Anyone who’s opened a high-end fashion magazine in the recent past knows, those types of publications are focused on aesthetics to the near-complete exclusion of practical concerns. Style.com may be known as a website first and a magazine second (check out the print edition, though, it’s pretty fun), but it still follows that same fashion mag edict – form first, function second, if at all. Depending on the application, that ethos can either be fantastical or head-scratchingly odd.

The site recently released its top 10 lists for the season’s accessories, and its choice for The Best Bag of Fall 2012 struck me as the latter. This Fendi Crocodile Clutch maybe be a beautiful evening bag, but a great piece of functional design it is not. Box clutches never are, no matter how pretty they may be. Not only that, but this little evening bag isn’t even indicative of the season’s overall accessories trends. So what gives? (more…)

For the past few years, it seems like Mulberry can do almost no wrong. Despite the fact that I think the Lana Del Rey collaboration is a bit of a misstep, it’s almost like the exception that proves the rule – Mulberry has a very keen sense of what it is that young, chic women want to carry. The Alexa and its success weren’t a fluke; the brand knows its customers.

The latest bag to spring from the Alexa mold is the Mulberry Travel Day Bag, which, despite its name, is not actually a piece of luggage. Instead, it’s another crossbody satchel in the style of the Proenza Schouler PS1, which is a shape that’s earned the company lots of customers and even more money over the past few years. In bright green lizard-embossed leather, it’s a little slice of contemporary accessory perfection. (more…)

I was talking to my friend Tanya the other day about her next handbag purchase, and the subject of patent vs. regular leather came up. Patent’s having a huge moment right now, with everyone from 3.1 Phillip Lim to Chloe remaking some of their most successful designs in the stiff, glossy material, but the look isn’t for everyone or every design, no matter how hard brands try to make us think it is. The perfect example: The Chloe Madeline Satchel. (more…)

Lanvin Minaudiere Satin Shell Clutch, $1490 via Net-a-Porter

In general, a good rule of them is that two is a coincidence, three’s a trend. If that’s the case, then I’m ready to call shell bags a full-on fad; not only did Versace and Chanel both show shell purses during their respective Spring 2012 runway shows, but now Lanvin has dropped the Lanvin Minaudiere Satin Shell Clutch. That’s three, y’all. Can you hear the Trend Siren going off? (more…)

Leghila Neoprene B-Bag Tote, $375 via Luisa Via Roma

Around here, we have plenty of fun pointing out those companies who seek to ride each others’ design coattails to financial and sartorial success. Almost every company, big or small, well known or not, fits that descriptor from time to time, but then there are those who take the whole enterprise up several degrees of magnitude. When that happens, we get bags like the Leghila Neoprene B-Bag Tote. (more…)

Gucci 1973 Python Bag, $2900 via Net-a-Porter

I wrote a post on this topic approximately 800 years ago, which I cannot find at the moment, but I think it’s a topic worth revisiting in light of the handbag world’s continuing trends. A commenter over at TalkShoes mentioned late last week that she didn’t care for the shoes that match the Gucci 1973 Python Bag because she only likes natural-colored python, and I used to be the exact same way. Clearly, that’s changed.

With Women’s Wear Daily reporting that we can expect to see rainbow reptile accessories well into 2012, you’re probably either full of joy or disappointment at the prospect of seeing more candy-colored python on store shelves for at least six months. Even though I was a naysayer in the past, when the colors are as well-chosen as those in the current Gucci collection (and this bag in particular), I’m glad this trend came about. (more…)

With all the attention that Celine’s immaculate Classic Box Bags have received, one would think that more designers at every price level would be jumping on the bandwagon to give the look a shot. Some have, to be sure, there are a few companies who I expected to see make the effort sooner.

Jil Sander is one such brand, and I feel as though I’ve been waiting to see the Jil Sander Lady Crossbody for at least two seasons. It’s here! It’s finally here! And it’s very good. (more…)

Christopher Kane Aqua Gel-Filled Clutches, $720 via Neiman Marcus in green or pink

There are plenty of indications that I’ve fallen a little too far down the fashion rabbit hole. The foot-long neon pink feather earrings that I searched out for a month? A telltale sign. My urge to apologize to both friends and strangers for the sensible shoes I’ve been wearing since I hurt my ankle a few weeks ago? Another one. But perhaps the most obvious sign yet is that upon viewing the Christopher Kane Aqua Gel-Filled PVC Clutches, my first thought was, “Well, I’d totally carry the pink one.” (more…)

Balenciaga Padlock Totes in black or green, $2077 via Matches

I’m a big lover of Balenciaga bags both familiar and lesser-known, and often, I find myself even more attracted to the non-Motorcycle styles that don’t grace quite so many arms. Don’t get me wrong, though, my favorite bag I’ve ever own is a Balenciaga Day Bag and I doubt that’s going to be changing anytime soon.

But I also have a lot of love for the bags like the Balenciaga Padlock Totes, which don’t drive revenue to the brand quite like the moto bags, but are beautiful accessories nonetheless. What I’m really loving about this design in particular is the little red enamel closure at the front, which got me thinking about hardware choices and how few3 of them we have as modern accessories consumers. Gold, silver, weathered, shiny. Maybe a little gunmetal or matte black, if we’re lucky. Why can’t we have more color? (more…)