About Bags – Cool, Funky & Unique Bags

I love to adorn myself in chic stones – so why shouldn’t I expect my clutches to feel the same way? Sometimes we’re in minimal moods (I’m more of a sleek and simple kind of girl at the end of the day), but every once in awhile there is no denying more is more – precious stones and crystals and beads galore. Here’s a roundup of the top five be-stoned, bejeweled, and bedecked bags of the moment.

1) Fendi Jeweled Stingray Clutch:

Deliciously textured stingray is the skin of the moment. When Fendi does it, by setting it in an angular Art Deco shape with inverted sides, and best of all, nine semi-precious cabochons of different hues, it’s thoroughly lust-worthy. At Neiman Marcus for $4,260.

2) Judith Leiber Python and Pave Crystal Clutch:

Snakeskin looks like a work of art when it’s framed by lustrous ridged silver and a multitude of pave white Austrian crystals. This is strong glamour and potent, not prissy, sparkle. At Neiman Marcus for $1,695.

3) Gucci “Broadway” Jeweled Clutch:

Black satin clutches often have a way of feeling so antiquated (and not in a good way), but the massive, lightning bolt-like cluster of jewels embroidered on this Gucci fold-over clutch packs a razor-sharp punch. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $2,190.

4) Alexander McQueen Feather-Fringe Skull Box Clutch:

Calling all drama queens. Shagreen-embossed nappa leather has been decked out in all kinds of crystal stones, not to mention a theatrical dusting of feathers. A decadent gypsy of a bag. At Neiman Marcus for $2,720.

5) Valentino Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag:

This chain-strap clutch is as delicate as the dainty rose who will likely carry it. Covered in Strass crystals and pearls (my current jewel of choice), with intricate floral and butterfly embellishments along the frame, it ensures that your bag is more bedizened than most women. On Net-a-Porter for $4,195.

It seems like every movie hitting theaters is in 3-D – it’s all about maximum impact. So why shouldn’t our bags follow suit? All of our bags have some degree of volume (although some envelope clutches are more slender than others and some are even pancake-flat), but I’m talking about bags that are full-on boxes – 4-D! In perfect-square shapes or full rectangles, they definitely make an in-depth impression. The most successful cubes are tightly voluminous, angular, and petite. Here’s my pick of the hippest squares

1) Givenchy Metallic “Pandora” Clutch: A metallic golden box speaks of richness and mystery. A tight handle means you can securely wrap your hand around this shimmering rectangle. At Barneys New York for $1,040.

2) Jil Sander Square Textured-Leather Cosmetics Case: While it would be hard to keep your fingers around this truly square makeup case, this is an uplifting pop of color to peek out of your big, neutral tote. An asymmetrical zipper with double pulls means every square inch is utilized. On Net-a-Porter for $395.

3) Bottega Veneta Small Woven Leather Messenger Bag: This slouchy cube comes on a long crossbody strap for maximum efficiency. And doesn’t intrecciato weave look brand new in this quirky shape? At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,780.

4) See by Chloé Joyrider Pouch: Utilitarian nylon feels fresh and sporty when it’s squared off, rather than a traditional pouch shape. Perfect for tossing in your beach bag for long days out and about. On ShopBop for $52.50 (from $70).

5) Diane von Furstenberg “Harper” Cube Day Bag: When you’ve got this much going on, the unique shape fades into the background. A geometric print, multi-tonal leather, serious hardware, even a tassel – and somehow, together it all works. At Bergdorf Goodman for $675.

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Bags of dainty sizes are making a strong comeback, and luckily, lightweight and less space fits into my lifestyle. I have been so spoiled by easy, feathery bags that the thought of dragging a hefty satchel around seems out of the question. Anyway, when bags like Jimmy Choo’s “Ruby” are cropping up to entice me, why would I even want to go big?

Stamped lizard glistens like granite; the cracks and ridges give it organic appeal. Lizard is just the kind of skin you hope to see on a small bag like this (10” by 8”), substantial so the purse has purpose. A 25” drop shoulder strap means it should work as a crossbody for most – amazing. Super-flat so it will streamline any outfit, slightly expandable once you open the flap so you can actually fit what you need inside, and so ladylike I see a plethora of possibilities. Exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue for $775.

Pair with: Do a coy play on monochrome with pale gray pants a few shades lighter than the lizard. Slouchy skinnies in rich suede by Donna Karan Casual Luxe are as fabulously versatile as Jimmy Choo’s bag. On Net-a-Porter for $1,895.

I’m going to call it: For Michael Kors this season, the “Quinn” collection is going to be it. If you end up with a couple of these bags in your arsenal this fall, then you’re in good shape for a well-rounded and practical assemblage. Smartly structured with touches of exotics imparted here and there (keeping costs reasonable for all you Frugal Snobs), these are the bags of your daily life. Not too much of anything, and just enough of everything. Kors knows balance, not only when it comes to the aesthetics of his designs, but pricing as well.

Brisk shapes with squared-off hardware that somehow don’t read as stern, the “Quinn” bags can take you seamlessly from early morning meetings into the evening. You could even go for a theme and keep the little envelope clutch, in your choice of black or a yummy neutral called “suntan,” in the large buttery beige top-handle. Speaking of which, that convertible python-accented satchel gets my number one vote. Although, the pebble-grained shoulder bag, in “elephant,” a go-with-everything gray, is tempting as well – especially at that price!

Whichever you pick, “Quinn” is a winner. Clean, streamlined, and dare I say it? All-American chic.

“Quinn” Leather Shoulder Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.

“Quinn” Leather and Python Shoulder Bag at Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

“Quinn” Envelope Clutch at Saks Fifth Avenue for $495.

“Quinn” Python Top-Handle Satchel at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,495.

You know the silly cliché that women are attracted to shiny objects? (Can you really blame us, anyway?!) With my eyes glued to Alexander Wang’s scintillating new “Rafael” bag, I really can’t argue. Mirrored metallic leather in slick silver has the visual intensity of a lightning bolt, though far more soothing. I love the exaggerated zippers – the definitive hardware is a clever play on the heavy-metal tonality. Just lose the rabbit tails, which clutter up an otherwise sleek, sexy number of a bag with unnecessary fluff.

I can almost see my reflection in the high-shine leather, which in keeping with the cosmetic case shape. The configuration is kind of cool as a shoulder bag – the casual style works with the juxtaposition of high-glamour leather. But I’ll be more likely to use the “Rafael” with just the top handle – grasping it like a clutch, for a super-cute day to night transition. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $725.

Pair with: This is just the punctuation an all-black ensemble needs for a look that is neutral with a twist. Maison Martin Margiela is always a thoroughly modern pick – this maxi tank dress, with flashes of fishnet, is a restrained choice to set off unrestrained shine. On Ssense for $486 (from $695).