Perfect Affordable Designer Bag for Fall...Loeffler Randall Rider Bag

Source: honestlywtf.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: loefflerrandall.com via Nicole on Pinterest

First, I am amazingly excited that Loeffler Randall launched a handbag line.  But what is even more exciting is how affordable the bags are...in an age when any designer will slap their name on a bag and charge over $1,000 for it, at least Loeffler Randall has the decency to charge half that.  And this bag is so versatile, you can wear it with anything, day or night, work or play, cross body or top handle...you are limited only by your imagination.  And the bag comes in four neutral colors to boot...here's a link to the Loeffler Randall Rider Bag at only $495.  Granted, the bag is vaguely reminiscent of the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag... but the styling is so spot on and has its own unique details that I'll overlook that small detail for now...

Seriously, Why Would You Wear a Bag that Needs a Bra? The Helmut Lang Loki Bag.

So Barneys New York is launching an exclusive pre-sale on Facebook to give people an advance opportunity to buy the bag pictured above, the Helmut Lang Loki Bag.  So the question is, why would anybody be clamoring a bag that looks like it needs its own bra?  God forbid either of those zippers opened in public, and I'd be worried about getting cited for indecent exposure.  Not to knock Helmut Lang, but this bag is not making it onto any "must have" lists . . .

Be a Handbag Designer: Rebecca Minkoff Design Challenge

Rebecca Minkoff Runway Design Challenge by Polyvore

Today Polyvore announced a design challenge to redesign the popular Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch.  I am super-psyched for this challenge -- I would love to add "handbag designer" to my resume...but the challenge is suprisingly hard given the tools at a person's disposal.  Plus, if you aren't a huge clutch person (I'm not) then it makes the contest that much more challenging.  I am going to consider this a good Thanksgiving project.  If I decide to enter, I'll post my entry here...stay tuned!

Which Came First? The Mulberry Alexa Bag or the Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag?

Mulberry Oversized Alexa - $1,250

Proenza Schouler PS1 - $1,825

It is so funny how two premier designers can churn out bags that are so incredibly similar.  I would argue that as of late, the Mulberry Alexa bag has been a bit more popular than the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag (but then again, it probably depends on who you are asking).  It isn't as though one is the exact copy of the other, but they are just so darn close on so many levels -- shape, silhouette and really almost down to the choice of hardware -- that you have to wonder which one was born first . . . and whether one really inspired the other.  Mulberry is definitely more well-known for bags, while Proenza Schouler is definitely more well-known for clothes. The Mulberry is a bit cheaper than the Proenza . . . but all of that being said, which one would you pick?

Love both of the above, but don't want to spring for either one? Try this Topshop pick, the Leather Piped Satchel for $100: