Gucci Handbags

I feel like I’ve been kind of a Negative Nancy lately, so I hopped on Saks.com hoping to write about something I really like for you guys.

Unfortunately, instead of doing that, I have to be negative again. And it’s all Gucci’s fault.

The Gucci Tribeca Medium Shoulder Bag is a disaster. Of epic proportions. And that’s coming from someone that normally really likes Gucci, even when they get a bit wacky with their designs. I usually understand what they’re up to, but here…there just are no words. It’s a big bag with a skinny, tiny strap – bad proportions! It’s got a textured heart inset placed randomly on the front – icky! And it’s got a big ol’ tattoo design in the tradition of the geniuses (and I say that facetiously) over at Ed Hardy right smack dab in the middle. Eww. I’ve heard rumblings of unhappiness with the Cruise collection over in our Gucci section on the forum, but I figured it would still have some redeeming qualities to most of the bags. Some of them aren’t so bad, but this? This is bad. I say this out of love, Gucci. I want you to make beautiful things. So please, for Spring, try harder. But, if you disagree, buy through Saks for $1,395.

Ciao bella, come stai? So, I may have not retained a great deal of the Italian that I took in college, and I certainly didn’t learn anymore last week since I, sadly, I did not go to Milan fashion week. I do, however, have the Internet, which means that my lack of Italian (and lack of Italian vacation) is NOT going to stop me from telling you guys about Milan Fashion Week, starting with Gucci.

I know that many have criticized the post-Tom Ford era at the brand as less exciting and less innovative, but I’ve got a soft spot in my heart for Frida Giannini’s (pictured left) reign – I think her subdued sex appeal and color choice is often brilliant, even if it’s not as aggressive. The clothes aren’t overly high-concept, but they are exceedingly wearable and have a great deal of influence on what ends up in the stores that you and I frequent. So what did Frida give us? Click here to see what I noticed...

For all of you out there who are considered to be the handbag expert within your circle of friends, how often do you hear, “what would you say is the ‘IT’ bag of the moment”? When Megs first really started to follow fashion and handbags I would *always* go to her for advice. Now that I work with her, I find people asking me the same kind of questions I used to ask her. Personally, I don’t think there is ever just one “IT” bag at a given time. However, it is undeniable that right now, top handle bags are making a run for that coveted title.

As always, as I looked around there were top handle bags I despised and others I found myself instantly drawn to. Well, the Gucci Small Hysteria Top Handle Bag is without a doubt, a handbag I was drawn to. As you might remember, we’ve posted about Gucci Hysteria bags before, in particular you might recall the ginormous price tag associated to the the Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag. Luckily, the Small Hysteria Top Handle Bag has a much smaller price tag. Although saving money, I love how the lightly gathered lamé patent leather, with side tie accents and a metal Gucci crest show off the bag’s elegance. There is a zip-top closure, inside zip, cell phone and PDA pockets, not to mention plenty of storage space! And of course, double top handles. So, does this bag make your “IT” bag list? Buy through Saks for $1,395.00.

It is back! Remember the infamous Gucci Baby Carrier that I covered in 2005? And if you do not remember, it is most likely because you had no idea this site existed, and that makes perfect sense since our traffic was minuscule compared to what it is now. For some reason this Designer Baby Carrier caused quite the ruckus! Some loved it, some hated it, some hated those that loved it and vice versa. In fact, I was baffled at the comments that post received. And then I revived it showing Gwen Stefani carry baby Kingston in her Gucci Baby Carrier. Gwen pulls off the Gucci baby carrier magnificently, she looks so effortlessly chic, per usual. But should we trust the Gucci Baby Carrier to be the safest mode of transport for our young ones? That question is ultimately up to you, but I do question if this carrier puts style in front of safety. Dimensions are 16″W X 18½”H X 7¼”D and it is available on the Saks website in beige/ebony GG fabric. Buy through Saks for $850.

Not so fast! If you were sold on this, I may have some photos that make you reconsider. Guess who else was seen recklessly and most definitely improperly using the Gucci Baby Carrier?

Find out who after the jump!

Fringe, fringe, fringe galore! I don’t usually have a problem with fringe, but I can’t decide if this bag has too much of it. Gucci is a brand I love. I have a pair of Gucci sunglasses I wear all the time and I am definitely on the hunt for a Gucci handbag I can tote around all the time as well. But, I don’t think this bag is it. The Gucci Large Babouska Hobo looks unique and perfect for the fall season. I think the stud accents and brass hardware compliment the fringe extremely well. In fact, as I sit here typing, the bag is starting to grow on me more and more. There is a double strap option (one detachable shoulder strap) which provides a nice option. If you’ve read any of my other posts, you know I am a self-proclaimed clutz. Nothing crazy, but I have been know to trip, drop my bag, and have the entire contents spilled out on the sidewalk. So, obviously, I love not only the snap and push-lcok closuer but also the inside zip and cell phone pocket. I am also drawn to how soft the leather looks. Who doesn’t love soft leather? But, I am still stuck on the fringe. What do you think – yay or nay? It can be bought through Saks for $2,495. (note: if you are interested in the bag pictured above, select the bag in “Mustard”)

Gucci Jockey Python Bag

What have you done Gucci? You have made me fall in love with you and your bags, a sort of unrequiting love. I am still absolutely enamored with the purple Hysteria Bag, with its supple leather and slouchy shape. But now there is a new Gucci handbag to obsess over, and that is just what I am doing, totally and absolutely obsessing. The Gucci Jockey Python Bag meets all of my handbag needs; exotic skin, easy-to-wear shape, casual style. It is as if the Gucci Gods know they are tempting me and have gone into my head, followed me through my dreams, and placed the perfect black bag in front of me. The single strap is non-adjustable, but it fits perfectly over your shoulder without riding up too high or snug. The horsebit detail, a house staple, is an aspect that I have adored from Gucci and love that it is incorporated for this handbag. On the inside there are zip and cell phone pockets and the dimensions are large, 18¼”W X 14½”H X 4½”D. Now what I really love is that I can see this being the black bag for so many of us. Working for day, transitioning to night, lasting for seasons. It has the exotic appeal, the chic style, and the no-hassle shape. Just lovely. Buy through Saks for $3,295.

Gucci Small Hysteria Bag

I was not feeling Gucci handbags for quite some time, then came the Gucci Hysteria Bag. The luscious leather is as sumptuous as anything I have felt, in fact so soft that I would give anything to turn it into a pillow (or even better a blanket). And while leather versions have my attention, my undivided attention was long ago lost to the Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag that Vlad and I saw in NYC. But since the $37,500 price tag is much more wisely saved going towards a down payment on a house, I am left loving the Gucci Small Hysteria Bag is sultry magenta. The leather is slightly gathered at the top but the overall shape is slouchy. The double handles feature the metal Gucci crest detailing, which does stand out but is alluring in its own right. There is a detachable shoulder strap, but when worn the top of the bag folds over and gives a more casual look. The inside features a zip, cell phone, and PDA pocket, all necessities for 2008. If the colorful option, which will be perfect for fall and winter, is not working for you, there is also black available. Buy through Saks for $1650.

I fell head over heels in love with the ultimately expensive Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag. The price is not practical for me at all, but the color, the feel, the shape, was beautiful. I kept staring at it and studying it and I truly think the SA thought he made a huge sale that day. Unfortunately I was just an oogler, not a real buyer. And last week I went to Gucci Bal Harbor and fell in love again, but this time that bag is more affordable, relatively speaking. The Gucci Hysteria Bag is designed with yellow/white patchwork on the front of the bag with black leather on the back. The leather is ultimately sumptuous. I mean super soft, the kind that just melts as you touch it. I kept grabbing the bag thinking it was from Bottega Veneta, not Gucci. This bag has me back on Gucci’s side, in love with a bag that is absolutely fierce. The body is very slouchy, actually allowing the bag to fold over if you carry it with the messenger strap. The Hysteria bags feature Gucci Crest detail. There was still one more of these available at Gucci Bal Harbor but you can also find it online via Bergdorf Goodman for $3150 or plain patent via Saks for $1790.

*Make sure to click on the image to see it larger!*

The craze over the Gucci USA Flagship opening was unprecedented. Many people wanted to see the store, but most wanted to grab one of the coveted Gucci Loves New York bags. This limited edition line of bags are completely sold out, but the excitement surrounding the store still exists. Today we wound down with a trip to Gucci, as it is about half a block away from our hotel. The store is HUGE. Floor one carried many bags, but floor two and three did not disappoint either. The thing is, lately I have not had much love for Gucci. The brand is one of the most recognized luxury houses in the world, and while their ready-to-wear has been amazing, the handbags have been lacking that special touch that I need. The Hysteria line brings a fresh touch to Gucci, giving it the extra nudge that it needed to get me back on board. The Gucci Hysteria line drops the expected Gucci GG logo and brings in the family crest. The emblem adds the perfect touch that is not expected but much appreciated. And with New York being the new US Gucci flagship, the handbag selection is to die for. I have never seen so many exotic Gucci handbags. Everywhere we turned there were ostrich bags, python jackets, and crocodile skins. My absolute favorite was the $300,000 Gucci Crocodile Trunk. The trunk is a taupe crocodile and a stunning collectors piece (not to mention it is the only one of its kind). Going along with the crocodile craze, Gucci took one of its best bags of the season and dressed it up in yellow crocodile, creating the Gucci Crocodile Hysteria Bag. This is unlike any other Gucci bag I have seen in the longest time. The crocodile is buttery soft as it is taken from the belly of the crocodile. The inside is lined with goatskin that is even more supple. In fact, if they could make me a big pillow out of this exact material that would be heaven. This bag had the perfect slouch, the perfect chic feel, and the color was stunning. Only problem (for me at least) is the $37,500 price tag. I love this bag, love it so very much, but the price tag is way out of my range. Instead I could settle with the goatskin version ($1950). Saks also offers a python version for $3990 and a patent version for $1790 via Saks.

For this year, Gucci announced a special limited 8-8-2008 collection of just 8 fashion accessories that will be available exclusively through Gucci Hong Kong and China stores. The special edition pays homage to competitive sports and is supposed to epitomize sporty luxury, according to Gucci creative director Frida Giannini. Cornerstone of the campaign is the new I-Gucci watch, which is unique to the 8-8-08 campaign in both coloring and sporty appearance. It also happens to be the first digital time piece Gucci has ever released – its digital face is capable of displaying both numerical and clock-hand formats. Other specs include a 44 millimeter steel frame casing, a red monochrome rubber strap (embossed with Gucci’s iconic GG pattern on its inside) and selection of multiple time zones.

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