Custom Design

I grew up mostly living in parts of Florida. We may get a winter ‘chill’, but it is clearly nothing like a true northern winter. So when I choose The Ohio State University as my college of choice, I had no idea what I was in for. Note to any warm weather climate person about to embark on college somewhere with a true winter: anything you thought would be a winter jacket is not. You should have seen the ‘jackets’ I bought for the cold weather. They were glorified wind-breakers that kept me literally freezing. I did not understand what nature had in store for me. One of the coats I distinctly remember buying was actually rather ghastly to look at. And it also did not keep me warm enough (it was cheap). It was made with shearling.

Unfortunately for Prada, the Prada Shearling Hobo does nothing other than remind me of the shearling coat I owned in college. And that is not speaking in Prada’s favor.

I can visualize about zero outfits that this bag would possibly, maybe, kind-of, work with. This bag gets a huge thumbs down from me. I know fall/winter signifies warmer materials, but I have never been a fan of implementing that on handbags. Because then you get a bag like this, a total flop. What was Prada thinking?! I am truly struggling to see this bag as even passable. The shearling hobo has contrast trim and silver hardware. There really is just not much else I can say about this bag without really just being negative Nancy. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1,195.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

It has been a long time since we covered an ostrich skin bag on PurseBlog. I just realized that. We spoke about some ostrich bags seen in Fall/Winter 2010 runway shows, but before that we hadn’t shown one since December. And while many of you do not like the look or idea of ostrich skin, I always had an affinity to certain ostrich skin bags. Maybe not so much anymore? Because as I sit here looking at the Prada Struzzo Executive Tote I am totally underwhelmed. And underwhelmed by both the skin and the design. Actually, Prada in general continues to let me down.

I popped into the Prada boutique last weekend with a couple of friends and made my way around the store quicker than any other store we went into. The collection was part odd part lackluster. And all I kept thinking is what happened? I used to find joy in so many Prada designs and used to look to Prada each season with anticipation.

The design of this exact bag is not a bad design, it is just not a design that gives me much excitement. Right now I am looking to add some different designs in my collection, bags that have more zest, and Prada doesn’t seem to have it. This tote is simple and seemingly there is nothing to complain about. The golden metal hardware gives a sophisticated touch along with the business-like shape with the East/West body and double top handles. The inside has jacquard lining and a zip pocket. Measurements are 9 1/2″H x 14 3/4″W x 6 3/4″D.

You end up paying for the name and the skin in this bag, a whopping $5,995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Prada’s Spring 2008 Handbags caught worldwide attention when the Prada Fairy Bag was placed in the spotlight. The Fairy bag was whimsical, a departure from the norm, and highly coveted. In fact it was one of the first Prada bags in the past few years that garnered so much attention people were putting themselves on waitlists to try to get it. Since the Fairy Bag, Prada has not released another bag that created even a tenth of the buzz the Fairy bag did.

When I saw the new Prada Print Roll Bags it was evident that Prada is trying to find another hit. The question is do these print roll bags evoke the same response the Fairy Bag did?

The answer for me is no. First off, I am not a huge fan of the roll bag shape. The shape has a sporty vibe, but I can’t help but look at it and feel like it is best suited for a 12 year old. The prints on the bags I like, moreso the Saffiano print, which is an allover tulip print. The color scheme for this bag is very whimsical, light, and airy. Then there is the Foulard-Print, a more colorful blue, red, and yellow print.

I am yearning for a different shape. Not this Roll Bag shape, rather how about a bowler style similar to that of the Fairy bag? I truly think that would be a more sophisticated design that would have me giving this bag a different look. Prada may be trying to come up with a sequel to the Fairy Bag, but they are not there yet. Buy the Prada Saffiano Print Roll Bag for $1,550 and the Prada Foulard Print Roll Bag for $1,195 via Saks.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

Prada has been flying below the radar. Nothing exceptionally amazing and nothing on the other end of the spectrum, exceptionally awful (ok I take that back, remember the Visone tote?!). Nevertheless, for the most part we have been un-phased by Prada.

While we appreciate all of the additions and imagination that goes into making stand apart bags, sometimes we simply want a great and practical staple. This is precisely what the Prada Soft Calf Hobo brings us, exceptional craftsmanship and supple calfskin leather.

There is no reinvention of the wheel here. As much as we are always craving the perfect little black dress, it is imperative we have a classic black bag in our collection. Many opt for Chanel, but this Prada bag is a great everyday bag. There are two side pockets for easy access and a fun luggage tag, which appears to be removable. A snap closure and inside zip pocket finishes this bag off. Dimensions are 13″W X 11″H X 5″D. Buy through Saks for $1495.

Original post by Vlad Dusil

Hot of the Fall/Winter runway collection, the Prada Velluto Jacquard Tote is hitting stores. Our verdict: no thanks. The pictures and description leave much to be desired. There is the rust cheetahprint velvet jacquard version or the midnight floral print velvet jacquard tote. On the Neiman Marcus website, these Prada bags leave much to be desired. They look more like an art-project than a runway bag. But when I ran across the ad from the Prada Fall/Winter Ad Campaign I began to see some beauty in these designs.

Shown with the models who are rocking frizzy hair, serious looks, and sultry hues, these Prada totes begin to come to life. Not an everyday bag, but in the right situation either of these bags could pop. Then again, we all know that the right setting and photographer can transform items, in both a positive and negative way. Is it that the stock image on Neimans does not do the bag justice or that the ad does the bag too much justice? What are your thoughts? Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1450.

Original post by Megs Mahoney Dusil

It’s wartime in Europe again. Well, sort of. Let me explain. It’s wartime in Milan, and on Miuccia Prada’s runway in particular. Forget the 80s-inspired neon club excess that we saw on New York’s runways - Prada isn’t going clubbing anytime soon. The shapes and materials alike in Prada Fall/Winter 2009 reminded me of World War II movies as soon as I laid eyes upon them, and the reference is as overt as the 80s redux shown by Marc Jacobs. There are rich tweeds in neutral grey and brown, cinched at the waist with thin brown belts. The shoulders and fall of the skirts are strongly 1940s reminiscent, and even the beaded pieces have an austerity that reminds one of a world torn apart by war in Western Europe.

You’ll find no brights here, besides the occasional reddish-orange, but there are sumptuous materials like velvet and fur and the aforementioned beading, mostly in jet black. These are the things that make me think of 1940s movies instead of 1940s reality when I view this collection - no one in war-torn mid-century Europe was traipsing around in sequined tweed suits with adorable peplums, but the iconic actresses of the generation certainly did in the movies that now define the era; Lauren Bacall and Barbara Stanwyck come to mind. There’s a luxury amid the austerity that’s undeniable - burnout velvet, rich tailoring, leather and fur used liberally. This is 1940s fashion without rationing or bread lines, even in today’s economic climate.

And then there’s the odd touch of the thick, enormous leather boots that can’t help but remind this Southern girl of the waders that men wear when they go fly fishing or duck hunting. Certainly the luxury wardrobe of a world at war requires some shoes that don’t mess around, and the hip-high leather boots with chunky soles could probably get you through whatever mess you were to face. I’m not sure that waders were part of the fashion of the era, but if anyone can convince the fashion public that they were, it’s Miuccia Prada.

&nbsp&nbsp  

Original post by Amanda Mull

Oh, thank you God, finally. My handbags prayers have been answered. Because Prada has made some questionable handbags lately, and for a designer so known for their bags, it was getting kind of discouraged. The Prada St. Pitone Tote is not my favorite bag that I’ve ever seen, but it’s a strong improvement over the randomly bedazzled bags we’ve seen from the brand lately. The tote takes a cue from their diffusion Miu Miu line’s very successful Bow Satchel with its side adornment, although this tote’s finishing is a little looser and softer. Combine that with a beautiful, large-scale python skin and and some cute top handles, and Prada’s got a great satchel on their hands that will likely sell very well for them. Now if only they’d get away from that habit of sticking random stuff to their bags that has grown so tiresome. Buy through Saks for $995.

Original post by Amanda Mull

Prada, haven’t we had this discussion before? The one about sticking random crap on bags? I feel like we have. And I just saw the Prada Pitone Pietre Shoulder Bag, so it looks like we’re going to have to have it again. I won’t say that I would have loved the […]

Original post by Amanda Mull

Apparently I am stuck on stocking stuffers. The reason for this could very well be that I do not have a stocking or anything to stuff it with prepared for Vlad yet. Do I go cute, do I go cool, do I go traditional, do I think out of the box? Part of my problem […]

Original post by Megs

Oh my goodness! Remember when beanie babies were all the rage - and I mean ALL the rage? Well, I don’t actually remember the last time I saw one. So, you can imagine my surprise and astonishment to see these Prada Beanie Babies. Now, these beanie babies are actually key chains, so they are a […]

Original post by Shannon