So, all the designers have some version of orange in their Spring collections. I don’t usually do orange. Especially not day-glo orange à la Stephen Sprouse (sorry, Louis Vuitton, we must agree to disagree here). For some reason, the color orange really raises my hackles.  I dunno, maybe orange interrupts my Chi.

However, I have noticed a particularly great bag that looks good in every color, and I might be tempted to eschew my usual revulsion for orange with a bag this yummy, available at Revolve.  

Monica Botkier first delved into the fashion industry as a photographer, one who needed a handbag chic enough to be trotted in front of the industry’s scrutinizing eye. Functional and wearable, stylish and detailed–the Botkier bags were born.

Botkier Sasha Medium Duffle in Orange Leather and logo lining. Measures approx 17″W x 12″H x 6″D. Double handle measures approx 15″ with a 6″ drop. Detachable shoulder strap measures approx 14″ with a 9.5 inch drop. Zip closure. Interior zip and cell pockets. Front flap pocket. Silver hardware.

I particularly love the light beige lining.  (Side note:  I like to be able to see inside such a voluminous bag, and a dark lining in a large bag is like a black hole for car keys.  Are you listening out there, designers?  How much more difficult would it be to use beige, pink, red–anything other than black?  Thank you, Ms. Botkier.)
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I received a notification from eLuxury today that they are changing their focus.

Over the next six months we will be transitioning into an online magazine with an emphasis in luxury markets. The new site will be utilized as a reference for providing information on a wide array of luxury categories. By June of 2009, the e-commerce portion of the site will be replaced with this new focus.

Dammit! Another place to find authentic luxury goods online goes down. Sigh.

Well, it was inevitable.  While the economy has hit retail very hard, sales of luxury goods had the sharpest decline–down approx. 36% this season, and women’s clothing was next, down almost 25%.

Chanel plans to cut 200 jobs–representing 10 percent of its production workforce–effective Wednesday, including 16 staffers from their Rue Cambon boutique, the Guardian reported Monday.

They are also halting early their traveling art show designed by British architect Zaha Hadid.

They are far from the only luxury brand feeling the crunch, however, as LVMH, Prada and Bulgari are also showing signs of a disappointing year.

After making me suffer through years of teen-tastic bubblegum colored plastic-coated canvas, Dooney & Bourke has actually released a line that might make me interested in buying from them again.

Witness the Florentine Vachetta, a luscious, robust, adult-flavored line that looks even better in person than on the Dooney site.  While the styles are nothing new, the leather certainly is, at least for Dooney.  I’ve fallen in love with the look and feel of the leather and the subtle differences in the color range.

At last, the company has made me remember why I loved them years ago.  Finally, they have a line that will stand the test of time, new classics that will remain wearable for ages.  And, while the prices are higher than the plastic-coated ‘IT’ bags of years past, they are definitely within budget and reasonable for the quality.  I mean, at $395 for the Medium Lucy (my current obsession is the Chestnut color), one would be hard-pressed to find a comparably sized bag of similar quality.

If D&B can continue to work toward bringing their company back to its roots, back to quality leather goods and away from teeny-bopper plastic trends, they may just be able to weather this economic storm.  With limited shopper-dollars available, I’m getting very choosy and a little cranky.  I have always preferred quality over trend, but even more so when I have fewer dollars to work with.

The way to keep Dooney on the right track is to vote with our wallets.   If you agree with the idea, and prefer the ‘new’ Dooney, speak up!

Lately Bottega Veneta has been putting out some bags that make me question my love for them. I’m used to their amazing intrecciato woven goatskin.  But lately, they’ve been, well, boring.

That changed yesterday, when I cracked open my December Harper’s Bazaar.  Finally, a bag that is so amazing, so “BV,” with such attention to design lines and complex leather engineering, it made me actually stand up and applaud.  The color is sumptuous.  The lines are sleek, yet the detail is intricate.  It reminds me somewhat of smocking popular in the 70′s or of vintage gathered lace trim.  Some may find it fussy, I find it fabulous!  I’m sick of boring bags.  Too many of them look the same right now, and for the prices they are fetching, it’s really a crime.  Finally, here’s a bag that warrants the tag.

Here she is, my new love:  The ’08-’09 Cruise collection Cobalt Gorgiera Boston Embroidered Shiny Goatskin Bag,  211490/VIHB0 $5,860 on pre-order at the BV site.  Not that I have an extra $5,800 in change lying around behind the sofa cushions, but a girl can dream…

Oh, Santa Baby!