Michael Kors Handbags and Purses (Page 2)

We already saw this bag covered by Amanda, who really loved it. And now I found it in grey and I adore it. I have an admiration of grey handbags and this Michael Kors bag does not disappoint.

All I need is to see the bag in person and touch the leather. Then I will know if I am totally sold on it. Because the price is amazing, under $800 for a calfskin bag with karung pulls. The leather is treated with a pearlized effect which gives a nice sheen to the bag. The other aspect that catches your eye is the multiple strands that twist into the shoulder strap. This gives a modern touch to an otherwise simple bag.

Is it possible that we don’t give Michael Kors his due when it comes to handbags? I think it might be. Or perhaps the problem is that his brand doesn’t emphasize it enough – I’m not exactly sure what the issue is, but the brand hasn’t “caught” as a major power in handbags like one would expect when you consider the huge financial and marketing arm that the brand has behind it.

I talk about Princess Michael Kors himself every week in my Project Runway recap, but it’s much more rare that we sit down and discuss one of his handbag designs in a serious way, despite the fact that His Royal Highness’s brand put out a big line of bags every season. By the looks of the beautiful and reasonably priced Michael Kors Tonne Leather Hobo, we should do it more often.

As I mentioned last week, finally, oh finally, the retail stores are stocking their shelves with all sorts of amazing new handbags. My must-have bag of the day has to be the Michael Kors Skorpios Pleated Crescent Hobo. I’d like to even say that it could be my bag pick of the week, but seeing as though it is Monday, I don’t want to jump the gun yet.

All I do know is that this bag is a staple, a must-have, a classic.

I’m not really one to sit and ruminate on a bag. When I see a new one, I either have something to say about it or I don’t, and if I do, it normally gets written about it shortly thereafter. Forming an opinion has never been difficult for me.

But when I saw the Michael Kors Roslyn Leather Shoulder Bag, I found myself experiencing a confusing, unfamiliar mix of feelings – I like the bag, but there’s something not quite right, and I’m having a difficult time putting my finger on it. Let’s discuss this bag’s details, shall we? After all, that’s usually where the devil is.

While I’ve always been a fan of all things Michael Kors, my love has been re-energized by the drop dead gorgeous MK Gown Debra Messing wore to the 2009 Emmy Award show the other night. This year’s Emmys was jam packed with gorgeous gowns, yet it is the MK gown I can’t stop thinking about.

So, as I am obsessing over the gown, I am now also re-obsessing over his handbags. I’ve been busy trying to pick out my new Michael Kors bag for the past 36 hours and I don’t even know where to start… so many to choose from.

Sometimes you look at a bag and know immediately what it reminds you of, without having to give it much thought or effort. Those are my favorite bags – it’s like they come with a blog post built-in for my convenience! And really, it’s thoughtful for designers to help me out like that. Who said that fashionistas never think of others?

And today, fake-tanned mensch Michael Kors is here to help with the Michael Kors Runway Clutch. The little evening bag has the distinct look of the late 80s and early 90s to me – an era of bright colors, strong shoulder pads, and shiny accessories. Patent neon pink is probably one of the strongest color statements a designer can make with a bag, and a shade like this references a very specific period in time – about 20 years ago. The strong edges at the top of the clutch, combined with the super-shiny polished silver hardware, remind me a lot of the ‘supermodel’ era – when Cindy, Christy, and Naomi strutted the catwalk in the things with huge shoulder pads and Kate Moss was just another skinny British chick. Such clear references combined with such clean lines give customers a great way to incorporate a retro trend in a super stylish way. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $595.

I got an opportunity to take a look at some handbags the other day with a friend of mine that’s in to fashion, but doesn’t WORSHIP bags the way that a lot of the ladies here do. And I realized that sometimes, it’s good to get some perspective, because without it we might miss things.

For example, I might have missed the Michael Kors ID Chain Shopper. A lot of people don’t pay much attention to Kors’ bags, and he’s had a misstep or two in the past, but I’ve seen his last season or two become much stronger and more drool-worthy. This bag I like in particular – the multi-material chain is huge and industrial, which gives the smooth, soft black leather a rocker edge without being over-the-top or over-designed. The bag is exceedingly simple while still exuding tons of attitude and style, and that’s not an easy balance to strike. The version with the all-plastic chain reminds me a bit of some recent Chanel collections, but I’ve never seen them do a chain with more than one material, and I actually like this bag better. It’s more accessible, less gimmicky, and certainly at a much better price point. Buy through Nordstrom for $995.