Is the Bay by Chloé all about zipper pulls and straps? What is the appeal to make Chloé’s new style IT? I’m waiting for the quilted version, which is quite interesting (just wait yourselves!).

This washed Lambskin Bay Bag at Neiman Marcus comes 13″ x 11″ x 7″ in a deep Mocha brown and rings $1,680.

It’s no Paddington to me, what do you think?

Popularity: 7% [?]

Chanel offers lots of fantastic and luxe bags each season, but since they’re a classics maker, there isn’t always much too unique to shout about. Still, the bags are fabu, and I vow now to blog more about this brand favored among many. (Including myself, oh my first Chanel, come to me!)

For Spring, there are a lot of bright whites and luxe skins, but what catches my fancy most is something I think is actually a bit new and different. It’s a calfskin flap bag - standard enough, but it’s the logo I love (well, for a different reason from usual). The Chanel inverted Cs continue on from flap to bag body … and of course, because it is Chanel after all, they flow seamlessly and align perfectly. Super swoon!

Wow, I really need my first Chanel soon … or two.

Popularity: 66% [?]

One of the spanking-new Coach silhouettes for 2007 (since the Fall, this has been a big growing time for Coach) is the Andrea Satchel in the Hamptons collection.

It’s medium-sized with a rectangular shape, contrast stitching and totally modern details. Studs, lots of stitching and great side decoration make up the style’s individual look, with tassels on one gusset and a dog-leash clip attaching the top zip closure to the bag (genius idea!).

In brass hardware, also with a brass lozenge hangtag, the Andrea comes in black, white, cognac brown and a dark olive. At 13.25″ l x 8.25″ h x 7″ w, the new favorite from Coach comes in at $598.

Popularity: 12% [?]

An IT bag from Miu Miu offers more of the ruching that Miuccia Prada likes to do, but is otherwise completely new and different. The Miu Miu Coffer’s front flap with lock tab and flap pockets give it a unique look, sitting on a round body a single short, braided handle and detachable long strap.

Like it, hate it? I can’t quite decide, but the general bag-loving public has spoken about this IT bag. Have to have it? This Italian-made piece of camel nappa leather costs $1,445 and sells at Neiman Marcus.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Ooooooooooooh, Dior mon amour! New Dior in new classic styles, les grande sighs!

From the new “My Dior” collection, this “Large Pockets” Satchel (which is large with pockets, not actual large pockets :-P) is an upgraded version of an old favorite. With sophisticated details, including a metal “accessory” strap cinching ruched leather, and barely a logo in sight - this bag is all design and shape (zip-top frame and pockets, all rounded Dior-lightfully!) with not a bit of tacky - all class.

Plus if you’re often worried about fitting your necessities, this bag is truly grandiose at 17″ x 14″ x 4.5″

What an amazing sight to be seen! Dior - you are one of my true, true loves!

Popularity: 8% [?]

Surprise, surprise! Or not really. I stand by my favorite new bag of the year, overall, being many others’ as well - it’s the Marc Jacobs Stam bag. From what I’ve seen, it’s been the number one copied bag of the year also, which of course gives the style votes.

It’s classic, it’s big (that has helped a lot lately), it’s unique (and recognizable), and it’s just a luxe, luxe looking bag. It has similarities to the top bag of 2005 - Fendi’s Spy - even, but this one’s all new and all Marc Jacobs.

It features a mixing of the top trends of the year with some of the most signature aspects of Marc Jacobs design, so no wonder it’s a winner. We’ve already previewed what’s on the horizon for Stams and I’m so excited!

Popularity: 6% [?]

This IT bag spawned several similar bags, so many and in such the same style that it can be hard to tell the difference or perhaps name them all. On this list is the classic - The Chloé Edith Leather Bag.

Somewhat in between a tote and a satchel this large bag has one front pocket with double closure straps. In several colors, the Ediths were sought after long before release … and yet more staggered releases, from fashion week in September to early Spring waiting lists, right through Fall updates.

What’s in store next for Ediths? Well, more Ediths, for sure, but will they fly off the shelves?

Edith - an iconic bag to represent 2006.

Top 5 bags of 2006 #4
Top 5 bags of 2006 #3
Top 5 bags of 2006 #2
Top 5 bags of 2006 #1

Popularity: 6% [?]

And the number one bag in our Top 5 Party Bags series is the Little Stam by Marc Jacobs.

The Stam has a very formal silhouette, but making it smaller makes all the difference to be an evening bag. It’s perhaps the perfect form for a bag such as the Stam. With a little less of the IT Factor, but perhaps a little more practicality (aside from wearing it less often), the Little Stam is still a true competitor.

See more Little Stams coming soon in new Resort colors!

Popularity: 8% [?]

Proving that I don’t go higher-end toward the end, our number 2 top Party bag is from Elliot Lucca: his Amelie Clutch mixes today’s top trend of quilting with Lucca’s own styling of unique leather patterns. Instead of braided or woven leather, the leather is fashioned in a sort of plaid-patterned quilt. The evening clutch is topped off with jeweled gunmetal rivets! Ohh la la, number #1 trendy plus luxe evening bag for your fabulous New Years. I hope you’ve discovered this treat before, because it’s sold out online. C’est the year-wide top 5 list, I guess. But we can still admire this lovely? Ooohhhh.

Check back at the website or call 888-LUCCA-01 to speak with an associate regarding availability.

Popularity: 5% [?]

The top 4 party bag is not really a small evening bag, but it’s fancy, elegant, and besides: it has the word “tuxedo” in its name. And as it also resembles certain elements of the formal dress, again, its suited to be an evening bag. This Tuxedo Leather Bag by Be & D is a medium sized shoulder bag that’ll run $950. I’m thinking of saving for this one, or perhaps doing a sale stalk! Such a beaute.

Popularity: 4% [?]