The Bag of the Minute: Underwater Bag Weaving

Apparently all young New Yorkers got the memo that it was time to stuff, bag, and store their Goyard totes in favor of the new bag of the moment: Cole Haan's Triangle Tote from it's Genevieve Collection.

This bag is all over - ALL OVER - Manhattan, draped on the arms of 20- and 30-somethings as they walk the streets in their leggings and booties.

Don't get me wrong, it's a nice looking bag, but I'm Franky sick and tired of Cole Haan completely ripping off Bottega Veneta's signature look: woven leather. If CH wants to be known as the poor man's BV, that's their prerogative, but I'd hoped that after a few years of copying a higher-end brand they'd be able to come up with some thing a wee bit more original.

On the positive side of things, the bag is a whole lot cheaper than BV. Coming in at just under 500 smackers, the Triangle Tote is available in seven different colors, ranging from black to saddle brown to almond.

Available at Cole Haan and better department stores everywhere.

It"s One for the Money, Two for the Show

Apparently every fashion designer in the universe got the memo that suede is the "it" fabric this fall. Suede can be found everywhere you turn - blazers, shoes, and, of course, handbags - which are never left behind when it comes to the trend of the minute.

Below is a collection of some of the suede bags currently available. Click on an image for more information about each bag.

From top to bottom: Furla, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Cole Haan, Valentino, Kooba. Prices range from $395 to $1,895.

I'm Working on the Highways and Byways

The other day I ran an errand to CVS, and on the way back to work I came upon a group of gentlemen who I first took to be good samaritans.

Then I looked a little more closely and observed the following:

1. The men were cleaning trash off the sidewalk and almost seemed happy about it
2. The men were being watched by some burly, blue-clad police officers
3. The men were all wearing t-shirts in the brightest shade of neon green I'd ever seen

Conclusion: a modern day chain gang!

And so, to these hopefully non-violent felons I say: thanks for keeping my city clean, and thanks for reminding me that t-shirts and bags should never be made in bright neon green

Like this Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag:Marc by Marc Jacobs
Lil Riz shoulder bag
$430 at net-a-porter.

What's better than buying a new handbag...?

...buying it on sale, of course!

The Neiman Marcus spring sale has started, and surprisingly there are a few cute handbags available that won't make you think "The Neiman Marcus sale is where handbags come to die."

Sorting through the mass of available options, even online, can be a royal pain in the behind, so I've done the work for you and have pulled out some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Elie Tahari
Deerskin Frame Bag
Original - $895
SALE: $627

Michael Kors

Leather Satchel
Original - $1,095
SALE: $767

Cole Haan
Village Top Handle Tote
Original - $295
SALE: $207

Botkier

Zoe Hobo
Original - $625
SALE: $438

MARC by Marc Jacobs
JJ Posh Patent Satchel
Original - $458
SALE: $321

I'm just mad about Saffron

Things I associate with the color yellow: jaundice, cowardice, snow you should never eat. Something not on that list: hot handbags.

I once wore a yellow shirt and it made me look sickly.

Yellow and I did not have auspicious beginnings.

Then I saw the Cole Haan Aerin Patent Satchel, and I think things between me and yellow are starting to look up.

This handbag just screams spring, and sunshine, and running through a field of daffodils (the first time I did this I got stung by a bee. A yellowjacket. Coincidence? I think not.) Although it's made of patent leather, it doesn't look fake and plasticky*. As an extra bonus, you can add this satchel to your collection for less than 400 smackers.

Also available in boring black. $350 at Saks.

*Plasticky is a real word. I looked it up.