I loved this bag from afar and ran towards it like a moth to flame, something about the distressed calfskin and sprinkling of small studs really spoke to me and I grabbed it excitedly.  That’s when I saw that it’s not perfect, far from it.  First, there is a row of silver studs next to the gold on each side.  For no apparent reason as there is not a speck of silver anywhere else on the bag.  It’d make more sense to carry the dual tone silver/gold throughout the bag, on the handles, etc.  The way they did it makes it look like an afterthought.  And that giant clasp on the zipper pull threw me off when I turned the bag around.  Sigh, is it too much to just ask for a subtle studded bag with a tasteful zipper pull?  Another feature that irked me is the side handles for the convertible shoulder strap, sticking out like mini Dumbo ears.  I feel bad that I am hating on Prada lately but they are making it difficult for me to love on anything!

This is a serious tote. As in, seriously awesome!! When you get it just right, you don’t need fancy dangling details. All you need is a classic shape, this one being a little more interesting than a typical doctor bag, and fantastically beautiful textured ostrich! I am a bit torn by the Prada logo, yes, this old school triangle logo is very “Prada” but for something this timeless, couldn’t they just make an exception and use the embossed logo instead?

There is something about neutral canvas set against hot orange that makes it perfect beyond words. For summer, it is just what the mood calls for, bright and colorful yet laid back. And if you are tanned, nothing looks better than this combination.

I saw this clutch at the Milan Prada store and was in love. But afterwards, I thought I was attributing my sentimental notions of being at the original Prada store to everything I saw there. But I saw this bag again was again drawn to it. Could it really be nostalgia? Or maybe it really is a fabulous clutch with elements of old Prada, like the shape, combined with Miuccia’s new love of embellishments, the crystal clasp. But here, it is done right – not too much and the perfect accent to create an evening look.

Miuccia Prada should’ve taken a page from Chanel when it came to creating some limited-edition bags to celebrate the Shanghai World Expo, which officially commenced this past weekend. While Karl Lagerfeld envisioned chic dragon motif costume jewelry and cheeky take-out container evening bag, Prada churned what looks like some second-rate tote bags that look both sloppy and plain silly.

It’s a perfectly nice bag, but not only is it somewhat of a Speedy knock-off, it’s also somewhat of a snooze. I like the hardware and it contrasts nicely with the texture of the black leather, but it doesn’t strike me as anything I would take notice of if it weren’t for the fact that Angelina was the one wearing it. Plus the size of the bag makes it clearly meant for day-time wear, but neither the small handles nor the long strap seem like convenient options for anyone with a busy schedule on their hands. Though it strikes me as equally inconvenient, at least the Safiano + Tessuto has a more original design!

There might be better bags out there but nothing can replace my first love. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside seeing these “vintage” designs. This has updated details (like leather straps, I had a similar bag with nylon straps and grommet holes) but the essence of this look is responsible for Prada’s greatness. The price is reminiscent of the good old days, too, except that $995 was for an all leather bag and this is 90% nylon.

Everyone needs a bag you can throw everything into and that’s what these are meant for. But having said that, if these nylon bags are like my other Prada nylons, they clean up really well if you just run it under the sink so if you want to be ultra posh at the market, why not use it for fruit and eggs?

 This tote is not too military yet it is perfectly styled to sport camouflage with the rigid shape. The handle proportions are just right – feminine and ladylike so you can wear this with your flouncy as well as sporty.

The double tote has a removable frame clutch in either solid canvas or logo jacquard Blason canvas. It is actually 3 bags in one, you can use the whole thing together, use just the clutch or use the tote without the clutch for an extra roomy interior. The clutch is a good size so it is funtional either in the tote or by itself. Imgaine the practical use of this bag! Take the bag to work during the day and remove the clutch for your evening excursions.