Recently in Frame bags Category

This bag give me hope that decadence will once again reign. Not that this bag is particularly fabulous or to die for but a giant bag encrusted with sparkling stones for 3 grand can only mean one thing - disposable income. And lots of it. Everything for fall is all about over indulgence and glamour and to me, that is pure joy and optimism. I prefer the frame, it makes more sense going over the top with a smaller evening look. Kaleido Tote for $2995 and Gemme Frame for $2980. Both at Bergdorf Goodman. I also want to pay tribute to Michael Jackson with a bag that is representative of his aesthetic of flash and fantasy. And a flash he was, he is gone before his time. He will be missed but he left us with a lot of memories and incredible music that has been the soundtrack to many of our lives.

Tina and I are on opposite ends of the love/hate for Ferragamo. I think I am just struck sick with love for the ankle strap platform sandals, I am completely obsessed but cannot throw down $2200 for them. And besides, it would make me a giant Amazon woman at 6'1". But this clutch is something I can totally do and probably will. How cute and versatile is this amazing thing? It is a good size and the balloon shape makes it roomy. The frame opens wide for easy access and also keeps the integrity of the shape. Comes in an off white for summer, or get the year round chocolate at Neiman Marcus for $950. Also comes in python.

This is the Terminator Siamese twin clutches. They are two smaller clutches stuck together to make a bigger circus freak of a bag. Separately, they would make cute clutches or even cuter coin purses but as an ensemble, they should have named it the Koo-Koo bag. I suppose it is different but in a way that is trying so hard that it becomes absurd. Conceptually, the two separate compartments might come in handy, one side for cosmetics and the other for money and cards but that incremental convenience is not worth looking like a fool. At Net-a-Porter for $1530, a high price to pay to be mistaken for a crazy person.

Maia N is really making a name for herself with a very strong Spring 2009 collection. I swore that I was not going to buy anymore bags for a while but after seeing these beauties, I may need to un-swear. I have an easy justification - these are definite classic collection worthy pieces that will last for generations. I'm over purple but that is a personal preference because it is still a very strong color. I just love the simple shape of this frame that has absolutely no other details except the beautiful croc! The Bibi frame croc is $7400.

The one that I actually will end up buying is the Ostrich Bowling bag. The bowling style is making a fierce comeback, it is a very easy style for everyday and the shape is functional. All that is basic and boring until you add in the ostrich! This is the only bag you will need, especially in this camel color. Oh, I don't think anyone can talk me out of this one. It is $5000 which sounds a bit steep but this is something that will last a lifetime. And did I mention this will be the only bag I'll be buying? ;-) To order, email Joanne at Maia N. You can get custom orders of these bags in other colors as well.

I saw this at Barneys and fell in love so I immediately grabbed it to find out the designer and to my surprise it was a Barneys Private Label. Actually, I shouldn't be so surprised, Barneys' fashion director Julie Gilhart is heavily involved in the design and development of the line and we all know how fashionable and tasteful she is. There are a lot of basics like the tote and computer bag that I love but this is a fashion bag, not purely a utilitarian one. I love that this works as a "clutch" for all your clutch functions but you don't have to fumble with holding it in your hands because it has the handy handles, and not only are they handy, they are fabulously cool! The size is that of a larger clutch, 10 3/4" by 14". I love the pleated leather on the frame, it is ladylike with a sexy modern twist. It is also way more functional than a clutch, the full shape and inside organizational pockets make this easy for day. But probably not for work, which makes the name of the bag a little odd. This with jeans with a cropped jacket and the look will take me everywhere I ever need to go. The only thing is, for Private Label, I expect the price to be a little more approachable than $695. At Barneys New York. Comes in this camel, rose (which is actually grayish) and black.

Top Row: Chloe, Jimmy Choo, Anya Hindmarch, Miu Miu Center: Marni, Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Burberry Bottom: Lanvin, Celine

I am ready for some new bags to come out already. It's so exciting at the beginning of each season while I wait for new bags to arrive daily and then it's like, ok, I'm done, next! But there is still sale season, which is great, but of course I've seen all the bags already so it's really boring. We've done some Spring previews so when those come out, it's like, been there, done that. It's really hard to keep a high maintenance shopper happy! So for the time being, I am being entertained and semi-indulged by the Cruise Collection that is about to be available at Net-a-Porter. I am immediately drawn to the cute little green clutch, which is not surprisingly a Marni. The satin Lanvin clutch with rosette embellishment is great for cocktail parties and I like the bright blue Anya Hindmarch tote, super fun and happy and perfect for vacations on a cruise, I suppose. But Miu Miu has been quite disappointing these last few seasons, I mean, what is up with the Gucci knockoff bamboo handle? Uh-uh, no. The new Celine though is something that tugs at my wallet, the line quite young and hip these days but the functionality is all there so if you're in the market for a good black basic, this might be a very good bet. Coming soon to Net-a-Porter. We'll let you know, of course, when it hits!

I know, I know, enough with the python and the purple but I had to show you this one, and it will be the last one (for a while). I normally just bypass Roger Vivier and the signature Pilgrim buckle on all the bags but this one, as you can see and agree, is a refreshing take on putting the signature on the bag without putting an actual signature on it. Not only am I obsessing over exotic and purple but my latest obsession is with classic lady like shapes and this one does it beautifully with a modern twist. I only want bags that will last through the recession but I also want something unpredictable, you know other than the tried and true Chanel 2.55 and Birkin which are great investments, but I need something with a kick on most days and the uber duber timeless classics can wait another day. I cannot stop looking at this bag, it is cute, charming, sweet, elegant and fun! You kind of wish the big rectangular frame weren't there but that is what is drawing the eye in, without it, it would be borrrrrrr-ing!! And just another doctor frame bag. I love that the python only comes in purple because if you're going there, why not go all the way? The python is $3700, a leather version in either black or red is $2795 at Roger Vivier in New York, call Samad at 212-861-5371 to purchase. Or find the boutique nearest you.

Petite Wallace Voyage Python, $1688; Small Wallace Python, $1999; Small Feather Joret- $699; Large Feather Joret, $799

After years of being a huge fan, I was finally able to meet Fiona Kotur at the Spring 2009 Trunk Show at Neiman Marcus. She is lovely, sweet and full of creative energy! She is a mommy of 4 boys and is modest about her accomplishments but I am in awe of how much one person can do. What the heck am I doing with my time? We had a few minutes to chat before anxious shoppers snatched her away for personal alone time with the woman of the hour.

The first thing I noticed was her bag, of course. I didn't recognize it as the Wallace because it was in python but also it was so much slouchier from being lovingly worn in than the structured frame I've seen. It may appear from the picture above that it is stiff and rigid but in person (hers is the smaller one on the left), it is full of amazing character. Needless to say, I will be needing one of these.

Kotur is known for the unique use of materials, that is after-all why she started in this business (she happened upon a stash of vintage brocade in Hong Kong that she fell in love with) so I asked about what interesting materials she is working with now. She brought over a flat box clutch with feathers inlaid perfectly flat (no poofing plumes) with snakeskin trimmed along the edge of the box. It is elegant, intriguing and totally polished.

As Kelly mentioned, the Emmys was full of black wearing gloom and doom sorts Sunday night. If Hollywood is responding to the slump, we must really be headed for depression. I have been obsessed with CNN Moneytalk myself and try as I might to not let it get to me, it's really scary and depressing! To cheer myself up, I decided to look for a bag that is as opulent and lux as they get (without resorting to the obvious-- the diamond crocodile birkin). Of course I had to check European websites to find them (someone has to cater to the Russian ladies of leisure and Chinese Tai Tais!).

Top of the list is this luscious green crocodile frame bag from Zagliani.  I have no doubt this is buttery soft, Dr. Zagliani injects the skin with silicone to ensure it's softness and suppleness.  Lined in grey suede, this beauty combines traditional design ignited with modern technology.  The spirit of the season is telling us to purchase investment pieces that will endure many years, what could be more lasting than a crocodile bag?  Okay, so it's ridiculous to entertain such a bag in our economy but I know we have lots of Russian, China, and Middle Eastern readers who are living la vida loca -- so go ahead-- indulge indulge indulge!  Us Americans will live vicariously through you until we figure out our $700 billion problem. $9,727/£5,278.00 at Matches.com

$4750 for small size (10x11") $5650 for medium size (11x12")

Happy fug Monday my darlings! Now don't be scared of the Karenina frame bag from Dior, they won't bite though they are a serious fright. Inspired by high society Russia in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina-- trimmed in gray fox with black leather or blonde fox in camel leather-- the bags are great alternatives for those who have always wanted to tote a dog around à la Paris Hilton but don't want to deal with waste management. The Karenina won't shed on your sofa, is dander free, and won't chew up your Loubies but will still cuddle up to you and keep you warm. Now that, my friend, is the perfect pet. At Dior boutiques worldwide. Dior Handbags also at eLuxury.com