With my first six months in New York coming to a close, I’ve done lots of thinking about how clothes, shoes and accessories play into the very unique New York City lifestyle. For as long as I can remember, a handbag’s structure didn’t really matter to me; I could carry almost anything from a day clutch to a huge hobo rather happily because I always, without fail, had a car with me. Now that I don’t, my preferences have changed drastically.

 That’s one of the reasons that I’m excited for the debut of the Reed Krakoff Soft Boxer tote, or the Shoulder Boxer, as I like to call it. I’ve been an enormous fan of the regular Boxer since its debut, but I simply can no longer justify buying a bag that doesn’t have an option for shoulder carry. This modified version of the Boxer design completely solves that problem.

 When I laid eyes on this bag, the first thing I thought was, “Oh, sort of like a Shoulder Birkin!” Although the modifications aren’t identical to the Jean Paul Gaultier-redesigned Hermes bag, the spirit is similar. Not only were the shoulder straps lengthened to accomodate a woman’s shoulder like the JPG Birkin, but they were also flattened, which is a huge advantage in a shoulder tote and something all designers should consider when adapting designs for shoulder carry. Double rolled handles always slip off, and they’re really only appropriate for bags carried in the crook of the arm.

  The body of the Boxer was also shortened, just like the Shoulder Birkin. This helps lessen the bulk under the arm and the likelihood that you’re going to have all of your belongings banging against your hip all day, which is essential in a structured tote meant to be carried this way. I’ll have to reserve judgment until I can try out the bag in person and see how it feels (I like a very long tote strap), but my hopes for this extension of the Boxer line are high

   Despite the fact that Spring 2012 was kind of a down season for runway bags, there were still plenty of highlights that deserve to be noted. After all, in a season where Louis Vuitton gives you wall-to-wall exotics and Hermes reintroduces a long-shelved shoulder bag, things can’t really be that dreary, can they? So here we have the ten best bags from the Spring 2012 show schedule, presented in alphabetical order. We picked only bags that appeared in major runway shows because those are the ones to which we have access at this point in the season. Once bag designers who didn’t have shows start sending out lookbooks, we’ll have lots more bags (and lists) to show you. Tell us which bags are your favorites in the comments, and let us know if we missed anything!

Bottega Veneta Crocodile Clutch

The color is the real story with this bag, and the yellow-undertones green and sharp structure give the exotic leather its requisite opportunity to shine.

 Derek Lam Inlaid Snakeskin Top Handle

Derek Lam Inlaid Snakeskin Top Handle

Several brands, including Marni, offered pieced leather bags in retro-modern geometric patterns on the runway, but this combination of various textures and colors of snakeskin was my favorite. This bag will work as a neutral, but the jade accents make it much more special.

 Diane von Furstenberg Multitextured Shoulder Bag

Diane von Furstenberg Multitextured Shoulder Bag

 This design will surely have a clever name once it hits stores, and I can’t wait to see all the different color and texture variations that the shape will have. For now, though, this neutral mixture that was buried in DVF’s excellent show is a very sharp and wearable option.

 Hermes Passe Guide Shoulder Bag

As it turns out, this stunner from the Hermes show isn’t a new design at all. The Hermes Passe Guide design dates back to the 1960s but hasn’t been produced in decades, and now Christophe Lemaire has revived it to great effect. The heavy side hardware distinguishes it from other Hermes designs, and it fits a very convenient aesthetic gap in the venerable French brand’s leather lineup.

Louis Vuitton Crocodile Duffel

By now, everyone’s seen the dozen or so modified Speedys in powdery pastel crocodile that graced the runway at the Louis Vuitton show, but what about this slightly more modern bicolor duffel version? It also came in a darker blue, and I prefer it to the more traditional Speedy.

Marchesa Crystal Embellished Minaudiere

Marni Woven Houndstooth Satchel

Prada Frame Tote

Proenza Schouler Canteen Bag

Proenza Schouler Canteen Bag

Victoria Beckham Structured Day Clutch 

   For me, the answer is no. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this Fendi bag and it is by far one of the most stunning colorblocked brown bags I have ever laid my eyes upon. But the structure paired with the single top handle gives this bag a very ladylike vibe that simply doesn’t work with my personal style. There is, however, an optional shoulder strap, which begins to make this bag call to me and remind me that this can work for me too. I love wearing jeans and maxi dresses with oversized tops and funky jackets. Even with the optional shoulder strap, I would never give this handbag the love and wear that is deserves. For the ladies who love a little structure, Fendi delivers an intensely gorgeous option. Overall dimensions are 8.5″ x 12″ x 5.5″. Pre-order via Neiman Marcus for $8,180.

    I’m not one to turn to single-handle structured handbags much, but sometimes an unexpected bag wows me enough to get my attention. Fendi has accomplished this with their Silvana Croc & Stingray Bag. Seriously, everything about this bag is absolutely stunning from the beige smooth leather to the dark brown crocodile to the beige stingray top handle. Each piece of the whole flows together beautifully, leaving a stunning fall accessory staple.

But does this bag evoke enough emotion to draw a price tag over $8,000?

  I’ve never been one for charms, metal or otherwise, and I missed out on the coonskin cap craze of the 50′s. I think the fox charm would get in the way. For the price it sells for, I’d rather get an Hermes scarf and tie it around a bag, though I’ve not done that either. Before I’d pop $590 on one small fox piece, I’d spring for more and just get a whole coat or stole. I love fur.

   I remember a couple of seasons ago when Louis Vuitton debuted detachable fox tails on the Spring 2010 runway and everyone threw a fit over how silly and tacky and unreasonable they were. Well, it’s a year and a half later and now it looks like Vuitton and Marc Jacobs were, once again, more than a full calendar year ahead of the curve. It’s gotten to the point that I don’t doubt the brand’s vision anymore; if Vuitton produces a bag I don’t like, I just assume that I’m not yet advanced enough to understand its brilliance.

  And that may have been the case, if the industry’s sudden embrace of  fox tail accouterments is any indication. Both Gucci and Henry Beguelin have produced bags adorned with tails (or tail-like furballs) for Fall 2011, and Gucci will sell you a loose tail charm to add to any bag in your collection as well. Suddenly Louis Vuitton seems like it was on to something. Would you wear this trend? What if the “fox tail” were faux? Mostly, I’m jealous that Megs picked up one of the hot pink Vuitton charms a few seasons back and I didn’t. Also, if any of you guys see a faux option out there, let us know.

 I’ve heaped a lot of praise on Reed Krakoff recently, and all of it is genuine; every time I see one of the man’s bags (and increasingly, his shoes as well), my credit card runs and hides. It just knows. I’m still trying to coax it out from under my bed after laying eyes on the gorgeous Reed Krakoff Boxer Leather and Wool Tote. This shape has become the young brand’s signature, and this mixture of textures and shades might just be the best one so far, particularly when you consider the price.

“my credit card runs and hides. It just knows. I’m still trying to coax it out from under my bed ”

Oh this line just made my day! And so did this bag! I have a major thing for leather with felt and this bag is just amazing! Someday she will be mine!

 Rarely do I feel my heart flutter when I set eyes on a handbag rendered in grey and black, but the mixture of leather, wool and suede in this one is just too good to pass up. And that’s been something of a hallmark of Krakoff’s success so far; he does an excellent job mixing colors and textures in such a way that his pieces are still neutral but not at all boring, which is a difficult feat for even the most seasoned aesthetes.

That he can do those things on top of making a functional, roomy bag at a somewhat achievable price point is the real news bulletin here, though. Other designers likely could have concieved of this design, but I’m having a hard time thinking of one that could do it for less then $1500, let alone the three-figure price tag that Krakoff is offering. Ladies, meet you new fall work bag. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $990.

About Designer Replica Handbags
   Designer replica handbags are created to resemble the look of popular, typically high-end, designer bags. Designer bags range in price, with even the mid-level purses possibly costing several hundred dollars. High-end designer bags can cost thousands. Add the banner of exclusivity to the brand (since many designer purse styles are made only in limited quantities and carried for a certain period of time), and the purse becomes a tempting target to replicate.

While at a glance replicas may seem the perfect answer to paying the high price tag of a famous-name bag, there are downsides to purchasing designer-inspired bags. The bag will not typically have the high quality and durability of a high-end designer purse. Although designer bags are costly, the care that goes into the design and craftsmanship are part of the reason for that high cost.