Boy Chanel Collection

Chanel may be known for its timeless designs, but with the introduction of the Boy Chanel collection, Chanel brings us a line that is both seductive and a slight change of pace. Unmistakably different, the collection strays from the quilted flap bags we have come to expect from the brand.

Made to be worn as a shoulder or cross-body bag, the Boy Chanel collection holds close to the Chanel aesthetic while providing an entirely different appeal. The designs are clean and bold, simple and appealing. In fact, the duality of the design is inspired by a cartridge bag that was originally made for hunters.

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Fill in the Blank: The Burberry Mini Check Clutch is…

Burberry Mini Check Clutch, $795 via Neiman Marcus. Combining the iconic check pattern with the fashion-forward belt buckle wrapped body, the Burberry Mini Check Clutch is an attention grabber. I like seeing the classic plaid pattern broken up by the leather and the way Burberry implements this gives their design an edgy appearance. Help out … Read more

Even with the brand in turmoil, the Chloe Eliza is a pretty nice bag

Chloe has had a tough few months. The brand’s Fall 2011 show in Paris was not particularly well-received in fashion circles (and I, for one, hated the handbag collection), and after an initial statement of solidarity, the French house parted ways with creative director Hannah MacGibbon earlier this month in favor of Claire Waight Keller. Hopefully that signals a new and exciting path for the brand, but in the meantime, we have to evaluate what it’s producing at the moment. Luckily, that includes the adorable Chloe Eliza Satchel.

While this bag is not exactly a design revelation for Chloe, it does accent the brand’s aesthetic strong point rather nicely. The accessories crew does a great job mixing neutrals and the company’s best bags are often among its most petite, and while this bag is still large enough for daytime wear, it definitely puts a check in both the neutral and diminutive categories.

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Christian Louboutin’s Sweet Charity Bags: Still Awesome

Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Glittered Shoulder Bags, $795 and $995 via Neiman Marcus.

We’re longstanding fans of the Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Bags, which come in virtually every size, color and texture that you could think of, and the advent of the Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Glittered Bags only makes our affection for the line grow. The structured shape and signature metal bow mean that the design is a perfect candidate for an evening out, and these two miniature sizes make that dream a reality.

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Mulberry makes a covetable bag for city life

Mulberry Postman’s Lock Leather Bag, $1200 via Net-a-Porter.

As I’ve mentioned ad nauseum, I’m a little obsessed with hands-free bags at the moment. Major lifestyle changes require careful accessories planning, no matter how silly that sounds, and my collection needs a few more light, compact crossbodies like the Mulberry Postman’s Lock Leather Bag as soon as possible. This bag is already a strong contender for my affections because of the separate pocket on the front – perfect for easy cell phone access.

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Gallery: Oscar de la Renta Resort Runway Show

If you think Oscar de la Renta and Pablo Picasso sound like a match made in aesthetic heaven, you’re right. De la Renta showed his Resort 2012 collection in the company’s newly acquired, unrenovated future headquarters, and the raw edges and midtown New York views set a fitting background for an angular, Spanish-inspired collection full … Read more

No, this Gucci bag is not made of straw. We promise.

Gucci Hand-Painted Woven Leather Tote, $5900 via Net-a-Porter.

I bet you thought it was, didn’t you? I did. But as the name would indicate, the Gucci Hand-Painted Woven Leather Tote is made entirely of intricately laced and painstakingly painted leather to give the bag the summery look and subtle variation of your favorite well-worn leather tote. This bag follows in the estimable footsteps of Bottega Veneta, who first fooled us with its leather-as-straw bags last year. Unfortunately for those of you who might be looking for a deal, the Gucci version is also in the exact same mid-four-figures price range.

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