We’ve had some harsh words to say over the past month or so about Prada‘s fall handbag collection. Some of them are covered in fur, some of them are unfortunate combinations of velvet and nylon, and a lot of them look a little “grandma.”

As a result, I’m not sure if I’m being more charitable to the Prada Craquele Tote than I would be otherwise.

Prada has been flying below the radar. Nothing exceptionally amazing and nothing on the other end of the spectrum, exceptionally awful (ok I take that back, remember the Visone tote?!). Nevertheless, for the most part we have been un-phased by Prada.

While we appreciate all of the additions and imagination that goes into making stand apart bags, sometimes we simply want a great and practical staple.

Hot of the Fall/Winter runway collection, the Prada Velluto Jacquard Tote is hitting stores. Our verdict: no thanks. The pictures and description leave much to be desired. There is the rust cheetahprint velvet jacquard version or the midnight floral print velvet jacquard tote. On the Neiman Marcus website, these Prada bags leave much to be desired. They look more like an art-project than a runway bag.

Alright, who skinned Snuffaluffagus? And who told Prada that it was ok to make a bag out of a beloved Sesame Street character? Have they no shame?

Ok, so I doubt any childhood icons had to die to make the Prada Visone Tote , but that doesn’t make it any less unattractive.

I’m so split on Prada‘s Fall 2009 collection. I’ve seen some bags from it that look great – a bit boring, but made of nice materials and stylish enough to appeal to a lot of people. And then I’ve seen some bags that are apparently slightly more ‘conceptual,’ and most of those don’t work as well. A new entry on that list is the Prada Velluto Jacquard Tote.

The first time that I scrolled past the Prada Tessuto & Ricamo Tote, I was entirely sure that it was Valentino. Partly that’s because of the difficulty of photographing the details of a bag like this, but partly (or maybe mostly), it’s because it really LOOKS like some of the Valentino bags we’ve seen recently. Incredibly intricate, shiny, flower-themed…that’s kind of their thing.

My opinion on these new little wristlets from Prada is yet to be determined. Part of me looks at them and merely sees a stage prop perfectly suited for Shakespeare in the park. The other part of me thinks the colors are drab, materials are not feasible, and price is outlandish. Both of the Prada Velluto Wristlet Pouch are designed with velvet which is a material little known to the modern handbag market.

I’m not a big makeup girl. If you open my bag you will find a tube of chapstick and lip gloss. That is why I do not need a large cosmetic case. And that is also why I adore the Prada Small Vela Cosmetic Case, it is cute and perfect for to throw into your handbag with your makeup essentials.

I’m kind of shocked, really – a Prada leather bag for less than a thousand dollars? At first I wondered if the price was correct, but it hasn’t changed in the couple of weeks that the bag has been on the Saks website, so it must be correct. I doubt this is the brand’s response to the recession – Prada doesn’t seem like the type of brand that intends to acknowledge it at all – but for whatever reason they chose to produce the reasonably priced Prada Vitello Shine Hobo, and I’m pretty pleased with it.

I have never been much of a fan of Prada. Not for any particular reason; they’re just not my thing, but I can understand why others are so passionate about them. The leather is usually supple and beautiful and I’ve heard wonderful things about their quality and construction. Nice leather, classic shapes, and durability – you can’t ask for a whole lot more than that, even if they don’t exactly tickle my fancy.