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: 8% [?]

Chanel offers lots of fantastic and luxe bags each season, but since they’re a classics maker, there isn’t always much too unique to shout about. Still, the bags are fabu, and I vow now to blog more about this brand favored among many. (Including myself, oh my first Chanel, come to me!)

For Spring, there are a lot of bright whites and luxe skins, but what catches my fancy most is something I think is actually a bit new and different. It’s a calfskin flap bag - standard enough, but it’s the logo I love (well, for a different reason from usual). The Chanel inverted Cs continue on from flap to bag body … and of course, because it is Chanel after all, they flow seamlessly and align perfectly. Super swoon!

Wow, I really need my first Chanel soon … or two.

Popularity: 62% [?]

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: 19% [?]

Going, going, gone. The 85th year of Gucci is now passed, along with their collection. So back into Pursed Lips‘ archives for this small 85th Gucci Hobo to present our number 3 bag (actually; collection) of 2006.

With an intricate pattern and modern details, 8th Gucci seems to be all about the future. Why not? Gucci is a huge fashion house, and they’re pinned to remain that way. They’re the bag house for the modern, hip and young (but not so young as to not afford it). So Gucci, 85 never looked so good!

Popularity: 15% [?]

B. Fendis! B. Fendis! These bags were so prevalent in stores and on people’s wish lists this year. One of the bags of 2006, for sure. The style debuted in the year, and one of the very first to come out, and the first to make most magazines, was the B. Fendi Lace & Embroidery Shoulder Bag. It’s still being sold now - plus it’s on sale! $3,633 from $5,190! Sure, the bag is a busy B., and there might be others you prefer (I actually do) but one has to admit, this bag buzzes luxury.

For sure, the B. Fendi line will be huge in 2007, but what’s next for designs? Check back to Pursed Lips soon for the very next style out!

Popularity: 6% [?]

Bringing back so much of a more recently blooming brand, is the Legacy Ali bag by Coach. The style shape is very vintage right from Coach’s archives, and it’s lined in a fabric inspired by their vintage stripe from the Bonnie Cashin days. Add in the modern details that make today’s legacy, and we have an iconic piece from Coach. It’s great in aged whiskey leather, but nothing makes an IT bag or a bag of the year like a true reptile skin leather.

Available only in select upscale stores or by catalog, and not even online, was the Ali in Alligator. Is it long sold out? Probably, but the $12,000 pricetag could be a clue either way. Did the rich buy into this bag? Hmm.. For sure though, Coach fans can only admire this bag of art, but how much they have makes it worthwhile.

For Coach’s 65th anniversary, their entry into our top bags of 2006 is the Ali in Alligator. Certainly worthy of being a bag of the year, from such an upgrade from a favorite brand of so many. Here’s a New Years toast to Coach, may you only grow stronger in your next 65!

Popularity: 13% [?]

And the number one bag in our Top 5 Party Bags series is the Little Stam by Marc Jacobs.

The Stam has a very formal silhouette, but making it smaller makes all the difference to be an evening bag. It’s perhaps the perfect form for a bag such as the Stam. With a little less of the IT Factor, but perhaps a little more practicality (aside from wearing it less often), the Little Stam is still a true competitor.

See more Little Stams coming soon in new Resort colors!

Popularity: 9% [?]

The top 4 party bag is not really a small evening bag, but it’s fancy, elegant, and besides: it has the word “tuxedo” in its name. And as it also resembles certain elements of the formal dress, again, its suited to be an evening bag. This Tuxedo Leather Bag by Be & D is a medium sized shoulder bag that’ll run $950. I’m thinking of saving for this one, or perhaps doing a sale stalk! Such a beaute.

Popularity: 5% [?]

No surprise here, on the list of Top Ugly Bags is the new Dooney & Bourke: #3 Dooney & Bourke Bumble Bee bag.

The complete collection features bags with overly cartoonish bee drawings carrying “Ds” (the letters) but no “Bs”, for the bees are the “Bs” - get it? It’s a form of signature, then?

It’s busy, it’s corny and it’d be cute for the too young to afford $185.

Popularity: 12% [?]

This is getting exciting … maybe? Number 2 of our Top 5 Budget bags is

Liz Claiborne Leather Link-Strap Embossed Hobo

Print-embossed leather on sale for … $72.99?? No! Not only does this brand name hobo have richly textured genuine leather, and those nice decorated rings, and is roomy, but it was only $98 to start with!

How do they do it?

Popularity: 14% [?]