In commenting on one of my previous posts over on the Forum, our lovely member gacats mentioned a piece of classic style advice that I think many people (designers and fashionistas included) have totally forgotten lately: when dressing, always remove one accessory before leaving the house. It may sound a bit conservative to some folks, but it’s a great way to ensure that you don’t look like a fashion victim or someone wearing a costume. Now, if only certain bag designers would take that advice. Consider the Thomas Wylde Colossus Scorpion Bag, for instance. There are things about this bag that I love – the leather looks so soft that I have the strange urge to rub it on my face, the bike-chain handle is a cool, industrial touch, as are the spikes at the handle attachment, and the overall effect is full of edgy-but-fashionable personality that could really do wonders for the average outfit. And then…there are the scorpions emblazoned on the front in silver studs. I know that’s sort of Thomas Wylde‘s thing, with the random stuff depicted in studs, but I wish his look would evolve a bit and maybe become a little more subtle. This bag would still have attitude to spare without the bugs on it, and with them, it seems just a wee bit silly. Part of me also thinks it looks a lot less luxurious than it could – the scorpions break up all that delicious, wonderful, touchable leather. So, Thomas Wylde, please consider heeding some sage advice – next time you get the urge to put bugs on a purse, let it pass. Buy through eLuxury for $2500.

Very rarely do I find myself speechless. Yet at this very moment, I do feel like I am bordering on the verge of speechless. For the life of me I cannot decide if this handbag is a complete disaster or a bit of handbag genius. (Make sure to click on the image to get an enlarged view.) At first glance I definitely found myself saying “oh no, no, no, NO!”. As I kept looking, I started wondering which celeb or socialite might actually be able to pull off this look. The Thomas Wylde Ibiza Suede Bag is without a doubt a handbag made for a very select group of people. Taupe suede, pewter hardware and obviously fringe and bead detailing galore makes this bag what it is – a lot to look at. In relation to all of the embellishments on the bag, it seems rather small (Width 7″; Height 9″; Depth 4″; Handle Drop 25″). Moreover, what would you wear this with? The only thing I could think of was a pair of jeans, a white t-shirt or blouse and sandals or cowboy boots? And wait just a second, take a look at the price tag! So back to my initial question is this a disaster or genius? Buy through Net-a-Porter for $2200.