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.

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

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.

Frida Giannini, the designer for Gucci, is different from Milan's other female designers. There was absolutely no runway fantasia in her show, it was strictly ready to wear on the streets. While I applaud her pragmatic standpoint, I was a bit shocked that she only offered 3 handbag designs in this collection.  There was an up-sized, slouchier, hand-stitched "New Jackie" (which is a fantastic handbag), a utilitarian backpack that transforms into a carryall, and a clutch. She did the "New Jackie" in every possible material from the GG logo to exotics like crocodile and snakeskin. One version had the GG logo with snakeskin front pockets. Same thing with the backpack, but the was only one version of the clutch (which I didn't really care for). The "New Jackie" is a classy and beautiful handbag and would look gorgeous with any outfit, especially a business suit. But with only one out of three designs that I liked from this collection, I thought the handbags were an overall disappointment. Especially after the horrible Fall 2008's Babouska collection. In Giannini defense she has steered the Gucci label in a more chic business like direction, so the lack of frills and wild color combinations makes sense, but I would have liked to see more variety. And do we really need a backpack?

Finally, my beloved Gucci has returned to its' senses and, is again, creating gorgeous, lust-worthy handbags. This handbag was seen during Fashion Week and will be available Spring 2009. They are still using tassels, but the fringe isn't everywhere, and thank goodness, those awful, gigantic studs are gone.

I absolutely love this bag. The oversized stitching is fabulous, and I love that it extends to the strap. The polished bamboo details on the fringe is also a nice, classic touch. And they went with gold hardware, which is the best choice for a brown bag, in my opinion.

Ladies, have you ever asked your boyfriend or husband for a handbag as a gift for your birthday or Christmas? Did you get what you wanted? I ask for a handbag on every occasion, including anniversary and I only sometimes get one. But I have to take him to the store and point out EXACTLY the bag I want, because I don't want a gift getting occasion wasted on a bag I can't use. I have compiled a list of handbags that would be an excellent gift for you, so direct your significant others here if you want a fabulous gift.

Guys, if your lady is a businesswoman, this bag is perfect. It will look beautiful with a suit and it's just plain fabulous. The label is discreet, but still evident. See, for us, handbags are a status symbol, so we want the label out there, just not in your face. This handbag is Versace Large Patent Shoulder Bag with Chain Handle. $1,730.

This one is great with a suit also. But it would work with any outfit, really. Does she wear jeans and heels? Get this bag. It's not exactly a gym bag, so if your lady is a personal trainer, pass on this one. This handbag is Christian Dior 61 Croc-Stamped Tote. $1,850.

 This is a great everyday bag. Angelina Jolie has one. It's a Valentino Histoire Braided Handle Tote. $1,795.

This is also a great bag. You can never go wrong with a gift from Gucci. Just steer clear of anything overdone, like tassels and big, gaudy studs. This is a Gucci Pelham Shoulder Bag. $1,295.

See post below for reasons. $1,930.

Do you really want to impress her? I haven't met a woman who does not lust for this purse. It's beautiful and feminine, like her, right? It's a Marc Jacobs Ostrich Stam (after one of the current "super models", Jessica Stam) . $5,500.

If you decide to venture into a department store to get her handbag, stick to the big name labels like Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Versace, Christian Dior, Prada, Valentino.

I know some of these prices are a little high, but she's worth it. I could have suggested the Hermes Birkin. 

I love this handbag, soo boho chic. It's the Gucci Tapestry Hysteria Tote. It has a really cool, hippy-ish vibe. This bag that doesn't need any design gimmick, intricate logo, or heavy hardware to make it stand out. Gucci has had some misses this season, but this is a definite hit. Gucci has other styles and shapes in tapestry for Fall and also other designs in the Hysteria tote, but this is my favorite.

You can get a Gucci Hysteria Tote for $1,295 at Neiman Marcus.

I'm glad she likes this bag, because I don't. That heart logo that Gucci is doing this season is horrible. It looks cheap and childish. And the gold and silver studs are everywhere and are way too big. The entire Babouska collection is overloaded with them, even the shoes. That’s quite apparent on Jessica Simpson’s Babouska Boston Bag, which, in faded red, has a kind of beaten up, weathered look about it. And what's with the tassels on the side of the bag. It just looks thrown together.

The Gucci Babouska Boston Handbag comes in russet and cocoa. The russet color is decent, but it doesn't make up for the rest of the bag. Brown = boring. And they want $2,595 for this bag. If you want to have the same bag as Jessica, Bergdorf Goodman has it.

I really hate to rip on my beloved Gucci, but what. is. this. ? It's Gucci's Babouska Boston Bag, Fall 2008. With sewn on cloth rabbits and embellishments. This looks like something a 7 year old would make in art class.  It's fable embroidery. 

It's a very childish, young looking design on an adult handbag.

One another thing I don't like that Gucci is doing everywhere this season is the hearts.  Hearts, too, are childish and cartoonish, definetly not the cool and sophisticated Gucci I know and love.

This handbag has an inside zip and cell phone pockets and measures 13"L x 4.7"W x 6.7"H.

$1,750.

Click here for a huge selection of Gucci handbags.

Gucci Hysteria Tote, Fall 2008. I have mixed feelings about this bag. It's pretty simple, but cute with the bows on the side.

The material is waterproof fabric , which is nice, but it doesn't look that great. However the waterproof element is quite convenient, especially if you have little children who drink bright juices that tend to spill on your purse.

It has brown leather trim and goldtone hardware.

Top handles and a zip closure. It has an inner and cell phone pocket, as well as two outer pockets.

This is a roomy bag, 15"H x 18"W x 8"D. Price is good for Gucci, $995.

Made in Italy.

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