Most of you have heard the crazy frenzy involving Anya Hindmarch’s “I’m Not a Plastic Bag”, which is indeed made of cotton. The 5 pound bag (currency, not weight) sold out in the UK within one hour of being released. Then resellers reaped hundreds of dollars of profit via eBay.

Now a U.S. version is coming stateside (pictured). And the wait-listing is set to begin.

So why do I make the bold claim that Anya is an eco-poser? The bags are limited edition, with a 2 tote-per-customer limit. But to use these at groceries, one would need oh say five. When they sold out, what happened? Well, they didn’t immediately continue production, just lived it up from the buzz. When limited edition colours hit stores in outside countries, UK will be stocking more at Sainsburys stores. (So hopefully the correct steps will be set in motion.)

I understand that buzz is very good to make people want to follow this earth-friendly trend, but Hindmarch is 1: just hawking a fashion for fellow faux environmentalists, girls who will do it because it’s trendy, and 2: it’s just plain ironically twisted that these bags can’t serve their intended function, and most people who want one for that function can’t get one. The eBay buyers, by the way, in no way intend their main desire to be to help the Earth. They want a piece of IT, ’cause hey, even at $400 it’s not too-too bad a price to catch a HOT celebrity-toted designer bag. And the ones who sell, are they anti-green and pro the greens (if you know what I mean)? Yes, but who can blame them, when I’m sure 90% of you reading this would sell one if you had two. Continue to read more bag love »

Popularity: 83% [?]

Are we prejudiced against petite women with the big bag trend? Hmm. Well to those of you who still think the size of the bag is limited by the size of the girl, get with it, I say!

Sarah Michelle Gellar (5′3″) with

Lanvin Kentucky Tote $1545 @ Barneys.com

It is discrimination to not “allow” some of the world’s most fabulous bags be carried by 5′0 and unders. I will absolutely agree with you if somehow you prove short girls need fewer belongings with them. Well? No, it’s not true. We need just as much junk, and we deserve to carry what.ever. we. want. to keep it in. Whether it be the Stam (honestly I don’t know how I could fill the thing up!) or a Silverado Tote, don’t try to keep the short girls down!

I personally think that we short girls are more blessed when it comes to looking fabbu with our purses. Why would I say such a crazy thing? Well, the bigger the bag, the more it overpowers our look. Yes, I may be a true bag crazed lady to want that in the first place, but I love it! That Stam or Snake skin bag will attract more attention being so large, and people will stop to notice and they will think it must be IT (if they don’t already know).

Besides, big bags can hide chubby parts no matter what the height, and don’t try to keep that benefit from us, either!

But that’s all just me, maybe. What do you think?

Photo Source

Popularity: 65% [?]

You’ve got to love that Paris Hilton loves the paparazzi’s attention. “Why on Earth must we love that, Elle?” - you ask? Why, because this gives her designer freebies, like Chanel bags. Alright, alright, it’s plenty of reason for us bag desirers to hate Paris.

BUT here is Ms. Hilton perfectly posing to show us a great, clear shot of an amazingly gorgeous Chanel bag. And you know what - I believe that’s reason to love the egotist in the socialite.

So thanks Paris! Ahh to be born into wealth and fame … sigh.

As you can see from the mini photo inside the large, the bag’s not really a clutch, but a flap with the strap removed. That is a great idea! Imagine, a jumbo sized Chanel flap could be … a day clutch! Faaabulous! *Dreams off into Elle’s happy place*

For more, visit Kiss My Starce, dirty celeb gossip.

Popularity: 100% [?]

Chloé’s Bay is the IT bag of the season, and like many, I’m interested in one. (But I want the Quilted on sale, heh heh.) We’re all waiting, waiting, wanting. What’s available now, for pre-order, and in which colours/styles? And what are the retail prices, you ask? Here’s the run down.

The Available Styles/prices:

Classic Bay bag - Euro conversion: $1485 ; Japanese Yen conversion $1195 (wow)
Lambskin Classic Bay bag - $1680
Bay Tote bag - $1680
Bay Shoulder Tote bag - $1860
Small Patent Shoulder Bay - $1380
Shoulder Bay bag - Euro conversion: $1419
East/West Bay bag - Japanese Yen conversion: $1191
Lambskin Bay Hobo - $1800
Shoulder Bay - $1600
Classic Quilted Bay shoulder bag - $1780
Quilted Bay Tote bag - $1635
Mini Pouch Bay - Euro conversion: $436
Quilted Big Bay - Euro conversion: $1750

Bay Colors:

Black (noir) Dark Brown (mocha, café), white (blanc), camel/roche/sand, navy, orange

Availability:

Continue to read more bag love »

Popularity: 43% [?]

 Here’s Jessica Simpson with the newest upcoming trend, the day clutch. As seen on fashion blogs such as Fab Sugar. Clutches often in brighter colours or bold prints, or anything suitable for day and not evening, but most importantly—these clutches are large.

And that’s what I love about them, however I can’t find any of the big sizes being sold online yet. If you scout a nice, big day clutch, send it in!

Popularity: 22% [?]

This is ppst #4 in our Holiday Gifts series, part 3 was on a Louis Vuitton iPod Case.

From Bags to Riches has come a long way in a year, becoming a serious competitor for Bag, Borrow or Steal. They offer the greatest options, membership or not, points, price-points and a fantastic selection, including numerous Coach, plus Paddingtons, Spys and Louis Vuittons!

So for a great gift for a bag lover, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate for the website. There’s no risk, and a bag girl can get a free bag for a little while, then decide if she likes the service. She’ll be thankful. Denominations run from $5 (eh, yeah right) to $200 (yay!). Certificates will be quickly sent by e-mail. Plus from now through Christmas, order $100 worth of giftees and get a $25 one free!

Popularity: 6% [?]

This week, Pursed Lips and Kiss Me, Stace are bringing you holiday gift ideas to make your loved ones smile!

Today I have inexpensive bags from luxury brand, Coach. Namely, the demis and pouches. There are great deals on from-the-outlet bags—you can even find demis for under $100. This is perfect for younger sisters, young daughters and cousins who want to stick a toe into the designer handbag world. But be careful that you don’t let them get too deep, too young. And teach the children well how to take care of valuable belongings! Also, try a multi-look bag, like the Holiday Patchwork bag pictured, to match all outfits—and besides, it’s like a little bit of all Coach bags in one, so she’ll be sure to have her fix of bag style for a while!

Definitely many fashionable young girls would squeal getting a first designer bag as a present, and you don’t have to break the bank!

Hold back just a minute though! Keep in mind that you must know the brand yourself to be able to spot fakes, or have a way for someone else to verify authenticity—or forget it. You can still get a pouch at the outlet for a great, great deal or even a Coach boutique, as those usually start under $150 anyway. New pouches can even be carried under the arm, so they’re great handbags.

Search Signature Demis on eBay. / Search Signature Pouches on eBay. / Browse the new collection of pouches and small bags on Coach.com / Or visit your nearest outlet.

Popularity: 42% [?]

Click to view larger

Yes, on the left is a Coach bag, sort of. It doesn’t look like any Coach bag I’ve seen (hideous straps), but the tote will still be much desired, for only 100 were made for sale. Artist Kiki Smith collaborated with Coach’s head, Reed Krakoff, to create this bird, flower, butterfly and star sketched piece of art. I wouldn’t carry it—I say this is for serious collectors to display (and oh yeah, the eBay hawkers). The “unprimed” artist canvas (wow, that’s serious stuff) and snakeskin-trimmed (looks like skin-doodles to me) totes are being sold at Smith’s exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art for $1,300. The exhibit started Sunday and runs through February 11th 2007, but the bags are sure to sell fast, so get your little bag lady self to NYC, stat!

And remember, keep a watch on eBay for the Kiki tote as well, for raised prices of course.

Via The Runway Scoop, source: Fashion Week Daily.

*Update* There was some confusion when I wrote this, it’s all clear now.

Popularity: 11% [?]

And you’ll be able to buy almost any bag in one year! [Ahem, no-Hermès-cough] (Depending on how much you spend during the year.) (And this list can relate to shoes, electronics, saving for an actual car/home or trip, anything!)

1. Open a high-interest savings account just for your IT Bag Fund. Add to it with your extra income/savings each month. ($20 for opening an Orange ING account, $100 to start, + $50 - $100 a month)
2. Sell on eBay all those old bags you never want to carry again. ($500 - $1,000 average)
3. Buy bags you’re going to buy anyway in the meantime on eBay, but ones you know and can tell are authentic, and search broadly and long for the best deals. (Save 20%-70%).
4. Do your own self-manis/pedis, fire your maid (ha ha, yeah right), skip the spa, and only do partial foil highlights instead of all coloring, in order to go to the salon less often. But of course get the best stylist who does cuts that grow in great, and never put off those wax appointments! We can’t go wild chick and still look fabulous when the bag arrives! (Save $10 - $40 - a bajillion?—I don’t know, how much do all those luxury things cost, anyway?—a month)
5. Do odd jobs/chores, massages, manicures, make coffees, etc. for family and friends. ($20 a week)
6. Make your own coffee and skip Starbucks and Dunkies. (Save up to $25 or more a week)
7. Ask for cash for your birthday and holidays, put that in your fund. ($300 - $500 per holiday, so that’s twice a year so … $600 - $1,000 in one year!)
8. Open up a credit card. Wait! New ones from American Express offer either cash cards back or put in a percentage to its own savings account! Cha-Charrrrrge-it! ($100 in 1 year or some crazy amount for the savings)
9. Start a handbag charm design company and get jewelry making kits, knit things, or anything you can put your creative mind and abilities to work making! Then sell the trinkets on eBay. (Hmm, this one might lose you hundreds, actually. It’s a carps shoot.)
10. Start a blog on handbags and get ads to supplement your fund! (Exponential growth?)

I did the math and it might even add up pour moi! Don’t forget your 5% savings interest! What do you think you could save? What would you buy??!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Like the Purseket or the Purse Brite? Well, you might love Chameleon Inserts more! It has more pockets, fits more things, comes in three sizes and just all around offers more.

The small fits medium-small bags, so there sadly is no option for very small bags, but there are other benefits that you’ll love. There is a bottom, so one can just lift it up to more easily switch bags! Plus the large size comes in an optional “sturdier” selection, which is great for large, saggier bags to keep their shape!

Pockets include: cell phone, pen/lip stick, card slots, change and more, plus its own cosmetic case.

There are ten colors and they’re made in the USA, too.

I’m not sure how well this works with all bags, especially my own, but I would love to know if I should buy. If you own it or try it out, let us know in the comments!

Popularity: 6% [?]