Reveil Python Shoulder Bag

It's all about luxury today. I've been on a "recession shopping" binge lately, but it's time I return my focus to all the things we love most about designer bags - classic style, simple detailing and luxurious finishes. A chic and practical everyday bag should be a part of every woman's wardrobe. The quality of the design will depend on ones' individual budget constraints. For less than $2000 (if you can spend that much), you can add an absolutely fabulous bag to your collection.

The Reveil Python Shoulder Bag, a square-shaped bowling bag measuring 15 x 15 x 7, is clad in a gorgeous shade of grey python the likes of which I haven't seen in quite some time. The sturdy handles are also covered in python and the silver hardware used is kept to a bare minimum. The zippered top opens halfway down the sides to help you get to your things with ease. The best part of the design is the price - $1795. Finding a stylish, spacious and functional day bag in an exotic finish at a reasonable price point is all but impossible these days, but there's no arguing this bag fits the bill to a tee. If they would just make the same bag in lizard, I'd be in heaven.

Available via luxcouture.com

Lanvin Genereux Leather Shoulder Bag

This is the case when one version of a design fails to impress, while another iteration is nothing short of genius. I've seen the satin fold-over flap version of the Lanvin Genereux on several websites and in person and had what can best be described as a lukewarm reaction to it. "Just another frilly, feminine and slightly impractical Lanvin bag",  I thought to myself. Those were my feelings until I saw this sumptuous leather version of the design on net-a-porter.com.

Now this is what I call an improvement. An unremarkable silk finish was replaced with a rich brown grained leather exterior. The boring front flap is gone. In its stead - a metal framed rectangular silhouette with a stone embellished clasp closure and antique gold hardware. The bag is more vintage elegance than cutesy kitsch. They've added a slit pocket along the front of the bag for some added convenience. Not that 7 x 4 x 2 dimensions will afford one much in that area, but this design is meant to be more of a cocktail hour shoulder bag than a practical day bag. My absolute favorite part of the design is its hidden versatility. The chiffon-encased chain strap serves several purposes. Use it as intended or remove it. The latter option leaves you with a smart clutch as well as a necklace and stone-encrusted bracelet to boot. Transforming an outfit from daytime casual to evening chic has never been easier.

I'll be the first to concede the 'Genereux's' $1610 price tag is a bit much for such a small bag, but the detailing and multi-purpose shoulder strap on this bag certainly justify it. You're getting a bag and accessories in one dainty package, and that is a clever way to shop during a recession.

Get Your Celebrity Bag Fix at Star Style by Señora Cartera

If you haven't popped over to our celebrity bag site, Star Style by Señora Cartera, what are you waiting for? Aside from bringing you the scoop on the latest celebrity arm candy, it's also the perfect place  to see designer bags in action months before they're available online or in stores. We should thank our favorite stars for modeling the bags we love to drool over.

Check out our latest sighting - Jennifer Aniston continues her love affair with Salvatore Ferragamo. Find out which design is her current favorite and how you can nab one for yourself.

Fendi Baguette Needlepoint Kit

I hate when established fashion houses show their desperation (or their extremely childish tendencies) with the sudden and inexplicable use of gimmick handbags. Why Fendi would take the Baguette, one of the most famous bag designs ever created, and make it nothing more than a craft project is beyond me. The Baguette Needlepoint Kit, available for pre-order at neimanmarcus.com, comes with a fabric Baguette bag, interchangeable fabric/leather handles, several multicolor threads, needles, thimbles and design cards in case you lack creativity as the creators responsible for this kit obviously do. Instead of giving us a new rendition of an iconic design, they leave that task up to us. I'd rather spend $19.99 on a similar kit at Michael's than spend $1000 on this. Too bad this kit doesn't come with some much needed dignity for the designers at Fendi or added brain cells for anyone that forks over $1K for it.

***Thanks to Gail for pointing me in the direction of some light-hearted albeit hideous frivolity

Mulberry Alexa Bags

After a rough week, I stopped by Saks over the weekend to scout out a few bags I'll be writing about soon. I came across an unexpected and pleasant surprise while I was there, and I'm officially hooked. My readers are familiar with my disdain for the Proenza Schouler PS1. A similar Alexander McQueen design was tempting, but not enough to make me part with my money. Now I've found what I consider to be the perfect compromise between the two, both in price and design- the Mulberry Alexa Bag.

This briefcase/messenger bag/satchel has the same masculine detailing and practical qualities of the PS1 but offers a few more feminine touches in line with the McQueen version. The Alexa (9 x 13 x 6.5) is slightly larger than the medium PS1 and is priced $600 less. The oversize Alexa (12.5 x 14.5 x 6.75) is considerably larger than the large PS1 and is priced $400 less. The Alexa clutch (7.5 x 13.5 x 2) is, you guessed it, also larger than its Proenza Schouler counterpart and both bags are priced the same. So why should this matter to you? It matters if you want a well made, cleverly designed bag with plenty of storage space, loads of practical elements (including how to get into and out of the bag - a major complaint with the PS1) and a reasonable price tag. The 'Alexa' possesses all these qualities and more. The only thing left for you to do is decide which style, size, color and finish you like the most.

My three particular favorites are the Alexa in natural summer tweed for $950 (I want this one BADLY!!!), the oversize Alexa in nude plonge lambskin ($1595) I saw at Saks, and the Alexa clutch done in the same finish as the oversize bag for $895.

Bugging Out Over McQueen's De-Manta Clutch

It's hard not to take notice of Alexander McQueen's Scuba python De-Manta clutch. It's just not the kind of bag you can easily ignore. Whether it's too flashy or not depends on how much you adore McQueen I suppose. One thing is for sure, this Spring 2010 clutch is a major collector's piece.





For those not as wild at heart, the McQueen Snake-print De Manta clutch is a very good option and in many ways the unique shape and beautiful detailing is even more apparent in the monochrome version.

Photos courtesy Style.com

No One is "Showing Me the Money"

I'm writing this post to address an extremely rude and inappropriate e-mail I received yesterday from a reader who is, and I quote, "fed up with all the crap I write". Of course, I contemplated letting this one slide since it's not the first nor will it be the last of its kind. I'm constantly amazed by how incredibly obnoxious people can be with total strangers. While I have several readers I correspond with on a regular basis who seek my advice and request specific bag reviews from me, I'm sad to admit that e-mails like the one I got last night are far more frequent.

Let me state what I hope is an obvious observation - I write about purses. They're just bags, folks. No need to get so antagonistic about a difference in opinion. No need to call me stupid, an idiot, a fat slob that doesn't know the difference between Chanel and Lanvin and will never own an Hermés bag. I can only imagine that a truly miserable human being takes pleasure in insulting someone they've never met for no reason at all. I, however, am not a miserable person. I'm quite happy and content with all I've been blessed with after what I can only describe as a not so pleasant childhood.

I'll address two misconceptions the pissed off e-mailer wrote about in his/her vicious note:

(1) No one pays me to write. No one is "showing me the money" (thanks for the Jerry Maguire reference, though. I really enjoyed it;-). Moneys I receive in one year from commissions on purchases stemming from this site do not amount to one month's car note. I started this blog to help other handbag lovers and web shoppers get the information retail websites will never share with them. I don't want other women to get duped by false info and pretty pictures. I never expected to get payed for what I write, not do I now. All I do on this site, I do myself. From research to writing, it's all me. Now I have Mary Jo Matsumoto's help with the latter, and I'm grateful beyond words for her contributions.

(2) I'm not rich or even slightly well-off. I live in a modest home (where I write from) and take care of two small children as well as my 85 yr old in-laws (one of which is a wheel-chair bound Alzheimer patient). If one more person assumes that I'm some pampered, bon-bon popping woman because I write about and own designer handbags, I might just burst.

I'm tempted to apologize to all the readers that aren't sending me scathing e-mails for this rant, but I know you'll understand why e-mails like that might get under my skin. I enjoy what I do, and I don't get why other people feel the need to turn my enjoyment into misery.

To the reader who's fed up with me and my "useless opinions", stop reading them. I'm sure you can find better things to do with your time on the web.

The Case of the Givenchy Beaded Pluto Bag

Before I get lambasted for giving my trepidatious stamp of approval to this bag, let me state my case in its favor. I'll be the first to admit this bag is not for everyone. In fact, it's not even for me. I don't really need a small (5 x 8 x 2.5) suede bag covered in multi-colored beads, and I certainly don't need its insanely ridiculous $2500 price tag. With that being said, I like the Givenchy Beaded Pluto Bag very much. If it were priced at least $1500-1800 less than it is, I'd give it a go. It's different in a good way. The beaded exterior will appeal to boho chicks and urban gals alike. The irony of this bag is that it's actually a timeless design, beads and all. It's a pity the bag is priced way out of reason. If, however, money is not an issue for you and you're in the market for something different and fun, the Givenchy Beaded Pluto Bag will make an interesting addition to your bag collection. I rest my case. Any rebuttals?

Available via barneys.com

MCM Spring 2010 Bags by Joy Gryson

My goal for 2010 is to help you find fabulous designer bags at a more affordable price point. In the process of achieving this seemingly impossible task, I've found the opposite to be true. There are PLENTY of great bags out there, many under $1000. The only caveat is that some of these fab bags come from unlikely or dare I say "uncool" sources. Take these amazing bags from MCM. Yes, I am talking about the same brand that gave us logo-clad abominations during the 80s. Many women bought into the craze (myself included - I'll own up to it), but the brand is making a quiet comeback thanks to the creative mind of handbag designer Joy Gryson.

The woman best known for her namesake handbags, as well as a very successful handbag collection under the name 'Olivia Harris', created this collection for MCM, and she did a pretty bang up job if you ask me (and if you're reading this, you're doing that by default). I'm excited with the results of this unlikely collaboration. The bags are chic with a fun, modern vibe, and they're designed with function and affordability in mind.

Among my favorite designs from their spring 2010 collection are these three bags - the Annodare Hobo, Sportivo Satchel and Annodare Tote. The latter two are priced just under the $1K mark and the tie-dye leather, chain strapped hobo is slightly higher at $1195. What I like most about these designs is the attention to detail. Buckle accents on the handles and corners of the simple Sportivo Satchel help the bag standout without looking overly fussy. The front knot and hardware detailing on the Annodare bags is just gorgeous. Whether it's buttery smooth leather or a discretely logo-embossed finish, all the bags are lightweight and very practical for on-the-go urban dwellers. Of all three designs, the most audacious is, by far, the Annodare Hobo. Is this an original design? Not at all. It's been done before, but this particular version is sophisticated without being a bank breaker like similar Bottega Veneta bags.

While I'm not suggesting you should become a rabid MCM aficionado, I will give the label props for giving us more practical and relevant bags from a well known bag designer. Quite a brilliant move on their part. Can't wait to see if the collaboration continues past this season. In the meantime, grab one of these bags and hang in style.

Shop MCM by Joy Gryson bags via saksfifthavenue.com


BTW, I'm wishing myself a happy 38th birthday today. Here's hoping for many, many more to come.

Miu Miu: Flirt Like An Old Lady

I'm an all for granny bags, especially when they come in updated shades and shiny patent leather like the new Fall Miu Miu bags. There's something flirty about these new swingy bags and I'm hoping they catch on.





These new (but old) shapes appeal to me, and I think it will be a nice change to see women carrying a bag by the straps instead of lugging it on her shoulder.

The Bag Coalition: Bag-Related Links From Around the Web

Handbag du Jour: Alexander Wang surprises us with this sports-inspired Brady Football Clutch

Handbag Report: Haute eco-label: Mar y Sol - an eclectic mix of colorful handmade handbags from Madagascar

Versace Thriller Bucket Bag

What's that saying..."The Proof is in the Pudding"? Well, in the case of this bag, the proof of how utterly clueless the house of Versace has become is in the bucket. The Thriller Bucket Bag to be exact. I'm not sure why it's called the "Thriller" aside from it being a reference to Michael Jackson, but even the eccentric singer had more fashion sense in the famous video for the hit song than this poor bag does.

There is entirely too much going on here. Medusa medallion detailing, mirrored studs, printed leather exterior, whipstitching, perforated top, drawstring closure - are you exhausted yet? I am. I'm actually exhausted from having to look at this fug bag for more than, let's say, a millisecond. But, wait, it gets better. The Versace Thriller Bucket Bag comes with a $3250 price tag to make certain anyone who buys it is a bona fide fool. If you've set your sights on an ugly bag, at least make sure it's cheap. Don't let Versace brainwash you into believing this bag is in any way chic. I'd rather carry a fake (and I mean reeaaalllyyyyy fake)  Louis Vuitton than be seen anywhere with something as ghastly as this bag. Now I know why they named it 'Thriller' - it would make the perfect accessory for one of the newly-risen zombies from the MJ video.

Wild & Wooley at Chanel

I'm back with more on Chanel, because in addition to the novelty ice cube bags, the first faux fur Chanel bags in the history of the company hit the Fall '10 runway. The white puff above isn't too bad, but the rest remind me of Chubaka--not really the direction I hope for in a new Chanel bag. What are your thoughts?










photos courtesy Style.com

Valentino Nuage "Net" Tote

I spotted the Valentino Nuage "Net" Tote over the weekend and made an IMMEDIATE bee-line for it. From far away, I wasn't entirely sure the bag was made from leather, but once I got up close I let out a tiny squeal of delight. YES, IT'S LEATHER!!! An intricately patterned leather bag that's not from Bottega Veneta. I was seriously floored. What was even more shocking was the fact that the "netting" effect on this Valentino tote is so much more chic and relaxed than the classic intreciatto we've grown accustomed to seeing from BV.

While many Valentino bags have irked me as of late, this design reminds me why I used to like the brand's accessories so much. The 'Nuage' is a spacious tote with a very "high-end" feel, and that's exactly what one looks for in a functional designer bag. Even though I see the 'Nuage' in Miami quite often, I'm always struck by its' beauty. It's stylish, practical and very feminine. I mean, it's main attraction is a pretty bow. How can you argue with a decorative element that makes a design look sweet and edgy all at once? I know many of you will argue with the price on this one ($2295), but, after seeing the exquisite netted exterior, I'd be hard pressed to fault them wanting for wanting to recoup the workmanship employed to achieve such gorgeous results.

Valentino Nuage "Net" Tote available via neimanmarcus.com

Chanel On The Rocks

Karl Lagerfeld went for an arctic theme in his Fall 2010 collection, and while his sweaters and knit-wear may be some of the strongest pieces he's designed, I'm predicting the ice cube handbags are going to be for hardcore Chanel collectors only. Definitely gives rocking a bag a whole new meaning...

















photos courtesy Style.com

Chloé Fall 2010 Collection: Say It Ain't So, Hannah

Chloé's fall 2010 runway bags are the most disappointing bunch of arm candy I've seen in quite some time. When a label, under the highly-edited and expert eye of  a creative director such as Hannah MacGibbon, goes from producing an endless parade of hit bags (Sally, Paraty and Marlow to name a few) to bags like the ones on display at Chloé's runway show, something is definitely amiss.

While creating a collection heavily influenced by the long-haired, trouser-wearing American beauties of the 1970s, MacGibbon carried the simplistic motiff straight through to the accessories. Suddenly everything looked boring, dated and entirely played out. How can I expound on drawstring shoulder bags and "boston" satchels? There's nothing to say because these designs are devoid of style. They're like vanilla pudding - OK, but not scrumptious like chocolate.

I'm disheartened by this collection, and truly hope we'll be seeing more of our favorites come fall. Please, Hannah, say it ain't so. Tell me you've still got your "mojo" because I'm starting to doubt, and I don't want to lose faith in you. Come back strong next time, and ditch these yawn-inducing bags right quick.

Photo source: style.com

The Bag Coalition: Bag-Related Links From Around the Web

Handbag Report is hosting an exclusive Onna Ehrlich giveaway

BagPoor previews the Rebecca Minkoff handbag collection and Fall presentation

Handbag du Jour reviews fifties-inspired Fall 2010 bags by Louis Vuitton

Giuseppe Zanotti Che-Embellished Suede Clutch

I'm fairly certain no other bag I have ever reviewed has elicited such a visceral response from me. I've spent the past few days going back and forth trying to decide if I should even mention it on the blog. I like to tackle a bag from an aesthetics prospective, and this clutch will be no different. This Giuseppe Zanotti clutch is a basic black suede hand-held bag with an asymmetrical fold-over flap, fairly spacious main compartment and internal zippered pocket for additional storage. The flap is embellished with a crystal-encrusted bust of Che Guevara. I'm not a fan of putting a person's face on a bag as a decorative element, but this brand's choice of personage is what has me incensed.

Of all the human beings that have ever walked the face of this Earth, why, oh why, would they decide to go with this man. I see people walking around with El Che shirts all the time, and I'm tempted to stop them and ask what they find appealing about wearing a murderer's face on their body. Please understand me, I'm not trying to be political or controversial here. This is a bag blog. I like to keep things light and breezy, but for most Cubans (like myself and my family), Che Guevara was a murderer that helped another murderer destroy a country and its people for ever. Seeing someone walking around with his face on a shirt or, in this case, on a bag is as blood-curdling and insulting as it would be for a Jewish person seeing Hitler's face on an article of clothing or a bag.

Choosing to wear or use items like this is a form of promoting and glorifying people who don't deserve it. I know most people just think he looks "cool" and have no idea what atrocities were perpetrated on his orders, so just take it from me - he wasn't a nice man and he's definitely not cool. If you don't agree with me, just think of how someone who lives in NY and lost a loved one on 9/11 would feel if they spotted some woman walking down 5th Ave with an Osama Bin Laden crystal-encrusted clutch. There are so many other opportunities one has in life to be an insensitive jerk, why pay $650 for a cheesy bag to be one? You might want to read  a very interesting post by The Bag Snobs about a rather controversial Judith Leiber clutch so you can get a better understanding of the implications of using religious or political icons on handbags.

I'll be stepping off my soapbox now. If you still want this bag, it's available via net-a-porter.com.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Collection: "I Die!!!"

I know my choice of titles is quite indulgent, but it pretty much sums up how I feel about Louis Vuitton's fall 2010 collection. In the immortal words of nutty stylist to the stars, Rachel Zoe, "I DIE!!!". I'm about to type words I never in a million, gazillion years thought would pour out through my fingers. GULP! Here it goes...

The best collection of the fall 2010 season belongs to Louis Vuitton.

Holy smokes! I still can't believe I actually said that, but it's absolutely 100% true. Marc Jacobs gave us the best collection out of New York, and now he delivers the best collection out of Paris (except McQueen's posthumus showing which is in a class all by itself - more on that collection tomorrow). Oh, Marc. You never cease to surprise us with your almost maniacal sense of design. Last season you forced us to endure silly fox tail-accented backpacks with tassels and phone cords as embellishments, and now you give us this - beautiful, vintage-inspired bags that make my heart ache with happiness.

I just want to mention how wonderfully tailored and flattering this collection is for women of my size. I could see myself wearing every piece in this collection. The a-line leather skirts are simply divine. Every dress, every coat, every article of clothing and accessory from this collection is retro-chic. It bears repeating this, folks - "I DIE".

I'm tempted to gush over this amazing display of bags, but I feel the images speak for themselves. Doctor satchels, flap bags with vintage-looking push-lock closures, even bags clad in LV's ubiquitous monogram pattern are exquisite. The restraint, the sheer brilliance of this collection reminds me, once again, why Marc Jacobs is one of the greatest designers of our time. I'll stop now, and let all of you bask in the glory of Louis Vuitton's fall 2010 bag collection. I'll just continue to "die" on my side of the computer.

Photo source: style.com

Lee Mattocks Bags on Bagpoor.com

Take a few minutes to read Michael St. James' latest post featuring British accessories designer, Lee Mattocks. This up-n-coming designer's bags, infused with artistic and historical  references, are beautiful and edgy. This "Lee" reminds me of another "Lee" we lost all to soon. 

Photo source: Bagpoor.com

Nina Ricci Fall 2010 Collection: Out With the Drama, In With the Dramatic

What's the difference between drama and dramatic? In the case of French fashion house Nina Ricci, a head designer. Even though this is Peter Copping's second collection for the label, it is the first where his work, and not the bickering and drama of Olivier Theysken's departure, took center stage.

The fall 2010 collection was dramatic in the best sense. It remained loyal to Nina Ricci's tradition of feminine detailing, but it was all done in a highly tailored manner. Ruffles, ruching and lace are still en vogue according to Copping, Nina Ricci's creative director and Marc Jacobs' former right-hand man at Louis Vuitton. A red bustier with ruffle-accented cups demonstrates how much Copping's former mentor influenced the designer's artistic tendencies. Jacobs-inspired designs populated the runway. A pale rosebud-embellished tank delighted spectators with its' gathered tulle back. A black fitted jacket and matching pencil skirt that appeared quite ordinary dazzled all once the model turned to leave the catwalk and revealed the lace-detailed back. It's as fierce as Nina Ricci can get. This is probably the first Nina Ricci collection I find myself excited about, and it's time to focus on the main reason for this enthusiasm.

For those of you remotely familiar with the label's foray into handbags, their past disastrous offerings come as no surprise. Frilly shoulder bags, horse shoe emblazoned satchels and totes with hanging ribbons are all we've seen from Nina Ricci, and who'd want bags like that? Even NR's loyal "ladies-who-do-tea" clientele would be hard pressed to find fulfillment in such overpriced, fug bags. Their handbags were in dire need of new blood, and this collection has certainly provided it.

Only a few designs were on display, but what we saw was promising. There wasn't a horse shoe in site, and the frou-frou bags were history. In their stead were leather shoulder bags with hair pin-accented, gathered fold-over flaps. I can't tell you how much I love these bags. They're like a Falchi bag restyled to fit in at Tavern on the Green (if it were still open). Fabulous! There were still a couple of Ricci-esque bags sprinkled in here and there, but nothing to fret about. Even those bags followed Copping's new direction, and that direction is nowhere in the vicinity of yesterday's drama. Thank goodness for that.

Photo source: style.com; elle.com

Academy Awards Style: Judith Leiber Garden Gate Minaudiére

Awards season has finally come to an end, and what fashion lessons can be learned from them? Mainly, the importance of hiring a stylist. The right stylist, that is. I'm not certain who Twilight star and supporting actress nominee Anna Kendrick's stylists are, but they should command a nice paycheck for the fabulous job they did with her. Anna's Oscar gown was romantic and her overall look was divine. Complimenting her heavenly look was, what else, a Judith Leiber bag.

The Garden's Gate Minaudiére is the perfect foil for Kendrick's ethereal vibe. The bag, made to resemble an actual gate, is encrusted with pink, grey and clear Austrian crystals and features an encrusted push-lock closure and scalloped edges.

Let's hope Anna didn't shell out $3295 of her own money for this evening bag. It's certainly beautiful, and I'm sure the materials and craftsmanship justify the price, but that's still pretty steep for a tiny bag. I'm sure Kendrick's crafty stylist scored the expensive Leiber design for free as most nominated actresses do.

Judith Leiber Garden's Gate Minaudiére available via neimanmarcus.com

Photo source: oscar.com

Mid-Century Prada

A few weeks back I told Dania I was interested in covering the new plaid Prada bag. Cough. That was before I realized it wasn't actually plaid. I'd caught a glimpse of it in a Pre-Fall '10 preview and felt a tinge of excitement to see what I thought was a red plaid bag making its way down the runway...



It's actually a Prada textile that has more of a mid-century feel to it. Up close you can discern that it's been printed on the same nylon fabric that originally lifted her label into stardom a couple of decades ago. So if you can get past what is bound to be an exorbitant price for a nylon bag, it appears to be sturdy. Nylon bags can bear a lot of wear and tear and the red leather croc pressed handles add a nice touch. I'm also liking the shape with generous roomy side compartments--very practical. It's potentially a fun every day bag that also carries the clout of Prada. I'm telling you, this bag could be rationalized.

For those who prefer a more sophisticated palette, it also comes in a mustard/teal version of the same print.



So tell me, like or no-like?

Fendi Fall 2010 Collection: It's Not Right, But It's OK

My clever Whitney Houston song title reference aside, Fendi's fall 2010 collection was a lesson in what happens when a label's artistic director has entirely too much on his plate. I know many in the fashion world believe Karl Lagerfeld to be superhuman, but he's just a man who happens to be a great designer. Even this great designer, however, can suffer from mental overload. With three labels and countless collections to oversee in a year, his efforts for this Fendi outing fell flat. The looks were a tad depressing and bland and failed to live up to the more fashion-forward collections of the past. It seems this is Lagerfeld's answer to the global recession, but his namesake collection, which showed in Paris over the weekend, was incredibly chic and thought-provoking, not to mention flying in the face of financial uncertitude.

Beyond the disappointing clothes were the even more disheartening bags. The past couple of seasons treated Fendi fans to a slew of new designs, the most popular and successful being the Peek-A-Boo Bag. Many of us fell in love with this classic design and looked forward to newer, more exciting versions. Unfortunately, spring 2010 saw the introduction of a few new Peek-A-Boo bags that were a step backwards (the outed seams on the newer iterations were high on my list of unnecessary revisions). This fall provides very little in terms of the label's most attractive bag. Only a gorgeous lemon yellow leather Peek-A-Boo made me swoon. An odd, geometric-patterned patchwork Peek-A-Boo with a gag-inducing color palette made me want to scold that Fendi accessories design team. C'mon, guys! Is that the best you can do with such a fabulous design? Shame on you, and do better next time.

If you were waiting to see the controversial Skin Bags and their equally talked about overlays at this runway presentation, then you're out of luck. There wasn't one Skin Bag in the entire collection. They've either (a) decided to ditch the concept and the bags altogether or (b) there were just too many new styles to preview and runway space was too short and precious to devote to the design. I hope it's the latter that will win out because I'd like to see the "skin bag" concept developed even further. It's certainly an endeavor worthy of the "Kaiser".

So what about the new styles I just mentioned? Well, they were pretty boring. The square shoulder bags with metal-tipped corners made me want to yawn (which is great for my ear infection!). There were several bags with velvet, suede or feather accents as well as a heavy use of ostrich, but even the new front-pocket satchels and front flap shoulder bags seemed entirely played out. To further impress us (I say in a facetious tone), Fendi shoved their new personalization services down our throats with a copious display of initial-bearing tags. Whatever. I was bored. I'm still bored. I'll have to sit and wait another 6 months in the hopes that Lagerfeld takes a vacation or gets some rest. Maybe then we'll get a bag collection that's more than just OK.

Photo source: nymag.com