Political Bag Bitch Part II: The Things They Carry

Two years of stumping, campaigning, and "gosh darn"-ing are only a few short days away from culminating in Tuesday's Presidential election. Political pundits have debated on a diverse set of themes in recent months, ranging from Iraq, to the economy, to everyone's favorite plumber, Joe. Despite the fact that our country is potentially in a downward spiral, the current topic of conversation has revolved around Sarah Palin's $150K wardrobe. Sure, this obnoxious spending surely points to the Republican's questionable judgment and Palin's own willingness to stray from her "Hockey Mom" image, but I think we can all agree that there are much more important matters to discuss.

But this blog is about handbags, not politics, so superficiality it is!

This post was inspired by an amazing, smart, gorgeous and talented reader, who sent The Bag Bitches the following email:

Dear Bag Bitches,

Despite our wildly different ideas on foreign policy, energy policy, education policy, fiscal policy, tax policy....you get the idea, I've been following Gov. Palin's wardrobe choices since she stepped onto the national stage. Now that the cat is out of the bag (pun intended) that her RNC lackeys spent $150K on her clothes over the past two months, I've been wondering if that includes bag purchases, as well. If so, I am not surprised they racked up the $150K tab, although still disgusted at this misguided use of campaign donor money. But nevertheless, can you write an entry about Palin's bag accessories, and maybe also those of Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain?

Unfortunately the web is a little light on information about the handbag choices of the three most important ladies of this election season. And so I've considered their backgrounds, clothing choices, families, and geographies to put together my own handbag profile for each.

Who: Cindy McCain
Where: Saks 5th Avenue
What: Classic, feminine bags unavailable to us mere mortals with clean lines; bejeweled clutches; pink; lots of pockets to carry around her husband's pills and dentures
Who: Chanel, Anya Hindmarch, Fendi, Gucci, Tod's, YSL, Bottega Venetta, Judith Leiber, Oscar de la Renta

Example Bags:














YSL Uptown Patent Top Handle, $2,195; Leiber Bejeweled Convertible Clutch, $3,995; Fendi Micro Anniversary Baguette, $625 (click on an image for more information)

Who: Michelle Obama
Where: Nordstrom
What: Practical with a side of funky; totes; color; lots of pockets to carry around the kids' cheerios, kool-aid, and homework
Who: Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Cole Haan, Tory Burch, Longchamp


Example Bags:













Kate Spade Tarrytown - Quinn Handheld Tote, $395; Tory Burch 'Lux T - Jordana' Embossed Tote, $495; Michael Kors Large Hobo, $1,395 (click on an image for more information)

Who: Sarah Palin
Where: Pre Nomination - Army-Navy Supply, Sears; Post Nomination - Neiman Marcus
What: Pre Nomination - Camouflage backpacks; fanny packs; canvas tote bags; lots of pockets to carry around baby bottles and bandaids; Post Nomination - Luxury bags bought by Republican lackeys; lots of pockets to carry around her talking points and glasses
Who: Pre Nomination - Joe the Plumber, his cousin Joe Sixpack, and Jane Winebox; Post Nomination - Prada, Christian Dior, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana

Example Bags (post-election day):






















Cabela's All-Day Transporter Fanny Pack, $89.99; CafePress Obama Tote Bag, $14.99; Sears Leather Handbag / Organizer , $44.99

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.

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.

Best Bags for a Beach Wedding

I just got back from dinner with my cousin and his new fiance. The wedding it set for November and will take place on a boat off the coast of Key West and on the beach. This of course got me thinking: what is the appropriate bag for a beach wedding?

Because it is a somewhat formal occasion that will happen at night, the best bet in terms of style is certainly a clutch. But clutches come in all shapes, sizes, and colors - so I, of course, have taken the liberty of selecting those that I think will best suit the occasion.

COLOR

A bright colorful clutch is a great way to add a bit of pizazz to an otherwise less than exciting sundress or cocktail dress that errs on the side of casual. A few of my favorites appear below:

This beautiful aqua color would be perfect for a seaside wedding, and the built in handles provide flexibility in how you carry it
Carlos Falchi Croc Clutch
$2,550 at Neiman Marcus

A white sun dress would look perfect next to this gorgeous croc raspberry clutch
Nancy Gonzales Flap Croc Clutch
$1,400 at Neiman Marcus (also available in blue and lime green)

Ditto on the aqua color; linen is the perfect material for a warm weather wedding, and has the added bonus of keeping the price extremely reasonable.
Lauren Merkin Louise Glittered Linen Clutch
$180 at Neiman Marcus (also available in off-white and pink)

Another more reasonably priced option, this pink leather clutch can be used first for a beach wedding, and then many, many times over for a night on the town. Have a colorful dress? Then go with the black leather option.
Kooba Penelope Clutch
$295 at Neiman Marcus

STRAW

Think color may not work for you? Another option is to go with a straw clutch, which is a perfect choice for a more casual beach wedding. Find one that integrates color and you'll have a great companion.

This Adrienne clutch captures the animal print trend and combines it with bamboo straw. Pair it with a black, white, or colored frock.
Adrienne Vittadini Straw Animal Clutch
$148 at Bloomingdales

These Tory Burch clutches come in a variety of colors, five of which are shown above. They're a wee bit on the pricey side, but a perfect option for a beach wedding.
Tory Burch Rattan Clutch
$275 at Bloomingdales