Recently in On The Rag Category

I am aghast at what they've done to the gorgeous 360 bag in black sequins!!!  Why does it need a tuxedo? And a flowered one at that!?  All that extra embellishing has made a glamorous bag into a garish one.  I'm embarrassed for the bag and I'm certain the bag is embarrassed for itself.  The only consolation is that it's slightly less expensive than the all black version but it's so atrocious I don't recommend showing up in public with it.  Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote $4495 at Neiman Marcus.

Halloween is over and done with so why is this bag dressed up like a cat?  Very creepy and I swear I can almost hear it purring.  I'm no PETA supporter but I must say this is a real waste of fur!  Actually, most fur bags are a waste-- we are always perplexed by the use of fur on bags, our wallets do not get cold so what's the point?  I know Nina Ricci is hoping the horseshoe logo will take off like the Gucci horse bits but chances are slim-- it's just not that interesting.  Nina Ricci Fur Embroidery Hobo at Barneys for $3,900.

Really? Was this necessary? Do we need yet another incarnation of the formerly iconic but now over done, over exposed Arena bag??? A bag designer (who shall remain nameless) marveled at Balenciaga's ability to cash in on a single bag silhouette for almost a decade and expressed a desire to create something that has the same shelf life. From a business standpoint that is the ideal of course, make one bag over and over and over again!? Why not!? But at some point you have to ask your self, am I a designer? Or a factory? Yes, I agree that the Arena was the ultimate cool bag in its day (having 2 of them myself) but seriously, if you are running out of ideas-- it is time to move on. This patchwork version lacks imagination, style and any sense for that matter. Chanel did this with the classic flap bag once and it didn't bode well for them, either. I'm not saying I hate the Arena bag, I'm just saying I hate this one. I know, such a strong word and I discourage my son from using it but right now it's the only way I can express how I feel about this hideous bag. Look closely, the patches are of every color of Arena ever made so I guess I should give them points for recycling scrap leather. At Barneys $2,345.

Been very busy this week, flew back to LA from Asia and went to work immediately while severely jet lagged. We attended the Women's Conference (with 50 amazing and inspirational speakers!) on behalf of Glam in addition to doing a lot of market research work (code for shopping on Rodeo). We have not had much time to blog but will be back to regular schedule next week! Meanwhile, I thought I'd share a few laughs with you. I came across this photo and almost spit out my cupcake-- what is this hideous thing Catherine Zeta-Jones is carrying? I have no idea what brand this is so please help us identify this god-awful bag! I think Catherine just carries whatever is free cuz she has a really weird collection of bags and I can't really imagine anyone actually paying for this hideous mismatched patchwork bag, can you?

Apparently Alien parasites inspired this YSL logo mini bag.  You know, as in the creepy crawly things growing under one's skin in sci-fi movies.  It's rare for us to rag on YSL but there ain't nothing charming about this mini charm bag (7.5"x5") and hello, $455 is not cheap!  I do appreciate creativity but it should also be aesthetically pleasing which this obviously is not.  A more subtle way to incorporate this into the leather would be hot pressing, at least it won't make me gag when I look at it.   

YSL logo mini bag here.

When will designers get it!?!? Denim belongs on my ass! Not on my bag! And for that matter, not on my belts, hats, bracelets or any other accessories! Jesus, look at this thing!!! I only slept 4 hours last night and this hideous thing is pissing me off to no end! And the price, for a pocket sized bag made of scrap denim cloth held together by grommets and chains, is beyond ridiculous ($1,295). So it's lined in lambskin, which would have been a better choice for the exterior don't ya think? Emilio Pucci Denim Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue.

I can't stop staring at this ridiculous outfit on Paris Hilton. I guess if you want attention, dressing like an idiot is the quickest way to get it.  I totally understand wanting to be comfortable on the plane (I just flew to Asia last weekend and changed into my PJs the minute I got on the flight, too-- apparently Paris forgot to change out of hers).  I can't get over that hideous leopard print bag either.  Does anyone know who the designer of the bag is?  

Saw the back of this bag first and heart quickened a bit. Then saw shot of the front of the bag and heart slowed to dull thud. Why do we need heinous logo plates in the dead center of a bag? I understand branding, and don't mind small and discreet stamping.  But this big thing, why not place it on the sides where the black patent leather is?  It'd at least blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb. And speaking of black patent, why the shiny patent with the leopard? Makes it look so cheap!  How about a nice buttery black leather or lambskin to compliment the calf hair leopard print?

Kate models for Longchamp so I know she was gifted this and I refuse to believe she'd actually go out and pay for this.  Don't get me wrong, I like most designs of Longchamp bags, I just can't get over the nameplate on every single damn bag. This is from the past spring so it's probably in the clearance bin for 75% off by now.

My cat dragged this in as a surprise for me. It's sweet of her but still, quite scary and mutilated looking. What the heck is going on? Is Givenchy doing a Halloween collection or something? This could be cute if it was a different shape but this long 1980's cell phone case is just odd and awkward. I'm all for furry and poofy but let's leave that for the boas. At Luisaviaroma for $1816.30. I know, seriously? At least they are now including import fees and shipping in their price so this price for the US.

Anyone who has been living outside of a cave the last 10 years is now sick of "classic" Balenciaga bags. OK fine, they put grommets on the recent ones to update the look but they are essentially the same bag. Apparently, they are incapable of veering from that template because whenever they do, this happens. First of all, what is up with the overly poofy quilted bags? Chanel is on steroids with their quilting and obviously there is an epidemic. Especially with all the studs, all I can think about is a giant office couch, but its even too swollen to be good for that! It is also kind of big, almost 14" across. Think about how this will look tucked at your side? I never thought I could say this about a bag but I really think this would make you look fat. The price is OK, at Browns Fashion for $1900.