We all waited. When we heard Balmain planned to release a line of handbags we were excited. We wanted for edgy, new, and innovative. And what did we get? Rather boring, uninspired, and expensive messenger bags. We are still hoping Balmain bags will be better next season.

We are simply here to tell you that the four messenger bags Balmain had at Net A Porter are back in stock. Prices range from $1,915 to $3,925.

I kind of love this bag, and I fear I may be the only one.

The Donna Karan Chaos Leather Messenger Bag is not something I’d normally embrace. First, I hardly ever like any of the bags from Karan’s eponymous line. Second, I usually hate multicolored bags. Third, this bag really shouldn’t work. But for some reason, it kind of does.

It might be because the colors and dye patterns remind me of my much beloved zebra print, or because the distressed neutral look reminds me of my much beloved Alexander Wang – I’m not sure. But the dye pattern gives the bag texture and depth that I don’t think a solid color bag could muster, and the slight distressing keeps things young and hip.

Multicolor bags are often difficult to work into a wardrobe, but the style and colors used in this one would probably lend itself to easier incorporation, as long as you’re not much of one for patterns. And even if you are, this would probably still work as long as the other patterns had the same mood. Or maybe I’ve been smacked in the head today without my knowledge and I’m having visions. Who knows. Buy through Nordstrom for $1395.

That being said, I’m not a fan of everything that they’ve produced this season. Case in point: the MCM Giorno Convertible Bag.

I’m generally a big fan of menswear inspiration being incorporated into women’s fashion, but the briefcase look on this bag is just a tad too literal. It would be appropriate as a a work bag, although it looks like it’s probably a bit too small to actually hold files or a laptop. If your style is very, very tailored, it might work, but I fear that this bag would look out of place and too utilitarian with any kind of casual outfit.

Although, if you’re looking for a really stylish netbook bag, this might be just the ticket… Buy through Saks for $995.

But what this time of year means for most normal humans is that it’s time to start gathering together back-to-school wardrobes, either for themselves or for their kids. And the topic of chic and functional school bags is always a topic of discussion on our Forum, and something that I’ll talk more about later this week, but for right now, I’d just like to show a little love to the A.P.C. Black Leather Satchel. This crossbody bag appeals to my inner grad student – it’s made of thick, matte leather that, when combined with the traditional shape and double buckle closures, has “vintage book satchel” written all over it. The proportions are a bit shrunken to look more appropriate on a female body, but it still looks easily large enough to carry the laptop, bottle of water and cosmetics pouch that normally populated my school bags (journalism school? Rather light on textbook usage). Buy through Net-a-Porter for $420.

And although the bag may be fairly simple in design, it doesn’t seem like an afterthought to me. The finish of the leather reminds me of the crinkly bags that Prada has released this season, except this bag is slightly more matte and the shoulder strap allows it to be worn as a very chic oversized shoulder bag or across the body. Good design doesn’t necessarily mean extra complications, and based on this line from Burberry, it also doesn’t mean exorbitant prices. This may not be the most exciting bag that any of us have ever seen, but I think the price point is cause to celebrate indeed. Buy through Saks for $375.

As many of you know, today we launched Bag That Style, a site devoted to celebrity handbags and style. Vlad pulled an all-nighter and consumed a double digit copious amount of red bull. I drifted off to sleep around 4:30. And at 4:30 a.m. the tv fills with infomercials and odd repeats of shows no one watches. I sat in bed with my laptop and Deadliest Catch on. And with that little amount of sleep, the waves from the TV began to make me feel sea-sick. So this is an FYI that updates today may make little to no sense.

Tory Burch became known for her ballet flats and in the past year has designed her way into the handbag world. While some of her bags sport the signature logo, I prefer her bags that don’t. They are clean, pretty, and perfectly usable. Saks and I are loving the Tory Burch Liam Messenger Bag with its pebbled leather body and chain strap. The chain strap has a leather top, which will not allow the chain to dig into your shoulder, always a plus. The bag itself is hip and young, with a double foldover flap. I have no idea if getting in and out of the bag is easy, but I like how the bag looks. There is one slip pocket under the flap and an inner zip and two open pockets. Buy through Saks for $495.

The Alexander McQueen Flapper Messenger Bag. In all fairness, in the pictures, it looks like the strap isn’t really long enough to be anything but a shoulder bag, and it also says it’s adjustable, meaning I could probably FORCE it to be a shoulder bag. And after seeing Megs’ pics of her beautiful Diane von Furstenberg Stephanie Slouchy Hobo, I’m starting to take long-strapped shoulder bags more seriously. They are truly casual in every way, and give a bit of hippie chic to a regular summer dress. The leather on this McQueen bag looks divine, and although grey is more of a fall color, this particular grey is light enough to be spring-appropriate. The lines are nice and clean, and I’ve never had a McQueen bag before…at the very least, he’s got me thinking very seriously about this trend.

$1,840 via Saks.com.

Anyhow, there is a new messenger bag from Halston that closely resembles my handbag of the summer, except for it is even more over-priced and has even less of any sort of appeal. The Halston Zai Messenger Bag uses the same slouchy long strap look that I have fallen for, but the overall implementation falls below par. Not just a bit under the mark, completely under. I do not understand this bag and I understand the price tag even less. This messenger bag is made of suede, which I find to be completely impractical for most purposes. Suede is so hard to keep clean, even a dark color like this brown will show wear in the corners. And the dirt will pile, and it will be seen too. There is just nothing special, not the material, not the look on the mannequin, and the price is out of this world. The overall product is a big pile of brown suede blah. So if you have $2,495 to spend, I will tell you to spend it elsewhere. Available through Net A Porter for $2,495.

Tod’s bags are synonymous for their elegant and timeless style. If you are looking for a handbag that will transcend throughout many seasons to come, turning to Tod’s is one of the best answers. But I love to see Tod’s take a little risk. Sure, not a huge risk, but a little risk is always nice because it may pay off. The Tod’s Goa Messenger Media takes a different approach with the double layer braided shoulder strap and ruching on the sides. The back of the bag features gathered folds. Available in ink blue smooth grained leather, the color is a subtle and stunning option that will transfer from season to season. There is polished silver metal hardware and metal tipped ties on the side. I actually really am drawn to this bag. It is subtle yet different. And while it is not shockingly different, it gives the perfect little change to the clean lines we know for Tod’s. Buy through eLuxury for $1,800.

I have been a fan of this Mulberry bag from day one. It is small, practical, and cute. It is like the perfect tourist bag and the perfect bag if you do not have young children. Because while the dimensions of the Mulberry Antony Messenger Bag are decent (8″W x 10.5″H x 3″D), they are not quite large enough for the woman with young children who require hoards of carry-ons. This bag features black leather and golden hardware. The top has a flap closure with a clasp fastening, which is easy enough to get in and out of, and an adjustable canvas shoulder strap (18.5″ drop). When I say this is a great tourist bag, I mean for the tourist that is sensible. If you ever travel with me, you will notice, that I carry every single possible-possibility I may need. If you need Advil, an inhaler, Benadryl, 15 different lip glosses, three wallets, camera, batteries, map, water bottle, snack, etc. You can be assured that traveling with me means if there is a power outage and we are stuck in an elevator, we will be good for at least three days. So while this bag is not suitable for my travel needs (or daily needs for that matter), there are people out there much more practical when it comes to packing that this could work for. It is also great for the younger crowd that just does not need that big of a bag. Buy through NAP for $395.

There was a very prominent love hate relationship with the Prada Fringe Bags (as seen on Victoria Beckham). Upon first look, the bag looked like a horrible Cousin It. But then it began to grow on me, and I will openly admit that after seeing it on Victoria Beckham I loved it. Loved it on her, but I do not look like her, so it did not look as smashing on me. And the price was high. I am a fan of fringe here and there. Not everywhere by any means and really, I do not like it on clothing for the most part. But you can add a little touch of fringe without going overboard. The only way I would do this is if the price was low enough and the bag looked ok; that way I could wear it here or there and it would justify the price I spent on it. This is precisely what the Antik Batik Juddy Fringed Bag does; it gives the fringe that I am looking for at a price that is beyond reasonable. Finally, someone got it right. If you are going to go out on a limb and add fringe, which is very seasonal and not always widely accepted, do so in a way that makes the bag affordable for it going in and out of style. This bag features chocolate leather with fringe and a brass beaded charm. The bag has a braided strap, flap closure, and can be worn across the body. So if there is a country night at one of your favorite bars or you are on your way out in boots and a plaid shirt, this bag can give you the hippie deluxe trend that is in for now. Buy through NAP for $290.

How many of you are starting a new year of school? My cousin is going to be a freshman in college, and has been on a search for the perfect tote. I was the student who carried around a Prada Nylon Messenger Bag, which at a Big 10 School was a tad over the top, but I loved it and found it to be super practical. A school bag should be different than your friends, with a look and feel that is inherently yours. I love the Jas MB Cracked Leather Tote because it appears to look worn in while still offering a cool ivory cracked leather with a perfectly practical detachable canvas strap. The brown accents are perfect against the ivory leather, and because the leather is given a distressed look, if it gets a little dirty it will only add to the worn-in-appeal. There is an option of two top handles. To throw in your necessities, there is a small zip fastening compartment on the front, and a large zip fastening across the front. Dimensions are ideal for a school bag, 16.5″ W x 16.5″ Handle drop x 12.5″ H x 6″ D. The price is great; buy through Net A Porter for $525.

After splitting with John Mayer, Jessica Simpson went back to her blond hair and kept the casual style. Only this time, everything is piecing together perfectly and Jessica has learned to pull of casual chic as a perfect 10. Perfectly fitting for her laid back style, Jessica Simpson has been seen sporting the Blur Mail Bag which sports a vintage appeal with the distressed appearance of the leather. A special process is taken to make the leather have the weathered feel, as it is ‘processed in special wooden barrels and then hand polished in factories in Italy which brings out the atypical wrinkles, imperfections and differences of tone that you see in each unique bag’. The everyday messenger bag is perfect to wear across the body, measuring 19″ x 12″. Purchase the bag at the ever fabulous Shop Intuition for $695.

See pics of the bag and more of Jessica sporting it below!

The Prada craze over the Gaufre is well deserved. The ruched leather is done impeccably by Prada and the various options available means that there is most likely a Gaufre that will suit any lady or gent. While browsing the Prada Venice store I was drooling over a creamy supple camel colored lambskin Gaufre. On the other end of the spectrum is the Silver Metallic Prada Nappa Gaufre Messenger which is gleaming and beaming enough for you to view a distorted view of your face everywhere you go. Not totally my style, but intense metallics are in and this messenger is easy to carry around for your summer days. There are two front pockets and an adjustable cross-body strap on this 10½” H x 14″W x 5½”D bag. Expect to get the bag shipped around June of this summer; Pre-order now via Saks for $2680.

Bottega Veneta is automatically associated with lush and buttery soft leather. If you have not felt one of the gloriously designed Bottega bags, you need to do so immediately, you will just melt. Yet Bottega Veneta also is making an impact on the exotic world. Using fine croc skin, this Bottega Veneta Croc Messenger Bag is designed to be easy to carry and look stunning. There are two front pockets, one large and one small, and gold plaque detailing on the front. A zip top closure finishes this exotic off to a bag that is taller than it is wide. I am sure it costs a pretty penny. More info via Bottega Veneta online or your local BV retailer.

image via style.com

Garnering more and more attention, Tokidoki for LeSportsac has not be in a downer in any way. The designs are quirky, colorful, fun, and practical and the buzz surrounding these bags is getting as loud as a swarm of killer bees (friendly-killer-handbag-obsessed bees, but bees nonetheless). For the gals who want to make a statement, do it with an everyday messenger bag like the Tokidoki for LeSportsac ‘Ciao Ciao Large’ Flap Bag. The materials are simple, including an adjustable strap, zip pockets, and polyester, yet the ‘pirata’ print has got it all. Affordable funk through Nordstrom’s for $160.

*Check out our new Tokidoki for LeSportsac subforum on tPF!!*

There is something about the thick shoulder strap on this bag that really has me fixated. I can vividly picture this handbag fitting perfectly but not too snug under my arm, having the shoulder strap not always feel like it may fall off my arm, and looking classy and sassy for everyday life. The Jimmy Choo Ruse Leather Messenger Bag screams take me to drop off the kids, take me to the grocery store, take me to the bank, take me shopping, take me in jeans; pretty much, just take me everywhere. A worn in appeal is given to the tan leather, along with watersnake trim and rivets around the top with watersnake straps. A subtly perfect combination of laid-back leather meets exotic watersnake to make a stunning combination. People tend to disregard inside lining, but it does play an importance to me. Nothing is better than opening up your stunning handbag to an even more stunning lining. Jimmy Choo, you made a good decision with the lilac trim and suede lining. My heart skipped a mini-beat. Via Net-A-Porter for $1690.