What's next?

If the cloying styles of the Hearts bags weren't enough for you, Dooney & Bourke's collection now includes an imaginatively named Stars line.


Photos courtesy of macys.com

While I'm sure the 13-and-under set are delighted to see more candy-colored handbags, I think a grown woman would have a hard time pulling one off with a straight face.

Call it a hunch, but something tells me that it's either moons or clovers next.


Photo courtesy of generalmills.com

Coach Metallic Signature Satchel with Snake

I usually find the bags in Coach's Signature line a bit boring, but when I laid eyes on the ladylike Metallic Signature Satchel, I was instantly hooked.


Photo courtesy of coach.com

It's got a wonderful structured shape, and the gunmetal trim against the black signature fabric is very striking. There are a ton of pockets- one on the front, two on the sides, and a zip and cell pocket on the interior. This is a definitely handbag that would easily transition from the office to all the fun events after. To raise the girly factor, tie a skinny scarf or a Twilly in a bow around one of the handles, and you've got an instant pop of color. It's available in the Black/Gunmetal shown and also in Khaki/Bronze for $438.

Mulberry Autumn Winter 2005 Collection

I'm a little late getting on the Mulberry love train, but now that I've checked out their handbag line, I understand why their bags have been getting so much attention recently.



The Tyler is simple and elegant, showing off the quality of the leather and craftsmanship. The curving lines and buckle details give this bag a bit of flair without making it too trendy- this is a bag that will stay chic for ages. I love this yummy Apple color, but it's also available in Chocolate, Oak, and Pink for £395.



The Phoebe has an equestrian-influenced style, and is simply a gorgeous shoulder bag. It has generous dimensions, a comfortable drop, an internal zip pocket and an outside pocket. It's shown here in lovely Oak, but is also available in Apple, Chocolate, and Pink (currently back ordered.) It rings in at £595.


The petite Prairie has a western feel to it, yet is distinctly feminine. It doesn't look like every other bag out there, and has a great casual appeal. My favorite is this Cocoa/Pink combination, but it also comes in Oak/Chocolate and a funky Multi color mix of pink, blue, green, and brown. It's the cheapest of the bunch at £295.

All the bags featured here are composed of their Darwin leather, which is treated with a vegetable tanning process that brings out the natural characteristics and give it that unique, slightly distressed look. Visit the Mulberry site for more beautiful bags in a wide variety of shapes and styles.

Photos courtesy of mulberry.com

Burberry Mini Cinda Suede

This season, Burberry's Cinda bag is decked out in vividly-hued suede.


Photo courtesy of burberry.com

The standard leather Cinda is an elegant classic, but this new version packs quite a punch. It's got an adjustable shoulder strap, magnetic closurers under the decorative buckles, and a cozy wool flannel lining. It is available in Magenta (shown) or Plum for $780. It can also be had in the classic Cinda dimensions in Red suede for $800.

Francesco Biasia Bardolino Zip

While I normally love Francesco Biasia, the Bardolino Zip really missed the mark.


Photos courtesy of zappos.com

You want your purse to make a statement, but you probably don't want that statement to be "Hey everybody, get ready for my tambourine solo!"

This is fine if you're, say, Stevie Nicks, but if your agenda for the evening involves dinner and cocktails rather than starting your own Fleetwood Mac cover band, you're probably better off exploring your other handbag options.

Sigrid Olsen Suede Hobo

Isn't it great when you come across a bag that is fun, functional, and best of all, affordable?


Photo courtesy of bloomindales.com

The suede hobo from Sigrid Olsen is all three. The size and shape are perfect for every day, and the dark brown suede is neutral enough to go with almost anything. Little touches like the contrast stitching and dangling flower charm elevate it from being merely another brown purse. It's now on order at Bloomindales for $168, the expected ship date is in mid December.

Bigger is better

I am completely in love with the Ghurka Embellished Hair-Calf Hobo.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Who knew hair-calf could look so good with gold beading and rhinestones? The intricate beadwork could have easily fallen into "fussy" territory, but the overall design is clean and elegant. It has two easily accessible hidden pockets on the outside for stowing odds and ends, and inside, it boasts a pen and zip pocket, as well as two cell phone pockets for the ultra-wired gal. But is it really practical? Well, no, probably not. But it is big and beautiful, and that's good enough for me!

Multicolor Lodge GM

As an admitted Louis Vuitton addict, I feel somewhat obligated to announce the arrival of their newest Multicolor bag, the Lodge GM:

Sadly, it's even less appealing in person. I've never been a big fan of the monogram stuff, multicolor or otherwise. The Lodge feels really showy, and yet completely underwhelming at the same time.


On the other hand, the Keepall duffle bag is so over-the-top, slap-you-in-the-face, crazy tacky that it somehow wraps all the way back around to being fabulous. This luggage is so obnoxiously loud that I could never actually pull it off, but have to marvel at the girl that can. It's priced at a rather astounding $2500, but I suppose that's a rather small price to pay for all those brass studs. Obviously, you'd need those to bruise the plebes in coach should they try to touch your bags. Ah, to be rich!

Photos courtesy of eluxury.com

Anne Klein Woven Hobo

If you love the look of Bottega Veneta's amazing woven leather bags but don't want to spend your entire mortgage payment, the Woven Hobo by Anne Klein is an attractively priced alternative.


Photo courtesy of bloomingdales.com

It's a generously sized purse with a top zip closure, inside pockets and a comfortable 10 1/2" shoulder drop- perfect for a knock-around every day bag. The bad news: the lovely turquoise appears to have sold out. The good news: the black and rose are still available, and are on sale for $139.99.

MARC Quilted Velvet Shoulder Bag

I'm not the first to be captivated by this MARC by Marc Jacobs Quilted Velvet Shoulder Bag, but by the looks of it, I'm sure I won't be the last.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

This bag has a delightful girlish charm to it, from the vibrant jewel tones to the tonal velvet ribbon weaving through the oversized chain strap. The quilting looks like nod to the iconic Chanel purses, but otherwise the look is decidedly fun and youthful. Equally great for shopping in jeans or dining out in a little black dress. The price tag is a rather reasonable $198, and it's available in purple (shown), apple red, or black.

Embellished bags for fall

Anthropolgies latest offerings are, as usual, lovely, unique and feminine with a bit of a vintage flair.


Lulu Guinness presents a sweet green suede clutch embroidered with a graceful peacock feather. Boasting an inside pocket and a kisslock closure, it sells for $198.


Colorful crystal leaves adorn curving branches on the gold silk tree of life clutch. With the optional strap, this purse is a great go-with-everything evening bag. This beauty is available for $228.


The bennu bag by Antik Batik is a welcome break from the season's somewhat subdued palette. A bright pink heron is embroidered onto the brown wool and sprinkled with sequins and beads. I love the wonderful mix of textures on it- great for a day when you want to carry something a little different. Best of all, it's half off at $99.95.

Photos courtesy of anthropologie.com

Juicy lets you express your bad girl side

I love this Juicy Couture Superstar with Chain bag.


Photo courtesy of eluxury.com

It's edgy, yet a little more refined than Juicy's other designs. The soft, rounded shape and smooth leather is polished and elegant, while the decorative toggle links and draped golden chains bring a little rock and roll to the mix. The interior is lined with signature canvas lining and boasts an inside leather zip pocket which is emblazoned with the word "SHOP!" (As if we needed to be told!)

You can pick yours up at eluxury in Black, Dirty Gold, or Dirty Silver for $375.

Prada makes me lose all sense of reason

Trent from Pink is the New Blog posted these runway pics of a new luggage-inspired bag from Prada:



Wow. Bright, shiny, fuchsia crocodile on a small trolley bag. I'm not sure whether it's supposed to be absurdly small luggage or a large, unwieldy purse. I do know that it's loud, frivolous, ridiculously expensive, lacking in practical applications, and that I must have it.

Cole Haan Pocket Satchel

Though metallics are somewhat waning this season, the Pocket Satchel from Cole Haan's Village Paillette Collection maintains its appeal.


Photo courtesy of colehaan.com

The shape is reminiscent of the Chloe Silverado, but the pebbled leather and antique brass paillettes give it a character all its own. If you're looking for a bag that would look equally great with jeans or out on the town, this is it. It's available in tiger eye (shown) black, cream, or olive for $395.

What does your fur bag say?

With the huge focus on fur accessories this upcoming season, there are bound to be some that get it right, like the gorgeous Fendi Mink Spy, and some that get it very, very wrong. Let’s take a look at some of the latter and what they say about the wearer.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com
“I shot and killed this bag myself.”



Photo courtesy of zappos.com
“I am a compulsive cleaner, and can be overcome with the urge to dust at any given moment.”



Photo courtesy of zappos.com
“That teddy bear looked at me funny. I had to make him pay.”



Photo courtesy of bluefly.com
“I am incapable of making a decision.”



Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com
“My van is now missing a seat cover.”