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: 7% [?]

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: 7% [?]

Ahhh resort, they call it a vacation line, but I call it gearing up for Spring. Resort collections are for early Spring buyers or those excited by “lighter” designs, anxious to go on to the next round of bag buying and of course, those making wish lists. Resort collection time is also the time to plan what to buy oneself after we once again have self-spending-money come January. I’m getting a Paddington and sometime later definitely a Marc Jacobs.

But anyway, what excites me in resort is the scarf tote, done best by Gucci. This season the company offers many bags in the general style, so be sure to check them all out, but perhaps most notable is the “Positano” medium tote.

Actually far from medium, it’s 15.6″L x 5.1″W x 12.2″H! With a high-quality straw body and a gold chain link printed silk scarf woven through slots at the tote’s top. Add in platinum-colored metallic leather trim and as always, Gucci’s light gold hardware.

This ray of sunshine (in a winter so unseasonably not lacking of the sun) runs down at $1,350.

Shop Gucci Resort.

Popularity: 9% [?]

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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: 5% [?]

The Burberry Icons Collection is hit and miss with fashionistas, but different bags are either hit or miss with me. The heavy-hardwared bags I don’t so much like, but I love the brown leather Quilted Bag, and I really dig the new creative invention of quilted check/plaid “logo,” such as in bags like the Small Quilted Bag or the Hobo, pictured.

This large Quilted Hobo isn’t just a plain check hobo, it features a lock/key decorated flap. It’s actually made of quilted canvas—plush!—not PVC, and is trimmed in tan leather. The bag runs 16″ x 11″ x 2 ½” and will run you only $625 retail (and the small quilted bag; $450). As for the gorgeous Quilted Leather Bag; a whopping $1,395, but it sure is nice as the gem of the collection.

Check the Icons Collection at Burberry.com (and there are a few different styles at different department stores, so shop around.)

Popularity: 7% [?]

Finally there are leather bags for the perforated monogram Onatah collection! The bags have neutral-toned options for leather that is similar to embossed, but instead punched with tiny perforations to create the LV Monogram.

I love the Onatah Leather Pochette in aubergine. It looks like a hobo, and for a pochette, it’s large. Are you ready for a surprise? 14″ length x 8″ height x 1″ diameter. Oh yes! That and the luxe detail make it worth its $1,260 pricetag, n’est pas?

More details include an adjustable, but long, multi-ringed canvas strap with brass hardware, long leather zip-top closure pulls, and Monogram-patterned lining.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Think I was excited about viewing the Marc Jacobs show? Well I was. But most Marc Jacobs bags are just a dream to you and me and Spring is far off.

So now with that in perspective you might try to imagine my excitement about the release of Coach’s 65th anniversary line.

Oh, yes! (You must already know I love Coach, though.)

The line brings back vintage styles with more modern shapes, it brings back a little of that ol’ Bonnie Cashin (designer head) kiss-lock. And it keeps new classics, like many bags in the “Legacy” collection that also resemble bags from last Spring. Coach even is introducing smaller details that instantly click with fans, like the color combo of Khaki (brown-toned) Signature with Ebony (YES, BLACK!) leather trim. Brown and black on one bag, Coach, you’ve finally taken one of my suggestions from my telepathic love notes!

One other thing that Coach is introducing is something major: a higher price point. Some bags cost the same, but many more rise above $600. And then—get this, there’s a limited edition Alligator bag for $10,000. Hello Hermès?! Even a genuine ostrich clutch for over $1,000! Oh, my!

Hopefully that will attract some more “catwalk” cred to the brand. Gucci schmucci?

Stay tuned for more products! Preview and shop the Anniversary Legacy accessories by Coach.

Popularity: 4% [?]

The first thing I think of when I look at this Chloé Edith Satchel is that it looks like a backpack — but it sits on the shoulder with straps!

What a 100% improvement on the old school style! That is why I have a second Edith posted today, the day after labor day, when school is just starting. The really cool (older) “kids” (okay a lot older and rich college adults) might just want to carry this roomy (unknown dimensions), lightly pocketed satchel in a new school way.

Imagine this bag on one shoulder, instead of (uck) a nylon, leather, or designer monogram pack on the back!

Maybe I’m crazy, but I like this bag for that purpose. But of course, it’s still expensive for a school bag (or is it to you?) at $1,560.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Yep, it’s IT Bag Tuesday, holiday special…

It’s the Edith, done East/West and without a pocket: The Chloé Edith Large Satchel. I like it! I like the shape, but I really like that side view… Look at those features!

Gussets with drawstring & tie and more buckles on the side in addition to the flap strap. Love buckles. Like the look of that flap.

Love!

This 15″ wide, 7 ½” tall, 7″ diameter (wow!) Italian designer bag rolls in at $1,575!

Popularity: 3% [?]

Our very own Ella came up with the wonderful questions for this week’s Carnivale, which give us all the opportunity to dream about the IT bags we would own if we only could. Because it’s such an overwhelming decision to think of the IT bag I would own if someone suddenly gave me the money for one, I decided to limit myself to my favorite IT bag designer, Marc Jacobs.

So, if I could, I would pick up the Hudson Leather Tote. Why, you might ask—well, not only do I think this is a very stylish-looking tote, but because of the size (13″ l x 11″ h x 6″ d), I could certainly fit everything I’d need in it, which means I could carry it everyday, so I’d get to look at it everyday!

I love the chocolate brown leather with the patent tan trim—I think it looks clean and classy. Oh, by the way, it costs $1,275, so it would definitely be a dream if I owned this one.

Popularity: 2% [?]