Brighton is an upscale, high-quality, handbag brand. But they have kept themselves out of the big league “designer” category from the very beginning: their brand marketing, their logo. It’s one thing to have a danging heart charm, as they do. But everything is hearts. They make some nice designs of bags, a couple of which could suit my wishes perfectly, except that I don’t like the childish hearts emblazoned over everything. Labels do matter, somewhat, but the appearance of those labels matter more. I love Antik Denim’s pockets more than their distressed jeans, more than any designer denim design, so they are my favorite. Coach has quality workmanship, to some extent, and a pretty logo, but their lack of focus on aesthetically laying the signature across their bags leaves a huge distaste for Coach in my mouth. I like Brighton, I carry one of their bags as my school tote. But I can never really go for Brighton with their heart-obsession, and I’m thinking many people feel that way, and we always will.

Is it too late for Brighton? Well, they could certainly tone it down, and that could be wonderful. They could also send me a straw tote with navy leather trim, that I know I’ll “need” come the summer vacation months.

What does this mean for Valentine’s Day? Yes! There is significance! The whole greeting card, candy, present stuff is too much, too tacky. It’s sickening, in every way. The hearts help that. So, while you are free to enjoy these bags on any normal day, isn’t it all too centralized on the theme, in the early weeks of February, to take? Sorry if I’ve made that worse for you. But if you disliked the holiday before, now you know there is a media effort (me) backing up that (friendly) emotion.

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This is the promised theme post for handbag-loving single gals. I introduce Luella’s new collection of nautical themed bags. They represent sailing away from an old lover in style … if you wish. Actually, that is a stretch, and these bags go beyond Luella’s “charming” It factor. This Stevie Stripe bag overdoes this Spring’s navy stripes trend. Who said we wanted that on bags? Actually, the design work is, in one view, better than on those body-widening horizontal striped shirts. Imagine that.

At least we get some great negativity, and we all want that on Valentine’s Day!

I’m really coming to feel that Luella has a broken heart (charm). While I do love a nice handbag charm, I’m strict with the term nice, and strict with “handbag,” even (I love handbag-shaped charms). I’ve been thinking a lot lately that Luella’s charms are too childish, too tacky and themed. With this onslaught of these bags with dangling anchors (chuckle) it’s too much, too silly for me.

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We’ve been posting a lot of Luella, this month, and we’re not nearly over, yet. Think about it; Valentine’s + Heart charms? We believe Bartley is working that angle, herself, even (Target debut).

For Valentine’s Day, I think I should post the cutest, loveliest … nah, just this bag that almost is shaped like a heart, itself. And it is a nice bag. Luella’s Luca Bag has a triplet of oversized charms on a hair-calf/leather oversized hobo, at 16″ length. It definitely has some charm and loveability.

Until Designer Ella gets her own Prince Charming who gives nice gifts, like this would be, I’m going to say that Valentine’s Day is overrated, and pretty much steer clear of it.

(No, I’m not saying I need the near $2,000 pricetag, just some valuable thought.)

Tomorrow, I’m going to celebrate in true single-fabulista style, true Ella style, and post a bag that’s perfect for those sailing solo (hint at the new theme Luella has). Exciting? Well, it’ll be something else to look at besides old romance films, while indulging on too many chocolates (that you yourself or your mom bought). Le sigh!

Here, we have a deep lust for handbags, so if we’re single, we can enjoy freedom to splurge. If you’re not single, but your guy doesn’t have the style in picking out presents, or the cash to lavish you, we’re still here for you.

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I have been on an endless-seeming hunt for a bag with a new trend I love. I’ve seen many side strap/side belted bags at malls and around, but I can’t find a great one that suits me. Sure, the ones at the malls draw my attention, but I can’t find those in stores!

I want leather, I don’t want it to be too large, I don’t want oversized hardware. And I also want a sense of fabulousness, an expensive look. I want something I will love. Is that too much to ask?

I have my criteria, I have Mallory, I have eBay’s ever-changing selection. I have good leads. I’ll keep you posted when I have it in my hands.

If that doesn’t happen soon. You know me—utter, crazy, mania will ensue.

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Oscar de la Renta, among other, even better descriptions, is chic and girly. Here are my two favorite notable purses from his preview of the Fall 2006 collection at the Fashion Week show.

Trend, trends, yes, trends! More croc, and like Marc Jacobs, tortoise shell closures! This clutch is lovely, with its bulging, gathered shape and those details.

The bags followed such themes of exotics and other things, like some chain straps. It’s a lovely collection, leaving me wondering why Oscar’s bags aren’t a little more prevalent (besides the in-the-thousands prices). Bring more of the eye-pleasures to the public, I say!

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After a hectic week at my full-time job, it’s nice to take some time and look at beautiful handbags—I particularly like this Frame Bag by Maxx New York, available for $328. First off, I love the color of the pebbled leather, which I think is perfect for springtime; it reminds me of pale-colored flowers pushing through a snow-covered ground—I have a vivid imagination! It’s also available in black or white, if you prefer.

Measuring 14″ l x 7.5″ h x 8″ d, it has a kiss-lock closure—that style of closure always reminds me of adorable coin purses. With its gold-tone hardware and belt-like handles, this purse fits right in with the current popularity of buckles and straps. Check out the flattering metallic gold trim on the handles.

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The beauty of the Fall 2006 Marc Jacobs show was in the bags. Bag Lady attire led eyes to only find hope in this preview of a luxe Autumn for handbags.

There is a different feel to this largely-satchel collection. More exotic leathers, like this snake bag, over quilts. Self-innovation comes in the form of gusset push locks, ample tortoise shell—including on chain straps and buckles, and this different way of using straps on all sides of a bag (man, do I love straps)—woven through a larger strap, no less. Eye indulgence!

It all inspires me to carry my more luxurious bags (like my python darling), if only I could go out today, on this busy work day of the last of Fashion Week NYC! (I wish I could be sampling bags with Coco, and hitting try-on rooms with some Antik Denim, but work, I will.)

Unfortunately, to match the size of the models under layers of coats (to warm up after losing homes due to buying Jacobs?) many bags shown were voluminous, as well. I don’t really see them making it to stores, though, and there seemed nothing with interesting detail. It’s a good thing, because consumers might have to live in those purses after splurging!

Glam Watch: GlamMedia + GlamNetwork + GlamFashionWeek

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Luella on the Fashion Week runway, a preview of Fall 2006, here are the best views of the most notable bags (view all the detail shots):

Designer Luella Bartley went a little crazy with out there bags, and a little crazy for more charms (taking hint from her own downscale Target accessories?). It seems she also is playing with different animal skins and fur. Above is a pink ostrich satchel and an orange quilted satchel with shearling trim.

A lot of the bags on the runway had these interesting, long straps with bows. But the metal handle on the ostrich bag is the truly interesting one; is it a large safety pin? Most of the bags, including one with sapphire beads and an ocelot purse (whether print, hair-calf or real) were impractical. Another thing I noticed is that they all seem to be satchel-shaped, which is interesting, or maybe I just see satchels wherever I look.

Amid the horrid style (and did I mention charms?), there was a peak that there is at least one more baby Giselle planned.

Glam Watch: GlamMedia + GlamNetwork + GlamFashionWeek

Popularity: 4% [?]

Every woman needs a basic leather bag that she can fill to the brim with the necessities of everyday living and know that it’s up to the task, but many times affordable basic leather bags seem to only be available in black or brown. Frankly, there’s just some days where I need a hint of color like the light blush on this Leather Slouch Bag to help perk me up on those cloudy, dismal days or hey, even bright sunny days when things just aren’t going right.

J. Jill isn’t a place I usually look for purses, but sometimes it pays to do some deeper searching. This bag (13.25″ l x 10.5″ h x 3.5″ d) is made from pebbled leather and has two open compartments inside. It also features a hidden magnetic-snap closure which means you won’t have to mess with a zipper, but the top of your bag will be closed. It’s only $138, which is a decent price for a leather bag and if you prefer, it’s also available in black or brown.

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Given that there are no measurements for this purse, I don’t know how “large” this Large Embossed Shoulder Bag by Furla is, but regardless, the shape and material are a perfect match. Made from white crocodile-embossed leather, it features one of my very favorite closures—the push-lock. I also love the idea of the smaller flap on this purse. It’s such an elegant handbag, which it should be, considering it’s $500.

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