It Bags
Stewart+Brown Canvas Belt Bag
Forget thse dreadful fanny packs of old, and snap on this versatile, and oh so stylish Canvas Belt Bag by Stewart Brown. Made of 100% surplus cotton canvas, it features open and zipping pockets, and an added bonus; unique original Stewart+Brown artwork. Available in black coal, and bark grey, it sells for a mere $77. Made in the good ol USA, this adorable little bag can be strapped on, and ready to go in a hot minute! Cool.
Orla Kiely's Corner Store Shopping Trolley
The Orla Kiely's Corner Store Shopping Trolley by Anthropolie would be the perfect addition to your next shopping spree. Fashioned in signature stem print, this sturdy, and oh so stylish canvas tote features leather handles, zip closure and fold-up wheels. Perfect for a trip to the grocery or a quick trip to the mall, this tote is definitely large enough to carry home your bounty. Measuring 23x14x6.5, this cute little item sells for $228 at Anthropolie.
Purseuing Names Fall/Winter 2005 "It" Bags
Some of these bags I've reported on in the past, some I have not. All are what I consider to be this season's "It" bags. Note: I tried to keep this short and simple. I'm aware it didn't happen. Enjoy anyway!
Chanel 2.55 Reissue
Ever since it's debut in February 1955, The Chanel 2.55 (named after its founding month/year) has been an "It" bag. Everyone who's ever been "anyone" either carried this bag or wished they were at one time or another. Although Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel has had some luck in varying the materials and sizes of the 2.55, he has been ultimately unsuccessful in recreating that rush that women got and continue to get from owning Coco Chanel's original 2.55. Now, fast forward 50 years later and an inevitable reissue of the stunning bag has at last graced us with its presence. The 2.55 reissue is everything that the original was -- beautifully crafted with quilted leather and chain straps, perfectly shaped for a graceful and timeless look and nearly impossible to get your hands on. Now that’s an "It" bag!
Chloe Python Silverado
Much like its very popular sister-bag, the Paddington, Chloe's Silverado was destined to become an "It" bag from the get-go. If you want the bag in python, you pretty much have to personally know a sales associate from a Chloe retail location or a boutique that carries the brand, however, leather versions of the bag seem to be easier to come by (if you call being put on a waiting list for all of eternity easier, that is). Continuing with the popular metallic trend, the Chloe Python Silverado is beautiful in bronze (shown) and silver, both of which are new for the fall/winter season. All you need now is $2,140 and a whole lot of luck and this baby is yours!
Fendi Spy
In my opinion, the medium Spy bag from Fendi is quite possibly the trendiest slouchy bag of all time. Designer names like Fendi are often overlooked when it comes to "It” bags due to their already well-known name. More often, an "It” bag comes from a company virtually unknown to most common shoppers until they hit big with a style that brings a cult-like following with it. For $2,400, the Spy in cognac leather enjoys the best of both worlds -- it is attached to a big, brand name, and on the wish list of more people than you or I know for 2005. Although currently not available from any major retailers (Saks, Neiman Marcus, etc), there are a few online boutiques claiming to have the bag in stock if you don't have access to a Fendi waiting list in your area.
Bottega Veneta Jardin Décalée Bag
The Jardin Décalée Bag from Bottega Veneta easily makes my fall list with its sleek, black frame and chic, flower detail. Each bloom covering the front of the bag is hand-cut and made from plaited Kangaroo leather, which explains the price tag of $6,400, as well as the sparse quantity of the delicate bag. You can view Bottega Veneta's Jardin Décalée on the company's website but don't count on ever, actually seeing the bag in person as it's been reported that only 200 are being sold worldwide.
Alexander McQueen Novak
Alexander McQueen tries his hand at handbag fame with the Novak, the focal point of his new fall 2005 handbag collection. Drawing inspiration from Kim Novak (of Hitchcock's Vertigo fame), the Novak paints a picture of sheer elegance and sophistication with its sturdy leather frame and braided turn clasp. While "slouchy" and "soft" will most likely continue to be popular trends this season, the Novak shows us that "structured" and "refined" are surely on the move and may secure a place at the top in the end. High price tags and limited production will make it pretty difficult to get a hold of one of these, but really isn't it the chase that draws us in anyway?