I’d like to begin by saying that I generally try to make an effort to appreciate innovation, even when it might lack in functionality. If no one attempts innovation in the first place, then we never have any new concepts for designers to eventually incorporate into bags that we can use in our everyday lives. Which is why I like the Miu Miu Basket Tote, at least in theory, if not in practice.

I think the uses for this bag, as it is, are fairly low. It would be an awfully chic grocery tote, should you need to run around the corner to grab a few things to make dinner. It might also make a decent pool tote, if you folded up your towel in the bottom to prevent your iPod headphones from dangling out. Miu Miu usually errs on the safe side with their bags so its nice to see them do something a bit different, but they fall short on practicality here. This bag would have been both innovative and functional if they had included some sort of soft leather lining inside – maybe in a cream or light grey, for maximum contrast. I would have left the lining loose instead of sticking it to the frame throughout the bag, which would leave the cage effect intact. That way, not only is the idea intact, but the bag is highly usable too. Miu Miu is halfway there, and I kind of like the idea so far. Buy through Bluefly for $660.

PurseBlog has been on Twitter for about a month now and we are loving it! Once we figured out what was going on, we became hooked. And who wouldn’t. All of our handbag loving friends are there along with websites we love. If you are not on Twitter yet, you need to sign up! And if you are not following us yet, start following us now.

I promised you a better look at the Jimmy Choo Martha Clutch that we covered earlier this week. After I reviewed the bag I realized that the picture on NAP had the middle of the bag zipped up, which does nothing great for the look of this particular clutch. All of the Jimmy Choo Zip bags look better unzipped. This is a fact; every single zip bag from Choo looks 10 times better unzipped. My only gripe with this clutch is that it is flimsy. I like a hearty handbag that keeps its shape. If you don’t mind a lack of structure and you love animal print, then this clutch will be perfect for you. Again, I am not hating on it, I am just wishing for more structure on an otherwise stunning clutch. At least it will pack well for trips. Buy through Net A Porter for $1595.

As much as I love scoping out great handbags, I also love taking a step back and appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into making the bags. Tod’s handbags, like many other high end designer bags, are known for exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. When you are dropping mega bucks on a bag, you better hope that the bag will withstand the test of time.

The Tod’s Hel.Zip Sacca Hobo is an updated take on a classic Tod’s bag. While I would prefer my Tod’s bag to be made out of leather, there is something unique and eye catching about the nylon and leather trim of this bag. The shoulder strap looks like it would fit perfectly on your shoulder without digging into it or falling off. Plenty of zippers and compartments adorn the bag. But, would you spend this kind of money on a nylon bag? What do you think? Buy through Saks for $950.

Our wait is almost over – Project Runway returns to the airwaves August 20th, according to the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. They’ve got a cover story on the much-missed series this week in which they speak with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum about the future of the series, the difficulties of waiting, and what we can all expect from our favorite fashion show.

First, the show’s move from New York to L.A. isn’t completely permanent. According to Tim and Heidi, the show will alternate seasons on each coast in order to reap the maximum benefits that the cities have to offer, which should be somewhat of a relief to a lot of the fans that couldn’t fathom shooting a show about fashion anywhere in the country except for New York (I am one of those people). Also, despite the new location, the new network (Lifetime, about which I will not snark since I got in trouble for it in the comments last time), and the new production team (of The Real World fame), Heidi reports that the runway set is more or less exactly the same. Lifetime execs said that they recognized that they already had a winner on their hands with Runway and did not wish to fix something that wasn’t broken.

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Botkier bags have been a longtime favorite of the Purse Blog team. There is a category for them on Purse Blog savvy which they so deserve but I still want to talk about them on Purse Blog sometimes as well. Amanda already covered the Botkier Venice Hobo on PB Savvy and now I am here on Purse Blog to share my love of this bag with you as well.

Let the lusting begin. The Botkier Venice Hobo is designed with smooth supple leather. The leather from Botkier is amazing, this I can attest to. Ample front zippers and tassels add an extra dimension that looks super chic. The hobo will fit perfectly under your arm and not rub right under your arm with the 9″ drop. All sorts of pockets are on the inside for storage as well, a zip and three open pockets. And this hobo is extra roomy, dimensions are 16″W X 13″H X 2½”D. I love this bag. A yellow version for $595 at Nordstrom is available (they have a magnificent yellow hue) or opt for black or caramel (which is my pick) at Saks for $595.

My hands are sweating just looking at the Stella McCartney Zebra-Print Wool Clutch. Wool, really? Whenever I have to hold a wool coat or sweater in my hand for more than a few minutes, my palms get so warm and moist that I have to put it down. I know Stella doesn’t use animal materials, and I know wool is a material appropriate for the Fall/Winter collection from which this comes, but it just doesn’t seem like that inspired of a choice to me.

And then there’s the size issue. A lot of designers make these wallet-sized clutches, and I’m not really sure who they’re selling them too – people without cell phones, maybe? Certainly people without Blackberries. I could never wedge mine into it. Whoever they are, it seems like an extremely niche market. What I do like, however, is how subtle the zebra print is. It doesn’t yell zebra, it merely whispers it, and subtlety and animal print are two hard concepts to combine. She does it rather well here, but it’s not enough to rescue the bag as a whole. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $515.

Ok folks – how many of you watch the Ellen Show? Here at Purse Blog, we can’t get enough! We think the show is hilarious, brilliant, entertaining and unique… just like us, right?! Well, if you do watch Ellen, you will remember her quest to be on the cover of O Magazine. After days, weeks, months of work, Ellen received a call from Oprah saying yes, in fact Ellen would be on the cover! So we are following in Ellen’s footsteps.

ELLEN, we love your show! And, we have fun, witty and amazing things to share with your audience. Ellen, call/email/tweet us. We will be on your show one of these days and we can’t wait!

So, all you Purse Blog fans out there – do you think we would be a great addition to one of her shows? Help us attain our goal! Email/tweet/call… do whatever you can and tell the Ellen Show why Purse Blog should be a part of it!

Photo via Ellen Show

There is a similar phenomenon with Miu Miu handbags and Marc by Marc Jacobs bags. Bigger brother/sister of both brands seems less impressive than the younger sibling at times. Prada is great, but many times Miu Miu is better. Same with Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc. One of my favorite bags from Miu Miu reappeared on NAP and I was crushing on it hard. Today I wanted to look at the bag again and it is sold out, go figure. The bag I am speaking of is the Miu Miu Fuchsia Matellase Tote which is a perfect bold yet feminine accessory. The gold tone hardware accents the pleated leather beautifully. This bag is roomy and has tons of pockets; one padlock pocket, one press stud pocket on the outside, and an inside pocket. This bag is a spin-off of the Miu Miu Coffer, which was a huge hit, and I love this more East/West take on the bag. Maybe it will be back on NAP soon. Buy through Net A Porter for $1,495

Folks, it’s time for me to state the obvious: it’s summer. And for fashion people, that means magazines are getting thinner, store shelves are getting barer, and there won’t be much to sustain us until approximately August (or September, if you’re counting in magazine months). Pre-Fall stuff is trickling in from a few brands, but overall, there’s not a lot to talk about in the handbag world that most of you guys haven’t already seen. I was talking (read: whining) about this to a guy friend earlier today, and his response was, “Well, bathing suits are summery. Why don’t you just write about those?”

My initial reaction was “Psssh, those aren’t handbags,” but then I figured, why not? He might be on to something. So I spent a little bit of time looking around the Internet today for my favorite bathing suit, and I decided that I loved the J.Crew Regal Paisley Bikini. The bold, retro pattern will cover any wear-and-tear that occurs from lazing around the pool or ocean and the slightly more substantial top will give the necessary lift and added security to a girl with a larger-than-average chest. So what bathing suit have you been wearing this summer, or do you still have your eye on several? Buy through J.Crew for $90.