Dolce & Gabbana 'Miss Rose' Satchel

Continuing with the ladylike trend, Dolce & Gabbana's 'Miss Rose' Satchel has major it bag appeal for Fall. The structured shape and understated size will certainly appeal to corporate women and ladies who lunch. The gleaming buffalo leather is an unexpected departure from the sea of goatskin that Balenciaga initiated 10 years ago. It's subtle and more appropriate for the retro 60's vibe that Dolce & Gabbana is embracing this season. The gold-tone hardware compliments the beautiful Bordeaux color and of course it looks beautiful against basic black. Personally I wouldn't use the removable shoulder strap. This is the type of bag that should be worn displayed on the crook of your arm. I can't wait to see this satchel in real life because the zippered flap front is practically begging to be played with. And the pièce de résistance are the dangling ornate logo medallions. They're absolutely breathtaking and so incredibly old world Italian. Purchase the 'Miss Rose' Satchel for $2,045. Shop Dolce & Gabbana bags at Net-a-Porter.com.

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Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

As most of you already know, I love Louis Vuitton's Fall collection and these ads are absolutely breathtaking. Karen Elson, Natalia Vodianova and Christy Turlington were magical together. The top-handles in the first picture are my favorite bags. They are a more refined version of the iconic Speedy, called the Chubby, and they come in a variety of different leathers and skins. No word on pricing or availability yet. For more information about this collection, check out Dania's review and thanks for the images Dino!

Valextra S Line: Ladylike with a Pop of Color!

Ladylike bags are back and they're here to stay...at least for a couple of seasons! Many women are rejoicing about not having to lug around heavy, oversized bags just for the sake of being on trend. I personally love the look, particularly from Louis Vuitton this Fall. However, it doesn't work for everybody. You really have to be committed to dressing up every day. A ladylike bag can be hard to pull off with a sweatshirt and jeans at your kids soccer game. You also may miss that extra room you're used to having when you're forced to decide between Vogue and Harper's Bazaar for your next ride on the subway. Lastly, the ladylike bag simply isn't appealing to women that are young at heart, and are more Cyndi Lauper than Victoria Beckham. However, Valextra has mitigated this predicament by juxtaposing their quintessentially ladylike bags with fun pops of color. Take the S Line Bag for example. The structured shape and expert Italian craftsmanship has been updated with fun colors like aragosta orange and turquoise. They instantly take the design from drab to fab! And the removable shoulder strap will also help to maintain the convenience that we've become accustomed to in recent years. Purchase at Barney's New York for $2260.       

  

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Name that Bag: Willow Smith Edition

I know I'm super late, but Willow Smith turned it out at her brother's premiere for Karate Kid. She clearly wanted to steal the spotlight and she certainly did! Who says cheetah and leopard prints don't go together, especially when they're both synthetic fabrics? In an effort to tame down the look, Willow threw on some casual combat boots, an understated cummerbund, and a chunky gold chain necklace. Obviously, the icing on the cake is the mohawk pompadour and the arm candy, of course! I love all of the studded embellishments, and it's the perfect saddle bag for a really rich little girl. Or maybe Ciara, who also attended the premiere, gifted it to her. She is the designer's muse, after all. So can you name that bag?

UPDATE: Clearly, this was a tough one, or most of you were distracted by Willow's interesting outfit. Her bag is actually Givenchy and it's available at Barney's for $1460.

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Alexander McQueen Hell's Knuckle Duster

Net-a-Porter just debuted a couple of handbags from Alexander McQueen's fall collection and I'm already obsessed with a new variation of the iconic knuckle duster clutch. It literally took my breath away.  The floral embossing that envelops the supple leather appears to have an Asian influence, especially with the red leather lining. This clutch is truly a piece of art and it makes quite a statement at 9" in length. Although the knuckle duster has certainly contributed to Alexander McQueen's acclaim in handbag design, I'm not sure that it was necessary here. I think the skull wings are a bit too severe for such a feminine clutch. Purchase at Net-a-Porter for $2325. 

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Yves Saint Laurent 'Military' Muse Two

Last week, Yves Saint Laurent introduced a very limited edition collection of military inspired Muse Two bags. Stefano Pilati customized the iconic handbag with military canvas chosen from the army surplus. Therefore, each bag is a unique piece. Call your local YSL Boutique if you're interested in purchasing one. However, if you want my opinion, I think they're a bit too literal. They almost look, dare I say it, cheap! And as soon as the military trend is over, you'll feel like an idiot carrying around such a cartoonish bag. As an alternative, may I suggest the olive Muse Two? The color palette is clearly derived from camouflage, but it's a much more subtle take on the military trend. Like I always say, "any trend can be sophisticated and timeless." The multicolored leather and suede updates the ladylike structure of the bag, without being over-the-top. It's large enough to carry your daily essentials, but far from oversized at 12¾"W X 9½"H X 5¾"D. Plus, it's made in Italy. What more can you ask for? Preorder at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1895. Not exactly affordable, but I guarantee you that the canvas, limited edition Muse Two will cost a lot more!  

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Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2011 Handbag Collection

In case you were wondering why designers are showcasing resort collections this year, we have Anna Wintour to thank. On one hand it's super confusing and mildly annoying, but on the other hand, hopefully it will boost sales. I already reviewed all of the pieces in the Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2011 Handbag Collection and selected the must-haves. The collection was inspired by endangered birds, best exemplified by the gorgeous color palettes. Cross-body bags have officially taken over the world and I, for one, love them! They're just as convenient as a fanny pack and a gazillion times more stylish. I'm obsessed with the Rocky Bag. The juxtaposition of the gray suede with mustard pebbled leather and the bright yellow straps is truly a breathtaking combination. I find the belted effect incredibly chic and the lining is a lovely green watercolor fabric. The Rocky Bag will retail for a very reasonable $478. Continuing with the belted bags trend, how adorable are these continental wallets for only $258? Now, that's a logo plaque that I can get behind. The collection is available for purchase at shopbop.com.      

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Prada East/West Sherling Tote

The Prada Fall collection hit the web yesterday and I never thought I'd say this, but the bags actually exceeded my expectations. The designers have truly reached an all time low that even I didn't think was possible. They should be arrested for crimes against humanity! The fugly sherling is heinous and the tacky camouflage has got to go. It didn't even work for Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs prides himself on being ostentatious. But nothing is as shockingly vile as the East/West Sherling Tote. Who would shell out nearly $2K for this grizzly bear of a bag? I'm going to end this post with a few words of advice to Miuccia Prada. "Stick to what you know! You're failing miserably at trying to be avant-garde. There's absolutely nothing wrong with simple and chic leather bags crafted by expert artisans from the highest quality materials." Check out the rest of the Fall collection at Neiman Marcus, but don't say I didn't warn you.

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Gucci 'Glam Orchid' Evening Bag

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! Nina and I had lunch at a lovely bistro and I picked up the most amazing sparkling red wine for only $14. The Gucci Fall 2010 collection of handbags is trickling in online and it's mostly lackluster with one standout clutch. The 'Glam Orchid' Evening Bag is truly breathtaking. It has a classic, vintage appeal that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. The orchid embellishment adds a touch of glamour to the ultra luxe python skin. Don't expect to wear this beauty during the day. At 11.8"L x 2"W x 3.9"H, this clutch is far from oversized. Preorder the 'Glam Orchid' Evening Bag directly from Gucci for $1300 and just wait for the compliments to pour in.  

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Outrageously Impractical Anndra Neen Clutches

There is nothing that I love more than bags that exude artistic creativity, but when artistry conflicts with functionality, it loses its appeal. This is exactly how I feel about these new clutches from Anndra Neen. Let's start with the fact that they are made out of metal. I mean who wants to hear the contents of their bag click clacking around while they're walking? There is no need to have a soundtrack while strutting your stuff down the street. Now I know everyone needs at least one ridiculously showy and bedazzled bag, but these clutches are just impractical and quite frankly...pretty fugly! Seriously, there are so many undesirable situations that I can think of when it comes to these clutches - like dropping it on the ground and watching it get disfigured...yikes! Unless you need protective armor in the form of a mini metal clutch, I suggest you stay away from these Anndra Neen bags which range from $725 to $745 at Kirna Zabete.

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Alexander Wang Willow Top-Frame Messenger

Alexander Wang's Fall collection of handbags have arrived and unfortunately they're more of the same from this young designer. A sea of mediocre bags and a few lovely finds. Structured, lady-like bags are making a major comeback, but they don't have to be boring. Leave it to a contemporary designer to update the look for 20-something's that want to embrace the trend, but don't have a Chanel aesthetic or budget. The Willow bag can be worn as a top-handle or messenger with the detachable chain shoulder strap. I'm obsessed with the boxy shape as well as the strap and stud closure. Preorder at Saks Fifth Avenue for $925. Of course, we need to see this bag in person before we can truly recommend it to all of you, due to the quality issues that have come up in the past with Alexander Wang pieces. 

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Maison Martin Margiela Line 11 Clutch

I know I say this about pretty much every Maison Martin Margiela bag, but I'm in love with the Line 11 Clutch! The design is so original and fresh. First and foremost, I'm obsessed with the inside-out seam detailing on either side of the clutch. It's quite sizeable at 17"W x 6.5"H, so you should have no problem wearing this clutch during the day. The magnetized fold-over closure provides easy access. According to Harper's Bazaar, two of the hottest colors for Fall are camel and grey so you can't go wrong with either option. That's what I love about Maison Martin Margiela bags! They're always on trend without being trendy. Maison Martin Margiela should win an award for most subtle logo. The signature white stitching on the reverse of the bag is solely for fashionistas who are in the know. Purchase the effortlessly cool Line 11 Clutch from La Garçonne for $925. Not bad for a bag that's crafted in Italy out of 100% calfskin!   

  

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Versace Hobo

Hope you all had an awesome weekend! It was so hot and humid in Virginia that I just made frozen Bellini's and watched old episodes of The Golden Girls. I know everyone is still picking up key pieces for their summer wardrobe, but when I see a bag this gorgeous, I just can't resist the urge to share it with you. Versace has really been on a role lately, cranking out fierce bags like the Giselle Lock Hobo. This sizeable bag is no exception. I'm in love with the black leather version! It epitomizes the rocker chic aesthetic that we all know and love from Versace. The buttery-soft Italian leather features quite a bit of stitch detailing as well as violet suede trim. For those of you that are more daring, this hobo also comes in a completely violet suede variation with goatskin leather accents. One good thing about me notifying you so early is the fact that you'll have plenty of time to save up. Like all Versace bags, these hobos are super expensive, ranging in price from $2450 to $2875. Shop Versace bags at Net-a-Porter.com. By the way, Bagpoor turns one this week and we're celebrating with a twitter account and a facebook page! You may have noticed our newest advertiser as well. We're beyond thrilled to have Net-a-Porter join our fabulous list of sponsors.

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Yves Saint Laurent New Rive Gauche Tote

It's always refreshing to come across a bag that blends functionality with unapologetic fierceness. The stylish Yves Saint Laurent New Rive Gauche Bag stands out in a sea of totes. Although the classic shape is super practical, the quilted geometric design takes the bag from ordinary to ultra chic. Luckily, the New Rive Gauche Tote is suitable for all genders - not too masculine, not too feminine. Even the size of this piece gives males the opportunity to seriously consider it as their next purchase. It's available at YSL's website for $2895...ouch! The timeless quality of this tote reminds me of why I love YSL and slightly offsets the outrageous price.

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Carrie Bradshaw's Adriana Castro Python Eva Clutch

Hope everyone had a fabulous Memorial Day! Let's start this week off with what I promise to be my last post referencing Sex and the City 2. I actually ran into a Segway rental stand in DC this weekend with a sign that read, "Segs in the City." Trust me...I've had enough Carrie fever too. I just have to talk about my favorite handbag in the film, which happens to be from a relatively new designer, Adriana Castro! I was thrilled, when I saw Carrie clutching the python Eva. It reminded me of her style on the show, blending uptown chic with downtown cool. Summer has finally arrived and this oversized python clutch will instantly brighten up a drab winter wardrobe. Who would have thought that purple, blue, and fuchsia would complement each other so flawlessly? Purchase directly from Adriana Castro for a very reasonable $1160.       

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