Metallic Alligator Classic 2.55 Flap Bag

When Chanel announced that it was reissuing its iconic 2.55 bag, I was rather ambivalent. Sure, it's elegant and timeless, but the quilted leather felt a tad too matronly for my taste. I was immune to the frenzy infecting my fellow handbag lovers. That is, until I saw this:


Photo courtesy of chanel.com

Holy. Mother. Of. God. I actually gasped when I saw this picture. In metallic alligator, the classic 2.55 is transformed into the height of sexiness. Paired with the matching Dorseys, it makes a traffic-stopping combo. To order, call (800) 550-0005, and be ready to hand over an arm and a leg.

Madison Cargo from Putu by J. MacLear

I normally think of pinks and greens as spring colors, but the wool Madison Cargo bag from Putu by J. MacLear is certainly changing my mind.


Photo courtesy of putubag.com

It's clearly a nod to Burberry's classic Cinda bag, but the soft pastels and chain strap give it a slightly more youthful twist. At $126, it's a great way to get the Cinda look for a fraction of the cost.

Who needs a little jolt of color?

Isabella Fiore and I have had a rather tumultuous relationship, in which I have been alternately captivated and repulsed by their designs, but this fire engine red number is solidly in the "love it" category.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

This tote is composed of pebble-grained leather and has a secure zip top, front buckle flap pocket, golden hardware, and a clip-on flower tag that's reminiscent of Prada's Trick charms. It's $465 at Neiman Marcus, and also comes in a much more subdued dark brown.

It's raining Paddingtons!

Oh my, I was just browsing around luisaviaroma.com and noticed that they have loads and loads of Paddingtons, in various styles and colors, available to order right now for those who don't mind possibly getting dinged by customs fees.




Photos courtesy of luisaviaroma.com

Some interesting new styles are the Bouling (top left), the Shopping (top right, middle left in metallic), and the Mini Metallic (bottom right). For those who prefer the traditional Paddington that we've all come to know and love, it's available for 1045 EUR in a nice array of colors: Black, Tan, Whisky, Chocolate, Bordeaux, Blu Clair and Blanc.

Balenciaga Pony Bags

Well, Balenciaga's Crocodile Le Dix went over like a lead balloon, but what do we think of their new leather and pony bags?



Photos courtesy of luisaviaroma.it

Pictured above are the First in white, which is accented with Swarovski crystal studs and retails for 955 EUR, and the Work in Bluette, which sells for 1080 EUR. From the photos, it looks like the bags will have the same soft slouchiness that their other bags are famous for, but the question is, do they have the same appeal? To see the all the available styles, check out this PDF file, or contact customerservice@luisviaroma.it for details.

Alexis Hudson French Braid Bag

Despite the fact that it looks suspiciously "inspired by" Chloe's Python Doctor's Bag, I am quite drawn to the French Braid Bag from Alexis Hudson.


Photo courtesy of aloharag.com

Somehow the silver snakeskin-embossed leather manages to look rather understated here. The braided leather double handles play off the texture of the leather quite well. It looks like the kind of bag that would look equally good out on the town or being knocked around while shopping in a pair of jeans. This bag sells for $535, but it's also available in black or winter white pebbled leather for $625.

Perhaps I was a crow in a former life

Sometimes I worry about how easily I can be won over by sparkly things.


Photo courtesy of tammilyn.com

A big brown suede hobo? Eh, it's fine. Nothing to get excited about. Wait, it has Swarovski crystals on it in a fleur-de-lis pattern? Gimme!

Jimmy Choo Hampton

If you're growing bored of the muted palette we're seeing so much of this winter, check out this lovely bit of color from Jimmy Choo.


Photo courtesy of jimmychoo.com

I love the bold, clean lines of his handbags. The Hampton is composed of suede and calfskin and has a zip top, double handles, and a front pocket with a coordinating buckle closure. The Emerald is, in my opinion, the most eye-catching, but this bag is also available in Coffee and Tangerine. It's part of his Autumn/Winter collection and can be directly purchased from jimmychoo.com.

Swirls Large Hobo by J. Lo

I would totally deny it in person, but I have to admit that I actually kind of like this hobo by dancer-turned-actress-turned-signer-turned-designer J. Lo.


Photos courtesy of zappos.com

I know. I'm as shocked as you are.

Don't get me wrong, it's not like this bag is the second coming or anything, and the kinks in the strap in the first pic do call into the question the quality of the leather, but it looks pretty cute on. It is a good size, a versatile neutral color, embellished with applique and grommets, and fairly priced at $153.95. Most importantly, the label is on the inside, so know one will know who made it but you.

Kate Spade Palisades "Betsey"

Isn't it amazing what a single bloom can do to a simple handbag?


Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com

This dainty shoulder bag from Kate Spade is just the thing for brightening up a dreary winter evening. It's made of wood-grained nubuck and is just large enough for your wallet, keys, cell phone, and a lipstick. What else could you need? Available in Coral (pictured), Moss or Chocolate for $345 at Nordstrom.

Nancy Gonzalez Woven Crocodile Tote

Nancy Gonzales is known for doing innovative things with crocodile, and this tote is no exception.


Photo courtesy of bergdorfgoodman.com

Black crocodile is woven over a beige mesh underlay, and the effect is edgy yet polished. I love the concept and look of it, but I'd constantly be afraid of catching it on something and snapping one of the strips. With a $1,780 price tag, that's one accident I can't afford to have. If you're willing to take the risk, this bag has an open top, a toggle closure, and is available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Kaleidoscope Flower Velvet Hobo

I just want to cuddle up to this soft, slouchy MARC by Marc Jacobs velvet hobo.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

Though I was initially drawn to the beautiful color, it's really the plush velvet and relaxed shape that cinch the deal. It's similar to the simple, yet lovely velvet shoulder bag by Lauren Merkin, but accents like the leather flower appliqué and the tassels give it a character all its own. It has a zip top, a front slit pocket, and is lined in cotton. The hydro blue (pictured) is by far my favorite, but the bag is also available in grain (tan) and black for $278.

Delman knows what I like

Someone once joked that I would buy anything if it was pink and had bows on it.


Photo courtesy of neimanmarcus.com

I laughed it off, but looking at these shoes, I wonder if they might have had a point.

Moschino Cheap And Chic Goatskin Shoulder Bag

I adore the sweet, youthful charm of this Moschino Cheap And Chic shoulder bag.


Photo courtesy of saks.com

Something about the rounded body and perforated trim reminds me of the saddle shoes I had to wear to school when I was little. Thankfully, this bag looks much more comfortable and stylish. It's composed of goatskin, lizard-embossed calfskin trim, bronze-toned hardware and lined with polka dot cotton. As usual, the "cheap" is misleading- this bag will set you back $945.