Mary-Kate Olsen recently wrote in to the New York Times raving about her favorite purse.

“Timeless
Brand Loyalty
by Mary-Kate Olsen

I have a large, red quilted Chanel bag that I borrowed from my sister, Ashley. I wore it to an event and never gave it back. Luckily, she’s moved on to another bag, so I’m safe for now. I’m not quite sure how many bags I have, but let’s just say I have a few. When I find a bag I like, I tend to wear it to death until I become obsessed with another one. This probably happens three to five times a year. But I always come back to the Chanel. The size isn’t overwhelming, and it has enough subtle detail to keep it interesting. I also have the smaller version in blue and in white, but the red is definitely my favorite. I don’t have a stylist - I’d rather just do my own thing and put together my own outfits. The chain-handle bag is the perfect accent to almost any combination I come up with. I look at everything with a designer’s eye, but I wouldn’t change a thing about this bag. I think that’s why it’s a true classic.”

Ooh, I just love the size of the bag, but unfortunately it appears to me the straps grew in length with the size. I’m just not sure what to be dreaming for in a Chanel.

*Via Celebrity Nation*

Popularity: 62% [?]

That. My dear friends is the new Limited Edition Louis Vuitton tote. Made up of actual pieces of bags from current styles and maybe a few classic IT LVs, this Tribute Patchwork shoulder bag is available this month. Another picture to follow.

Its two sides feature different iconic pieces from yesterday and today, complete with straps, buckles, flaps, locks, hooks and plaques - even fur. Each bag its made up of is practically complete. (Oh, this is nearly enough to make me vomit as well.)

Loved by crazed fans, hated by most, the worst part - possibly - is its price: $42,000.

I’d rather have just three or so of the styles, plus other Vuittons for just a few thousand, and save the rest. Well, save most of the rest … some will be for Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Balenciaga … ooh, and to pay off my AMEX.

Photo credit: Nitro:licious

Popularity: 13% [?]

Maybe all you have to keep yourself warm this Valentine’s are your sweaters. I’m sorry, that was depressing. You also have your bags! Put your two hands together and hold this Sweater-Knit bag by Gerard Darel.

In gray or natural, this large shoulder bag is made of 50% wool, 50% acrylic. Sized 15.75″ l x 12″ h, this designer bag costs $368 at Neiman Marcus .com.

Whether you have a sweetheart (& his loaner sweater) or just family & friends and your own fashionista wardrobe, this warm sweater bag is perfect for the wintry season. I’m snatching one up, perhaps on a lonely tomorrow night.

Popularity: 29% [?]

It’s hard to find pictures of purses at Luella’s Fall 2007 runway show, but I found one of my favorite via In My Bag. This bag in the family of Giselle, except with side belts instead of multiple full-width ones, is a new classic and one I’m really interested in. I can’t wait for it to come out for the Fall (boo hoo), in a more affordable leather, of course, and then to hopefully go on sale. Of course, if my prediction is right, this bag will have IT status - or at least it should.

It’s a bag with classy style for anyone in a tote shape with flap, lizard skin as on the runway, and what seem like two large tassels on front. Quite yummy.

Footnote: What is that which appears on this model’s feet???

Popularity: 5% [?]

From resort right through Spring and Summer, Burberry offers a cute little (well, big) plaid check satchel with white leather trim and rope detail. Measuring 14″ x 8″ x 7″ with shoulder handles, the breezy beauty plops down on the counter with a large $890 pricetag. But it’s so worth it with the details including others such as bias check print and three outer pockets. This cute bag isn’t a practical steal, but it’s luxe and fun.

Popularity: 11% [?]

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: 14% [?]

When I posted about a similar Gucci Scarf “Positano” Tote, I was told by a commenter that another was much more expensive. The first was straw, the second—crocodile. The price of the crocodile tote? $19,800.

Nearly $20,000! Actually it’s nearly $21,000 with tax!!!

Oiiiiiiiiiiiii.

It’s lovely, but I don’t need it. I do, however, need a new car. A nice hybrid would be an option with that amount of money. Oi.

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: 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% [?]