Yikes! Versace’s Chain Snap Out of It Bag. I think Ms. Versace needed someone to snap her out of her druggy daze that induced her to just. not. stop meddling. The bag was finished at the zipper. Or perhaps the sea shell charm. Certainly before the chain straps! And then she went on… to add 7 more charms and a DOUBLOON!

I’m sorry, I’m sure a pirate sea maiden would love it.

(thanks Gemma!)

Popularity: 3% [?]

I call this double-printed tote “Throw Caution to the Wind.”

(Careful first, this Square Tote is $365 at eLuxury.)

Popularity: 2% [?]

Bergdorf Goodman has a preview of Marc Jacob’s Fall 2005 line. On the website are 7 bags in a display that ranges from classic to pure outrageous. The preview lasts through May 13th, and you can also put in reservations for orders.

I don’t understand Marc Jacobs. Strictly speaking of his handbags; some are so stately and classic, some are modern and a bit ugly, and then there’s a furry handbag. I don’t care if it is mink, in fact, that makes me dislike it more. Prices range up to nearly $3,000.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Browsing through The Gap today, I noticed that they have a lot of nice, or at least interesting, looking handbags.

This one - the Mini Chain Handle Bag (also in a larger hobo with a front zippered pocket) - caught my attention by its namesake - the handle. The strap is made of wood chain woven into the bag’s durable cotton canvas, and metal rings attach it to the body. I give this handbag a Smooch* Award for Best Strap!

The bag comes in eye-catching white, black (which looks nice with the wood charm attached), and multi-floral brown (the same lining as is in the solid colored bags). (The large hobo also comes in “Spring Breeze;” a teal shade.)

Popularity: 4% [?]

Coach’s Soho Optic line features attractive white bags, especially stunning is the Soho Optic Sm (Small) Pocket Flap in White. I saw this bag in a Filene’s and cooed over it. Today, it has finally been released to purchase on Coach.com.

The picture doesn’t do the optic jacquard fabric justice - although the closeup helps. The white shades of C’s are almost iridescent, and carry an elegance and the look of expense. You’ll have to see this bag in person to truly appreciate its beauty. You might have to shop around your local malls to find this new item.

This pocket flap also comes in a lustrous pink and yellow, which its pattern doesn’t look nearly as intricate, but it is a cute shade. Other styles also come in green. The white is available now in most other Soho Optic Signature bags.

Looking for a designer item for your so-worth-it mom? (I know my mom wants a Coach!) If you place your order by 11:00 AM on 5/5/05, you will recieve your gift by Mother’s Day!

Popularity: 11% [?]

INSTYLE WRISTLET
Liz Claiborne has so many nice styles for great deals, but I especially couldn’t resist posting right away about this one. This sequined wristlet is so glitzy and cute. It comes in cool multi and warm multi, so there are two options for the perfect fit, depending on the purses you already own or your outfits. I almost can’t resist grabbing one for myself at $15 (off from $20), but my mom would kill me. If you go out on glamorous dates or girls’ nights out, you need a little number like this, though.

- 97% cotton/ 3% spandex
- 3 3/4″ H x 5 1/2″W X 1″D
- Twist snap closure silver tone
- Faux leather trim
- Wrist handle
- Detailed with beautiful sequins throughout

Popularity: 6% [?]

The “On the Go” Satchel by Liz Claiborne is very casual, but it appeals to me. It’d be stylish for strolling the boardwalk in the summer months. And it’s big enough to tote your swim suit, shades and sun block. The colors - ivory/pink, “aruba” blue/orange and black/green - are sophisticated and equally endearing. It has a nice array of pockets, too!; interior back wall zippered pocket, cell phone pocket and a PDA pocket, in addition to the four outside zippered pockets; different! It even has bottom “runners.” I’d call them, to protect the bag from getting dirty.

On Zappos, this bag is available for $50.95 off from $60.

More views of this bag!

Popularity: 8% [?]

The best of all the current Dooney & Bourke bags is definitely the Ostrich line. They are noticeably Dooney, without being childish or even Signature, and the dots are adorable. The faux ostrich is so soft and luxurious. (Yay, no ostriches killed.) Most bags come in a wide variety of both fun and sophisticated colors. They come in the standard-for-Dooney, interior pockets, and some bags have outside pockets. Bags are in the $350 range. That’s the bad news.

Popularity: 4% [?]

#1 Everywhere a lady goes, she needs a handbag.
#2 She needs the perfect handbag.
#3 The handbag needs to match the outfit.
#4 Therefore, she must have a collection of several.
#5 The lady needs a handbag for every occasion, such as “night out.”
#6 The sophisticated lady needs at least one handbag that will last throughout the seasons.
#7 When a proper lady owns a fabulous designer bag, she must treat it as her precious baby and take special care of it.

Rules 1-6 are on a Tee I’ve designed! Plus the front says “Handbags are Accessories,” which is a rule in itself one must remember.

“Handbag Rules” (Handbags are Accessories) ; customizable tee (white ladies’ baby doll shown.)

This shirt is available to purchase from Zazzle.

Popularity: 4% [?]

An article on a Rochester NY news website has a very good article with information that proves points against the manufacturing and sale of counterfeit designer handbags.

(Reasons why not to buy fake bags

… Some claim sales of these bags have been linked to terrorism and organized crime. In many cases, they’re produced outside of the United States in sweatshops by people making less than minimum wage.

…

‘We are at a bad time very economically in the United States and all of the counterfeiters starting at the ladies at the purse parties on up are fueling the problems we have with the economy, because it’s going outside the Untied States,’ she said.

The designers also lose hundreds of millions of dollars every year because of knockoff bags.

Keep your eyes open, work some extra hours, and save up for a few months. Lay off the frothy coffees, or something. (I’m sorry, Starbucks is fabulous, too. But it adds weight to the thighs, etc., which does not LOOK fabulous. More incentive!)

Popularity: 4% [?]