When I heard that Luella Bartley was designing merchandise for a limited-time-only run at Target, I was especially excited to see what handbags would be available. I haven’t had an opportunity yet to go to the actual store, but after taking a peek at the handbags on Target’s web site, I must admit, I’m slightly underwhelmed. Maybe that’ll change once I can actually see the purses in person.

I’ve never been a fan of graffiti, so naturally, I don’t care for the Graffiti Print Hobo; I don’t like the crest design on the bright yellow Top Banana purse and the Canvas Sling isn’t my style. But, the more I look at the Luella Net Bag in orange, the more it grows on me—I know, I know it’s net, a material that cheapens the whole look, which is the reason I would probably never actually purchase it once I saw the purse in person. Leather or soft suede would have been a much better material for this purse, but then it wouldn’t be $29.99, would it?!

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Beautifully detailed floral pastel suitcases by Tuleh.

Stuffed in to a theme-varied Tuleh Fall 2006 runway show, were suitcases and weekenders. Two totes in tow for each of three girls, were both out of place among the larger picture, and oddly thought-striking. We must instantly see designer Bryan Bradley as a top luggage maker; at least we envisioned that while the models were still strolling the catwalk in a manner both awkward and engaging: perfect while bogged down. This also brings attention to the other bags in the collection, giving much more cred to Tuleh as a handbag house. It’s just too bad Style.com didn’t have good detail shots of the rest of the bags, which were all small clutches.

We will watch for Tuleh next time they come to town.

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I’ve been absent from this blog, while working on pre- and amidst- Fashion Week. My source for images, Style.com, is slow on the uptake, so I get a chance to post here, and I’ll try to more as the week goes on!

Also, I couldn’t miss jumping on the opportunity to inform you of the newest and first Spy of 2006. Fendi has designed the Hologram Spy Hobo. It has that similar round shape, and the same textured strap. But it has less bulk in its different yet all the same recognizable feel. It also adds big glam with a bronze metallic coat to its leather. Thinking this sounds just so like the perfect bag? Well, it still has that so Spy $1,340 pricetag.

A less desirable, less Spy-IT-haute factor, yet more practical and quite cute as its own design—and also only $855—is the Denim Spy Hobo. It’s less SPY for your buck, great bag for less buck!

Wow, I’ve missed handbags … okay handbag blogging, for I could never really be away from or stop thinking about my dear beloveds!!

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You’ve got to love a purse that comes with jewelry, so to speak. The Scarlet Hobo by Elliott Lucca is accessorized with an assortment of metal, bead and leather charms and shockingly enough, my favorite color choice is the black! It’s also available in white, marina and green tea. You’d think I’d pick the marina or green tea, but no, I really like the contrast between the black pearlized leather and colored charms.

Measuring 14″ l x 6″ h x 4″ d, it has a green tea-colored nylon jacquard lining and cell phone, multipurpose and back wall zippered pockets. Priced at $158, it’s actually a handbag I could work into my budget if I decide to, which is one of the reasons I love Elliott Lucca!

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Details are extremely important in design; the smallest addition can often ruin an entire concept, which we’ve all seen happen. On the bright side, details can also turn an ordinary, ho-hum purse into one with much more style, which is the case with the Miu Miu Crochet Bag (14.25″ l x 9.5″ h x 3.25″ d), available for $850.

The stitching on the front of this purse, along with the leather trim, makes it stand out among the tons of other crocheted handbags I’ve seen. The detailed stitching, at least from a distance, reminds me a bit of ruching on a top, plus the color is perfect for the spring palette. You know, I know a lot of people who crochet, and I never see them making anything like this—I wish they would!

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When handbag designers use flowers in their designs, it can be a good thing or a bad thing. We’ve probably all seen our share of purses with flowers that were too large, wrong material, overdone, not done enough or simply out of place. The flowers on the Medium Drawstring bag (12″ l x 11″ h x 5″ d), part of the G Flower Collection by Cole Haan, are done right. Made from metallic leather and with crystal beaded details, these flowers are placed on the bottom portion of the purse, so they don’t overpower the rest of the handbag, nor do they take center stage. They’re an accent to the creamy brown leather. I always like it when a motif is placed slightly off-center, instead of centered like many people might do—it’s more unexpected that way. The drawstring closure is a nice touch, giving the purse a casual, weekend vibe, which you can have for $345.

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