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: 81% [?]

It’s a summery tote with gold metallic fabric. It’s quite trendy, I suppose, but that won’t cut it. Where are the Louboutin signature elements? They should think of some - I can:

They have platform shoes, espadrilles, and wedges right? So the bags could be raffia, have wooden elements, or even have pockets on the bottom a la the Zippy by Chloé. That compartment could be a different colour - a tan, perhaps in raffia?

Then of course all Louboutin shoes have the red sole - I think bags could be subtler; red fabric lining. That is a definite must and I will lose all hope if all bags don’t have that already. (The store description doesn’t say.)

The details it does have are a chain drawstring strap, nice, gotta hand them that - but then a dangling key charm? Everyone does that!

Oh sigh, why am I such a better designer than the professionals? Hmm? I need this job and this job needs moi!

The plus side, this seemingly (Neimans doesn’t give size) roomy bag costs only $950.

Popularity: 29% [?]

This tote is from Chanel’s new Paris Biarritz collection for SS 2007. Wow!

If all my body fat were removed (please god) all my extra matter would easily fit in here.
My whole torso would fit in here.
Both of my legs would fit in here.
My paddington collection could fit in here.
A weekend’s worth of clothing could fit in here.

You get the drill, but …

It wouldn’t fit in …

On my lap,
Just barely on a car seat,
On a shelf or hook or in my closet.

Oh boy.

Preview more Paris Biarritz below.

Popularity: 58% [?]

A tisket, a tasket, a gingham plaid picnic … duffle? Kind of cute is Dooney & Bourke’s new print for a Spring range of bags; Picnic. Featured here on the large new “duffle” shape, the fabric comes in Dooney’s usual array of colours.

The Large Duffle is truly large enough to use as a picnic basket alternative itself, at 19.5″ x 11″ x 9″. Think it’s silly to waste a handbag for that purpose? You won’t when you read the duffle’s price: $195! Oh yes.

The rest of the picnic shapes start at $125. Pick your colour, pick your shape. Then pick your friends up for lunch!

Popularity: 25% [?]

I always rather liked Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Privè (pronounced: luh pree-veh) bag, which popped in magazines originally slated to be an IT bag, but hit some real life criticism. It’s the ultimate bag with a horizontal belt - it’s practically literal, with its loops, rectangular buckle and holes. The belt sits on the bottom of its body, which is new and uinque — and it has two flaps secured with buttons that remind me of a trench coat (this style has the perfect new colour / fabric for that). I’d argue this bag could appeal to anyone for its mixture of femininity and roughness. With everything it has going for it, some of the most endearing aspects of this bag are its little details — belts and zippers tucking neatly under loops and its adorable “natural” look buttons - one of them an oversized zipper pull!

Now about this particular bag served up for Spring 2007 — made of an oatmeal “gabardine” twill fabric with smooth leather trim and sized 16″ x 8.5″ x 6″, the new Privè runs $1385.

If you love this bag as I do, check out our Bargain Bagistas’ sale stalk—in which we keep an eye out for its price to drop!

Popularity: 16% [?]

I appreciate the effort and exciting anticipation behind old favorite Coach when they put out something different, but the mix of high saturated colours in their new Hamptons Weekend Patchwork makes me think it was made for clowns, not fashionistas—maybe not even the typical teenage girl!

Featuring far too much going on with all those dark, spotlight-steal-attempting, shades the new Hamptons Weekend Satchel shape is at least something nice. I love that Coach keeps introducing new satchels, my favorite style by far. Another new detail is the hang tags with circular “splotches” of a contrasting colour - although I’m not sure why that’s necessary.

It’s your typical new Spring’s approaching attempt at cheer from Coach, but more. They simply went too far.

The Hamptons Weekend Satchel is sized 13″ x 7″ x 7″ and won’t be setting me back $288.

Popularity: 47% [?]

Gucci art, is this bag, this “Indy” bag with ethnically-flared floral embroidery on white canvas. It’s a hobo shape with a single, rigid hand strap (plus detachable shoulder strap) sized quite large indeed, at 19″ l x 13″ h.

Also adorned in large leather tassels and trimmed in a gorgeous burgundy, this amazing bag costs $3,695. Pre-orders are being taken now for shipment by April 15th.

Even though this is a brand I often find overpriced for its quality and usually find over-rated, I bow down to this beautiful piece. Their Spring collection is striking and different. I just want more!

Popularity: 25% [?]

Polka dots make me happy, and that is the feel of Dooney & Bourke’s new “Mini Bubble” collection. In their classic shapes, they’ve miniaturized their “Bubble” circle logo and put them on different colours such as cream/black, sky, cocoa, multi (pictured) and more.

The mini bubble is cute and depending on colour can suit any age. It’s not in-your-face or tacky, no these tiny bubbles are just fine.

Popularity: 21% [?]

The newest B. Fendi bag is a hobo with one buckle, sort of simple, but bold and nice. The B. Fendi Zucca Hobo comes with large-logo, Zucca, printed canvas, antiqued brass logo hardware, leather shoulder strap with chain links, interior slip pocket and cell phone pocket. This not-so high maintenance bag’s oversized leather buckle hides a snap and flaps over a zippered closing. $1040.00 comes in a medium 12″ x 9.5″ x 5.5″ at eLUXURY.com.

Popularity: 27% [?]

Going, going, gone. The 85th year of Gucci is now passed, along with their collection. So back into Pursed Lips‘ archives for this small 85th Gucci Hobo to present our number 3 bag (actually; collection) of 2006.

With an intricate pattern and modern details, 8th Gucci seems to be all about the future. Why not? Gucci is a huge fashion house, and they’re pinned to remain that way. They’re the bag house for the modern, hip and young (but not so young as to not afford it). So Gucci, 85 never looked so good!

Popularity: 17% [?]