The Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote: an ultimate in slouchy tote bags in a medium size that's big enough for all your essentials but not so big that it takes over your outfit or becomes too heavy to lug around on daily business. I love the minty summer green color shown here but there's also a chocolate brown available that is probably more useful. The bag features buckle details on the bag and the strap, ruching, and an interior zip pocket. A perfect summer bag or, if you go with the chocolate, all season tote. $1460
Tired of the paper vs. plastic debate? (New York Times columnist John Tierney recently said not to worry about plastic bags, but I and the 100 billion flimsy sacks tossed last year beg to differ.) If you don't yet have your own canvas grocery-getters (I pride myself on vintage WholeFoods totes, circa 1996 -- should I try eBaying them for massive profit?), check out The Better Bag. It's basically an eco-friendly triple threat: reusable, recyclable and crafted from recycled materials. Not to mention washable, waterproof and kind of good-looking.
Manufactured by Massachusetts company CSI Plastics, a long-time plastics recycler, The Better Bag is available for purchase through its website, which recommends buying the bag in bulk to distribute at your next fundraiser or event. Finally a schwag bag you can do some good with.
A clutch that manages to be both simple and interesting, this Jimmy Choo Kase Oval Clutch is made of goldtone metal and features a single over-sized amethyst stone on the center of both sides. It's fully lined with a small "Jimmy Choo" logo stamp on the outside and another logo on the inside. I'd prefer it in silver myself, but overall it's a gorgeous bag that really looks more like a piece of jewelry than a handbag -- if you like to keep things simple it would go great with a black dress and minimal other accessories. $1495
This comfortable semi-glazed leather grain handbag comes from Cole Haan's Spectator Saddle Collection. No matter what goes inside the Denney Bag it is nicely packaged with narrow braided handles that slide through grommets along the top complete with end slide pockets with bit-detail. There are a few interior pockets to keep you organized and custom pale gold accents to give the bag a little subtle glamour. Available in deep forest chestnut this tote is simple, easily portable and subtly sexy. (20" x 13 1/2" x 6" with a 10" straps for $450).
Will the new Crystal GG bags from Gucci be the latest "it" bags? That's what Vogue UK seems to think about the bags for autumn/winter 2008-9. Will I do think Creative Director Frida Giannini does have a way with the accessories, I'm not quite sure I'm ready to anoint these as "it." The bags take theSixties Gucci canvas, add a new glossy coating, and a sharp patent finish. The line includes totes, clutches, and handbags with gold studs, leather tassels and heart-shaped crests.
Luxury handbag maker Coach came in with relatively strong numbers for their fiscal fourth quarter but are still feeling gloomy. Although Coach's fourth quarter profit rose 33% the company has predict that the continued consumer cautiousness in the U.S. will reach well into 2009. As Marketwatch indicates, Coach joins other retailers in predicting reduced spending even among luxury shoppers. The company is planning to go ahead with opening more stores (around 40 North American stores and at least six U.S. factory outlets) but Chief Executive Lew Frankfort said in an interview that the company will introduce products with higher material and labor costs at prices lower than they would have charged during more rosy economic times. This move may spur consumer interest but it will also eat into Coach's bottom line. The company is also planning increased expansion into Japan and China where the demand for Coach is on the rise.
Coach stock has taken a big hit too, the shares have lost more than two-fifths of their value in the past 12 months.
English designer Sarah Forsyth has a new handbag label, Safor. Forsyth, who was a stylist in London before traveling to Florence to learn the art of bag design, gets his inspiration from both cities. The line includes bright colorful clutches but I'm drawn to the Weekender a big beautiful leather bag that can serve as an overnight bag or a laptop bag. It's made of Italian leather in three shades of brown. It sells for £750.
The dismal economy has been hard on the world of handbags. Women accustomed to changing bags frequently are finding themselves having to change their habits. One potential option may be handbag rental services. But are they really a good deal? Suzanne Barlyn who writes the Cranky Consumer column for the Wall Street Journal tried four national online services. She found that rentals, especially for customers who don't purchase a membership, can quickly add up. Also insurance fees can add up as well. The insurance is optional but advised if you are prone to accidents.
Overall she found that the services probably work best for one-time evening bags that you wouldn't normally buy and wouldn't use on a regular basis. For everyday bags it's best to buy a mid-range bag and be comfortable using it regularly. The article also includes a handy chart on the services she tried.
Chloe is debuting a chic tote for fall crafted from "alligator-stamped" (that sounds humane, doesn't it?) calfskin leather. The Cyndi bag above is in a subtle yet chic slate grey that makes fall just one time of year to enjoy carrying it. (The bag is also available in black patent.) As far as pricey totes go, it's hard for me to get enthused about much in this handbag-saturated age we're living in (I'm still carrying the original L.L. Bean boat and tote -- my grandmother would be proud), but this bag does strike me as versatile and classic, a kind of sleeper it-bag you could carry for more than a few seasons. Oversized at 15 x 13 x 7.5 inches with a 6.5 inch handle drop, this tote is currently available exclusively at Net-a-Porter for $2,200.
For a colorful addition to your wardrobe, DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is the perfect accessory that can last for seasons to come. With a vibrant turquoise color tone and gold metal studs beautifully outlining its shape, the size will prove to be functional for days while its glossy sheen and gold detailing will be fashionable for evenings. It features metal rings at either ends of the shoulder strap and interior zip pockets and compartments for organization. DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is also available in white. For those who want something smaller in size and classic look, try the Patent Leather Shopper in black. Bag dimensions: 12"W x 10"H x 5"D. Price: $275.
Hermes Paris has just posted a 12.8% increase in sales for the first half of the year and also announces plans to unveil 15 new or improved retail posts in the coming months. Further proof that what doesn't go out of style is worth investing in, the brisk sales at Hermes are mirrored in the vintage market, as well -- fashionistas hungry for rare silk scarves and enamel bracelets are in constant bidding wars on eBay. (Don't get me started on my recent loss of a safari-themed bangle from the early '80s. Damn you, iris1680!) A nice point of entree to the luxury brand? Perfect-for-summer scent "Un Jardin en Mediterranee," the eau de toilette equivalent of a stroll through Mediterranean gardens. At least until you justify that new Birkin.
I'm the kind of girl who always wants options and this handbag satisfies that need. When all zipped up it is a more compact bag but with the versatile zip split in the middle I can always add more to this satchel when the need arises. Tulah Ray's Zip Split Satchel comes in two ravishing colors, Berry and Dark Teal, which can span the seasons. It features pintucked leather, double top zip closure with side zip split, and dégradé coloring with interior zip, wall and cell pockets to keep you organized on the go. The removable shoulder strap is a great addition if, like me, you tend to overload your bag from time to time. Currently with the Anniversary Sale at Nordstroms you can get this handbag for $298 but after the sale it will return to $495. (15" x 11" x 8" with 9" strap drop and 19" shoulder strap)
This medium-sized bag from Juicy Couture is perfect for everyday. With a logo-embossed goldtone clip lock on the front crossing the trapunto-stitched pocket, inside pockets for cell phone and other small essentials, and a heart-shaped mirror tucked inside, the smooth leather 'Hipster' Hobo handbag is fantastic. I love that the bag zips close to ensure nothing rolls out and that it holds just enough without affording a bountiful, heavy load. Plus with a ten-inch strap drop it will tuck under your arm perfectly -- another must for any bag I'll own. This $350 hobo comes in four great colors and measures 14" x 8" x 5".
I am a certifiable tote girl -- need one for travel, one for daily errands, one for lugging my laptop to coffee shops, and one to fill at the farmer's market. So its no surprise I have gravitated towards the totes of all the bags available from Coach. The Bleecker line has a functional style without unnecessary accents, plenty of colors and materials to choose from, and a hefty size to handle any of my tote needs. Personally I'm a big fan of the classic brown with the all-important C-logo but then again I do have a serious crush on chocolate brown. From $298 to $598 depending on the bag it is sure to handle whatever you throw in it. (About 19" x 10" x 6" with varying strap lengths)
This new addition to the L.A.M.B. line offers a sizable package for a reasonable price. Large enough to hold a magazine, water bottle, full size wallet, sweater and other small necessities, the L.A.M.B. 'Soft Signature Wiltshire' Tote comes in three color combinations, although I think the logo-version is my favorite. With leather and goldtone hardware accenting the bag, eight-inch strap drop, and matching zip-pouch for small items this tote is a simple yet stylish combination for $295. (16 1/2" x 11 1/2" x 7")
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For a colorful addition to your wardrobe, DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is the perfect accessory that can last for seasons to come. With a vibrant turquoise color tone and gold metal studs beautifully outlining its shape, the size will prove to be functional for days while its glossy sheen and gold detailing will be fashionable for evenings. It features metal rings at either ends of the shoulder strap and interior zip pockets and compartments for organization. DKNY's Patent Leather Hobo is also available in white. For those who want something smaller in size and classic look, try the 
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