If the old adage that bad things come in threes is to be believed, then there is one more terrible Valentino bag out there that’s I’m going to have to hate on before the brand returns to it’s normally fabulous self. First, a few days ago, there was the Valentino Petale Satchel, which was too squished and not the right color. There was also the Valentino Bow Shopping Tote that Anna didn’t like, but I’m not counting it in my personal list of unfortunate bags since I didn’t write about it (although perhaps it does count cosmically, I don’t know if the powers that be consider bylines when dealing with triads of bad bags). Regardless, my next entry in my list of three is the Valentino Houndstooth Fleur Bag.

I think I understand what they were trying to accomplish here (theoretically, that would be a bag that Charlotte from Sex and the City would wear with some pearls), but the combination of the tightly wound patent leather flowers and the woven nylon houndstooth (I died a little bit typing that) fabric is not luxurious in the least. In fact, it strikes me as almost costume-y, although I’m not sure what costume it would go with…maybe if you’re going as a WASP this Halloween. Buy through Nordstrom for $1395.

Prada bags have not made an appearance on Purse Blog in nearly two months. That means we are waiting on the new styles to show up online and there hasn’t been a great or awful Prada bag to cover. I found my way to the Prada Cervo Lux Print Bowler a couple months ago and found myself liking it. The bowler shape is not always my favorite as I prefer to be able to sling my bag over my shoulder and get on the go. But I could start to justify covering this bag since it is 50% off right now at Saks.

While it looks like python skin, this is actually python-printed deerskin which will not be as fragile as many python skins. The coloring of the bag is what I love most. From dark green to a lighter green, this bag has a great dimension to it. There is a goldtone logo in the center and double handle straps. Again, for a bag that was originally over $2k, the nylon lining is not as luxurious as I would want but will be easier to clean. I figured this bag was worth a mention, but it is not worthy of me remotely considering buying it. What about you? Buy through Saks for $1374.

Ok, you know me, I am pretty honest with you all. If I love a bag, I tell you. If I hate a bag, I tell you. And all of that is true no matter if you agree with me or not. So here is where you can continue to express your opinion… TWEET WITH US! Many of you follow us on our Purse Blog twitter page, but there is another one you should know about and follow.

Our Bag That Style twitter page. And trust me, follow us… it will be worth your while! If you like celeb gossip and style (whether you admit it or not), this is the site for you!

I like to laugh. But for obvious reasons, laughing at a bag it not usually a good sign. Nor is the flurry of mental activity that accompanies the single thought, “What was she thinking?” This is pretty much what went though my head when I saw the Valentino Bow Shopping Tote. Now I admit, I once succumbed to a patent leather bag in order to emulate Lilly from the kid’s book Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse (maybe this is why I’m into bags?). But that bag did not have an obnoxious bow on the front as this Valentino does.

This huge bow is unlike cute bows on purses- it is wrapped around the front of the tote in such a way that it looks like a wrapped-up present. The gathering, the red, the bow, the patent- it’s like Valentino was trying to enter the bag in a pageant. Now, this is all assuming the bag is red, but notice that is also comes in black. It’s decidedly less ridiculous, but I still can’t see this bag hanging casually off someone’s shoulder. At least it solves the perpetual problem of what to wear on a rainy day- the glossy coated canvas does look as though it could repel water. Buy through Saks for $895.

No way. I just stumbled across a Jimmy Choo handbag that I want to go out and buy right now. No, this isn’t one of the Jimmy Choo bags that makes a huge, loud statement. Yet, it is a Choo bag that I am certain we will see countless celebrities carrying, don’t you think? The Jimmy Choo Patent and Suede Shoulder Bag will no doubt turn into a go-to handbag.

If I had to choose between Choo shoes or handbags, I would have to say I am a shoe fan. But, this bag has me singing a different song. I love the gray patent and suede combination as well as the gold-tone hardware. Typically, I am a little skeptical when it comes to gray material and gold hardware, for some reason it doesn’t always seem to go together as well as I’d like it to. However, this bag executes the combination flawlessly. The zip pockets add character to the bag, they don’t make it seem busy. Now add the slight stud detailing and you have a bag for seasons to come. Pair it with bright colors this spring/summer then with your favorite jeans and black top this fall/winter and voila, success! Buy through Net-a-Porter for $1750.

One of the things I hate most in life is having to have a joke explained to me. Usually, I’m one of the jerks that will just laugh right along and pretend that I’m brilliant and that I got it, and then Google whatever reference it was that I didn’t understand later (if I remember, which usually, I don’t. So I stay in ignorance). The deal with writing for an audience, though, is that if you don’t get the joke, then you can’t really pretend you do and write about a supposedly funny bag anyway.

The biggest problem I’m having with the Anya Hindmarch Meat and Poultry Tote, though, is that I’m not entirely sure that there’s a joke in the first place. I feel like there’s some sort of humorous intent with the sizing of the roosters and the meat/poultry dichotomy, but I’m not entirely sure. I could be entirely wrong, maybe the designer just thinks that multisized roosters are cute, and maybe I’m the only one left wondering if there’s some sort of clever joke that’s being told here. But if you SEE the clever joke, for God’s sake, explain it to me. It’s driving me insane. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $98.

There are two things that I hope to do before my handbag career is over: own an Hermes bag and own something in crocodile or alligator. Those two dreams are both far off in the distance, but that doesn’t mean my wandering eyes can’t check out the merchandise. And lately, I can’t get the image of the Nancy Gonzalez Large Crocodile Tote out of my head.

I first covered this bag in a different color for Bag That Style, and this is another one of those situations where seeing it on a person makes all the difference. The pink looks like a wonderful sugary confection, but I’m more interested in the super-dark, shiny black option. What is it with me and giant black bags lately? I’m not sure, but if this is wrong, I don’t want to be right. The finish of the crocodile gives the bag a younger, edgier slant than most similar exotics, and the price could be a lot worse – Nancy Gonzalez charges for croc what a lot of other brands charge for python. Buy through Saks for $3350.

Rebecca, meet Nancy. Nancy, meet Rebecca.

Last update prior to us rolling out the new Bag Art category name. Stay tuned!

Gustto handbags are not new to us here at Purse Blog. In fact, we like these handbags so much that they are without a doubt one of our favorite Savvy Brands over at Purse Blog Savvy.

Recently I had a chance to speak with Founder and Creative Director of Gustto, Agathe Planchon. As she splits her time between San Diego and NYC it was no shock that I picked up on her easy going and approachable San Diego vibe.

Her story is not only amazing, but also a breath of fresh air. Of course we are all aware of the current state of the economy, but Agathe’s outlook is inspiring and uplifting. More than anything else, it was wonderful to hear that people still dream and believe in success. And it is no wonder so many celebrities have been spotted carrying these bags. They are unique, well made and a great accessory to so many outfits. We’ve had a chance to photograph some of these bags in person for our Bag Art and they were certainly hard to give back. We hope you enjoy the interview and make sure to stay tuned, there is much more Gustto to come!

Shop Gustto

Last week we brought you an awesome handbag sale that was going on over at Bloomingdale’s. Although the sale is technically over, I have to let you know there are still loads of great bags that are being offered at super low prices. Click here to shop away!