In Athens, Georgia, the Freshman Apocalypse is nigh. We’re the home of the University of Georgia, my alma mater and a school of over 35,000 students, and in two short days, that will include 5,000 brand new freshman. For a town this size, the influx of the new students (in addition to the other returning students that had left for the summer) means we’re about the see the sort of chaos and havoc that’s only novel when you’re one of the people that is helping to create it. Target and Wal-Mart will be completely sold out of…everything, none of the thousands of brand new residents know where anything is or how to drive, and they’re all going to be really excited to be out in public without their parents. If you don’t hear from me for a few days, it’s because I have run off into the woods, mumbling deliriously, in order to escape them.

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.

In stark contrast to my enthusiasm for embellishment of all types (and of the industrial type in particular) for fall and winter, I can’t help but swoon upon seeing the Valentino Bow Hobo. It’s incredibly simple, monochromatic, without external hardware, and conspicuously lacking some of the outer intricacies for which Valentino handbags are so often known. And despite all of that, or perhaps because of it, I think I’m in love.

Of all the bags on display to molest at fine department stores, Valentino bags are my favorite to pick up and feel. The quality of materials used in their bags continues to surprise and delight me, even after eight solid months of writing about handbags for 40 hours per week. And when you combine their obscenely soft leathers with a design so deconstructed, so slouchy, so irresistibly French-looking (despite the fact that the brand itself is Italian), you come up with a bag like this: gorgeous, casually elegant, and not trying too hard in the least. The amount of style contained in this simple hobo clearly adds up to more than the sum of its parts. Buy through Saks for $1895.

Can you believe it? Fall is right around the corner. We are still in the middle of the typical massively hot Florida summer but I am craving a Fall trip to feel crisp air and see the leaves changing. While brown is not my favorite color, it is perfect for the autumn to bring in the natural hues. Here are three of my favorite fall browns; a Diane von Furstenberg coat, Proenza Schouler bag, and Miu Miu Studded Leather Ankle Boots. The bad news is both the handbag and coat are sold out, but the Miu Miu shoes are available at Net A Porter for $870.

What wardrobe items are you craving for fall?

This week on Bag that Style the cast of Gossip Girl reigned supreme. From Treesje to Prada to newcomer Bodhi, the cast of Gossip Girl continued to excite us with their handbag choices. And check out Bag that Style for more Celebrity Style!

Check out Jessica Szohr’s Bodhi bag while she strolls with Michelle Trachtenberg [link]

Leighton Meester carries and unknown clutch while Blake Lively sports Prada [link]

Recently, our Facebook Fan Page was named one of the Top Nine Facebook Pages for Fashion! We loved being recognized among some amazing other designers and brands. Our fan page is steadily growing and will continue to bring you the latest and greatest from the handbag world, including; upcoming sales and events, handbag discussions, photos, celebrity style, and exclusive giveaways.

We will be leaking information on our next fabulous giveaway on Facebook today before we announce it on PurseBlog. Make sure you fan us to learn a bit about the giveaway before the rest of the world!

Elsie is quite a unique name, and I actually know two Elsies and one Elsa, so I’m a bit biased. But the Chloé Elsie Lurex Shoulder Bag is not quite as unique as the name. Sure, it has a bit of exotic, with its alligator print, but that’s about the extent of its exotic and unique identity. However, if you want a classy, classic bag and are tired of Chanel, then this is certainly a great choice. If there are two things that Chloé has mastered, it’s great, heavy leather and the fact that the devil is in the details (metaphorically speaking).

This bag is made of Lurex, so no great heavy leather here. But there are some extremely subtle details that are worth noting: the twisted rope handles and the interesting clover-shaped turn-lock closure. So yes, it looks cool and classic and all that, but I think something is missing here. There’s a hint of blahness that is just not going away for me. I’d say, pair it with an amazing outfit to distract from that. Otherwise, I’m not sure this bag is worth its high price of more than a grand. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1,250.

Simply put, I love this clutch. Marni has a way of bringing together clean lines with contrasting colors and just making it work. Everything about the Marni Geometric Leather Clutch works for me. From the white calf-leather with contrast black piping, to the slightly ruched body, to the simplicity of the gold-tone hardware with twist lock closure, all aspects of this clutch combine to get the job done. It feels entirely clean. Looking at this clutch reminds me of walking into a completely white walls and floor modern space, which is accented perfectly and everything is in place. Simple and hassle-free. Looking at this clutch nearly gives me a clear mind. And that is a feat in and of itself. Absolutely love it. No other way to put it. Buy through Net A Porter for $865.

Let’s not get it twisted: everybody hates Kim.

Does she deserve it? Well, we’ll explore that in a second. What I’ll say now is that I’m almost kind of proud that the most ridiculous Housewives of the entire franchise are from my hometown, although I probably shouldn’t be. But really, if you can’t enjoy some wig-wearing, trash-talking, gold-digging, house-foreclosing, completely delusional fun, then what exactly are you getting out of life? And why are you reading this recap?

I think that, in the span of two episodes, The Real Housewives of Atlanta have already topped their New Jersey counterparts. Tables have yet to be flipped, but they’ve already created two public disturbances by having screaming matches in otherwise-tranquil places like offices and restaurants. It looks like next week takes it out onto the streets of Atlanta, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves; what happened last night?

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Red is infused into bold accessories for fall 2009. The vibrant combination of red with black creates a mood inspired by pop art graphics and the season’s bold contrast of brights on black. We are drawn to the red and black color combo to pair with all black outfits and in particular this fall’s all black uniform of skinny denim leggings (a.k.a. “jeggings”) paired with black platform ankle booties like these Christian Louboutin Miss 120 platform ankle boots. And of course a requisite black leather or faux fur vest.

The red accents we’ve spotted (and covet!) include oversized ’70s inspired shades from Linda Farrow Luxe which are accented with an exotic lizard trim. Add some instant color and good fashion karma with a Day Birger et Mikkelsen Beaded tassel necklace, it’ll make a pretty accent on an over sized black layered tee.Judith Leiber’s heart ‘n soul clutch will make a sparkly and whimsical addition to any black or grey ensemble. Lastly the bold graphics of Markus Lupfer’s Laughing Lips merino sweater is just too cute to resist, perfect for your black and red color story this fall.

via The Find

Oh, I just love this color of silver. Dark enough to not look cheap and to go with basically everything you own, no matter what. Seriously – try and think of a color that this wouldn’t go with. I defy you! Another thing that I love about the Jimmy Choo Chandra Metallic Clutch is that the leather still looks obviously soft, and so many metallic bags screw that up entirely. In an effort to make things shiny, they make them stiff, and suddenly the bag doesn’t look expensive anymore. This bag still looks pliable and luxurious while having a great gleam to its finish, and that’s a tone that so many designers try to strike and fail miserably.

The main event on this clutch is obviously the banded metal closure, though, and I absolutely love it. The off-center placement is perfect, as is the decision to use two different colors of silver in order to set it apart from the finish of the clutch. In fact, I love it so much that I kind of wish I could slide it off and use it as a bracelet…or that it could be bought separately as a bracelet…are the Choo people listening? Have they considered a jewelry line? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1495.