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

have you ever

loved a woman? googled "the most beautiful handbag in the world"?

WELL in case you haven't, i have!

here's the first pic that came up:
yves saint laurent capri patent leather purse ($1360 at MyTheresa)


granted, this pic was posted by a competing bag blogger - but if your name isn't bagsforbitches, your URL isn't important. in any case, i don't agree. it's nice and all, but the color is iffy - made all the worse by coming in patent leather (amazing for some bags, but not appropriate for this one) - and the lowest layer looks like (dare i say it) two boobs. or two eyes, for those whose mind is less in the gutter. in any case...

i suppose the natural follow up question would be "well then, emilie, what bag do YOU think is the most beautiful in the world?"

and i'd reply "if i knew the answer to that question, i'd have a picture of it hanging off my shoulder."

A Royal Post

What's red and blue and carried all over?

Purple handbags, a must-have for fall.

Below is a collection of purple bags in all shapes, sizes, and shades, along with my snap judgment.

Pretty good effort, but this bag would be much more successful without the huge plaque in the middle of the top flap. Otherwise, I think it's a perfect weekend bag to be paired with jeans and a neutral top.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Liz Riz Bag
$428 at Saks

I liked the Histoire until Angelina had to ruin it and buy little Shilo a matching miniature version. And somehow the purple patent leather just doesn't work with this shape. Perhaps a deeper hue of purple would be more appropriate.

Valentino Histoire Patent Tote
$1,795 at Saks

I actually kind of love this bag. Trust me, I'm as surprised as anyone. It has a sort of 70s retro vibe. And chain bags are super in right now. A perfect bag for Fall.

Marc Jacobs Daydream Flap Shoulder Bag
$1,195 at Saks

Oh, Prada. What is this bag doing for me? Absolutely nada. If pepto bismol came in purple, it would be this color. And the big bow? More like Bow-so the clown. Ick.

Prada Nappa Fiocco Crossbody Clutch
$795 at Saks

I don't know if this bag is technically purple - it's more of a burgundy, probably - but I LOVE it to pieces. We all know by now that I'm a fan of the Muse shape (look at the bag at the top of our blog for evidence), and the color is glorious. It's a psuedo-neutral, and can be worn with most colors that might be in your wardrobe. If you're looking to buy me a present, this is at the top of my wish list.

YSL Larg Muse Zip Top Bag
$1,395 at Saks

When I first saw this Botkier I hated it, but its appeal has grown tremendously in the last day or so. I'm not so much a fan of fringe, but the use of it on this bag is relatively restrained (unlike this DISGUSTING Prada), and I think it actually adds something to the overall look. It would look perfect paired with some dark jeans and a neutral top. It's comfy and slouchy and would be a great weekend bag.

Botkier Morgan Hobo
$675 at Saks

Spotlight on Yves Saint Laurent

I may not be able to pronounce the name correctly, but I love me some Yves Saint Laurent. Their bags are for truly classy (and wealthy!) ladies who are trying to make the point that they are in with the in crowd but still embody the upmost of grace and style.The Majorelle was named by many to be the "it" bag of the season, and I must say that I agree. It's simple, elegant, and has a beautiful silhouette, but doesn't have the temporary quality of many of the "it" bags of recent years.Another extremely popular YSL is the Muse, a perfect bag in which to carry your laptop and files between home and work. If you've been paying attention, you'll notice that the gorgeous white bag in the heading of our blog (scroll up) is a YSL Muse. The Muse is available in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes, so you'll definitely be able to find one that's right for you.
The final bag I would like to highlight is the Capri. This hobo is casual chic, just begging to be paired with jeans and a light cashmere sweater on a weekend stroll in the park. This white version is perfect for spring.

YSL is available at Saks, Neimans, and Bergdorf . Prices for the above three bags range from $1,395 - $1,895 depending on size and material.

P.S. If the above sounds like incoherent rambling, apologies - I'm hopped up on DayQuil.