If there’s one regret 2011 that I couldn’t achieve was not being able to obtain certain fashion pieces throughout the seasons. I’m leaving this year with more on my want list than on my acquired list. The good thing (or sometimes good thing) about the fashion world is that designers update their products instantaneously; hence with time, it’s impossible for your lust list to remain short. So my three favorite handbag selections, in random order, for the 2011-year were also three pieces that I unfortunately didn’t add to my collection, yet will carry over into the 2012-year.

There’s a new Couture House that kept the oversized studs fashionable and popular. Alexander Wang carried a distinctive collection of handbags that carried hardware in abundance. Hobos, satchels and my favorite, the Diego Bucket Bag; each arrived with a unique silhouette and a uniformed array of metal studs at the base.

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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..

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Consumers know that there are numerous amounts of places to shop online. Each unique and customer friendly in its own way, but what makes one more appealing than another? Variety, availability or even shipping costs play significant roles. There’s one shop above all that stands out to me the most. It’s appealing to my style, my budget and its available products seems to frequently change, so there’s always something new and desirable to add to my wish list. The wonderful fashion retail Shopbop makes my pick for my favorite boutique of 2011. Not only did I make the most purchases off that site within the year but also to this date, I’ve been very content with every single transaction. If there is one aspect Shopbop has that other fashion sites may lack is that Shopbop offers fantastic shopping experience, hence, its recognition as “the best customer service” by The Wall Street Journal. An extra plus that’s extra nice is the exemption of sales tax in most states and free shipping/returns within the United States. Other boutiques definitely can’t compete with that, therefore Shopbop shoppers always seem to go back. Products range from different price ranges and the selection of designer names is vast. You can find pocket friendly gifts, emerging newbie’s, as well as lust over some of the fashion industries top designer products.
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When asked to pick my favorite handbag designer for 2011, I found myself wondering how I could possibly pick just one. There are so many beautiful handbags out there and so many wonderful designers. You can certainly see my dilemma here! But if I must pick one, then I will pick Alexander Wang. Hands down, he is one of the most loved designers this past year. His designs are well known for their urban street vibe. They are edgy, yet sophisticated and chic.

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A few years ago I saw a picture of Kristin Cavallari carrying a gorgeous satchel. It was either white or pink but it was stunning. I remember she was wearing sweats but the bag was the star of the picture. It was a bag that really caught your eye. I searched high and low trying to find out who the designer was and one day I saw a thread on the forum about the Rebecca Minkoff “Morning After” Bag. Talk about falling in love so quickly with a designer I had never heard of before. Unfortunately, the bag was out of my price range but it was on my wish list for quite sometime.

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This year sure went by fast and along with it; I take with me a mental collage of some of my favorite leather goods and accessories from throughout the seasons. Us bagista’s know which designers were hot, which weren’t, the ones who drastically emerged and the ones who had the nerve to copy some other House’s original designs. When it comes to my favorite designer of 2011, my preference goes to the designs of someone who perhaps isn’t classified as being a Couture House and to one who carries accessories ranging in different styles, colors, price ranges and personalities.

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I remember about four or five years ago my Mom mentioned the name Michael Kors to me. She was craving to have one of his logo print shoulder bags for Christmas. No matter what store we went to, she had to pick it up and look at it. At the time, I was head over heels for Louis Vuitton. If a purse wasn’t by Louis Vuitton, I instantly hated it. Kind of immature of me, but I was 21 or so at the time. At that age, I thought the more expensive the purse the better! Thankfully, I’ve drastically changed.

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Whenever I write blog posts for Bag Bliss or The Fashion Row, I immediately go to Shop Bop. Shop Bop always has a great variety of clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags. What I love most about the site, is that it’s updated constantly. Every week when I take a look at Shop Bop, to see what I want to write about, there is always something new for me to look at. As a writer, that’s a relief because the last thing I want to be doing is scrambling around sites trying to find something to write about. When I can find something stylish that I would consider buying, that makes my job a whole lot easier.

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I’m sure it comes as no surprise when I say my favorite handbag of 2011 was by none other than Michael Kors. In the past two years I have went from loving multicolored handbags to being obsessed with black leather handbags that feature gold hardware. Every time I see any type of handbag in this color combination I literally squeal!

When Michael Kors released the “Joan” satchel, I was instantly in love. Yes, it wasn’t my typical color combination of black leather and gold hardware but it was truly a beautiful bag. I’ve always been one for satchels and the style of this one was impeccable. The “Joan” really gives off a classy and sophisticated style and because of that I fell in love with it.

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