The most exciting bag off the Hermes Fall runway is the Jypsière bag. A perfect balance of the timeless design of the birkin combined with an ultra modern messenger style, I have a feeling it will make a major splash with sporty fashionistas worldwide (I know Kelly is going to flip for it!). It is fashioned after a hunting satchel in which Jean Paul Gaultier describes as "a functional, nonchalant bag slung across the shoulder, combined with the iconic details of the Hermes bags"* As with the birkin and kelly, the straps are best left open so you can lift the flap easily. The strap is adjustable and removeable though this is not something you would want to clutch. It will be available in multiple colors but I love the Graphite and Olive clemence versions best. Both colors are rich and deep, perfect for Fall! The sueded crocodile is also a texture that I am dying to experience, it is so lush! Jypsière in leather 34cm is $6,800 at Hermes boutiques. Call Craig at 214-528-0197 to order. There is also a 37cm for our manbag snobs!

*JPG Quote Source Bazaar

(Wolf whistle)-- Hellloooo, beauty! Trust Bottega Veneta to make my heart flutter time and again-- the Noce Ostrich trimmed in crocodile is a tear inducing work of perfection... I am seriously in lust! Less is really more when it comes to Bottega! No fancy hardware or frills, just clean lines and the best quality skin an animal can offer. Animal activists will crucify me for saying this but I can not help my love of soft skins, especially if it is exotic. If it's any consolation, most animals used are farmed providing an entire industry which stimulates the local economy not to mention the food they provide. (okay, I am stretching here-- I do feel a bit guilty at times.) But back to the utterly supple and gorgeous Noce bag, it is the perfect shade of luggage brown in ostrich with just a touch of attitude from the chocolate crocodile trim. Notice how the subtle little crocodile buttons clasp the straps to the bag, is that not just divine? Exposed zippers on bags usually dangle at the ends and look sloppy, see how they've attached it to side straps, talk about form and function. God, I love this bag! I feel like a dirty old man staring at a luscious hot chick, I want I want I want! This is all I need for Fall, really, I won't buy the other 25 bags I swore I had to have. This is it. I will treat myself for my birthday coming up next month if no one else will buy it for me. $5700 at Bottega Veneta boutiques. Call Jasenka for more details 214-265-0136. Bottega also at Net-a-porter.com

Photo courtesy of Bottega USA.

UPDATE:$2,340, 16"wx6.5"x14h". Maroon or Black-call Justin at 214-363-6600

If it seems I am overdosing in Tod's bags, it's because I am. So yes, I am guilty of being seduced by the elegant old world ads starring Gwyneth Paltrow; but Tod's also has, hands down, one of the strongest bag collections of the Fall 2008 season. I haven't stopped dreaming about the Dokt croc bag but have added more bags to my list including the glistening one above (the dark red is great, I'd prefer it in chocolate but it only comes in this or black right now), and no-- it's not because I blindly covet all bags scaly. It's because the bag is a perfect example of casual and simple chic.

The Pashmy is not a new shape for the House of Tod's but for Fall, it is revitalized in lux snakeskin. As we've been saying, the boho-chic hobo bag is back and Tod's combines it with impeccable detailing and butter soft skin. The handle sits on the shoulder nice and flat which allows the bag to slouch effortlessly against you without tug nor pull. And don't you love all the multi pockets hidden behind the zippers? I do! I am a packrat and always have multiple receipts lurking in my bags along with to-do lists (my brain is deteoriating so I have become a to-do list junkie so I won't forget to do important things such as pick up my son from little gym camp) and notes to myself to remind me to write my to-do lists, etc. Before I forget where I am going with this line of rambling, Pashmy bags are at Tod's Boutiques- call Justin at 214-363-6600. Tod's Handbags also at eLuxury

Top: Coco Messenger
Bottom: Coco Clutch and Adriana Castro

You are going to go nuts over Adriana Castro's croc collection. It's not that I am partial to Colombians (my husband is half) but they have the crocodiles so it makes sense that they should make the best bags at the best prices! Adriana was born on a croc farm in Colombia! Well, metaphorically, her dad owns a croc farm, I am sure she was born at a hospital. She grew up around crocodiles and has been dreaming up designs for these skins since childhood.

$1,995 at YSL Boutiques- Call Fatima- 310-271-4110

Perhaps you are like me, sick of looking at the same ol' same ol'... or perhaps you are new at bag collecting, and everything is new and exciting. Whatever your position, I am certain you will find this clutch fascinating. YSL has proven itself to be the best in bags yet again. While every other line is scrambling to define itself, YSL is just.... YSL. Who would have thought gold tone zippers could look so elegant, chic, and ladylike? It's one thing to have soft satin ruffles liven up a simple black clutch, but it's another altogether to trim it in punk rock zippers. I've always been a walking contradiction. All at once a rebellious child who breaks rules unapologetically and a woman who appreciates the timeless elegance of a classic. This bag fulfills all facets of me. It will work with my jeans and t-shirt or with my Oscar de la Renta cocktail dresses. Isn't that what we all look for? Something that goes with everything? At YSL Boutiques worldwide. $1,995 or Call Fatima at the Beverly Hills location 310-271-4110

Photo courtesy of YSL

Are you loving the Mod Squad trend of late? Live life on the edge with this slightly edgy and super cool Coppola tote in contrasting patent leathers and nude handle. Green has been everywhere but an all green bag might be a bit too much and hard to use, but in this combo it is win-win. I am not sure I can rock it in my advanced age but for a young and hip chick with some high boots and mini-skirt, it is smoking hot and beyond! You also get all the functional trappings of a reliable Anya Hindmarch bag, girls should learn to be practical at an early age, it will save time and frustration which leads to wrinkles =) At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1235.

You don't really think of Gianfranco Ferre when you are shopping for a bag but they have really amazingly interesting bags. They are avante-garde and very engineered, that is the only word I can think of because their bags are technical and futuristic almost in design. They have an entire mens bag collection that most will debate as to whether it is for men. When I saw this bag, I totally went nuts until I realized it was printed python instead of real python. Their bag collection is not cheap so I don't know why they wouldn't just make this with the real deal, and exotic skin these days have come a long way in durability, pliability and finishes. It is still a kick ass fabulous design with the the diagonal pleats and loose bow, except I would rather have it in a textured leather if it can't be in real python. And how cool would this be in croc? Nancy Gonzales uses the softest crocodile that folds and bends so I don't see why this couldn't be accomplished with that skin. This is a new bag for Fall that is not out in their boutiques yet so I do not have a price. I guess the reason most people don't know about Ferre bags is because their PR is inept or non-existent. I went through 2 different sources to contact their corporate office for details on this bag and although both were able to speak to someone, they would not or could not give answers. Well, it could be a good thing, no one would ever know what this bag is, you could stump your friends and make a game out of it. I will update with more info when (and if) I get it. But I will be checking out their Two Rodeo boutique more often now!

I am in a disco mood because I have been going out lately and discovered that it still can be fun if you're with the right people and stick to Grey Goose and soda (no colorful and sugary cocktails and no mixing)! Maybe I have been hormonal for the last 4 years and thought it was my age making me so crotchety but I am feeling quite frisky these days. And with this new spring in my step, I am in need of this total disco bag for nights out with a fun party dress. It is made of the metallic mesh like those halters from the 70's. I was a decade too late to party at Studio 54 (plus I don't and never have done drugs so I wouldn't have been happy there) but if you can time travel, you would bring down the house with this bracelet clutch! The bracelet is removable if you need a clutch for a more serious occasion but what is great is that the bracelet is a fabulous cuff all by itself. A definite 2-for-1 deal here because that cuff will run you a good $400 by itself. At Net a Porter for $1165.

Leave it to the genius behind Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, to make a traditional chain bag look fresh and new again! Julie Gilhart of Barneys New York told me that Alber is obsessed with embellishment, he wants to wrap us all up in pearls, chains and ribbons-- and who am I to refuse? I love love love this Rodeo bag from Lanvin this season! It's the ultimate feminine and sexy bag. A grosgrain ribbon is interwoven into half of the chain so he could tie it in a pretty bow which is sweet as can be but lest we feel too girly, he toughened it up with black patent-- so sexy! Dual turnlock closures and strap details are also different from his past chain flap bags. My chief complaint of the Hero bag is it's flatness, but he solved that by making the Rodeo nice and wide so it's actually functional, not just pretty to look at. $1,835 at Barneys New York. Or call Pam and Cory at 469-221-4807 (By the way, Barneys just went 75% off starting today-- so call them to get your hands on some serious discounted goodies!)

This is the strangest bag I've ever seen, it looks like it could be an alien spaceship or something. But you have to imagine this under your arm and then it is not so strange after all but actually pretty darn cool. It is out there so alien spaceship still applies, it is just not the one bag you own (that would be a tote but come on, you do not come to this site for yet another bucket tote). The crescent shape fits under your arm perfectly and all you see are the giant pleats, which is dramatic, bold and definitely packs a punch when you want to make a statement. I only find the pleats interesting because this is calf leather and not satin (that would be way too obvious). The tonal hardware is especially effective on the black with the red (of course), it does not have the same impact on the burgundy although it is the better color for this bag. One last thought, you better pass on the scone in the morning as those upward pleats look like good crumb catchers. At Neiman Marcus for $1845.

$895 at ShopRumor.com

Check out the latest Gerard Darel creation featured in its Fall 2008 Ads starring Mamie Gummer, the Midday Midnight Bag! For noon or midnight, I just love the casual vibe of this bag. It's actually more Kelly's style than mine but I am ready to loosen up and have some fun as I get older. (Do not ask me why I loved mature and structured bags in my 20s, I wanted to be older than I was but now that I am finally "older"-- I am trying to be 18 again. Such is the irony of life!) But I am not the only one loving on the Midday Midnight bags, these slouchy and utterly boho chic bags are also gracing the arms of the cutest Hollywood celebs! If you live in Paris, run to a GD boutique and check out the purple or python versions, delicious! Stateside GD fans need not fret, jump to see where you can get it!

When I had brunch with Derek Lam of Tod's, he told me the bag I must have is the blush pink crocodile Dokt bag... what he forgot to mention was that it is a whooping $30,500. I saw this in person in the Tod's showroom and it is indeed droolworthy and amazing. The croc skin is of course, sublime but beyond that, the bag itself is fabulous. Large without overpowering, it has a very old world and classic appeal. Very elegant in its distinctive casual way, in other words, very Tod's. There are only two blush pink versions in the United States. One destined for the New York location and one for the Dallas boutique (I wonder if it's a hint for me to grab it?). For more information on the Dokt bag in croc ($30,500) or leather versions ($2,345) and petite versions below in pony hair at $1,845 (I love these!). Call Justin at Tod's 214-363-6600 Jump for more pictures!

Gwyneth Paltrow has certainly been making up for lost time since coming out of motherhood-hibernation. Snagging the Tod's Fall campaign as its new face with a short film for Tod's to be debuted in Cannes, it's clear that Gwyn is baaaaaack!!!!!!! She said in a recent interview that she never misses a day of working out and even while traveling, she exercises with her trainer via the internet. Now that's dedication-- and it really shows, look at her legs! She also said it's hard work to look the way she does (two hours a day 7 days a week) and that she does not wake up looking like this-- especially now that she's a mother of two toddlers. I love her candor, how many actresses pretend they never work out and that they roll out of bed looking gorgeous!?!??! (Jump for more!)

My friend Sasha introduced me to Gerard Darel's North American PR rep today and we spoke at length about the line and the lack of merchandise here. We both pondered if the demand would be as hyped up if it were readily available in every street corner!?!? The answer will remain to be seen come next Fall as Gerard Darel bags set sail stateside. She also gave me the lowdown on how Eva Longoria Parker became involved (which will be another entry next week-- it's too long to write here) and a password to the Gerard Darel press page so I can get exclusive photos and info for you! So here are photos of the newest spokesmodel for GD-- Mamie Gummer, 24 year old daughter of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer, shot by Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin in New York. I find her intelligent and quirky good looks to be vastly appealing, not to mention her mother is my all time favorite actress! The ready to wear is also from Gerard Darel-- so retro chic! I bought a few dresses and pants for myself and my god daughter (the children's line is tres adorable!) Jump for complete Fall Ad campaign!

I cannot believe this is a Ferragamo because honestly, I am quite frightened by the rest of their bags for Fall. Without these details, this is just a generic frame but we all know it is all in the details - like the interwoven patent leather in the straps and the lucite clasp. Of course the most important detail is the python, an extremely lush quality python at that. All of which make this a very cool bag, so much so that I am seriously moved to buy. The best part is that for a python at this quality, it is pretty reasonable at $3150 - a very worthy investment. The rounded bubble shape is fresh and makes for a very roomy bag. The frame opens wide for easy access, which is always a huge consideration when buying a frame. The long strap makes it easy to go over the shoulder although for something like this you normally hold it in your hand. The bag is big enough, 15" x 12", for the long straps to look OK even if you do hold it in your hand. By far the best Ferragamo I've seen. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $3150.

Has enough time gone by for us to do yet another Chanel bag? Well, you have been warned, Chanel has a strong collection this Fall so start saving, girls! Nice evening bags do not have to be exclusively clutches, I mean, we all know the drawbacks of clutches - nowhere to put it down in the bathroom, can't hold it when dancing and drinking. But this can also work for nice formal events, which is the beauty of this beauty. Go across the body for big nights out with big drinking involved and keep it at your side on the shoulder for wine sipping events. It is patent calfskin with oh-so-Chanel metal and strass jewel details, there are a few bags for Fall with this detail but I love the youthful fun of this one. The new Robertson boutique in Los Angeles has the best selection of bags I've seen and they are all the cute young bags that are meant as the centerpiece of your outfit. The store is already full of tourists, but that is to be expected on Robertson these days, that is why a lot of designers are leaving the street and opting for Melrose Place instead, which I love. The quaint and quiet street is conducive to serious shopping and it is of course the most beautiful street in LA. But Chanel is too huge for there, they need the big exposure - like the other day I was in the Rodeo store and Usher walks in, bringing along with him a gaggle of female fans. He was very very nice and took pictures with all of them but he was not able to do much shopping (too bad because I really really wanted to see what he was going to buy). Gotta love Chanel! This bag is $5,495, call (800) 550-0005 to them locate it for you.

Grandma is trying to convince us to move to Alabama. I told her I need to go to NY once a week so she is looking into a private plane for us. Stay tuned… this could become a real life City Slicker story. In the meantime, I have not lost touch with reality. Say you have a long day out, shopping, running errands, meetings, whatever and in the evening you are meeting friends for dinner. So here is what you do. You get this Lanvin shopper and throw the pochette in there. It is the perfect solution for long days when you have too much stuff with you but for each activity you only need a portion of it. You keep the shopper in the car (sorry city girls) and just take the pochette with you when you run in and out of stores. Or for your meeting, you take the whole shopper with you. There is no reason to match the 2 since you will not be using them at the same time. The shopper in the bronze is the perfect day color that will go with most things and of course the anthracite pochette is your all around go-to clutch. This shopper is as cute as can be and LIGHT!! The drawstring closure allows you to change the shape and look as you wish. The foldover clutch is one of the few that actually works perfectly. In satin, it folds flat and is easier to manage. The navy stripe with the anthracite is super casual chic. Pop Satin Pochette is $995 and Papilotte Satin Shopper is $1390, both at Barneys New York.