Coach has actually made an accessory line printed with a red/pink fragrance theme in celebration of their new perfume. They’ve also made up a limited edition compilation of the LE Jasmine XL Straw “Basket” bag filled with pieces from the line, plus a pair of shades and the exclusive to the “gift basket”, bronzer compact (which I think is a pretty awesome little beauty case).

The main feature of this LE gift set is the Jasmine XL Straw Basket ($998 separately, limited on its own as well) which features a rounded body of straw, orange leather and snake skin trim, brass hardware with ringed full-height straps and fragrance-print lining with 5 interior pockets. It’s sized 24″ x 13.5″ x 10.5″!
The official list of items included is: Fragrance-print crusher hat, beach towel, Framed coin purse, Patti sunglasses, and an exclusive Bronzer Set in the Fragrance Print Case.

The cost of the package is $1600 (eek) too steep for me even though I’d love to own this, but instead I can pick up a little piece of the “fragrance” line separately. My choice is the unique “Brush case” which can be used as a beauty case or even a clutch! Love it. If you can’t get the package, which is in limited quantities, perhaps look on eBay for that exclusive bronzer, as I will. (No low price guarantee, though.)

If you have the cash/budgeting and love for Coach or just plain cute accessories, go for it, it’s sold online at coach.com or in select boutiques, but you can always have it shipped free by calling your favorite store location/favorite SA.

Below are photos of what’s included in the Limited Edition Fragrance Straw Gift Basket:

And here are photos of separate items from Coach’s Fragrance-Print collection:

Popularity: 80% [?]

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: 57% [?]

Ooh, I’m seeing indication of an IT bag budding! Featured in InStyle Magazine, and now carried by Madonna, this unique tote by Yves Saint Laurent is prepped to be the house’s next big bag.

Featuring side belts (yummmmmm, mmmmmmmm *drool*), horizontal zippers and a trio of studs, the YSL Downtown Tote is certainly identifiable.

But is it all that attractive? I only kind of like it. But I say if I were to buy into this trend, I’d go for the Raffia version—it’s in two-toned brown and less expensive.

Madonna’s black leather style costs $1,395 and pre-orders through Neiman Marcus.

Popularity: 27% [?]

I’ve hated the Gaucho by Dior. There wasn’t one aspect to pinpoint, or so I thought, but with the arrival of a new Gaucho style, I suddenly know.

The bag is 1,000 times better with short double handles instead of a long shoulder (or cross body - bleck!) strap.

Unfortunately I’ve only seen this style in a yellow-creme white, but hey that’s in right?

The new Gaucho is sized 18″ x 12″ and through Diabro.net costs roughly $1,277.

Popularity: 29% [?]

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: 26% [?]

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: 26% [?]

I love the look (and feel) of python. I love it for Spring and I love it on a classy satchel. So naturally I love this python frame bag by Prada. (Pitone is Italian for python, natch.)

In tan tonal python with braided handles and a framed top, this piece of high luxury is sized 17″ l x 13″ h and more than squeezes past my budget at $2,620. This fine bag is available for pre-order now through Neiman Marcus, though not in California.

Don’t hiss and moan about the price, you have plenty of time to save up. And Californians, think about moving to Florida now - where python is plentiful and you don’t have to smuggle the goods.

Popularity: 14% [?]

TORONTO, Jan 16 (Reuters Life!) - With big handbags becoming a key fashion accessory for working women, health experts are warning they can also become a key health concern.

They’re talking about big handbags there, and they probably mean over 17″ wide or very tall ones. Specifically, if a woman’s handbag weighs more than 7 lbs, it’s not a good sign.

But in this modern age, women can’t leave home without their 3 gadget accessories, hair products, face wash wipes, an extra set of under garments, lady-time emergency supplies and of course the required industrial-sized mase can. Some women need to fit changing tables, toy boxes and a whole smaller purse, all inside diaper bags. And yet other women need bags for a laptop, but luckily those are getting smaller and actually - lighter than a Paddington’s padlock.

I feel a bit safer knowing my Paddington only weighs a max of 6 pounds, but I don’t like this widely spreading bit of news here. I read somewhere this means huge bags are out. I think that was a joke though.

Actually, it might just mean large bags are more in than ever, which is pretty cool. We need to stand proud, because if we need larger bags it shows how badly we need bags in general!

And don’t you kind of think people are switching from hating stilettos to bags? Perhaps men want women’s accessories small so they can keep us down! Well, not I, I say! I’m going to have my bags and fill them, too!

Handbag pride!

So what about you, what size are your bags and how much do they weigh? Are you going to downsize now?

Popularity: 9% [?]

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: 18% [?]

The #1 ugly bag in our Top 5 Ugly Bags list is … Louis Vuitton Monogram Mink “Bum” Bag.

It’s not just ugly for bright colored monogram on the wrong “canvas”, it’s not just ugly being “immoral” for using fur, but no, it’s both: it’s also ugly for defacing beautiful mink with large, colorful monogram.

I thought fur was to be appreciated as beautiful and natural from the animal? I mean this is coming from an anti-fur person, but I thought that fur-lovers liked the look of real animal fur (and feel, but it’s “just a bag”).

I wish this were fake fur, but it wouldn’t be Vuitton, it wouldn’t be luxury, and then the other half of fashionistas would think it were ugly. Le sigh!

Besides, it’s also ugly because one way to wear it is around the waist - agh!

Popularity: 17% [?]