Or a Duane Reade bag, but I try to pretend Duane Reade doesn’t exist.)

I’m willing to bet that people living in other urban areas have a similar experience, which makes these leather versions (down to the openings in the handles so that they can be racked for quick dispensing) all the more familiar and clever. The embossed black leather give the remade design a decided punk aesthetic, which means that I would absolutely carry one of these bags, even if they are a novelty. I’m just not sure exactly how much I’d pay for one, but if the leather’s as thick and soft as it looks in these photos, then the price isn’t necessarily unfair. Buy the “thank you” or “smiley face” versions through ShopBop for $240 each.

Introducing the Reed Krakoff Shoulder Boxer

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Reed Krakoff Soft Boxer Tote in coral or black, $1295 via Neiman Marcus

With my first six months in New York coming to a close, I’ve done lots of thinking about how clothes, shoes and accessories play into the very unique New York City lifestyle. For as long as I can remember, a handbag’s structure didn’t really matter to me; I could carry almost anything from a day clutch to a huge hobo rather happily because I always, without fail, had a car with me. Now that I don’t, my preferences have changed drastically.

That’s one of the reasons that I’m excited for the debut of the Reed Krakoff Soft Boxer tote, or the Shoulder Boxer, as I like to call it. I’ve been an enormous fan of the regular Boxer since its debut, but I simply can no longer justify buying a bag that doesn’t have an option for shoulder carry. This modified version of the Boxer design completely solves that problem.

When I laid eyes on this bag, the first thing I thought was, “Oh, sort of like a Shoulder Birkin!” Although the modifications aren’t identical to the Jean Paul Gaultier-redesigned Hermes bag, the spirit is similar. Not only were the shoulder straps lengthened to accomodate a woman’s shoulder like the JPG Birkin, but they were also flattened, which is a huge advantage in a shoulder tote and something all designers should consider when adapting designs for shoulder carry. Double rolled handles always slip off, and they’re really only appropriate for bags carried in the crook of the arm.

The body of the Boxer was also shortened, just like the Shoulder Birkin. This helps lessen the bulk under the arm and the likelihood that you’re going to have all of your belongings banging against your hip all day, which is essential in a structured tote meant to be carried this way. I’ll have to reserve judgment until I can try out the bag in person and see how it feels (I like a very long tote strap), but my hopes for this extension of the Boxer line are high. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1295 in black or coral.

PurseBlog Asks: How much would you pay for this Alaia tote?

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Alaia Arabesque Tote, $3395 via Net-a-Porter

Whenever I write about an Alaia bag, I can more or less pinpoint the range of reactions that it will receive. The people who think that Alaia is, like, a totally important designer will ooh and ahh. The people who haven’t joined Azzedine’s cult of personality will complain that it’s either too simple or too similar to all the other Alaia bags. Portions of both groups will bemoan the price tag, perhaps justifiably.

That’s the thing about Alaia – he has more or less opted out of all the fashion industry hoopla, so it’s hard to get a handle on exactly what his company is turning out and how it compares to what everyone else does. It’s 2011, and the company still doesn’t have a website, let alone a Twitter or Tumblr. He recently got in to the couture business when other corporate-owned companies are bailing out. So what, exactly, is the value of an Alaia handbag, and what would you be willing to pay for this one?

There’s not a single premier designer whose handbag prices are even casually related to how much it actually costs to manufacture a handbag; that’s the unpleasant truth, across the board. Image accounts for a huge amount of money. Considering that, Alaia gets a bit of a price bump for mysteriousness. The brand is only sold online by a couple of extremely exclusive retailers, and as previously mentioned, it has no official web presence of its own. Alaia also doesn’t show during any of the official Fashion Weeks, and neither the lack of site or show is the result of a lack of interest on the part of the industry. In that way, Alaia is like the handsome man you’d love to date but who isn’t particularly interested in you; his lack of interest where so many others are clamoring for attention only makes him more desirable.

And then, for those of us lucky enough to have seen Alaia’s pieces in person, there’s the question of quality. Actually, though, it’s not a question at all – this stuff is top-notch. Even this simply shaped tote is completely lined in tan leather, and because of Alaia’s relatively small operation, it’s safer to assume that a larger proportion of the bag’s assembly work was done by a real person than it is with most brands. Perhaps even the tiny studs on the exterior were hand-applied. That, too, will up a bag’s price.

All that being said, though, I still have a hard time wrapping my head around a price tag with a three in front of it for what amounts to a very nice embellished tote. I would say the same for any brand, including Chanel and Hermes; I simply don’t believe that there’s anything that can be done in this shape and with this material to justify that kind of price. Drop it in to the 2,000s and then we can talk. Clearly, it looks as though others disagree – you would be able to buy this tote via Net-a-Porter for $3395 if it hadn’t already sold out.

Anya Hindmarch brings a little bit of British humor to her tote bags

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Anya Hindmarch Big Ben or Corgi Headline Totes, $295 each via Net-a-Porter

Oh, the Brits! They’re a funny lot, aren’t they? They brought us Monty Python and Benny Hill and Eddie Izzard, and for that, the rest of the world is eternally grateful. British humor is renowned the world over for its special brand of biting dryness, and it only makes sense that a London designer would be pursuing the art of handbag humor.

Anya Hindmarch is often witty, but the Anya Hindmarch Headline Printed Canvas Shoppers take things to a new level. Using iconic bits of Britannia like Big Ben and the Queen’s beloved corgis, Hindmarch gives you a funny way to haul your daily necessities. Plus, they have a little surprise on the inside.

While I agree that $295 is a tad steep for a canvas tote, even a very clever and Anglophilic one, I do appreciate Hindmarch’s irreverent attention to detail. In the photos above, you can see that the interior pocket of each tote is also printed, the Big Ben story with a sexy shirtless dude (perhaps in a nod to Britain’s Page 3 Girls?) and the Corgi story with a crossword. If I were going to overspend on a non-leather bag, these totes would definitely be in the running. Get Big Ben or the Corgi through Net-a-Porter for $295 each.

And I always thought Balenciaga could do no wrong…

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Balenciaga A4 Papier Tote, $2795 via Barneys

…and then I saw the fur-trimmed version of the Balenciaga A4 Papier Tote, and I knew I had been mistaken all along. Today is a sad day in the life of this Balenciaga fangirl, PurseBloggers.

This bag…looks like it needs a shave. That’s the only accurate way to describe my feelings toward it. It looks like the regular Balenciaga A4 Papier Tote, which is quite lovely and minimalist, went on a three-week bender and came back all scraggly and unkempt and exhausted. It needs a place to rest and dry out for a few days, and it needs to stay off the sauce for a while.

If ever you needed proof that not all classic bags can be molded to fit current trends, this bag should provide that proof nicely. The Balenciaga Motorcycle bags have proven remarkably versatile over the years, getting everything from perforations to rose gold hardware to puffy quilting. The design handled all those modifications with grace (although some were better than others), but it looks as though we’ve found the one thing that the bag can’t do – fur. I don’t blame Nicolas Ghesquiere for trying, what with fur becoming something of an omnipresent fall bag trends, but this bag should have been vetoed at the sample stage. Buy through Barneys for $2795.

Anya Hindmarch’s rubber tote is pretty awesome for non-leather

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Anya Hindmarch Raw Nevis Rubber Tricolor Tote, $495 via Moda Operandi

I’ve spoken enthusiastically of Anya Hindmarch’s upcoming designs recently, and the Anya Hindmarch Raw Nevis Rubber Tricolor Tote, now up for pre-order at Moda Operandi, is yet another chic, reasonably priced bag that’s I’m anticipating for spring. I usually don’t get particularly jazzed about non-leather bags for some fairly obvious reasons, but something about the matte translucent look of this tote has drawn me in. Do you think $495 is a fair price?

Despite being Not Leather, and therefore at a disadvantage in the minds of most handbag shoppers, rubber does have its obvious advantages, particularly in certain seasons. Spring and summer are full of outdoor gatherings, picnics, hastily stashed water bottles, spontaneous trips to the pool or beach and any number of other fun but potentially bag-ruining endeavors. Sometimes, just having a beach bag doesn’t cover you, but having a regular handbag that can be wiped out with a damp cloth just might. If that sounds like something that might make your summertime life a little easier, you won’t find many options more attractive than this colorblocked Hindmarch tote. Sign up for Moda Operandi and buy for $495.

Three Great Bags for Nasty Weather

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Amanda Mull

When it comes to ensuring that your belongings don’t get soaked in a sudden downpour, your pickings are slim. Go ahead, Google “waterproof handbags.” I’ll wait! See what I mean? Nothing but a bunch of camping equipment, which means that you should always carry an umbrella if possible. That doesn’t mean, though, that all regular handbags are created equal when it comes to inclement weather. Far from it, in fact!

We’ve got three suggestions for three different personal styles, but this is the important stuff to remember when you’re getting dressed on a rainy day: Make sure it closes all the way, make sure it’s big enough to hold an umbrella and make sure you won’t weep if it gets ruined. Those are the rules, ladies. I don’t make them, I just share them.

The most popular choice for a rainy day, of course, is a nylon zip tote. They’re compact, they’re inexpensive, a little water won’t ruin them – they’re perfect! The Diane von Furstenberg Vintage Print Nylon Tote gets extra points for having a beautiful pattern, which helps hide the kind of wear-and-tear that nylon tote bags often endure. Buy through ShopBop for $98.

Ok, so let’s say that you don’t want to do nylon at all, but you also don’t want to run the risk of ruining a leather bag, which seems like a common predicament. If you have a job interview or a meeting with clients, you still want to look as professional as possible in bad weather. That’s where something like the Deux Lux Black Woven Crossbody comes in. It’s completely faux, but the classic details and the woven texture ensure that it doesn’t look fake to the casual observer. Don’t drop it in a puddle or anything, but for a little exposure to regular rain or snow, you should be fine. Buy through Bluefly for $90.

On the other hand, let’s say you want to go in the entirely oppposite direction and would like to wear something fun and cheerful to lift your spirits in the dreary weather. If that’s the case, it’d be hard to do better than the LeSportsac JOYRICH Backpack in striking leopard nylon. Not only that, but the backpack shape frees up your hands and arms for making sure that any addition things you carry can stay safely under your umbrella. If you’re not so sure about the print, LeSportsac makes backpacks in lots of other patterns (as well as solids) for your carrying pleasure. Buy through ShopBop for $158.

The Six Best Bags of Halloween

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Halloween is, by far, my favorite holiday. Everything about it – the brightly colored wigs, the over-the-top makeup, the elaborate costumes, the slutty hosiery and shoes – appeals to my inner drag queen, and ladies, my inner drag queen is especially glittery. When you combine those tendencies with my penchant for black and my preexisting love of fun size candy, Halloween and I are like a match made costume-closet heaven.

I still have no idea what I’m going to wear this year (I have a green wig. Give me ideas based on that in the comments. This is a serious request.), but I do have a few ideas on what everyone should be carrying in order to properly embrace the Halloween spirit. Whether you’re attending a swanky costume ball (I wish) or a kegger at your friend’s sketchy apartment (slightly closer to reality), I have assembled a group of bags to keep your hands and arms occupied, both on Halloween and well beyond.

If you’re going to a party where you will most certainly not be the coolest person there, but you would really like to be the coolest person there, the Christopher Kane Laser-Cut Leather Clutch can send you in the right direction, outfit-wise. Plus, since it’s orange, it doesn’t need to specifically match whatever lame costume you put together at the last minute with leftovers from the drug store. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $530.

Remember that fancy-pants Halloween ball I mentioned? Well, if you’re going to one of those, a bag like the Judith Leiber Web Crystal Minaudiere, which obliquely references its arachnid origins instead of going for a literal visual translation, is the way to go. Like most of these bags, this is hardly a Halloween-only option. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $2495.

If you want your bag to mesh with your costume, the Christian Louboutin Artemis Shoulder Bag would be a great option. As long as you’re going as a 70s street punk or a post-apocalyptic lady-warrior or something. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1995.

If you’re attending a party where things be messy, whether it be a result of little kids and Halloween crafts or your idiot friends and a bunch of beer, this holiday-appropriate, budget-friendly Rebecca Minkoff Skull Tote would work beautifully. Remember, patterns hide stains! Buy through ShopBop for $250.

If your costume is glam instead of scary, one of the Lulu Guinness Lip Clutches might be just the thing to set the over-the-top mood. The design comes in a plethora of different finishes, and odds are that you’ll be able to find one to fit your ensemble. Buy through Lulu Guinness for $710.

If you’re going to trick-or-treat with your little goblin, the Chloe Madeline New Tote is not only gorgeous in an autumnal shade of orange, but it’ll fit the giant sack of candy when the kid gets sick of carrying it. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $2295.

Ferragamo challenges one of the last great fashion taboos

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Salvatore Ferragamo Calfskin Tote, $2751 via Luis Via Roma

“You can’t wear white after Labor Day or before Easter!”

Is there actually anyone out there who believes that anymore? I mean, besides little old ladies. Even I, as a daughter of the South and a woman introduced to pearls, slips and “proper dressing” at a young age, think this rule is beyond tired. Winter white is a beautiful thing, and if you’re not entirely convinced, this gorgeous Salvatore Ferragamo Calfskin Tote is here to talk some sense into you. When Ferragamo speaks, you listen.

Why would anyone adhere to a rule that limits the number of days one might be able to carry this beautiful bag? I can’t think of any reasons. Although this bag is graphic white, which is the last bastion of the No White After Labor Day Movement, it would look right at home with a grey sweater and a pair of dark wash jeans, particularly in the fall before the giant, dark coats of winter come out to play.

Don’t get it too close to your denim, though. The one caveat of wearing light leather in cold weather is that you have to be mindful of color transfer, which would be an utter pity if it happened to a piece this pretty. The solution? A long, fluffy cardigan to provide a barrier between your bag and your pants. As if you needed another reason to wear one of those in late October…

Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $2751.

Would you carry something as minimal as these Rochas bags?

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Rochas Giallo Tote Bag, $1065. Rochas Borsa R18 Sporco Bag, $1695. Both via Saks.

Despite the fact that I have chosen maximalism as my overarching aesthetic theme, I have a healthy respect for those who do minimal and do it well. During the days of Olivier Theyskens, Rochas was never accused of embracing minimalism, but now that the brand’s creative vision has changed hands, the brand’s most widely available foray into handbags yet has lines so straight that my back aches just looking at them. Would you carry something like the Rochas Giallo Tote Bag (left) or the Rochas Borsa R18 Sporco Bag, or do you want your bags to be a little bit more detailed?

Personally, I’d be all over the bright yellow tote. Minimal designs work so well in bright colors because they let the color shine as the principle detail, instead of having neon yellow compete with pockets, zippers, ruching and hardware for the spotlight. The reverse works, as well: Neons and brights bring out the clean, restrained lines that are so important in a minimal aesthetic.

The white bag, on the other hand, I could do without. Although white is one of the most important colors in minimalism, the combination of white with the traditional shape and the subtly scolloped edge of the top flap create a look that’s a little bit too ladylike for my personal style. I do, however, adore the contrasting snake-print top handle. So what do you say, ladies? Would you be first in line to carry either of these bags? Buy through Saks for $1065 and $1695, respectively.

This Nancy Gonzalez bag looks a wee bit familiar…

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Nancy Gonzalez Metallic Crocodile Tote, $4000 via Net-a-Porter

As you guys are often quick to note, I’m usually the last person to say, “Hey, doesn’t this bag look like the design was lifted entirely from that bag?” Let’s face it, there are only so many shapes, sizes, leathers, handles and pocket configurations out there, and it’s boring to make de facto rules about who can and cannot use quilted leather and chain straps.

That being said, I took one look at the Nancy Gonzalez Metallic Crocodile Tote, and all I could think was “Celine Luggage Tote.” I even set aside the product page for a few days so that I could think about it, and the must-have Celine bag is still all I see when I look at this tote. Nancy Gonzalez normally does a great job of doing her own thing with little regard for passing trends or ideas, but this bag seems like a rather egregious example of the exact opposite.

There are a couple key pieces of the Celine bag that make it so recognizable: The north-south proportion, the jutting gussets, the front pocket and the bordered front panel. Thankfully, this bag doesn’t reproduce the thick, curvy piping that you find on the most sought-after luggage totes, but some models lack that in favor of straight border panels, which is what you have here. You also have all of the other recognizable feature, even though the pocket has a flap instead of a zipper and the handles are flat instead of rolled. What this bag does lack, though, is Celine’s casual, new-modern French elegance. That’s much harder to reproduce, unfortunately. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $4000.

Thursday Friday is now daring Chanel to sue them

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Images via Racked.com

Remember the Thursday Friday Together Totes emblazoned with images of the iconic Hermes Birkin? The bag generated a ton of conversation when we first wrote about it back in January, and although most of you found them distasteful, lots of women didn’t; I think I see at least one a day being schlepped through the streets of New York.

Unfortunately for Thursday Friday, Hermes also found the idea distasteful and decided to sue their pants off. Fresh off a private settlement with the French luxury giant, Racked reports that Thursday Friday is ready to take on another iconic bag with its Together Tote: The Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag. Lawyers, start your engines.

If Thursday Friday made enough money from the Hermes-aping totes to pay a settlement and still stay afloat, then perhaps this isn’t a bad choice on the part of the company. Perhaps for them, getting sued is just part of the cost of doing business, sort of like Forever 21 and all of the designers it knocks off. If that’s true, then I sincerely hope that they sell as many Chanel totes as they did Birkin totes, because they’re going to need the cash. At $90, $65 and $35 for the Super Together, Together and Pouch bags, respectively, would you buy one of these bags? If you would, get can get them via ThuFri.com.

Donna Karan goes ladylike for fall with her Liaison Bag

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Over the past few days, New York’s hot summer nights felt a bit of a cool down and there was a slight tinge of fall in the air. As a lover of autumn, my excitement level for the coming season multiplied exponentially. I’ve been planning additions to my fall wardrobe for a while, and one of the staples we should all have in our accessories closet is a ladylike frame bag.

Donna Karan is aware of seasonal staples and appears to have designed the Liaison bag with feminine, chic, and efficient ladies in mind. Donna Karan bags follow closely to the brands overall feel, composing of luxe materials in a sculpted and subdued fashion.

While I’m not typically drawn to brown bags, there is something quintessentially perfect about a deep brown leather bag as the weather cools down. Cream, camel, and brown tones look both classic and fashionable. I imagine carrying the brown calf version and pairing it with the perfect wide leg pant and button up blouse. Simplicity in color and style leaves you with a stand-out outfit.

The Liaison bag draws attention because of its glossy resin bar at the closure along with the top handle. The design comes in both a small and large size, both of which are available in a variety of materials and colors. I also love the dimensionality that printed crocodile brings to an otherwise simple bag. Small for $2495 and large printed for $2595 via Donna Karan online.

Reed Krakoff: Still awesome, in case you were wondering

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Reed Krakoff Kit Bag, $1390. Reed Krakoff RDK Hobo, $1290. Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote, $990. All via Saks.

Sometimes I feel the need to reiterate this point when I sit down to write yet another post about a brand that I love: Reed Krakoff has never given me a free bag, a discount on a bag or any kind of perk whatsoever in exchange for a post. That kind of thing is rampant in the fashion industry, but neither Megs nor I would ever accept any kind of swag if we were asked to give a brand positive coverage in return, because that’s just not how we operate. We have more respect for our readers than that, and we’d never sell you out for a freebie. And it sort of sucks that I even have to say it, but unfortunately, it’s not guaranteed in this business.

With that in mind, perhaps Reed Krakoff should be paying me for all the nice things I’ve said about his company. But alas, he’s not. I just really like the bags. Almost all of them, except for a stray stinker here and there, which is a problem for every brand. Saks.com just got a new shipment, and I couldn’t pick which one of the bags above to feature, so I thought I’d incude all three.

The only truly “new” design of the group is the Reed Krakoff Kit Bag, which features Krakoff’s signature neutral colorblocking in ivory, brown and speckled haircalf. Fall and winter color palettes tend to get very dark, so adding a winter white option like this one to the mix is an easy way to lighten up without sacrificing texture or luxury.

The other two designs – the Reed Krakoff RDK Hobo and Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote aren’t new, but that doesn’t make them any less awesome. The slightly metallic leather hobo elevates it from another brown day bag to a luxuriously bronzed shoulder bag, and we all know that I love the color-mixing that goes on with the Boxer totes, not to mention that the false flap gives the bag a nice design element without making it difficult to access the stuff you store inside. And ultimately, that’s one of the reasons I like Krakoff’s bags so much – the people designing them seem to be keenly aware that they’re going to be used.

Reed Krakoff Kit Bag, $1390 via Saks

Reed Krakoff RDK Hobo, $1290 via Saks

Reed Krakoff Boxer Tote, $990 via Saks

Would you wear a purse with colored hardware?

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Balenciaga Padlock Totes in black or green, $2077 via Matches

I’m a big lover of Balenciaga bags both familiar and lesser-known, and often, I find myself even more attracted to the non-Motorcycle styles that don’t grace quite so many arms. Don’t get me wrong, though, my favorite bag I’ve ever own is a Balenciaga Day Bag and I doubt that’s going to be changing anytime soon.

But I also have a lot of love for the bags like the Balenciaga Padlock Totes, which don’t drive revenue to the brand quite like the moto bags, but are beautiful accessories nonetheless. What I’m really loving about this design in particular is the little red enamel closure at the front, which got me thinking about hardware choices and how few3 of them we have as modern accessories consumers. Gold, silver, weathered, shiny. Maybe a little gunmetal or matte black, if we’re lucky. Why can’t we have more color?

I’ve been thinking about this question for a few days, and here’s what I’ve come up with so far. First, I think there’s probably a durability issue. When it comes to high-end bags, most of the hardware you see is solid, and the finish isn’t painted or baked-on. If you sawed it in half, it’d be a similar color all the way through. That makes it much more resistent to the appearance of wear, since the surface is the same as whatever’s underneath it.

Enamel, on the other hand, is painted on and heated into a solid over metal, which means that it’s usually softer and more likely to wear than what’s below it. And since the material underneath is a different color, that wear is more likely to be obvious to a bag’s owner, who may take none too kindly to those kinds of imperfections.

Second, there’s probably also a wearability issue. Since consumers are so used to seeing hardware in only a handful of colors, I’m betting that a lot of women will have a bit of resistance to the idea of bright hardware that contrasts with the color of their bags. Personally, I adore things like that, but I can understand why such a bold look might not have the longevity that many customers are looking for when they buy an expensive bag. It’s like neon shoelaces – I’ll wear them all day, every day, but I know I’ll get a weird look here and there. It will probably surprise no one that I like the green and red Balenciaga combination the best. Would you wear colorful hardware in general or this bag in particular? Buy through Matches for $2077 in both black and green.

Bag Battles: Azzedine Alaia vs. Jimmy Choo

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Alaia Leopard Tote, $4770. Jimmy Choo Gaia Leopard Tote, $2295. Both via Net-a-Porter.

Much to my eternal delight, leopard print is going absolutely nowhere. It came on strong as an accessories trend last fall, but the pattern has been falling in and out of favor for decades and it’s here to stay as long as fashion’s love for maximalism remains strong. In fact, the amount of leopard that’s surfacing for Fall 2011 might be an all-time high for the modern fashion industry.

Assuming that you’re still in to leopard, that means you’ve got some accessories decisions to make. Natural or grey? Satchel or tote? Partially leather or all haircalf? Alaia Leopard Satchel or Jimmy Choo Gaia Leopard and Leather Tote? Personally, I’ll pick Alaia every day, all day, but take a look at the larger pictures and pricing information after the jump before you let us know which design wins this Bag Battle.

Alaia Leopard Print Satchel, $4770 via Net-a-Porter

Jimmy Choo Gaia Leopard and Leather Tote, $2295 via Net-a-Porter

Save, Spend, Splurge: Neutral Python

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Amanda Mull

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Python is huge for fall. I haven’t been an overwhelming proponent of many of the season’s python looks, but it’s hard for me to turn down a good, natural, neutral python bag. For me, the beauty of python is in the skin’s inherent texture and pattern, and depending on the bag, straying too far from that can spoil the fun. That’s why for our latest Save, Spend, Splurge, we’ve picked three python (or python-embossed) bags at three different price points to show off the material’s natural beauty.

Save

Lauren Merkin Allie Embossed Python Clutch, $250 via Neiman Marcus
Naturally, the best way to buy into a trend at a reasonable price is to get a clutch, and Lauren Merkin is the queen of affordable evening bags. Stash it inside your day bag and then take it out after work.

Spend

Kate Spade Nadine Snake Print Crossbody, $695 via Neiman Marcus
I’ve rarely seen a faux python bag as lovely as this one – the pattern is right, the tone is right, and it’ll fool a lot of people who aren’t exotic skin experts. (And really, who is an exotic skin expert? Not many people.)

Splurge

Prada Python Frame Tote, $4450 via Neiman Marcus
Ok, so this is a big jump in price from the Kate Spade option, but that’s what happens when you go from embossed leather to the real thing, particularly in a season when python is the thing everyone wants to have and Prada was one of the material’s strongest proponents on the runway.

Trend Alert: Fox Tails

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Left to right: Henry Beguelin Croc Embossed Tote with Fox Tail Charm, $1645. Gucci Smilla Top Handle, $5200. Henry Beguelin Fox Detailed Tote, $1520. All via Neiman Marcus.

I remember a couple of seasons ago when Louis Vuitton debuted detachable fox tails on the Spring 2010 runway and everyone threw a fit over how silly and tacky and unreasonable they were. Well, it’s a year and a half later and now it looks like Vuitton and Marc Jacobs were, once again, more than a full calendar year ahead of the curve. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t doubt the brand’s vision anymore; if Vuitton produces a bag I don’t like, I just assume that I’m not yet advanced enough to understand its brilliance.

And that may have been the case, if the industry’s sudden embrace of fox tail accouterments is any indication. Both Gucci and Henry Beguelin have produced bags adorned with tails (or tail-like furballs) for Fall 2011, and Gucci will sell you a loose tail charm to add to any bag in your collection as well. Suddenly Louis Vuitton seems like it was on to something. Would you wear this trend? What if the “fox tail” were faux? Mostly, I’m jealous that Megs picked up one of the hot pink Vuitton charms a few seasons back and I didn’t. Also, if any of you guys see a faux option out there, let us know.

Henry Beguelin Croc-Embossed Tote with Fox Charm, $1645 via Neiman Marcus

Gucci Smilla Top Handle, $5200 via Neiman Marcus

Henry Beguelin Fox Detailed Tote, $1520 via Neiman Marcus

Gucci Fur Charm, $590 via Neiman Marcus

Chloe goes the predictable route, but this time, to great effect

Posted on July 1, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Chloe Madeleine Lambskin Tote, $2681 via Luisa Via Roma

I’ve written before about Chloe’s tendency to stripmine every halfway successful accessory the brand has ever had into oblivion. “Oh, what’s this? We’ve made a satchel that people sort of like? Redesign it into a tote, a shoulder bag, a clutch and three different types of hobos immediately. And make it into a second satchel, just for good measure.” Those tactics are used to a certain extent by most designers, but Chloe’s insistence on beating a good design into the ground is almost singular in its ferocity.

Every now and then, though, the practice works out, as with the Chloe Madeleine Lambskin Tote, based on last season’s beautiful minimalist runway satchel. What can I say? Even a stopped clock is right twice per day. This handbag is one of those times for Chloe.

Perhaps obviously, it’s the leather and color combination that really make the bag in this case. And when minimalism is the order of the day, smart choices in material are so important, because it’s one of the only distinguishing characteristics that the bag has. Chloe did well to pick a supple material in an on-trend shade, and this is the sort of bag that could be carried for years to come. If only Chloe made more of these types of accessories. Buy through Luisa Via Roma for $2681.

The Six Best Beach Bags of Summer 2011 – No Straw Allowed

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Amanda Mull

A couple of weeks ago, in a blind panic and looking for things to post about during the summer fashion doldrums, I asked my Twitter followers what they’d want to read. Several responded back wanting to hear about beach bags, but with one caveat – they were only interested in non-straw bags because of the hassle of cleaning sand and debris out of a raffia tote.

I’ve never been much of a beachgoer (and have the pale skin to prove it), so I had never really considered the special accessories challenges that a beach presents rather than, say, a pool or park. But considering how persistent sand is in getting in to our bathing suits, a bag with plenty of crevices for entrance must end up toting home a significant percentage of the beach itself. So if you want to lay out on the shore but keep the sand where it belongs, we’ve got six ways for you to do just that, all for less than $200.

Kate Spade Daycation Bon Tote, $145 via Nordstrom
Red and ivory tiger print? Count me in. This tote’s canvas is coated for a glossy finish that doubles as a stain barrier. It’s on the smaller side, so this bag would be best for a solo trip instead of a family jaunt to the coast.

LeSportsac Beach Tote, $88 via Bloomingdale’s
This bag is my personal favorite of the group. I’ve had great experiences traveling with LeSportsac in the past, and the lightweight-but-tough nylon construction of this tote means that it’ll stand up to even the worst beach beating. The mix of sunny, summery colors means that it doesn’t verge too much on the utilitarian.

Trina Turk Towel Tote, $140 via Bloomingdale’s
Not only does the clear plastic construction of this bag recall the beach totes we used when I was a kid, but it comes already packed for you with a coordinating towel. Just add your own sunscreen and trashy beach novel.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Packables Shopper, $58 via ShopBop
Suitcase real estate is always at a premium, and handbags are one of the hardest things to pack. If you’re going on vacation and want a beach bag that you can roll up and stuff in your carry-on for the flight home, a lightweight, collapsible shopping tote is your best bet.

See by Chloe Tieta Tote, $105 via Bloomingdale’s
At a full two feet wide and 16 inches tall, if you’ve got a big load of stuff to carry to the beach, you should choose a bag like this one. Cotton canvas construction means that it’s not waterproof, but the darker, multicolored pattern will hide any spots or stains.

Jonathan Adler Countess Tote, $198 via ShopBop
I adore Jonathan Adler’s sense of whimsical modernity, and I hope that he expands much further outside of his traditional realm of housewares. Bags are as good a place as any to start.

Mulberry’s Polly Push bags are a preppy girl’s dream

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Mulberry Polly Push Tote, $1400 via Net-a-Porter. Mulberry Polly Push Satchel, $1300 via Net-a-Porter.

I’m going to let you guys in on a little secret that you’ve probably already figured out about me, if you’re a regular reader: I was never a prep. Sure, I dabbled in it in middle school when we all went through the phase where we tried our damnedest to look like everyone else, but by age 13 I was putting ill-advised burgundy streaks in my hair and listening to punk. If you know me, you know that I never really grew out of the “putting ill-advised things in my hair” phase.

But because trends are endlessly shifting and the lines between “looks” are getting blurrier by the day, I no longer feel the kind of automatic resistance to preppy, classic designs like the Mulberry Polly Push Bags that I likely would have felt a few years ago. As long as I could get one that’s not brown, that is. A distaste for brown is another thing that I’ve yet to outgrow.

But if brown and tan are your preferred neutrals (I have nothing against them, they just don’t look quite right on me), then you’d be hard-pressed to find a bag that looks as heritage-rich as the Polly Push tote and satchel. Mulberry has been leaning more heavily on its British roots for the past few seasons, and to much success – the traditional look with a quirky touch here and there is very relevant to what’s going on in fashion at the moment, and bags like these will look current for years to come because of the design’s root in classic leatherwork. Buy the tote via Net-a-Porter for $1400 or the satchel for $1300, also via Net-a-Porter.

Prada goes faux for fall (faux fur, that is)

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Amanda Mull

I’ve spent a lot of time and energy in this space complaining about how designers keep trying to make fur bags happen, and usually during those rants I also wonder about why more companies aren’t using faux fur for their ill-advised fuzzy bags. Few designers hesitate to use stamped croc or python, so why not a little fake mink or chinchilla? The primary argument that I see people making for real fur in outerwear is the warmth that it provides, and my phone and keys certainly don’t require my handbag to maintain any particular temperature.

It looks as though Prada has answered my prayers, as it so often does. The brand has debuted a line of faux fur bags for Fall 2011, and not only are the prices half that of most real fur bags, but no cute little critters had to give up their coats to make these designs happen. That’s right, I still don’t really love these bags, but I dislike them less than if they were real fur and twice the price. If that makes the sense.

Actually, I should amend that. I’m not mad at the Prada Mohair Garden Tote, right, because it uses faux mohair that’s short enough that the structure of the underlying bag isn’t totally lost. And that’s my biggest gripe with fur bags – the material almost always overwhelms the shape. The combination of a short fur and simple shape prevents that from happening with this bag, so it gets my tentative seal of approval. You know, if you’re looking for a fur bag.

The Prada Eco Pelliccia Faux Fur Wristlet isn’t bad either, if only because a bag like that doesn’t necessarily lose anything if it looks like a puff ball. It’s small and without structure, which makes up for a multitude of fur’s normal sins. The only stinker\ of the three is the Prada Mongolia Garden Tote, which uses faux fur that’s too stringy and long to really be attractive on a handbag. But still, with all three designs showing three-figure price tags, I can’t complain too much. If you’ve been wanting a fur bag, here’s the best way to do it.

Prada Mohair Faux Fur Garden Tote, $995 via Saks.

Prada Eco Pelliccia Faux Fur Wristlet, $370 via Saks.

Prada Eco Mongolia Faux Fur Garden Tote, $995 via Saks.

Reed Krakoff’s latest Boxer Tote is perhaps his best yet

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Reed Krakoff Leather and Wool Boxer Tote, $990 via Net-a-Porter.

I’ve heaped a lot of praise on Reed Krakoff recently, and all of it is genuine; every time I see one of the man’s bags (and increasingly, his shoes as well), my credit card runs and hides. It just knows. I’m still trying to coax it out from under my bed after laying eyes on the gorgeous Reed Krakoff Boxer Leather and Wool Tote. This shape has become the young brand’s signature, and this mixture of textures and shades might just be the best one so far, particularly when you consider the price.

Rarely do I feel my heart flutter when I set eyes on a handbag rendered in grey and black, but the mixture of leather, wool and suede in this one is just too good to pass up. And that’s been something of a hallmark of Krakoff’s success so far; he does an excellent job mixing colors and textures in such a way that his pieces are still neutral but not at all boring, which is a difficult feat for even the most seasoned aesthetes.

That he can do those things on top of making a functional, roomy bag at a somewhat achievable price point is the real news bulletin here, though. Other designers likely could have concieved of this design, but I’m having a hard time thinking of one that could do it for less then $1500, let alone the three-figure price tag that Krakoff is offering. Ladies, meet you new fall work bag. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $990.

Burberry gets its groove back

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Burberry Buffalo Tote, $1095 via Neiman Marcus.

Like any brand, Burberry has created bags that I’ve both wildly loved and totally hated over the past few seasons. There have been moments of both happiness and confusion at the brand’s accessories, but based on the success of the bags in the Fall 2011 runway show and the beautiful Burberry Buffalo Tote from Pre-Fall 2011, I’m feeling nothing but optimism about Burberry handbags. Plus, I’ve seen a few shots of the brand’s Resort 2012 bags, so I have it on good authority that the dog days are over.

Something about the color of this bag is hitting me in just the right way. Extremely light grey feels so pretty and unexpected in the midst of a season full of bright colors, and even though this isn’t necessarily the shade that I’d pair with brights, the pre-order won’t come in until July anyway. By that time, we’re all going to be sick of our summer clothes and waiting for those first few non-sweltering nights in late August, and when those days hit, this bag is going to feel like a brilliant option for the seasonal transition. Plus, the price isn’t bad either. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1095.

Celebrate Memorial Day with a beachy straw tote

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Amanda Mull

From left: Mary Y Sol Panama Striped Tote, $100. Club Monaco Tall Straw Tote, $49.50. Elliot Mann 24/7 Tote, $242. All via ShopBop.

In the US, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and all the beachside fun that comes with the season. The PurseBlog team is going to take most of today to relax and enjoy the advent of season vacation season, but if you’re stuck indoors and want some bags to consider, take a look at these three reasonably priced, sun-ready straw totes: The Mar Y Sol Panama Striped Tote, Club Monaco Tall Straw Tote and Elliot Man 24/7 Tote. (Ok, that last one is macrame and not straw. Just go with it.)

Mar Y Sol Panama Tote, $100 via ShopBop.

Club Monaco Tall Straw Tote, $49.50 via ShopBop.

Elliot Mann 24/7 Straw Tote, $242 via ShopBop.

Yves Saint Laurent: One bag, six colors

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Amanda Mull

Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Colorblock Tote, $1350 via Net-a-Porter

By now, we all know what spring’s big trend are: Colorblocking, mixed brights, pink and orange, brights contrasted with neutrals. We’ve all been saying this since the collections made their fashion week debuts six months ago, and those looks have made their way to retail with a vengeance. And in the case of the Yves Saint Laurent Lucky Chyc Colorblock Tote, they’ve all showed up in one design.

I really want to like this bag, but I just can’t find it within me. I like the idea – the mixture of brights and neutrals, the bold swaths of color, the functional structure are things that I’ve been digging lately in almost all iterations, but this one just isn’t quite right. The yellow is too mustard-y and not bright enough, the mismatched neutral gussets compete with the rest of the design and should have been left the same color for the sake of symmetry and an ivory handle will show wear almost immediately with any sort of regular use.

Being on-trend doesn’t automatically make a design good, and unfortunately, this bag illustrates that perfectly. YSL came close to having a winner on its hands, and I still appreciate the functional structure (particularly the roomy and well-disguised front pocket), but the rest of the bag needs some tweaks to get it on the right track. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1350.

Elie Tahari continues to impress

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Amanda Mull

The Elie Tahari Rebecca Tote, $598 via Bergdorf Goodman.

Yesterday, we talked about how hard it is to find a good upstart contemporary bag line and cited Diane von Furstenberg as a prime example of a brand who has found its handbag stride without much problem, and I’d like to offer Elie Tahari as another clothing brand done good. Tahari’s bag line is only a couple of seasons old, but every time I see one of his bags at a store, I find myself nothing less than impressed by the designs and materials, particularly when you consider the price point. I saw the Elie Tahari Rebecca Tote at Neiman Marcus lately, and let’s just say that my affection for the brand continues apace.

Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to what I like to call “elbow clearance.” It refers to being able to swing a bag onto your shoulder without having to do that weird maneuver where you quickly shoot your arm through and then wriggle it up to its final resting spot. Nope, you can bend your arm fully when you have elbow clearance. It’s a beautiful thing but particularly hard to find in a tote, and this bag has it.

The bag also has a few other nice attributes worth mentioning, most notably the color. We’ve already had the brights conversation a million times, we don’t need to have it again. And at 18 inches wide, this tote is easily large enough for your everyday essentials. If you’re more conservative when it comes to color, it also comes in black. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $598.

Miss Wu, you had me at “hello.”

Posted on April 21, 2011 by Amanda Mull

New handbag lines launch all the time, but it’s relatively rare that one comes about that’s truly worth a look, let alone worth the money. After watching his accessories collection evolve for several seasons now, I can confidently say that Jason Wu’s bags are the real deal in every sense.

Fall might be a long time coming, but for a bag as good as the Jason Wu Miss Wu Tote in a seasonless shade of garnet, I’d suggest you start planning now. In a lot of ways, this bag reminds me of the Prada Limited Edition Runway to Green Tote that the brand produced for Net-a-Porter, except with just a bit more polish. The leather is shiny and smooth instead of matte and grained, and the enamel-laden hardware provides a subtle reminder of just who it was that designed the bag. I can’t help but love the whimsy of Wu’s little owl logo.

I know that it can be a little hard to get excited over a good everyday bag, but these are the kinds of designs that pay dividends when you own them. Sure, elaborately adorned minibags and clutches made out of delicate or exotic materials may be more interesting eye candy, but this is the kind of tote that will be both chic and functional for years to come. Wu’s bags aren’t one-season wonders, which is not something I can say for some of his design contemporaries. Pre-order through Bergdorf Goodman for $2495.