Recently in Frame bags Category

"Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is stuck in my head because of this bag. I can't tell if I am in love with the bag itself or with the sentimentality of the 80's. I was in love with George Michael and was quite shocked when I learned that he played for the opposite team. Duh!! But I was not yet equipped with gaydar at 13 =) Michael Kors should have made a giant T-Shirt with bold black letters that says, "Choose Kors". How cool would that be? I would wear it with this clutch, I love the 80's high tech look and in acid yellow is obviously a bit tough to pull off on a daily basis, but in basic colors would be damn hot. But you would be surprised at how great a yellow clutch is, I have one and I wear it with black and white prints, blues and if I am in all gray, it turns sullen to happy instantly. At Neiman Marcus for $595.

This may just look like an ultra classic lady-like frame but that's why it is so brilliant and well done. You get the longevity of a true classic but the subtlety in the details make this updated and lusciously chic! First of all, Nancy Gonzalez crocodile is soft and pliable which makes it stand out from the rigid vintage croc that you're used to seeing. The shape is slightly rounded on the sides and it's more rectangular than square. Also the finish is a slight gloss instead of a big shine, which makes a huge difference, a total matte finish may look cool today but a subtle gloss is what you want for the long term. The foldover hinge closure is my favorite part, it is the perfect touch to polish off this eternal beauty. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2100.

When I heard the Marni designers jumped ship, I thought it would be the end of one of my most favorite bag lines. But apparently I had nothing to worry about. OK, last season sucked but this looks promising. It is a wool/cotton blend fabric frame with the signature leather straps. The straps attach toward the bottom of the bag, as you can see, so the outer zipper pocket is accessible even though it looks like it would be impossible to get to. Still, not the easiest thing but I do like the look of the straps going all the way down the bag instead of the typical, stitched at the top seam. The double clasp for the frame opening is another hurdle for me, it requires two hands or a bit of juggling to operate but like I said, this shows promise for what's to come, not that I'm running out to buy this, in case I'm sounding wishy washy. It has the usual natural cotton lining which makes the bag mostly fabric and thus the price extremely pleasing. At Marni for $715.

Who knew Carla Bruni would clean up so well? Gone are the wild days of her past life, she has slipped into the role of the First Lady of France beautifully. And what fashion designer doesn't dream of a First Lady to dress with a body of a supermodel? Do you think supermodel turned wife of President will become a trend here? I can't think of any supermodel that could fit the role of First Lady of the United States except maybe Christie Brinkley but she's twice divorced so I don't know how that'd work. Anywho, getting down to bag business here. Check out the Roger Vivier haute couture crocodile bag custom made for Bruni-Sarkozy's wardrobe of Chanel and Dior dresses by Bruno Frisoni. Named the "Carlalala," proceeds from sales of the made-to-order creation will go to Bruni-Sarkozy's favorite charities. I'm just wondering if she paid for the bag she's carrying. Photo: instyle

Want to stay on trend this Fall?  Check out the four key trends for the season-- 1. Metallic, 2. Rock-n-roll, 3. Classic, 4. Exotics!  And there is nothing wrong with shopping your closet first for these looks!

1. Shine on-- metallic has a long shelf life and will not be going away anytime soon. 

L: Anna Vince Deco Clutch $223,C: Michael Kors Metallic Tote $695, R: MK Heidi Satchel $1,295

Left: Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Nikki Hobo, Right: Botkier Metallic Rio Tote

2. Rocker chic: Think studs, chains, zippers and anything that is Pat Benatar worthy!

Left: YSL stud Easy bag 14"X9" $2395 (email Eddie Curtis!), Right: Gucci metal studs clutch $1,490.

3. Ladies First -- For our classic snobs, anything framed, draped and pleated will suffice!  Double points for bows.

Left: Valentino Vertigo Satchel $1,995,Right: Y-Bow Suede Bowler $1,695

4. Exotic fever- Last year's python, croc or ostrich will work but if you crave something new there are plenty of styles to go around, even embossed versions!

Left: Zagliani Python Pleated Shoulder Bag, Right: Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile hobo $3600

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.