That's A Fabulous Handbag

It's been a while since I have been able to say anything nice about  my once favorite label Gucci. There were a few spring/summer 2009 handbags that didn't make me cringe, and one or two that I actually liked, but things are looking up for the Fall/Winter 2009 collection. I'm not sure I'm ready to carry one yet (I was severely disappointed with the bags put out in the last few years), but I can see a possible purchase on the distant horizon. All of these bags are available at Gucci.com.

This is the 'icon bit' medium boston bag with horsebit detail, metal chain, D ring detail, and studs. The chain detail and minimal studs are just the right amount of hardware to give this bag a city street chic look that I like. However I think it's a bit overpriced for a medium sized leather bag. $1,990. It also comes in off-white, and that oil spill multi color they did last season (a hideous color in my opinion).

This is the 'galaxy' large shoulder bag with metal chain and interlocking G detail. This one is my favorite from this collection. I like the metallic green color on the python, and I have always favored the simple, large shoulder bag design. This bag also has just the right amount of hardware to give it a little attitude. Fairly priced for designer python. $3,500. It also comes in black leather, $2,500, about $500 too much I believe.

This is the 'icon bit' medium shoulder bag with horsebit detail, D ring detail, and studs. BORING! It comes in many colors and various materials. Prices start at $1,390 with this bland suede version. I wouldn't pay $500 for this bag.

This is the 'new jackie' large shoulder bag with hand stitching, tassels, and bamboo detail. I really like this bag! It's a classic design, but the tassels on the one side and the minimal bamboo detail are just the right amount of embellishments to compliment this bag. I also like that she fittingly paired gold hardware with this design. This bag comes in various material and colors, so the price range is broad, starting at $2,995 for the GG monogram version and go up to $9,990 for the ostrich version.The bag shown is $5,700, a bit steep in my opinion for python, but it is a beautiful handbag.

This is the 'interlocking' medium boston bag with interlocking G ornament and studs. I abhor the boston bag. It's an inconvenient design and it's anything but flattering on your arm. However, I'm not faulting Frida Giannini for this bag, as many labels include this design in their collections, so there must be some demand. I'm actually glad she didn't waste any beautiful materials on it. It's only made with the GG monogram fabric. There's just no way to make this bag look good. It's one of the less expensive full sized bag of the collection, fittingly. $1,350.

This is the 'crystal mix' medium tote. Two words: logo overkill. $990.

Tags: gucci handbags, fall / winter 2009 handbags, designer handbags

This Gucci handbag for Fall 2009 gives me a bit of hope that my at-one-time favorite handbag label can rise like a Venus from the ashes of their most recent five or six collections. The heart and tattoo printed handbags of recent saddened and disappointed me and I feared the luxury giant was beginning a downward descent. However, it seems they are learning from their mistakes, probably with dwindling profits, and going back to their sophisticated and classic roots. This bag, the 'Jockey' tote is gunmetal guccissima leather with gold horse bit hardware. Simple. Classic. Beautiful. Finally. $2,250 at Gucci.com

Tags: gucci handbags, designer handbags

The Gucci Handbag collection for the upcoming Fall 2009 are better than the previous few collection, but it's not great. I think the handbags have a cool, hip sort of style, a far cry from their sophisticated roots, but I'll take it.

This is the Gucci Metallic Galaxy handbag. It's OK, but there's nothing remarkable about it.

This is the Gucci Oxidized Icon Bit bag. The oil spill color is interesting.

I do like this one. It's the Gucci Python Journal clutch. I like the exotic skin, as well as the colors.

Tags: gucci handbags, designer handbags, fall 2009 handbags

The below Gucci Handbags are the reson I am not carrying a Gucci bag, which is saying alot. My last 5 handbag purchases have been with Gucci. However, last January when I was about to get a new bag, I didn't even look at the Gucci bags, the entire collection is an insult to the meticulous and sophisticated image that the Gucci label has enjoyed for so many years. Personally, I think they should fire Frida Giannini for this collection alone. These bags look like they were made for a twelve year old. How I miss Tom Ford.

Tags: gucci handbag, designer handbags

The Gucci Fall 2009 Handbag Collection was a bit boring. I did like the resin straps that were added to this collection, even if Marc Jacobs started the trend last season. This collection features all black handbags with multiple straps of various material, like the before mentioned resin chain straps, braided leather, wristlets, and exotic skins. There were none of the classic GG print handbags in this collection.

check out the Gucci Fall 2009 shoe collection. 

Tags: gucci fall 2009 handbag collection, gucci handbags, fall 2009 handbags

This Gucci handbag is being offered for a discounted price at Bluefly. It is the GG Plus Vanity Tote. I like this handbag, although I haven't seen this style before, but since it's on sale, I assume it's from last season. But the classic GG fabric is multi-seasonal, and can be worn for years. Gucci always releases a design with this fabric. Personally, when I buy a Gucci, I almost always opt for this tan GG fabric. Also, it doesn't show dirt. This handbag is nice and roomy and would be a chic and sophisticated everyday handbag. Available at Bluefly, $1,036.

Tags: gucci handbags, gucci plus vanity tote

This is by far the best handbag Gucci has put out in the last year - at least. I have been patiently awaiting its' arrival since I saw it in the Gucci Spring 2009 runway show. It is the new Gucci Jackie Satchel. I love the soft, tan leather and the oversized stitching, as well as the simple side tassels and the bamboo accents. This handbag is much more toned down and classy than the tattoo prints, or the overly studded babouska collections from Fall '08.  Available at Saks, $3,150.

Tags: spring 2009 gucci jackie satchel, gucci handbags

The way I have railed against Gucci lately, you would think I don't like the label at all, but that's not the case. It's my favorite in fact, but this season has been a complete and total disappointment for me. I only like one bag from this collection. One out of, what, at least twenty. Take this Hysteria Hobo for example, the tortoise coloring is way too much. If it was accented with the color that would be great, but in shiny patent leather it just looks cheap. And why did Gucci change their hardware logo? Stick with the classic GG, please. $1,360 at Saks for those of you who care.

Tags: gucci

Finally! A Fall 2008 Gucci handbag that I actually like. This is the Gucci Sukey Python Tote and it has no studs, no hearts, and no graffiti. It's just a classic python tote with brown leather trim. The python skin is beautiful, and much more fitting for the sophisticated Gucci label than the previous bags from this season. This is a bag that will last many years, through every season, and if I had the cash I would love to have this in my collection. $3,195 at Saks

Tags: gucci

THIS is a new Gucci handbag to hit the stores. It's the Gucci Irina shoulder bag and it's ...(trying to find something nice to say about it)...umm, I'm sure the leather is really soft. I thought we had seen the last of the heart decorations with the Babouska collection, but alas, it rears it's ugly head yet again. The current designer is ruining Gucci's stellar handbag reputation. I associate Gucci with class, sophistication and luxury, yet this purse looks like something from the teen department in Target (no offense to Target, which I love, but Gucci doesn't belong there). Do you agree hearts and Gucci don't go? At least they toned down the studs with this bag, but they have a long way to go to get back their exceptional standing in my eyes. Oh, and it costs $2,450.

Tags: gucci