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: 14% [?]

Spring Break is here, with sandy beaches calling to us and actual sightings of green grass. A great travel handbag for your later winter getaway is this Prada Frame Bag. Natural straw with green leather trim, it’s just enough Summer sand with greens of Spring for the upcoming weeks. Featuring a removable green leather luggage tag, it’s good to go as your carry-on purse, as well!

13″ x 9″ x 5″ this cute satchel costs $1,350. That’s probably less than a trip to Disney World! So if you cut back on the fabulousness of your March break trip, perhaps you can afford this purse. Hey it will last a lot longer than a mere 7 days! (Two seasons, year after year!) Putting it that way, it almost seems like you need a new bag!

Popularity: 20% [?]

Zac Posen, a hot and popular ready-to-wear designer with celebrities and in-the-knows, has now put out a line of handbags. The bags are on the simple and sophisticated side and quite well designed.

My favorite is this Aurora bag, a tall satchel with kiss-lock closed straps over its framed closure. In creme at 12″ x 9″ x 6″, it costs $1,400. What a way to make an entrance!

Purchase Posen’s bags at eLUXURY and Neiman Marcus.

Popularity: 13% [?]

The new style of Marc Jacobs’ Venetia, with patchwork leather and zippered pockets—called the “Met Patchwork” Venetia—is available for pre-order on Neiman Marcus now and shipping by April 6th.

The bag is certainly the classic Venetia, a satchel sized 15″ x 8″ x 4″ with double handles and a real strap closure, but all new with bronze metallic “patchworked” leather and changed front pockets.

Priced $1,475, currently offered in bronze, is this the next covetable bag by MJ?

Popularity: 26% [?]

Balenciaga isn’t sold online in stores as it is in department stores and city boutiques. But I found that a certain online retailer has authentic bags that are harder to get elsewhere - all authentic - Diabro.net (I bought a Silverado from them so far).

I may just make two more purchases this Spring and one would be a dream Balenciaga; the quilted Matelasse bag, which has elegant styling to appeal to a different kind of fashionista than the motorcycle may - like moi! It still has some signature touches (like studs and tassels), and add that plush pillow quliting, and there’s no wonder it’s IT. It’s “big”, but not too big - and roomy at 12″ x 8″ 5.5″.

The Diabro price is usually just around retail, and this goatskin satchel’s pricetag is $1,659. We’ve got to save up quick, huh?

Popularity: 13% [?]

Kelly Ripa here proves that with a simple & chic ensemble, black and grey look smashing with a brown bag.

What’s that bag she’s carrying? Find out after the fold. Continue to read more bag love »

Popularity: 17% [?]

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: 16% [?]

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: 15% [?]

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: 25% [?]

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: 16% [?]