Recently in On The Rag Category

This is a leather bag made to look like a paper shopping bag. When I first saw it, I thought, what idiot would buy such a thing? And then I went to a Lakers game and saw Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant's wife, with it. I don't mean to beat on her for no reason, she is just not a nice person and apparently does not know how to shop either. A friend of mine lives in their gated community in Laguna and saw her screaming at the gate guard after he greeted her with, "Good evening Mrs. Bryant". She stopped the car, turned it around and went back to shout, "DO NOT EVER TALK TO ME!". I mean, it's not like he said, "That bag of yours is ridiculous" or something. Which is what I thought but was polite enough to keep to myself (to her face, I mean). So now this bag is laden with all sorts of negative associations for me. But not like it was ever a good bag so, so be it. Oh, I should have mentioned, it's $2525 (same price for both styles, both come in black or white). There is also an even more ridiculous little pink one. Contact Chanel (800) 550-0005 or Alexis at 214-520-1055.

I have to say something about this tote. I love Valextra, all their bags are exquisite. You pay for the superior construction and leather. But this is a canvas tote for $1060!! WTF?? I love the white with bright turquoise trim, absolutely perfect for the summer. But how can you possibly justify the price?? It's not even that big, 20" by 12", but who cares, it would have to be the size of a car for it to be worth a grand. We all indulge but this is just stupid wastefulness. At Barneys New York.

I'd be offended if I were Yoko Ono, even if the bag was not named after her-- I'd be pissed such an ugly and frumpy bag shares my name. We were just praising Ferragamo's new clutch and then this thing comes out. I can't even put my finger on why I hate it but I do. I don't mind the straps or the equestrian feel of the bag-- what I mind is the lack of thought put into the placement of the straps and rope like top handle. It's as if they threw both details on as an after thought. Not good, not good at all.  I guess if you are in need of a canteen holder for your camping trips this might be ideal but hello- 2 grand!

Take your $2,090 and buy the Jimmy Choo equestrian style tote I featured yesterday, a much better investment if you ask me. At Neiman Marcus.com

I saw this Burberry bag and was like, "Oh good, Burberry is making cuter bags" and then I realized why I like it so much. It reminds me of the Proenza Schouler PS1. But now that I see them side by side, it is obvious who has got "it" and who doesn't. Seeing both together, I would never get the Burberry, it is so stodgy and stiff. This just proves how subtle and gray the line is between hip and dud. Koodos for Burberry for trying but it's back to the drawing board. Burberry convertible satchel for $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue and PS1 suede satchel at Barneys for $1595.

I love hairy crab season in Shang hai-- it's the most delicious crab! When I saw this fringed hobo from Carlos Falchi it reminded me of the belly side of hairy crabs-- cooked to a pink perfection. Lift up the belly and you'll discover sumptuous crab roe covering the most succulent flesh (female hairy crab is preferred)-- dip it in malt vinegar and experience gastronomic explosion! Once I came out of my daydream, I took a hard look at this bag in all its horrific glory and lost my appetite. In all fairness I will go in person tomorrow to inspect if up close but I just don't see the appeal of a hairy crab of a bag, even it's made of crocodile and python (my two favorite skins!).

I read that Carlos Falchi will be doing an affordable line of bags for Target-- even at $19.99 I wouldn't use this except maybe as a crab carrier. $2,675 at Neiman Marcus.

What do you think??? Snob or Slob?

All this talk of "tea bagging" in congress apparently has inspired Mark and James to make a tea bag bag but in a literal way. It is in the hip and cool disco beads but why this shape? All it needs is a tag at the end of the strap for the full effect. It is not that bad but still, you'll walk around looking like you're looking for a big pot of hot water. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $465.

I am not out to get Marni, it may seem like we have been especially harsh lately, but if you remember last season, I was all about Marni, they were the light of my wardrobe. I'm not against slouchy as a whole, but when it is sloppy, or in this case, slouchy and crescent shaped and looks like a croissant, then, yes, it is a problem. My husband thinks it looks like a wanton which would be more apropos since you fill it with stuff. Just not meat. Or vegetables. In either case, I don't know if I should dip it in some sauce and eat it or accessorize with it. Really, the most terrible Marni EVER! So bad that I am proclaiming this to be the end of the brand. At Net-a-Porter for $1410.

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I was excited to find a bag under $500 to report to you guys, this is probably the most requested price point from our readers but so difficult to find good bags at this range! The Lil' Riz bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs has the cute round shape reminiscent of the whimsical Miu Miu Coffer (remember that bag? I still love it!) in yummy summer colors.  Perfect for the warmer season, right?  WRONG!  Look at that giant logo plaque!  What was he thinking?  Has he gone logo 'loco' in his old age or is he brainwashed after all the years at LV?!?!   The Marc Jacobs I loved in the '90s was an anti logo rebel talent~ this looks like something Coach would design.  But at least Coach would only charge $200 for it.  If you can get past the awful name plate-- it's $430 at Net-a-Porter.com

I really have no words for this ball (spare tire holder?) bag from Bottega Veneta.  It's 18" around so I don't know how one is supposed to carry it, balanced on your head?  Clutched to your middle like a pillow?  Yes, I know when you pick up the all leather version it slouches like a ball but this one is more structured and holds its shape as a flying saucer.

I imagine the crochet technique is very difficult because they are charging $5,200 for this thing. Wait, I just thought of more uses for it-- moon cake carrier or a pizza delivery bag but hello, five grand?!?!?

I am quite concerned-- with news of Prada losing $50 million a day you'd think everyone else would be scrambling to produce bags that people will actually want to buy and use (not to mention afford!).  At Barneys New York.  What do you think?  Snob or Slob?

Prada Antique Hobo SS2009; Ruched Hobo FW2008; Prada Tote FW2007

Prada might be facing the end if they do not figure something out quickly. Last year, their only saving product was the LG phone. Huh?? This is a design house built on bags! There are reports that say the company (including Miu Miu and Car Shoe) is losing something like $50 Million a day. How long do you think that can last? Taking a look over the past few seasons, it is easy to see the slippery slope that got them to this point. Fall 2007 was very promising, they came out with weird but inventive Muff Clutch that you slip your hand through but the big winner of that season was the muted earth tones that they did in ombre. It was a smash hit with style still classically Prada. Then last Fall, the lace and ruffles that look like wontons were silly and not wearable but still were spotted on the most serious of fashion victims, which was a good sign for Prada, it showed that their name still held power with some women. And now we have the Antique hobo which were only seen on celebrities who probably got it for free. How many of these can they really sell just based on the fact that the name Prada used to represent the chic and carefree fashion goddess? How can Prada be saved? I really wish I can help.