Totes an Awesome Tote

This is Stella McCartney's Textured Tote, and it's a great bag for every day use. Sure, it's base is a very traditional tote bag shape, but side pockets and intermittent silver hardware make it unique.

Many people think that that navy can be hard to wear, but it's actually a pseudo neutral and can be worn with a variety of colors. Even black! This isn't the 50s anymore, people.

It even comes with the cutest little matching inside pouch, connected by a chain.

Now that's off the hook.




















$1,295 at net-a-porter.

bon voyage!

as i prepare for my journey to china, i've been looking into chic but practical carry-ons.

most favorite (prada in gorgeous red. nylon has never looked better):
second favorite (tory burch):
as an aside - tory burch usually annoys the hell out of me, but i have to say this bag is quite nice

least favorite (but still awesome, stella mccartney):

this is quite an unexpected shape and perhaps an impractical color, but i love it. it looks soft, spacious, and luxurious (and is just as good as a regular handbag!)

if i didn't worry so much about things getting soiled or stolen, i really think i'd spring for the prada...
one might wonder why i don't just wait to go to shanghai to buy everything at a fraction of the price. apparently, luxury items there are ~1.5x U.S. prices, since those that can afford them are typically so price insensitive (counterintuitively!) that designer products are sold at a premium.

should you wish to repay me for this tidbit of trivia, send checks to bagsforb.tches@gmail.com.

Handbags 101: Is Ombre the New Slang for Umbrella?

Welcome to a new edition of Handbags 101. Today we discuss the meaning of the word "ombre," a term that seems to be thrown around more and more in the land of bag.

First off, no, ombre is not shorthand for umbrella, conjured up by people hoping in retaliation for Rihanna adding six extra syllables to an already multi-syllabic word.

Ombre, in fact, is french for shaded, and it's used to describe a bag (and other items, of course) that evolves gradually from one shade to another. This is best illustrated by looking at some pictures of ombre bags, below:

Stella McCartney Ombre Chiffon Clutch

$395 at net-a-porter

Mulberry Ombre Bayswater Bag

(No longer available in stores)
[Image courtesy of The Purse Blog]

Lodis Ombre Romano Leather Starlet Clutch

$229 at Zappos

Yet Another Sale

Sale Sale Sale.

That word is starting to lose meaning because there are so friggin' many of them! As you can probably figure out for yourself, the economy kinda sucks right now, and so even high-end retailers have to slash prices in order to keep up revenues.

Neimans is slashing another 25% off already reduced handbag prices - bringing total savings to 44%. The pickings are a little slime, sure, but there are still a few deals out there, and this might be the right time if you are thinking seriously about taking the plunge and making your first high-end bag purchase.

A few sample items:

Miu Miu Frigned Woven Leather Hobo

Was: $1,445
Now: $813

Gucci Pop Bamboo Large Tote
Was: $1,890
Now: $1,063

Stella McCartney Ruched Shoulder Bag
Was: $1,295
Now: $728.25

Gucci Sabrina Large Hobo
Was: $2,950
Now: $1,659.75