If it weren’t for the reader’s, then I would never know what the rest of the world liked and wanted. I love feedback and I love to see what other people out there are in love with in the world of handbags. A brand I never really delved into much is Rafe, but a loyal reader of ours made sure to open my eyes to a new designer with some great bags. Chemlex, who is one of the biggest lovers of Rafe out there, has chosen the Rafe New York Carnegie Keira as her choice for the week. The bag is a duffle style shoulder bag made of a beautiful metallic leather. You can choose which color you love the most, whether it be olive, smoke, or copper. I really dig the size of the bag, the color, and the shape being a bit rectangular- it all strays a bit from the ordinary (official size is 10″ wide x 4 7/8″ deep x 6 1/2″ high). Don’t let anyone tell you that metallics are out of style- because everyone store is still filled with them on their shelves. My choice would be the copper or the olive- hey even the smoke is gorgeous. How bout you? There are four exterior zip pockets total: two front and two side. Using antique brass tone hardware only sets the bag off more with the beautiful shape and color. The site shows the bag being held by a mannequin which looks like it will fit snugly under the arm (7″ drop)- so depending on how you like your bag you could just carry it or put it under the arm. If you have been looking for the perfect metallic bag, Chemlexs’ choice may be the one for you. Buy it via Zappos for $ 353.95.

On with Viewer’s Choice Monday, we have a beautiful selection from Wendy. By the looks of it, Wendy is quite the stylish and bold gal. Wendy has picked quite the number by Prada. The Prada Giraffe-Print Push-Lock Bag screams out fun and flirtatious for the girl who wears it. The bag is both beige and dark brown giraffe-print hair-calf with a beautiful buckle-detailed shoulder straps (which has an 8″ drop).The top has a flap with a goldtone push-lock closure. The bag doesn’t ever stop with its animal appearance, the shoulder strap and the body of the bag is covered in Giraffe-Print. My assumption is that the calf-hair would feel quite nice and out of the ordinary. The inside of course has a pocket to carry Wendy’s goodies. The overall dimensions of the bag are 6 1/4″H x 12 2/3″W x 4 1/3″D. I hope Wendy has been saving up or has someone saving up for her, because this Prada bag is going for $1625 via Neiman Marcus. Any girl that can wear a style this bold is sure to be the center of attention- You go girl!

Like I promised, Monday’s will now be dedicated to Viewer’s Choice. Luckily I did have some people respond (if not this would have been a disaster). First we are going to see a bag that Zoe’s Mom “would love to be carrying to all her holiday parties this year!” Awesome choice. The Miu Miu Velvet & Leather Satchel really does call out some attention for some holiday cheer. While I did not like their blue/gold velvet combo, this red/gold swirl-print velvet satchel could put any Scrooge in the spirit of the season. Trimmed in dark brown cracked leather, the bag is bold and beautiful. The top closure is a belted tab over the open top which should make for easy access to your lipstick when waiting for the kiss under the mistletoe. The top handles have an 8″ drop, so the satchel could be worn under the arm or as a tote. The inside has a pocket if there is anything you need to be protected or hidden. Overall, the dimensions of this bag are 8 2/3″H x 16 2/3″L x 5 1/3″D. Seems like a good size bag for my favorite time of year coming up. On sale via Neiman Marcus for $765, let’s all hope someone wants to treat Zoe’s Mom to her holiday wish this year!!

Our forum is steadily growing and is quite the active community. I see we have quite a few people looking who are not registered yet. If this applies to you, myself, Vlad and the rest of our community would love to see you register and take part in our forums! Registration may seem like it is difficult- but all you need to do is give yourself a nick name, give your email address (which will not be seen by others), and then choose a password. The registration process takes less than 1 minute and will allow you full access to the site! We would all love to see more of you there!

Keep on Purse Bloggin”!!
-Megs, Vlad and the Rest of the Purse Forum Members

I know it is not only me that has always wanted to go on a magic carpet ride. I wanted to be just like the princess from Aladdin, I wanted to swoop up and down in the sky and see the world. Yup, I am sure a few of you are laughing right now. But when I finally get to ride on a magic carpet I’m soo gonna shove it in your face!! (I really thought they existed when I was young!)

When I saw the name of this bag, I gasped! It just made a smile come to my face. Upon seeing the bag I was a little skeptical if I liked it, but actually it kind of does something for me. The Isabella Fiore Magic Carpet Tote is an intricately designed patchwork tote with beads that add even a little more fun. The bag is made of velvet patchwork which gives off the vibe of a bohemian-chic tote. At first I thought that bag might look like something an old lady would wear, but upon further inspection I really think it’s cute. The bag is trimmed with leather and in some places stud trimming. The shape of the bag is a frame-style top which has double top handles and the closure is a diary-lock. Lined with cotton canvas and featuring both zip and open pockets, the inside can store all of your magical accessories. Sizing up at 13″H X 19″L X 8½”W, this tote looks as if it could compliment quite a few outfits and still be big enough to be your bag of tricks. The bag is available via Saks for $725.

How an It bag changed my life

If you are in deep need for some Venus envy, hang a beautiful new designer bag on your arms. It’s the fastest route to respect from women, as RUTH CHEW quickly finds out

You don’t need an Oxbridge degree, a million-dollar trust fund or a Nobel Peace Prize to earn the respect of women these days. Just head out to the shops and buy yourself a designer bag. Better yet, make it the It bag of the season.

Call me shallow but I’ve found it’s my shortcut to earning a few knowing looks of approval from women all around. After all, I don’t have an Ivy League education nor a fat bank account. I’ve made no scholarly breakthrough discoveries nor do I have success stories with a chain of food shops or online businesses to shout about. The respect I’ve earned lately is purely from my choice of bag.

I discovered this after I bought my first designer bag. A seasonal piece on sale over Christmas, it had a signature print from the brand’s Spring collection. Despite being a seasonal item, the bag’s famous shape and print caught the eye of every women whose nose I swung it under.

Read the full article over at the forum… quite an interesting read! Hope some of you enjoy it or have something to say about it

For all of my fun and ferocious females out there, I think I have found the bag for you. I am still trying to decide if it is mature enough for all ladies or if it looks a little childish. You be the judge. The
Marc Jacobs Metallic Dot Suede Bag is quite an imaginative bag. Made of lipstick pink suede with metallic red large polka dots, black leather trim, and silver hardware, this bag will make you be the center of attention for sure. The bag also draws some attention to it with its pouch pouch pockets. There are two on the front and two on either side. Along with he pouches are beautifully designed press stud fastenings coyly placed under silver ‘Marc Jacobs’ inscribed hoops. I’m not sure if I really like the black leather shoulder strap with the bag (I’m not sure what else they would use instead though). Apparently the inside wants to be just as much fun as the outside with its green and blue floral print lining. The bag’s dimensions are given as ‘one size’ which really is absolutely no help at all (Sorry, C- I know you like the dimensions!!). For the super adventurous girl inside of you, this bag may be just what you are looking for. The bag is on sale via Net-A-Porter for $305.

Plain and simple bags are sometimes what we all have been longing to see. Yet sometimes, I’m just not getting a strong enough vibe from them. This DKNY Soft Nappa East/West Shoulder Bag is right on the border for me of liking it and thinking it needs a little more oomph. The bag is made of soft glazed Nappa leather, is accented with polished silver metal hardware, and has a double-D charm dangling on bag front. *I think it will be quite funny if some search engines pick up Double-D meaning a woman’s chest rather than a charm- Ha*. The shoulder strap is also made of leather and can be adjusted with a cute buckle system- which will give the drop about 9.5″. The inside of this bag is lined in twill, has a zipped pocket and two patch pockets, and helps the bag close by magnets. The overall size of this shoulder bag is 14.5″ x 6.5″ x 3.5″. If you like it, eLuxury has it available in olive (shown) or black for $275.

A PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) activist holds a banner reading ‘Fur is dead’, as she leaps on to the catwalk during the Roberto Cavalli Spring/Summer 2006 fashion collection, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Sept. 30, 2005.

Because today is still my day, I think this picture is fitting. But who wins? The PETA activist or the Cavalli models? I’d say the models held their composure better than that crazy fur lady. What do you all think? Let’s get a little discussion going on fur; between those of us who are for using it in designer wear vs. those of us who are not.

Play nice

Chanel Vintage Tote | Supple distressed calfskin leather | $1,995 | More info…

Chanel Square Vintage Bag | Lambskin leather | $2,575 | More info…

Chanel Ligne Cambon Tote | Quilted calfskin | $1,275 | More info…

Chanel Ski Collection Purse | Nylon | $995.00 | More info…

Thanks to Rhiannon at Chanel Amour for the wonderful info on these Chanel handbags!