Yesterday, Amanda and I popped into the Tod’s showroom to preview the Spring 2012 collection. Seriously you guys and gals, this collection is so absolutely fantastic that I can barely contain my joy – even at this moment. Last month when Amanda posted a sneak peek of what Tod’s had in store for us for the upcoming season, I already started to feel a bit of handbag-yearning. But upon seeing this bags up close and personal, my yearning has turned to a full-on obsession.

Tod’s has never let me down when it comes to quality products and classic designs, but in the past few years, Tod’s has lacked that certain “oomph”. Sure, the bags are gorgeous and well-made, but they were almost too demure and too classic to grab my attention. All of these problems have been fixed in the Tod’s Spring 2012 Collection, where bright colors, unique combinations and wearable designs reign supreme.

Let me start with the bad, which is only bad in the financial sense. The bag that I had my little heart set on and wanted the most from this collection is made of sueded alligator and will cost over $30,000. I walked into the showroom knowing exactly which bag I wanted to scout out and I immediately asked our Tod’s tour guide for the price, hoping that it was stamped croc instead of the real thing. At that exact moment, I felt the awful reality of knowing that this bag would never be mine. However, if that is the only bad news we have with this collection, I’ll take it. We snapped photos for your enjoyment, so join me in pining over a bag majority of us will never be able to afford.

The rest of the collection focused on touches of old mixed with new. The new bag release of the season is the “Lunchbox Bag,” over which Tod’s is justifiably quite excited. Very lady-like and structured, this bag is meant to be handheld and gives a good bit of visual pleasantries without trying too hard.

If you go away from this post knowing one thing, know that Tod’s exotic skins are stunning. The color combinations and finishes on their bags were making Amanda and I “ooh and ahh” all over the showroom. Subtle yet alluring, Tod’s took on an array of python skin that can turn any non-reptile bag lover into a fan. Tod’s is back in the game and will always be here to stay.

For most people, I think the image that comes to mind when one thinks of Tod’s is that of comfortable driving shoes and fine, if very traditional, leather handbags. It’s a company that makes the kinds of things that everyone’s mother would be overjoyed to receive for Christmas. That, in and of itself, is also a bit of a problem; how does Tod’s make itself relevant to its next generation of customers?

It looks as though the company would like to start answering that question with Tod’s Spring 2012.The collection represents a modern take on the brand’s most popular bags, the Bauletto satchel in particular, with versions that run the gamut from only slightly left-of-center to full-on crazy. Crazy relative to the classic bags for which Tod’s is known, anyway. I see some very interesting options in this lineup that I’d love to wear myself.

There are plenty of brands known for bags that make disappointing shoes (and vice versa, certainly), so it’s no small feat when a company takes its footwear and successfully uses it as an inspiration for handbags. And yet, that’s just what Tod’s has done with the Tod’s Signature Collection. The bags’ embossed pattern is an ode to the texture that forms the bottom of the company’s famous driving shoes, and it gives the brand what it’s been lacking: A logo bag of sorts.

Of course, an embossed pattern isn’t a monogram like those made famous by Louis Vuitton and Gucci, but it does serve as an identifier from one in-the-know person to another that they are, well, in the know. Sort of like Goyard’s painted prints or Balenciaga’s motorcycle hardware, the embossing functions as a brand indicator without some of the stigma that’s attached to a full-on logo. For a company as discerning and subtle as Tod’s, it seems like the correct avenue to take in order to create a visual signature. Would you buy one of these bags? They’ll be available in September as part of the Fall 2011 collection.

[Photos courtesy of Tod's via Vogue.com]

The Tod’s Ivy Sacca Media Shoulder Bag is just that – a beautiful, simple object that performs its essential function without fuss or bother. For those who love Hermes but simply cannot afford to spend Hermes prices, a Tod’s bag like this one is perhaps the best alternative on the luxury mass-market.

I make the Tod’s/Hermes comparison because of this design’s emphasis on the beauty of the bag’s material. The putty-colored, pebbled Italian leather takes center stage, just as the unique and detailed leathers do on so many Hermes bags. And when you’re using leather as nice as both brands generally do, there’s no reason to guide the emphasis elsewhere. Tod’s isn’t innovative, but it makes beautiful, functional bags that don’t need any innovation. Buy through Saks for $1495.

Of the options I’ve seen so far, the Tod’s D-Styling Bauletto Medio Bag is easily my favorite. Instead of taking on the bushy, overly plush look that befalls so many fur designs, the laser-cut fox has a finish that’s both luxurious and visually interesting. This bag is one of very few that I’ve seen where the use of the fur actually adds something to the bag’s aesthetic.

Depending on your feelings on fur, this bag is either a smart take on a big trend or an overpriced, dubiously ethical fluff ball. Principally, however, my job is to decide whether I think it’s a nice looking bag, and I think that it is. I don’t understand why it wouldn’t be just as nice looking in faux fur, though. Buy through Saks for $1995.

So, I was a little surprised to see this Tod’s bag with so much fringe. Aren’t you? No matter what you think about fringe, you have to admit, this bag is rather exquisite in its own way.

There have been so many fringe bags we’ve covered in the past that seemed to be perfect for a younger crowd. However, one of the first things I noticed about the Tod’s G-Bag Frange Media is that it clearly appeals to a wide age range, which I am always a fan of. The tiered fringe adds just the right amount of movement to the bag without it looking a complete mess. I could carry this during the day as easily as I could to dinner or for a night out with friends. How can you miss the color? I know Summer is coming up next but this bag would be beyond perfect for Fall! This is the kind of bag that is a perfect combination of formal and fun. Sure, that might sound a bit like an oxymoron, but it is true. And if you are as big of a fan of this bag as I am, you better order it now – it’s already on back order! Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1695.

Ok, now that I’ve calmed down a bit, it is no secret that here are PurseBlog, we are fans of Tod’s handbags. I for one continue to fall in love with Tod’s bags almost every single time I see one. And while I *should* be able to show some restraint, I always have to take a deep breath before I walk into a Tod’s store. Why you ask? Well, because I need to show composure so I don’t simply whip out my credit card and do some damage, like, some serious damage. Whether I am in a store or simply doing some online shopping, I am about to whip out my credit card for this bag.

The Tod’s D-Styling Baulette Medio does not disappoint. The downright gorgeous red leather caught my attention and for all the right reasons. In typical D-line fashion, the double top handles are sturdy and fabulous. There is a long messenger strap which would add to the the flow of the bag. I can see myself carrying this bag in hand while the messenger strap drapes down a bit simply garnering more positive attention. The handcrafted center stream breaks up the loose shape of the bag and brings just a hint of structure, but not too much structure. I rarely stop and think about my need for a red handbag in my collection, this is one I would welcome with open arms and would carry for years to come. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1445.

I do very much like the Tod’s Shade Tote, however. It’s got that little certain something to it that makes me find it appealing, and I’m still not sure exactly what that is. The color? Shape? Maybe a combination of the two?

Yep, I think it’s the combination. The color reminds me of Hermes‘s ever-popular potiron, which automatically gives the bag a super-luxe feel. It’s not exactly the same, but it conjures ideas of the same sorts of outfits in my head, and that’s enough for me.

The shape is also a bit more interesting than your average Tod’s bag, and in a way that’s quite interesting without being uncharacteristically flashy for the brand. The leather looks extremely high-quality, which beautifully completes a stylish, subtle bag that’s head and shoulders above the average offering from the brand. Buy through Saks for $1095.

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.