Ladies and gents, finally, new handbags are beginning to surface. I am sure you are just like I am and cannot wait to start seeing some new bags grace retail and online stores. Let me start off by saying, I’m almost always pleased with Marc by Marc Jacobs bags. Even if I am not sure I’d like to add a specific one to my collection, I can always appreciate the design and detailing. Yet, today, I came across a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag that I can pre-order through Bloomingdale’s that I think I just might have to make mine!

One of our favorite handbag styles at the moment, the Proenza Schouler PS1, is now available on their website. This bag has continued to catch our attention, with its schoolgirl appeal and masculine yet ladylike vibe. I will continue to applaud the boys behind PS, who have made Proenza Schouler bags become part of our handbag vocabulary.

In December we first got news that Proenza Schouler would open up their online sales and were selling web exclusives. After we posted this, all of you helped sell out their limited edition wallets.

A sculptural clutch is something that not everyone wants to hold in their hand. This is quite obviously understood by the mere fact that most clutches are square or rectangular shaped, and that shape has persisted since the dawn of the clutch. Sure, there are sometimes some curves, and there are the special, crystal-encrusted Judith Leiber animals, but other shapes don’t really make their mark.

Clearly, Alexander Wang is trying to change that, evidenced by this Alexander Wang Darla Pyramid Clutch. And you know, I really like it. It’s fresh without being too imposingly strange; rather, it takes the quintessential Alexander Wang handbag elements and transfers them neatly into a triangular package. Case in point: the studs are on the base of the pyramid, both noticeable and chameleon-esque.

This season of Project Runway feels kind of like the show used to feel before it left Bravo, doesn’t it? It’s a nice feeling – warm, familiar, safe, fabulous. We’ve had three consecutive episodes with both Princess Michael Kors AND Nina Garcia in simultaneous attendance, our designers actually have sewing skills and personalities, and Tim Gunn doesn’t look utterly terrified anymore because the producers have returned him to his natural habitat of New York City.

Another thing that felt oh-so-right about Thursday night’s show was the challenge. Not only was it the customary partner fiasco that we always get in the first few episodes, but it also satisfied the expensive dress/look for less trope that gained favor in the show’s last few season on that OTHER network. Of course, as is customary when creative people are required to work with each other, tempers flared and people got thrown under the proverbial bus. I would accept nothing less.

I know, I know. You’ve all spent the past few weeks waiting, patiently for the announcement of all announcements… the winner of that gorgeous Hermes Birkin from back in December. You might remember that we partnered with our friends at FabSugar and Portero Luxury to bring you the most amazing giveaway we’ve done thus far – the holy grail of handbags – the Hermes Birkin.

I feel like it’s time to take the temperature in the room, so to speak. I know that I, personally, am not sick of black leather, chains or studs because I liked them way back in high school and have enjoyed them ever since, but what about the rest of you, for whom they may not be a party of your innate personal style? Are you over the industrial trend yet?

And, as an extension of that question, is the Magali Pascal Chain Shoulder Bag awesome or boring? I vote for ‘awesome,’ but I can also see where this trend might be getting a little tired. Are you over it yet? And if you are over it, what is the new trend that you’re supporting?

Can we talk for a moment about this whole denim thing? And I mean not talk about it like fashion people, but like people that like to buy pretty handbags, because ultimately, that’s what almost all of us are. Even if we are fashion people in our spare time. Let’s dispense with what might be “on-trend” and talk about what actually looks good. Hint: IT’S NOT DENIM.

In the interest of full disclosure, I probably haven’t worn jeans in about a year. I just don’t like them. I know a lot of people do, and they look great on a lot of women. They do not look great on me, however, and they do not look great on handbags. I’m ok with denim-colored leather, but bags like the Miu Miu Large Denim Tote are simply beyond the pale.