I mean no disrespect, of course – Dior is one of the most storied and important brands in the history of luxury as we know it, and they do a fantastic job with a lot of aspects of their business (I’m a particular fan of their makeup). When it comes to bags, though…what gives?

Along with the Fendi Baguette, Dior’s Saddle Bag helped launched the It Bag trend that got so many of us interested in designer bags. Since then, though, the brand has been a bit quiet when it comes to influential bag design. With the notable exception of the Gaucho bag, it’s been mostly bags like the Dior Lady Dior Top Handle for the past five years.

Not that there’s anything wrong with this bag or this type of design – there isn’t. But there has been so little variation in vision coming from Dior’s accessories department in the past few season that I’m beginning to wonder if they still value their accessories division at all. Since Dior has such a successful cosmetics and perfume business, accessories probably aren’t as essential to the brand’s financial success as they are for most brands, but it still seems a bit odd.

Accessories are one of the most important ways that a designer builds its image, and most luxury brands that have done well during the recession have done so on the backs of their bags, shoes and accessories. In light of those things, I can’t help but wonder why Dior is phoning it in when they have the financial and design ability to make bags that almost all of us would probably want to buy. Buy through Saks for $2250.designer Handbags

When I think of Christian Dior, all I see is Charlize Theron stripping down and all I hear is her voice softly and seductively saying “J’adore Dior”. The brand is known for its long history and timeless aesthetic. And with the re-opening of their store in Shanghai, Dior has decided to create an exclusive and limited edition selection of items.

Christian Dior’s boutique at Plaza 66 in Shanghai, China will re-open this May. With the reopening, Dior has decided to launch a limited edition selection of iconic pieces from the house in Dior blue. These pieces will be sold exclusively at their Shanghai store, which means many of us will never be able to buy them. This launch coincides with the World Expo and the Dior Cruise 2011 fashion show being held in Shanghai on May 15th.

 

The Dior blue collection will feature 12 products in total including: a Dior mobile phone in sapphire crystal with cannage marquetry, a Lady Dior evening bag in blue calfskin with blue sequins in Dior’s iconic cannage design, a Lady Dior classic bag in blue calfskin, a Mise en Dior costume jewelry necklace in blue colored pearls, and a graphic “Dior Lucky” scarf featuring a collage by John Galliano displaying one of the house’s most famous models Lucky.

Of course we are drawn to the handbags immediately. The Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag is beautiful in blue calfskin with black trim. Fitting for the trends this season, the bag features a military style messenger strap. This bag would be my personal choice as it is both classic and current. There is also a blue calfskin Lady Dior Evening Bag with blue sequins. And while not handbag related, the Mise en Dior costume jewelry necklace, originally introduced as part of Camille Miceli’s first collection for the house, in blue colored pearls is breathtaking.

This information leaves me blue knowing that I will not be able to partake in seeing the pieces in person or purchasing.replica handbags

Via Trent via luxury handbag

* I just saw that Bag Crazy also found this beauty! Great minds think alike

You know something that really grinds my gears… when a store advertises a bag a certain way, and then you later realize there are various parts you have to buy to make it look that way. I know it is all about presentation. But even online? You mean to tell me that online they do that too? Well they do. I ran into this Prada Leather Envelope Bag and thought it was so tastefully done. But read the specs a little further to see that the butterfly trick is sold separately. Is that not false advertisement?? (Ok it’s not since they mention that it is sold separately but still the picture really got my hopes up high) The rest of the bag is really quite cute. It is made of gold leather, with a detachable silver chain strap, and silver metal hardware. The dimensions of this little one are 5″H x 7 4/5″W. The leather bag is actually quite reasonably priced for Prada, $334 via Neiman Marcus, and the butterfly trick (which adds such a beautiful touch to the bag) is of course a whopping $138 also through Neiman Marcus.designer Handbags

So I ran into this Prada Nylon Passamentry Tote. Saks, where it is being sold, does not offer much information on the bag, but I’d like to take a stab on some of what they left out. The tote has a zip top and measures12¼”H X 12¼”L X 2¾”W. Simple enough. But now comes the interesting part to me. The focal point of the tote is the grommets which surround the passamentry details. Anyone want to enlighten me on what passamentry details are? I’m not really sure. The passamentry details look to me like they form the shape of a cross. Humm. Better yet, the grommets are placed on nylon. I know Prada makes quite a few nylon bags (I own some), but with a name like that it is time to not call your nylon bag a runway look. Because this bag is “straight off the runway” the price tag also adds a “runway” fare. This nylon bag costs $1265 via Saks. Now, I did not really call the bag ugly- just not my style. For sure not my style with the price and knowing that the bulk of the bag is made of nylon. Even I am not that dumb to be suckered into buying a nylon bag for $1300. What do you all think? Am I way off on the price/overall look of the bag? (If I am we are so blaming it on my bad mood!!)replica bags

The Prada Rose Print Satchel is gorgeous. Just drop dead gorgeous. It’s ready for pre-order, and I believe I am joining the list (hey, that’s no harm done, right?). This satchel is made with a cream canvas with red/orange/olive/yellow rose print and metallic gold leather trim. The gold trim really gives the bag the most elegant appeal along with the accents from the golden hardware. The shoulder straps have buckle-detailing and a removable ID tag. Featuring a top flap with a push-lock closure, makes the closure for the bag stand out among the usual zip top closures. The dimensions are 9 1/6″H x 12 1/3″W x 5 1/3″D. When I woke up this morning, the bag was a little piece of heaven for me. Maybe it does the same for you, if so you can join me on the pre-order list at Neiman Marcus for $1,195.00.herve legers

As soon as I spotted this trendy little number from the Prada Sport line I fell in love. I know I may still be a kid at heart, but the Eskimo pattern is just so cute! Made of orange nylon, silver mesh, and faux fur (with the Eskimo pattern), the bag is simply chic. There are removable gray web shoulder straps with seat-belt buckles which add a unique and fun touch to the bag. And of course, like the name says, there are side zip pockets. Where I am a bit baffled is the price. Yes, you are Prada, but give me a break! Those materials are nothing that you could not find at the local craft store but with the name Prada you can’t expect this bag to be anything other than$650 (through Neiman Marcus).replica watches

Prada Daino Grommet Box Bag
Leather box bag with grommet details and removable ID tag. Inside zipper pocket. For $1,825 viaSaks.

Prada Shearling Tote
Gold colored shearling tote bag with mink fur trim and crocodile handles. For $1,825 via Saks.

Prada Antique Buckle Tote
Antique leather tote with signature lock closure and buckle detail. Detachable ID tag and inside zipper pocket. In back or brown for $1,395 via Saks Fifth.luxury handbags

Prada Suede Push Lock Bag
Suede flap top bag with gold pushlock and buckle details. $1,195 via Saks Fifth.

Prada Suede Logo Box Bag
Suede logo print box bag with buckle detailed handles, removable ID tag, and inside zipper pocket. For $1,295 via Saks, yet again.

As you may recall, when we were in Paris we saw the brand new Prada Trick Keychains, which were not all fully available in the US at the time, but now they are everywhere. So why not feature more of them now for your viewing pleasure. Best part is there are 6 I would like to feature all under $100. Ah yes, you may be thinking that paying this price for a keychain is insane, but you don’t want to miss out on the craze, trust me. These quirky charms are fun and can add a festive touch to a handbag, keychain, belt, belt loops, or whatever you would like. Be creative! (If you can be super creative make sure to tell us about how you wear your Prada Trick Keychain)

On to the keychains. First lets begin with love and the Prada Heart Trick Keychain. Made of leather with silver details, featuring the embossed Prada name on front, key ring and clasp, this charm is lovely. How about some fiery flame? If your not as much into the loving heart as you are into the fiery flame, take a look at the Flame Trick Keychain. Also made of leather with silver details and attached key ring and clasp, this trick gives more of a flare and can show off your wild side. Feeling bad to the bone? The Prada Skull and Crossbones Trick Keychain can suit your needs. Again made of leather and silver details with the attached key ring and clasp, this trick is chic and rugged all in one and can show off your biker-chick side. But if you are into wings and things, how about the Prada Butterfly Trick Keychain for a softer feel. Need I mention it is made of the same leather and silver detailing as the others? I think not. And for you animal lovers, Prada hasn’t let you down with their cutesy Prada Teddy Bear Trick Keychain. Made of the materials as the latter. Now for my favorite, which I have already bought and can’t stop playing with, the Prada Robot Trick Keychain. We are past Y2K and computers and technology still run our lives, so I like to show off my tech side with this Robot Trick Keychain. It’s funky and fun and of course, made with leather and silver detailing. All of these can be yours for $99 at Smart Bargains.designer Handbags