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% [?]

So, tell me, am I the only one who really doesn’t like the shape of this bag?

Anthropologie carries some adorable and nice-looking bags, in fact I wrote about one yesterday, but this Red Romper Hobo just doesn’t cut it for me.

If I spend $598 on a bag, I sure do not want it to resemble a child-size romper. Plus it looks quite large, and at 17″ l x 16″ h x 10″ d, it is. According to Anthropologie’s web site, it can even double its length by unsnapping and unfolding.

Regardless of size, if a bag comes in this shape, I’ll pass on it.

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s been unseasonably cool here in the midwest, but that hasn’t persuaded my employers to turn off the central air-conditioning, making the office building I work in feel like a freezer. I figure they assume that it will get warmer in the next couple weeks again, so why bother turning off the air, right? Those freezing temps at work may explain the reason why the Sweater Girl Tote ($528) by Rafe, available from Anthropologie, caught my attention.

While the thought of dipping temperatures isn’t too exciting for me, I do like the look of sophisticated warm cuddly sweaters, which is what I think of when I look at the popcorn-knit wool on this tote. The wool/leather combination provides handbag-loving girls an adorable fall/winter bag with lots of texture and movement (check out the side tassels). Plus, I like the buckle flap on the front. By the way, it measures 13″ l x 9″ h x 6″ d.

Popularity: 28% [?]

The latest issue of domino magazine (one of my favorites!) features Jessie Randall, who along with her husband, Brian Murphy, formed Loeffler Randall, a shoe-and-bag label. This Leather Satchel, also known as the “Hattie” bag, after Randall’s grandmother’s nickname, was mentioned in the article and it caught my eye. The version in the magazine was a gorgeous deep blue, but of course, I couldn’t find that color being sold anywhere!

It is being sold though at Bergdorf Goodman’s web site in black or tan (which looks quite orange to me) and sells for $655. The pleated body, framed top and looped double handles certainly give this bag lots of personality and character—perfect for the girl who likes bags with individuality.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sometimes, all you need is a simple twist! That’s all this Washed Metallic Clutch (11″ l x 5″ h x 1″ d) by Anya Hindmarch needed to add some spark to a basic framed bag.

Selling for $675, this clutch is made from washed linen and is trimmed with metallic leather. It has an interior open pocket, is lined with faux suede and has a nice-looking silvertone push-lock closure.

I love how the knotted twist adds dimension to this clutch—wouldn’t it look adorable with jeans?!

Popularity: 4% [?]

Okay, I’ll admit the chain detail is definitely growing on me. When I first started seeing the abundance of chains on the bags for the upcoming fall season, I wasn’t too excited. I’ve never been a big fan of chain handles or any chain on my bags, but I’ve seen more than one bag in the past couple weeks with chain hardware that I really like, including this Kate Suede Hobo by Tory Burch ($525).

I think this is a great bag! It’s classic, made from beautiful dark brown suede trimmed with leather, has a buckled shoulder strap and it’s all topped off with the gold chain/buckle hardware on the front—just the right touch!

Popularity: 3% [?]

For a fraction of the cost of a Hermès, this Buti Large Embossed Calf Leather Flap Handbag is still luxurious. Selling at all-Italian luxury Forzieri.com, this handbag is made of fine, handmade calf leather with a suede lining and four metal feet. It has all the luxurious details of a quality inspiration; true lock and key and flap opening around its short handles! If you want a shoulder strap, this bag comes with an extra. You can even have your choice out of five fun or practical colors.

At 14″ x 11″ x 7″, are you ready for the price? $654. There are smaller and different leather choices, too.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’ll admit the size of the Collegiate Kilt Bag ($695) by Michael Kors (7″ l x 7″ h x 3″ d) is what initially perked my interest. If it were larger, I might complain that I didn’t like the goldtone studs and hardware, especially given I tend to be a silver girl, but instead I think the petite size makes the details adorable!

It would be so much fun to carry and the kiltie detail on front is a great way to incorporate the Celtic trend I’ve seen in a couple fall magazine layouts. So, if you don’t fashion yourself as a plaid-wearing girl, show off your Scottish-Irish roots with this bag instead, or if you’re not of Scottish or Irish descent, buy it anyway and pretend you are!

Popularity: 2% [?]

It’s IT Bag Monday (late afternoon) … with a wallet!

If you want a hot wallet, you’ve found it. If you want a teeny tiny bit of a Chloé Paddington, for a lower yet not highly reasonable price, well I think you’ve got it.

I do like it, don’t get me wrong! I like the padlock, of course—and I really, really like the way the key is attached: on the zipper pull.

You know blatantly in this case that the lock is not a utilitarian device, and I like that … worrying if I have to unlock my purse to get inside is too much for me.

But wait, in the case of a wallet, it might be nice. One could keep the key elsewhere and maybe be a little bit safer from card & identity theft?

Anyway, it is a nice look, at least. Tongue in oh, so chic? Oh, so chic.

Specs: Anthracite leather, zip fastenings for cards and coins, 7 ½” l x 4″ h x 1″ d, $615.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Stay tuned for IT Bag Monday, next! Right now, it’s also Marc Jacobs sales day!! All of these bags are currently under $800!

Net-a-Porter:
– Metallic Venetia Tote
– Gold Small Multi-Pocket Hobo Bag
(pictured)

Neiman Marcus:
– Calfskin demi-style pocket bag

eLUXURY:
– Side-pocket Tote

*Update* I am not feeling well, so hold on ’til later for the rest of today’s posts.

Popularity: 3% [?]