I’ve never been a Tod’s fan, by and large. I’m sure that their bags are well-made, but they always seemed to be lacking in the design department, and for that kind of money, I want a bit of visual flair with my perfect construction.

And in the Tod’s Ribbed Leather Bag, I may have found it – this is easily my favorite of their bags in quite a long while, if not ever.

The ribbed leather reminds me of Louis Vuitton epi, except for slightly softer and slouchier. Which is to say: slightly more awesome. The shape is also great – slightly triangular and with handles that would allow it to be either arm or shoulder carried, depending on your preference.

The thing that really makes the bag, though, is the closure strap over the center. Indeed, its boldness and studded facade are not something that you’d normally expect from the brand, but that’s what makes me like it. Instead of blending into the background unnoticed, this bag would be an equal part of any outfit, and that’s exactly what I want in a bag. Buy through Bluefly for $1316.

It has been a while since we have covered Tod’s on Purse Blog. It was not by intention, as we are huge Tod’s fans. The fact of the matter is anytime we view a Tod’s collection we see simple elegance. Every collection continues to bring forth a sophisticated touch that has become ubiquitous with the brand.

Tods D Bag is the highlight of the Fall/Winter 2010 collection. This season of items from Tod’s can be summed up by tradition, fine craftsmanship and functionality. This is not the first we have seen of the D-Bag but there are new sizes, colors, and skins. Celeb fans include Diane Kruger, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Leighton Meester, and Nicole Kidman.

Tods D-Bag Shopping | $1495

The Shopping D-Bag adds a nice twist with the optional shoulder strap. The contrast stitching shows off the sturdy leather and the seams break up the design of the bag. This bag screams classy working woman.

Tods D-Bag Bauletto | $1445

The shape is timeless and classic. A hand held bag should be part of every woman’s wardrobe. Consider the Bauletto as a contender. While the leather version is what we all expect, Tod’s also has an alligator version that has my heart (price is $21,000).

Shop Tods at Saks. Also check Tod’s online or call 1-800-457-TODS.

Typically I praise Tods bags for their simplicity and elegance, but sometimes they miss it. And with the Tods G-Bag Bauletto Piccolo Satchel I just can’t find myself liking it. I will first say that I am not always fond of patent/coated leather. I prefer smooshy leather to patent/coated, as patent leather many times feels rubbery and looks too glossy. There are some designers who perfect patent leather on a handbag, but I much prefer it on a shoe. So back to this bag. The color is dramatic, sure, but I am picky about red handbags. In fact, I don’t own a red handbag. I own off-shoots of red, cranberry and wine shades, but not red. And having red patent is that much more in your face. The contrast leather trim sets this bag off more for me. It contrasts too much, looks harsh and over-the-top. The shape of the bag is cute enough, much like a bowler but it has adjustable double handles. There is an optional adjustable shoulder strap. I know many people could pull this off, but I simply am not under the guise that I am one of them. I just figured it out, this bag reminds me of a candied apple. What do you think about this Tods bag: A hit or a miss? Buy through Saks for $850.

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.

We were recently asked what bag we would buy if we had $1500. For some reason, this question was hard for me. I knew that the bag would need to be a staple. Nothing too trendy or seasonal, something that will last for ages. This is a bit trickier than I anticipated, but I know a perfect $1500 option.

Tod’s handbags have this timeless allure about them. And one of the all time favorites is the Media bag. The lily pebble grained leather with a subtle sheen is a simple masterpiece on the Tods New Restyling D Bag Media. Nothing over the top, even some of you may find the bag too simple, but it is just right. It is a shape and style that will last for seasons and years to come. This is a safe option. It is not super memorable, but it is beautiful. There is polished silver hardware and rolled leather shoulder straps. I would love to see a snap closure at the top, but this is just open. The inside offers compartments for organization, including two leather trimmed zip pockets. Dimensions are 15.75″x 11″x 5.5″. Buy through eLuxury just under $1500.

Earlier I let you all in on a glimpse at the Gwyneth Paltrow for Tod’s commercial. A bit long yes, but the focus of the commercial is her stunning Tod’s Pashmy Bag. The Tod’s Pashmy Bags have become iconic for the house and are released in different materials, including plush nylon or exotic snakeskin. While many celebs, including Renee Zellweger and Gwyneth Paltrow opt for the $2,345 snakeskin Pashmy Bag, the nylon has made quite a hit too. Above are some Purse Blog’s favorite Nylon Tod’s Pashmy Bags. Prices range from the mid $300’s to a little over $1,100 for nylon. What do you think of the Pashmy bags?

Buy Tod’s Pashmy Bags through Saks or eLuxury.

It is the Pashmy Bag in snake $2,345
Tod’s Boutiques Nationwide
1.800.457.TODS

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Tod’s commercial has finally hit the web. The blond haired beauty graces this 7 minute clip which follows the journey of her Tod’s Pashmy bag finding its way back to her. What do you think?

Buy Tod’s Pashmy Bags through Saks or eLuxury.

The allure of Tod’s handbags speaks for itself. Tod’s bags are known for understated elegance, known for clean lines, known for squeaky clean designs, and brilliant craftsmanship. If you walk with your head looking at the ground you will notice many business men wear Tod’s shoes and women adore their flats. It is all warranted. I am not saying that Tod’s creates every design with an ingenuitive thought or direction, but they continue to create handbags that are well-made and show unending beauty.

As I was scouring Saks for a new great handbag I ran into the Tod’s Medium Rounded D-Bag, and while the flashy clutches and metallic exotic skins caught my attention, so too did this handbag. You see this bag does exactly what Tod’s has become known for; catching your attention without stealing it. The shape is classic, the slightly textured calfskin is perfect, and the topstitching gives the perfect finishing touch. The tassels on either side are silver-tipped, which gives off that slight glimmer when you walk gracefully and a passerby’s eye is caught by the bag. But the overall product is simple, even bordering on ordinary. It is that the craftsmanship and beauty transcends over the internet and lets me know that this bag is another sure shot from Tod’s. Nothing to place on your wish list at this very moment and burn and pine for, but something that would last for years upon years and be worth every penny. Measurements are 14″W X 11″H X 5″D. Buy through Saks for $1350.

Most of my obsession with Tod’s comes from their shoes. While their bags are lovely, it is their perfect fitting comfortable shoes that do me in. I wish I could say I have a closet full of Tod’s shoes, but I do not. Vlad owns two pair that he bought while we were in Venice last year and loves them! Recently I have fallen in love with the Tod’s Goa Bag and right after fell in love with the Tod’s Softy Bags when I got to feel them and try them on in the stores. There is an understated elegance that Tod’s exudes, nothing too over the top, rather simple designs staying true to the brand and adding the perfect touch each time. The Tod’s Softy Bag features textured soft leather with a braided double handle. There is an inside zipped pocket and dimensions are 15″W X 11½”H X 3¼”D. This bag is the most stay-worthy from Tod’s for the season. Lucky for you it is also marked down at Saks! Originally $1650, buy through Saks for $1155.

There is nothing outstanding about this mini bag, but if you still enjoy the bar scene it is perfect. There has not been one time that I have gone out to a bar with my friends (not the upscale trendy sit down bar, the college atmosphere heavy drinking type) and not been spilled on. Somehow ‘party foul’ became a part of my life, as every pair of pants, top, and bag that I own has been spilled on. For that reason alone would I love the Tod’s Pashmy Pochette Mini which is designed with nylon and features a wristlet strap. Tod’s handbags are known for their elegant appeal, but their release of nylon bags has appealed to a more vast outreach. This wristlet still features aspects that are luxurious, like the satin lining. There is a small front exterior zip and dimensions are 10½”W X 6″H X 2″D. Buy through Saks for $375.

Tod’s bags are synonymous for their elegant and timeless style. If you are looking for a handbag that will transcend throughout many seasons to come, turning to Tod’s is one of the best answers. But I love to see Tod’s take a little risk. Sure, not a huge risk, but a little risk is always nice because it may pay off. The Tod’s Goa Messenger Media takes a different approach with the double layer braided shoulder strap and ruching on the sides. The back of the bag features gathered folds. Available in ink blue smooth grained leather, the color is a subtle and stunning option that will transfer from season to season. There is polished silver metal hardware and metal tipped ties on the side. I actually really am drawn to this bag. It is subtle yet different. And while it is not shockingly different, it gives the perfect little change to the clean lines we know for Tod’s. Buy through eLuxury for $1,800.

You don’t see much of Kate Winslet in the public eye. Here or there she is out and about, but she is not making headlines. And I assume this is just the way she likes it. She wants to just wear a loose fitting sweater and jeans and go about her daily life like the rest of ‘us’. She even wears Uggs, which are so comfortable but so hideous at the same time (Vlad hates them on me but when we were in Ohio I wore them constantly!!). Over the weekend, Kate decided not to go to the Oscars and lay low in New York City. Her bag of choice is the understated Tod’s Took Sacca Hobo in off-white, which is designed with calf skin leather and an adjustable shoulder strap. The handbag worked perfectly as Kate was out about in the City, offering ample room and a loose fit. There are two front flap pockets and one front zip pocket. Dimensions are 13″W X 12″H X 4½”D.

Tod’s Took Sacca Hobo in off-white | $1,750 via Saks

Took Multitashce Media in dark brown | $1,550 via eLuxury

Tod’s Took Tracolla Media in Brandy | $1,550 via Saks

Tod’s Took Tracolla Media in ruby red | $1,550 via eLuxury

Everything is going to be a tad slower around here for the next two weeks. Vlad and I are currently and finally (officially) moving from Ohio to Florida. The amount of ’stuff’ that has piled up over the years is disgusting. Really, you should purge your closet, it feels good! The one thing I could not purge was any of my handbags. I came across a VERY old Coach handbags (in fact my first ever) and I can not part with that little bugger no matter what! As I looked at many of my bags, I noticed some wear and tear. I do treat my bags well, but they are meant to be worn. Wearing a bag will undoubtedly give it signs of aging. And sure, the Prada Nylon Bags can be overpriced, but boy do they hold up! I have my college messenger bag from Prada still and it is in perfect shape. So I decided I would love a nylon bag that is still easy to clean but brings a little more style along with it, just as the Tod’s Pockets D-Bag Piccola bag does. While this bag is available in ruby red or black nylon, I would totally opt for the red which packs a little punch. There are double shoulder straps and side leather pulls with three exterior pockets. This bag is the sister to the Tod’s Roxy which Cameron Diaz loves. The dimensions of this bag are large, don’t let them fool you, measuring 14½”W X 12″H X 5″D. If you had a small child or two, this would work to tote their essentials around in for the day. Though if your family is larger and your kids are as needy as I was, you may need a bigger bag. Buy through Saks for $875.

When you travel it is important to make sure your man carries a bag along too. My handbag gets heavy from long days of walking and I always need a helping hand. Vlad carries his Louis Vuitton Taiga Dersou Messenger Bag with him and I begin to unload my unwanted items. That way my purse is lighter, my shoulder stops aching, and my man can carry my essentials that essentially hurt. Tod’s is a great designer to turn to for sturdy, stunning, manly designs. They are not feminine, yet they can definitely be classified as stylish. Take a load off your shoulder and tell your man (or buy your man) the Tod’s Messenger Bag. The dark brown textured leather gives off a masculine color and the contrast stitch keeps the bag from looking drab. I love the toned down shoulder strap, which is made with canvas. The hardware is metal and there are accessory compartments on the inside. The compartments, of course, are for you to help your man organize his things or your things. The dimensions would fit a small lap top, but if you are packing heavy machinery (17″ Mac Book Pro a la Vlad and I) you either need a bigger bag or to leave your lap top at home. Buy through Saks for $1250.

If you can keep your hands clean, then this pochette will be a stunning crisp evening bag. Tod’s is known for understated elegance, for clean lines and bags that function. With a touch of refined charm, the Tod’s Boomerang Pochette manifests its beauty in symmetry and class. Designed with a light colored lizard skin with metallic accents, this clutch is touched up to stand out. The only aspect that I am a tad unsure of is the jeweled push-lock closure, as I question if it looks too ornate or just right. Either way the body of the clutch is perfect, and lined in supple suede. Measurements are 6.5″x 4.25″x 1.25″. In the season of events, this could be the perfect accessory, if it fits your style wants and needs. Buy through eLuxury for $1250.

Maybe she carries a chip on her shoulder, but this brunette beauty does have reason to feel very self-confident. With an amazing toned body, beautiful skin, and dark sultry hair, Jessica Alba is the woman of many men’s fantasies. Right now she is in Vancouver and was spotted out to lunch with friends looking very casual. Her outfit is simple and monotone but her Tod’s D-Bag Grande adds the perfect splash of color to her ensemble. This pebble-grained patent leather handbag stays true to Tod’s signature style. While Jessica Alba’s body is not for sale, her stunning handbag is. Via eLuxury for $1795.

More pics below!

Images via Celeb Utopia

Buy via eLuxury for $875.

Ashton leading the ladies below!

Spotted on the streets of London, the gorgeous Brit Liz Hurley was snapped shopping. This Brit is always perfectly put together and is such a naturally stunning beauty. Hiding behind her huge Jimmy Choo shopping bag (wonder what delightful shoe candy is in there!), Liz Hurley was carrying a Tod’s Carey Media Handbag. This Tod’s bag is a sophisticated beauty that matches its carrier perfectly, with sleek grained leather with contrast topstitching, polished golden metal hardware, and a decorative buckle on the front. Do you dig her style?

On sale now is the Tod’s Carey Media at eLuxury for $1044.