The Top 10 Chanel Purses and Handbags of 2008 SS

You knew it was coming - inevitably, every fashionista worth his or her critical stare and designer digs must pay homage to Coco Chanel. I am no exception; why would I even want to be?! The lady revolutionized the way we see fashion, laying the foundations upon which all of modern ladies’ fashion is built. Thanks to her, ladies can wear anything men can - oversized cardigans, slacks, shots, mens shirts. We also have her to thank for the sweeping popularity of jersey-knit and more flowy, comfortable fabrics. Women used to be confined to long skirts and full-on dresses: Chanel gave them the freedom and flexibility provided by alternate modes of dressing. As for the 21st century, well, we’re still waiting for someone as visionary as Chanel - someone who could take a common affliction of humanity and turn it into an aesthetically pleasing pillar of design.

OK, enough on Chanel herself. For all you stylish ladies out there, I’m writing a post on Chanel Purses and Handbags. We all know that none of you would be caught dead without a Chanel clutch with your evening gown, or a Chanel tote hanging by your bed… Or the legendary crossed C’s on some sort of purse in your room (or on a pedestal or with a spotlight shining on it). The point is, women (and some, ah, guys?) have fallen under the spell of Chanel - and the easiest way to quell the craving is by sporting a Chanel bag. So, without further ado, I present: The Top 10 Chanel Purses and Handbags of 2008 as per the Gospel According to Fashion Hobo!!!

one. This wicked metallic clutch (metallic!!!) will catch everyone’s attention, so don’t buy it if you don’t want to be seen. This one will carry well with a daytime outfit (as long as it’s not too casual) and into the evening (think “little black dress”. hehe…)

two. This is a larger bag which would make a great carry-all. Nothing too special in terms of flair, but it’s a classic look and great for carry all your stuff in.

three. Look at this colour. It’s amazing … This is like summertime, technicolour, mediterranean BLUE :D! This will look great in the sunnier months - this is what they’re all about. Colour, colour, colour.

four. I had to put this one in, it’s too cutesy to pass up. If you’re got a girly outfit that needs some serious spicing up (emphasis on ’spicing up’… ie. *plain*…) Then you’re in luck, because this purse is just what’s in order to take your look from good to great. Well. If you’ve got the money.

five. This one definitely got in for its colour and sheen (I’ve always been a sucker for shiny objects). I am not usually a fan of less structured bags (they’re so hobo!) but this one manages to look good. I think it’s the combination of colour, size and structure that give it a bohemian look that’s still sophisticated.

six. This one’s pretty classic stuff. I just liked the red goatskin. It looks vintage. I think this clutch would look good with a flowy white summer dress. Impress your friends by casually pulling it out of a white linen satchel at the beach. Not that you’re a brand whore…. right…?

seven. The quilted flower decals are a cool touch. This is Chanel at its utmost - feminine, cute, stylish. Somewhat artsy. Pencil pants, cropped blazer, square-rimmed glasses, wedge heels, and this purse would make a killer look.

eight. I am a fan of the puzzle-piece quilting as well; quilted shapes seem to be a trend with Chanel this year. Not that I’m complaining - maybe more of you will stop carrying those overdone monogram logo totes and get something with a bit of flair, for a change. This, again, is a pretty classic bag, which is what Chanel has always been about.

nine. OK, maybe this one’s a little less classic (and a brand logo clutch - what a hypocrite!!! Fashion Hobo hates logo luggage!) but it’s still cool, ok? ok. Moving on, this is the sort of clutch that you’d carry around with a plain sort of outfit. I can already imagine the girls pairing this with “ooooh a CUTE pair of metallic boots and maybe a CUTE metallic hat and maybe a CUTE –” stop. Maybe a pair of *tasteful* silvery-gold shoes, but it would have to be with a plain white outfit. Nothing else. Minimal accessorization, ladies. Wear it simple; the bag speaks for itself.

ten. I actually find this one to be rather hideous. But hey, if you can wear this and pull it off, you’re beautiful and I’ll give you major props. At a second glance it looks a bit better - this is one of those Chanel products that tries to be imaginative without losing their classic, original recipe for success. However, it’s a little on the trendy side. I just wanted you all to see the excesses of Chanel.

So there you have it: The Top 10 Chanel Bags, Chanel Purses, Chanel Clutches, Chanel Totes, etc. for 2008 Spring Summer. Now, the trick, ladies, is for all of you to buy one and then figure out how not to run into anyone else wearing the same one. Have fun and good luck with that! Over and out!

-FH.