It’s simple…so do we think it’s worth the $1,595 price tag? Not for me! The bag is nice, I’m not arguing that, but it also looks like something you might find at Banana Republic or Club Monaco. And not that there’s anything wrong with handbags from either of those places, but the price point of their bags are a little more in tune with reality at the moment. I’m betting we find a comparable bag from either store or another chain retailer. The YSL Zippy Hobo is lined in suede and has the luxury of unzipping the bottom to create extra space.

Photo: saks.com

I’m usually tempted by anything a bit unusual - not always the wacky sort, but something that makes intelligent use of an unexpected element. This Celestina Abalone Box Clutch falls right into that category thanks to the way it cleverly employs the shell to create the bulk of its body. Framed by macassar ebony wood, this clutch is beautifully exotic, and not in that typical way that usually involves animal skins. It makes a case for natural materials and proves that even the most luxe evening bags don’t need to be made with leather to really shine - and this definitely shines. Available for $770 at Net-a-Porter.

It’s here guys and gals! The Bottega Veneta sample sale and it kicks off today. Go early for deals on the label’s classic woven leather bags, and there will also be gobs of clothes, shoes and small leather goods. It makes me want to relocate to NY!

Bottega Veneta
January 8-10, Th-Sat 10-6
697 Fifth Avenue
(54-55 Streets) 3rd Floor
Womens & Mens Clothing and Accessories
Sample & stock sale

Bottega Veneta’s fabulously sharp collections - womens and mens ready-to-wear, shoes, bags and other accessories. Credit cards only.

Lindsay is out and about as usual, and what better bag to do with than the Chanel Portobello. If you’ve seen this bag in real life, you know it’s a pretty large handbag, but it looks great with Lindsay’s height. Her hair, sunglasses, $3,000 purse…oh, to be young, gorge, and oh-so-rich! I’m loving Lindsay’s sunglasses, which are oversized Ray-Bans. Does anyone know the exact model/style? It looks like Lindsay’s purse collection just continues to grow.

Photo: celebutopia.com

I had my doubts the first time I heard about this purse, and upon close inspection it’s quite easy to see why. The Louis Vuitton Monogram Scuba MM is monogram-embossed, made of neoprene and available in orange and this bold fuchsia. It’s pretty impractical all around, unless you’re just looking for an ordinary beach-type bag made of…rubber. Granted, it’s sturdy and isn’t going to fall apart on you or anything, but something tells me it’s really not worth it. Available for $1940 at eLuxury.

It’s in all of the ads and I’m sure it will pop up on the red carpet time and time again this spring. But is it really anything to look at? Prada has decided to add these plastic jewels onto anything and everything from clutches to totes to wedges and flats. That’s a lot of sparkle! The colors aren’t doing these bags any favors either. The green and blue are great for spring and summer, but they aren’t universal when it comes to matching the rest of your wardrobe. And the $1,395 price tag? Well, I guess die-hard Prada fans will make room in their budget to have this season’s jewel encrusted accessories to keep up.

Available at Saks.com

Two very different looks from two very gorgeous gals. Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway turned out for the Bride Wars premiere (which opens this weekend) and looked amazing. Kate Hudson looked as golden as ever, but the real standout was Anne Hathaway’s super sexy tuxedo. Her hair, her skin, the suit, the shoes…my, my! I like Kate’s overall look, but the dress itself is a little off. I am loving her smoldering eye makeup though! What do you think of the girls’ looks at the premiere, and will you hit the theatre to catch Bride Wars this weekend? There are several hot bags making cameos, so keep your eyes peeled.

Photo: celebutopia.com

I don’t know who Coach is trying to kid with this stuff. I am 100% over the first grade-style print on so many of their new purses. This Graffiti Tote is a great example of what they’re doing wrong. Let’s see…a roughly $900 tote with “Coach Est. 1947″ written on it by a five year old? Um, yeah. I’m thinking of putting a lifelong ban on Coach because of this (although it would be kind of cute without the print). Shameful. Available at Coach.

Cute couple alert! Oh, sure, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden make a nice dynamic duo, but it’s Nicole and her signature Balenciaga City purse that has me seeing heart bubbles. I just love designer handbags that are status-y yet still versatile enough to wear to Six Flags of all places without looking like you’re trying too hard. It works with Nicole’s low-key outfit, just as it works with her dressier ensembles too.

Photo from People.com.

Ahoy, mateys! It’s time for a new Marc by Marc Jacobs Miss Marc Shopper, and this go-round features a playful nautical theme just in time for spring. The tall, open-topped navy tote sports little Miss Marc in a fetching sailor cap and shades. It’s cute, playful, and fun - so adorable with a navy and white striped top with jeans or chinos. Now if only spring would come around. Available for $128 at Eluxury.com.