This past year was filled with so many wonderful bags from so many wonderful designers. It is so difficult to choose just one as my all-time favorite for 2012. Lucky for me, I don’t have to. I was told I could have a list of my top picks. Admittedly, this was still somewhat difficult. But I think I managed to come up with four bags that are the best of the best. They are all something I think every bagista should consider adding to her collection. So check out my top picks below. They are listed in no particular order.
Rebecca Minkoff Studded Affair Bag. $425
I absolutely adore my Affair. It is such a sweet little shoulder bag. The pyramid shaped studs and classic flap closure design create the perfect balance between edge and sophistication. I also love the pairing of gold-tone hardware with soft black leather. It is such a great, updated look. This bag looks great with just about any ensemble, but personally I love it with a dressy top.
Looking for the perfect gift for the bagista on your list? Nothing screams “the best gift ever” more than the perfect black bag! Why a black bag? For starters, you can never go wrong with black. It looks good with everything and will never go out of style. Plus black bags look chic and sophisticated, no matter what the style happens to be. They are staples in collections big and small. Let’s face it, bagistas love their black bags! So why not put a smile on her face? Like I said, you really can’t go wrong! But I understand buying a bag can be a scary thing, so here are some suggestions to get you started just in case. Check them out!
Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC Bag. $195
I don’t think I know anyone who isn’t in love with Rebecca Minkoff. Her styles have a nice edge to them, without looking too trendy. I especially love the crossbody styles, like the Mini MAC. They are perfect for the girl on the go. Whether it’s shopping or running errands, nothing beats the convenience of a hands-free bag.
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring ol’ monochrome bag. Don’t get me wrong, I love my shades of grey and black, but every now and then I feel like my outfit needs a burst of color. I live in Seattle and everyone wears black, grey and brown during this time of the season, and what better accessory than a color popping handbag.
Here are my picks this week:
WGACA Vintage Chanel Bag. $2700
A vintage Chanel is just as fabulous as a bag fresh outta the boutique. Sometimes I prefer it when it’s a unique style that not many people own. This bag is a rarity – only 1 available!
My dream bag is the Hermès “Birkin” bag. I would imagine it’s on most fashionista’s wish list because the bag is drop dead gorgeous. I remember Sex and the City dedicated an episode to the stunning bag. Samantha wanted one and did not want to be put on the waiting list to get one. She lied that a celebrity wanted it, she got the bag and then the celebrity took it from her. At the end of the day Samantha didn’t get to keep the bag but was it lovely to see the bag all over the episode. I personally want a black “Birkin” with gold hardware. The bag is simple, classy and beautiful. I’m sure most women reading this don’t own one but would love to have one! I found a bag that kind of reminds me of the “Birkin” but it’s also just as beautiful. I bring to you the Reed Krakoff “Boxer” Tote.
It is hard to imagine that Reed Krakoff’s eponymous label has only been in existence for a short period of time. It is even harder to imagine that Reed Krakoff was again named Accessory Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for 2012. That says a lot about his designs considering he was up against other designers such as Proenza Schouler and Alexander Wang. Granted, he is not a newcomer to the fashion industry. But his name has not been floating around out there as an actual label for very long. The fact that he won, however, is no surprise to me. His designs are awesome, after all. He already has quite a following. Personally, I like many of his designs. However, I have recently been focusing on the Reed Krakoff Altantique Tote. It seems to have this way of grabbing my attention and I keep going back to it over and over again.
Hearts, grapefruits, cotton candy, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), and cute little bunny noses. These are the things that come to mind when I think of the color pink. It is probably one of the cheeriest colors I can think of. Right now, it would seem that a lot of handbag designers agree with this sentiment. Wait, I thought the hot color for Spring 2012 was yellow? Don’t worry, it still is! But pink is going to be a hot color this season too! Pink is already popping up everywhere. Sure, pink isn’t a novelty when it comes to handbags like yellow is. The color is still pretty though. I, for one, am happy to see its return as a color trend. You really can’t go wrong with this color. Give it a try, you’ll find carrying around a pop of pink has a strange way of lifting your spirit even on the gloomiest of days. Here are a few suggestions to get you to think pink!
Tod’s 24H Shopping Grande Tote in Dark Rose
Bigger isn’t always better. But in this case, it definitely is! This large shopper is perfect for carrying all your essentials.
$1,625
Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique Tote in Acid Pink
The Atlantique Tote is quickly becoming a timeless classic. You can never go wrong pairing a bright color with a structured shape.
$1190
Ever since Reed Krakoff launched his eponymous label, I have not been able to take my eyes off of his designs. His handbags never fail to make me drool. But who wouldn’t fall in love with those structured shapes and classic styles? He set out to reinvent classic American style and he accomplished it! This is why I was a little confused when I stumbled across the Reed Krakoff Falcon Atlantique Bag. Just take a look and you will see what I mean!
Who is my Bag Designer of the Year? I have so many favorite individual bags but do any of those translate to the comprehensive title? One great bag doesn’t make the cut there has to be multiple bags in a collection. There are designers who have multiple style that I love but aren’t necessarily new designs. I think the designer of the year has to be a trendsetter and have a collection of bags that I covet. It could also be a newer face on the bag scene that is making a splash. So, who makes me want to max out my credit cards??
My frontrunners for Bag Designer of the Year:
Tods. My first designer bag was a Tods and they have really upped their designs this year with fresh styles and shapes, new leathers and a modern edge to classic shapes that will be a staple of a wardrobe for years to come. The Shopper Tote, the Ivy, D-Bauletto, Ava so many amazing bags. Beautiful everyday handbag styles but what about a clutch? for $1300.00
♥ Tod’s AGJ Media Bag available at Saks Fifth Avenue!
Yves Saint Laurent: Always beautiful, quality handbags and I’ve been infatuated with the Roady hobo bag for more than a year now. The Muse is a must have for any fashionista…but what’s new? This Muse Two combines the colorblock trend with a satchel in fun red, linen and navy shades. $1895.
♥ Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two at NET-A-PORTER!
Celine: The Trapeze and Luggage Totes are arguably the most coveted bags of the year. Worn by major models and celebrities, these bags are striking in their chic design and new shapes. But, Celine is very limited in availability. New styles are pretty much limited to in-store shopping at some of the most upscale boutiques and department stores in extremely limited quantities. Availability is definitely an issue. The black calfskin portfolio can be found on Bluefly on sale for $2430.
♥ Celine calfskin portfolio at Bluefly!
Reed Krakoff: One of the newest designers to make a huge splash on the bag scene. Reed Krakoff is the designer behind the most successful brand purchased by everyone from college girls to celebrities. The new line launched with huge success. I also love many of the designs and the bags are great quality too. The Boxer Tote is a beautiful new style and I still covet the mini-crossbody in black. Check out this beautiful red Boxer on mytheresa for $990.00
♥ Reed Krakoff BOXER at My Theresa
Alexander McQueen: You know I adore the clutches. The skull box clutch and De Manta clutches are my absolute favorites, but I’ve yet to see a satchel, hobo or shoulder bag that elevates the entire line above others.
The ocelot printed De Manta is striking and reasonably priced on sale for $367.99
♥ Alexander McQueen De Manta at Zappos!
Fendi: I remember Fendi as a huge line from the late 80s and hadn’t seen much innovation over the years. But this year was special. The Silvana and Chameleon were major successes and the new striped bags are fun and fashion forward. $2300 at Saks in multicolor tote in cobalt blue.
♥ Fendi Silvana at Saks
And the Winner is..
Don’t miss out on the sale that everyone is talking about! Over at Net-a-Porter they added a few more items to the sale section. And some of the items are marked 70% off retail. Yea, so it’s a pretty big deal. Here are a few of my favorite picks from the sale:
The Work Bag:
The Beach Tote:
The Weekend Bag:
The Evening Clutch:
