La Tour Eiffel - The Eiffel Tower

Bonjour to La Tour Eiffel : Hello to The Eiffel Tower that you will find in Paris -- the fabulous iron tower built on the Champ de Mars beside the River Seine in Paris. It is the tallest structure in Paris and among the most recognized symbols of France. In French, it is referred to as La Tour Eiffel.

La Tour Eiffel is also the name of a line of designer handbags which most certainly must have been inspired by the Eiffel Tower.

It is the inspiring Eiffel Tower shape which actually appears on the insignia of this line. The rich brown coloring and tan accents of this brand reminds me and many other fashion-conscious admirers of the Louis Vuitton styling.

Bonjour to the Eiffel Tower and La Tour Eiffel designer handbag. That is a picture of me in front of the Eiffel Tower, taken in February, 2005. We were celebrating our Valentine's Day Anniversary in Paris, France. Gosh, too bad we're divorced today!

Photo Credit: JaguarJulie standing at the foot of The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Did you know this?
Did you know there was a La Tour Eiffel handbag?

1. Yes, sure did!
2. Nope ... just finding out.

Learn more about this fabulous landmark!

The Eiffel Tower is a pictorial study of the great structure by acclaimed architectural photographer Lucienne Herv.

Lucienne began photographing the tower in his youth in the 1930s, and continued shooting it until he retired from photography in the 1990s.

A La Tour Eiffel actually has the Eiffel Tower
Isn't this cool? What an interesting item this is!

And, how very appropriate that this was a complement to the La Tour Eiffel brand of handbags. The La Tour Eiffel brand has many styles of handbags that has used the Eiffel Tower as detail on the bags.

This is actually a miniature Eiffel Tower, E-W7866, measuring 7.5 x 7.5 x 17 inches.

It was selling for approximately $65.00, but appears to be sold out!

I bought TWO of these -- I gifted one to a friend who loves Paris, can speak French, and actually taught French. This is definitely a collectible if you love Paris, France, and/or the Eiffel Tower!

La Tour Eiffel Designer Handbag For Sale

You'll find this designer handbag in my eCrater store!

La Tour Eiffel Chocolate and Tan Bow Barrel Handbag With Leather Accents.

I have actually sold one of these fabulous looking barrel bags. Only one is left.

It's tough to part with it, but I know that some designing lady will appreciate the beautiful colors and styling for such a magnificent and affordable price. Hurry before it's gone!

How to clean & maintain your La Tour Eiffel handbag

As with any fine handbag, it is recommended that you always store it in its dustcover--a soft fabric bag--when not in use. Store it in a dry and not warm location. I keep mine in the dustcovers on the upper shelves of my walk-in closet. It's very dry and not hot.

To clean, keep in mind that the La Tour Eiffel brand is usually of mixed composition: fabric and leather or fine vinyl and leather. To clean the leather, carefully apply Leather Therapy -- it is available in a variety of types: water repellant, wash, restorer & conditioner, leather finisher. I've used the wash and restore & conditioner on my fine leather handbags and achieved excellent results.

Eiffel Tower Factoids

• It was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the Exposition Universelle, a World's Fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution.
• At the time of its construction, it was the tallest structure in the world; until 1930, when New York City's Chrysler Building, at 1046 ft., was built.
• The tower stands 986 ft. high, which is about 75 stories. Including the 72 ft. antenna, it's about 81 stories.
• There are 1665 steps to the top of the structure.
• The tower has two restaurants: Altitude 95, on the first floor and the Jules Verne, an expensive gastronomical restaurant on the second floor, with a private elevator.
• The tower received its 200,000,000th guest on November 28, 2002.
• The Eiffel Tower - The official website of the Eiffel Tower.

History: La Tour Eiffel : The Eiffel Tower was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on May 15, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #377 overall. Lens #26 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Top Ten Countdown of Best Bags Ever

Top Ten Countdown of Best Bags Ever! This is a Top Ten Countdown of the very Best Bags ever! I performed all my own research over the past several years to prepare this page. This page of a top ten countdown is my own summary.

I am a self-described bag-a-holic as I own a few hundred bags, have bought and sold bags online for a number of years, and search for bags everyday. To us ladies, the bag is an essential component of our wardrobe! We have got to have the right bag to go with our new outfit ... plus a pair of shoes!

This lens presents my original interpretation of the "Best Bags" -- no matter what the price -- as I see them. Trust me as this is a tough task to present my Top Ten as it is like comparing apples with oranges or trying to pick your favorite child!

By the way! Do you see that I authored this lens in April 2006? I was talking about top ten countdowns and the "best" of something when I was a brand new lensmaster! I'd say I was getting off on the right foot right from the start; wouldn't you? Think about how many lenses you have seen which talk about "top ten" and "best" of something! There; the cat is out of the bag, so to speak!

It is a Top Ten Countdown of the very Best Bags!</b> 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 !!!

Photo Credit: CAVALCANTI Italian Light Orange Calf Leather Designer Tote Handbag. Love it!

The Best Bags Reader Poll Quick, how many bags do you OWN? Answer me this ... Can you count that high? Over 50 -- OMG Maybe 40-50 Conservatively 30-40 Not THAT many 20-30 A Reasonable 10-20 Oh, 10 or Less ONLY one !!!

What Inspired Me to Do the Research
And report my fashion findings to my readers ...

I was inspired to write this lens after all my years of experience with handbags. I've seen the use of confusing terminology to describe handbags and figured if I was confused, so must a lot of other people be confused.

According to Wikipedia:
inspired: having excellence through inspiration;
replica: an exact copy;
counterfeit: a non-genuine article;
mirror image: an image that is reversed from left to right, as it would appear if seen in a mirror; a reflection.

My interpretation of the above definitions makes me think that an "inspired" handbag or fashion item is more acceptable than say a "replica" or "mirror image." After all, don't we usually hear from the red carpet designers the day after the Academy Awards when they are creating their "inspired" fashions?


The Top Ten Countdown of Best Bags Ever
It was a scientific analysis of the designer handbag market by JaguarJulie

#10 Fendi Canvas/Patent Eyelet Bag $1,400 - This is the Fendi Canvas/Patent Eyelet Bag which has great “classic” appeal because of it’s contrasting colors. It gives the appearance of a black and white handbag that makes it a very versatile accessory.

The canvas style has patent leather piping and logo trim with eyelet detail and calfskin bottom. From the Resort 2007 Collection. Brass hardware, topstitching. Double rope shoulder straps, with 8″ drop. Inside buckle closure. One inside zip pocket and canvas lining.

It’s a great size at 19″ wide X 13″ high X 7-1/4″ deep. Yep — another made in Italy handbag!

#9 Versace Metallic Zip Bowler $3,165 - The Versace Metallic Zip Bowler handbag is super trendy because of the dome Muse-like shape and the bronze color. It’s hair-calf too!

Tonal patent leather trim. Gold-tone hardware. Top handles with rings; zip top. Two front zip pockets. Logo plate on front. It’s 15-7/10″ high x 11-4/5″ wide x 4-7/10″ deep.

And, best of all, it’s made in Italy.

#8 Louis Vuitton Mahina $3,750 - The Louis Vuitton Mahina handbag is super stylish and very roomy. Every woman’s wardrobe needs a white or light-colored handbag and this one fits the ticket to a tee!

It’s soft and luxurious leather that is perforated by a monogram design. It’s 32.2″ x 16.5″ x 11.4″.

#7 Dolce & Gabbana Borsa A Spalla Bag $1,795 - I love the classic style of the Dolce & Gabbana Borsa A Spalla Bag!

It’s luscious pebbled leather gleams with silver hardware and a shining removable chain strap. 4″ double handle drop. 12″ detachable shoulder strap. Magnetic snap closure. Two exterior magnetic snap compartments. Interior holds one zip and one cell pocket. Signature leopard print silk lining.

It’s another somewhat roomy bag at 16″ wide x 11″ high x 3-1/2″ deep. You guessed it … it’s made in Italy.

#6 Givenchy Large Patent Nightingale $1,695 - The Givenchy Large Patent Nightingale has been picked as the #1 bag for this top ten list because of it’s style, affordability, and celebrity appeal.

For the price, it’s a lot of bang and classic style.

This is the larger satchel in patent leather. With two leather handles and detachable shoulder strap. Black or brown.

#5 Gucci Indy Bag $2,495 - This is the Gucci Indy large top handle bag with single handle, detachable shoulder strap, engraved gucci script logo, tassels with bamboo detail, metal plates, studs, inside zip pocket, and cell phone pocket.

It’s fairly roomy at 18.9″ long x 5.5″ wide x 13″ high. There are a variety of color combinations–this one is black/bronze degrade patent leather with dark gold hardware that is a website exclusive from www.gucci.com.

#4 Bottega Veneta Knot $1,100 - Every woman needs a clutch bag and this is such a perfect and affordable little number.

It’s the Bottega Veneta Knot that is leather lined with a nappa trim. The body is a silk satin and it measures 7″ x 2″ x 4″. The color is Nero or black.

#3 Alexander McQueen Elvie $1,195 - This is the Alexander McQueen Elvie bag that is antique gold leather.

It has an appealing shape with a lot of bling styling. I love that domed handle. It is like carrying a piece of jewelry!

The metallic gold is super hot and trendy!

#2 Chloe Paddington Leather Satchel $1,800 - The Chloé Paddington Leather Satchel has been a celebrity favorite for several seasons … that’s why it’s made the Top Ten list!

It’s a classic bag with elegant lines, accented with studs and the signature Chloé padlock and key ornaments. Topstitching; buckle strap detail at sides; double top handles; double silver top zip and tab closure; one inside zip pocket; standing feet on bottom; canvas lining.

It’s fairly roomy at 17″ wide by 12-1/4″ high by 7″ deep. It’s also made in Italy.

#1--TIE!!! Valentino Patent Side Bow Tote $1,795 - This tote bag by Valentino is adorable and hot.

The red is a super trendy color, not to mention the patent leather is so in.

Tonal topstitching. Gold-tone hardware.

Top handles with rings. Bow detail across front. Logo plate detail. Made in Italy.

#1--TIE!!! Valentino Leopard Side Bow Shopper $2,495 - From the dramatic bow to the head-to-toe, dripping-in-leopard ponyhair exterior, this purse is too showy to be even remotely practical.

Leopard-printed ponyhair with a dramatic bow, gold hardware, and bright red logo plate.

7-3/4″ double handle drop (hand carry like the 2nd photo or It can also carry in the shoulder but with light clothing). Magnetic snap closure. 3 compartments – middle one with V-zipper closure. Red polyester satin lining.

I love the size of this 14″ wide x 15-1/2″ high x 7″ deep. It’s also made in Italy!

Contenders and Honorable Mention for Best Bags Ever!
These designer handbags almost made the countdown!

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Couture Bag $1,950 - I seriously want this bag!!! I’ve got to have it! Here it is, another Valentino — it’s the Valentino Couture Bag.

Soft nappa leather with woven and gathered details. Braided top handles, 6-1/2″ drop. Top zip closure. Logo hardware. Standing feet. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

It’s super roomy at 26″wide x 16″ high x 9″ deep. And, it’s made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Maison Studded Satchel $2,495 - This is a beautiful and classic Valentino Maison Studded Satchel.

Beautifully textured in hand-tucked calfskin with allover golden stud accents. Double top handles, 6″ drop. Double top zip closure. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

A perfect size of 15″ wide x 11-1/2″ high x 4-1/2″ deep. It’s made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Valentino Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag $1,795 - Another yummy Valentino handbag — it’s the Valentino Tuxedo Nappa Frame Bag. As I’m a fan of the “structured” classic handbag, this one fits that to a tee!

Pintucked and bow accents give this soft nappa leather bag a tuxedo style. Contrast stitching detailing. Goldtone logo plaque. Double top handles, 6-1/2″ drop. Magnetic frame closure. Inside zip pocket. Cotton canvas lining.

It’s a perfect size of 16″ wide x 13″ high x 4″ deep. Yep, it’s made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Prada Tessuto Gauffre Tote $2,120 - This is so yummy and hot! It’s the Prada Tessuto Gauffre Tote.

Nappa gaufre tote with detachable shoulder strap.

It’s 10-1/4″ wide x 13″ high x 5″ deep.

Yep–it’s made in Italy.

"Top Ten" Contender: Marc Jacobs Patchwork Carolyn Satchel $1,250 - This is the adorable Marc Jacobs Patchwork “Carolyn” Satchel in Ivory.

Large leather patchwork satchel with double handles. Top zip closure. Inside zip, cell and additional pockets. Lined.

It’s a great size of 11-1/2″ high x 16″ wide x 5-1/2″ deep with a 5″ drop. It’s imported from Italy.

Honorable Mention: Vamp Bags Vicki $200 - There are a lot of well-known brand name handbags that are coveted, from Chloe to Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci to name just a few. But, I’m turning the spotlight on an interesting handbag I came across on eBags.

Vamp Bags Vicki is three bags in one. Vicki goes from the clutch to market bag to shoulder bag in just moments. It has a top flap entry with zipper closure, two slide interior pockets, oversized exterior pocket, faux leather material with faux suede lining, removable strap with polished silver hooks, and large silver O Rings for handles or decoration. It’s 13″ x 11″ x 1″ with a 25″ linear length.

You’ll find it at eBags for just a smidge over $200.00. What a deal.

Honorable Mention: Fossil Sedona Satchel $118 - As you probably already figured out, I’m crazy about RED handbags. The Fossil Sedona Satchel handbag would be a contender in my Top Ten for 2007 for lower range handbags as it is classic, stylish and ever so affordable at only $118.00!

And, it’s Italian leather making it ever so desirable.

It has hand stitching detail with a top zip closure, one main interior compartment with three pockets plus a removable shoulder strap. It’s 8.25″ x 8″ x 3″.

Spotlight Bag: Isabella Fiore - OMG! I was just browsing the handbag listings on eBay and came across a Hermes Birkin with a BIN of $46,999.99!!! If that’s a little too pricey for you, there’s always another for only $40,999.99 or $39,999.99. Call me crazy, but that’s a totally ridiculous price for a handbag–that’s more than my car–well actually, I could have both my car in two different colors!

Well, to get back down to earth–I’m a typical woman who has got oodles of handbags AND shoes. You know, I’ve just got to coordinate with my outfits. Naturally, my “favorite” handbag tends to change with the seasons. Hence, this “spotlight” segment to highlight that one particular bag that’s caught my eye; well, for the moment! ;-)

OK … drum roll, it’s the Isabella Fiore Snake Charmer Calco Penelope Handbag in a deep turquoise. It’s a snakeskin embossed leather bag that has beautiful detailing and pretty tassels. Sorry to be a tease, but I think it’s next to impossible to find this bag new today. I’ll try and find another Spotlight Bag that you can actually buy. ;-)

2006 Top Ten Countdown of the Best Bags Ever
It's a historical archive study of the best bags by JaguarJulie

#10 BCBG Max Azria Signature Hobo
#9 Prague Leather Frame Flower Bag
#8 Fendi Spy Bag
#7 Dooney & Bourke Nile Medium Duffle Bag
#6 Brighton Corazon Heart Handle
#5 Dooney & Bourke Pink Ostrich Domed Satchel
#4 Chanel Black Hobo
#3 Banana Republic Tangiers
#2 La Tour Eiffel Papillon Bow Barrel
#1 Givenchy Baguette

Hungarian trivia ... Bag in Hungarian, is táska which comes from the Italian tasca. Why Hungarian trivia? Jaguar Julie is a proud writer celebrating her Hungarian heritage.

What are your best bags? Hope you enjoyed the top ten countdown of best bags! So, what are your favorite handbags? Do you own hundreds like I do? What would be your “Top Ten?” Do you collect handbags? I’d love to hear from you.

History: Top Ten Countdown : Best Bags Ever! was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on April 18, 2006. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #174 overall. Lens #18 in the quest for Giant Squid 100 Club Charter Member 2007.

Coach Company

The Coach Company is the most recognizable and popular designer brand in the United States.You know Coach Designer Handbags and Accessories as a fashion standard coveted by many worldwide.

Do you realize just how popular the designer brand of Coach is when you try to find it on eBay, for example?

I found over 34,000 auction listings for Coach designer items and more than 18,000 such items in eBay Stores.

It has become a popular designer brand in more than handbags and totes.

Today, there are quite a lot of designer accessories, footwear and jewelry by this brand. You know that a brand has arrived when you see all those replica items. Don't be fooled! Opt for the authentic brand name.

In the spotlight is a FAVORITE Coach handbag of mine! It is the Coach Peyton Signature Domed Cora Brown and Tan Satchel. What I really love about this designer handbag? I am crazy about the domed shape which is reminiscent of the YSL Muse bag. It's a great design that unzips to reveal a great view of the interior. I've also loved the contrasting colors of chocolate brown and tan; that is similar to Louis Vuitton!

Photo Credit: Coach 26184 Peyton Signature Domed Cora Satchel - Brown & Tan

My Confession : I Am a Die-Hard Fan!
You get authentic style at an affordable price! You seriously know that a brand has arrived when an entire country, like China, begins to make replicas! You know? And you know a brand has arrived when you can walk the streets of New York City and see vendors running around with bags and blankets full of Coach replicas. Ah, so much for The United States of America, land of unparalleled opportunity. Buy authentic. Buy the original.

Living in Jacksonville, Florida, we have a Coach brand store at our local mall. When you consider the prices for a brand new handbag, you might find their prices a little high. However, when you take this brand in the context of the type of product, you will find other designers have price points much higher.

Have you checked the Brighton brand for instance? I think their prices are comparable.

By the way, a little trivia! When I was researching my other page on Made in Hungary, I found quite a number of this brand made in that country. For the most part, those handbags are black and leather. –The Brand Ambassador, JaguarJulie!

Let's go shopping on Amazon!

Find an authentic Coach Company Handbag!

Signature Handbags from the Coach Company!

I love the line-up you get five popular coach handbags Shown here are 5 popular styles of Coach handbags. From top to bottom, the CHELSEA OPTIC SIGNATURE HOBO is the graphic Signature pattern that has always been a popular choice. It’s particularly striking on the subtle, slouchy hobo shape. This bag was my first introduction to this brand. I owned it in the black/gray color combination and loved the hobo style.

The COACH ERGO BELTED LEATHER LARGE TOTE is roomy and very versatile. Whether you’re looking for a work, a weekend or even a baby bag, this tote is large and lightweight enough to fit all of your needs.

I love the bright colors of the LEGACY STRIPE TOTE. Capture the best of the iconic Legacy Collection with this perfectly sized tote featuring our colorful palette of Legacy stripes. The jewel tone colors are quite trendy, not to mention how popular stripes always seem to be.

The FALL PATCHWORK GALLERY TOTE is hot because it blends two favorites–the modern Gallery Tote shape and the unique new patchwork pattern. Carry this striking style on your shoulder or in your hand to show off its cool design details. The patchwork quilted style has been hot for quite a while!

The SIGNATURE STRIPE MULTI-FUNCTION TOTE is one of my favorites. The eye-catching stripe and Signature Pattern on this Multi-Function Tote make it a stylish choice to carry to work or on the weekend. It’s also a great gift for new moms.

What’s cool about this brand and makes it appealing is its availability, great styling, and variety of colors and styles. Plus, it doesn’t hurt when you can find that Coach Outlet store in your neighborhood. Ours is in St. Augustine, Florida!

Please Sign In!
Let us know you dropped by today by commenting. What a great line of accessories! Confess, are you a Coach fanatic? Own a few bags? Where do you BUY your bags? I’d love to hear from you.

History: Coach Company Designer Handbags & Accessories was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on November 29, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #490 overall. Lens #170 in the quest for Giant Squid 200 Club.

Best Bags Ever

We are seriously celebrating and showcasing some of the Best Bags Ever today. Something a woman can't live without. Why is it that the handbag so defines us women? That we like to coordinate our bags with our outfits and shoes? Every woman deserves to own one of the best bags ever!

Some women are even lucky enough to have owned several. Do you have a favorite designer bag? Did it make it onto our researched list of the best?

Coach Peyton Signature Cora Domed Satchel

Welcome ladies to a showcase of designer bags for complementing your wardrobe. We have put our spotlight on an affordable designer handbag such as an authentic Coach Peyton Signature Cora Domed Satchel in Black and White - Style 24606. It is beautiful in black and white and gold with a lot of pertinent bells and whistles for a domed carryall. I love the Coach Company for affordable authentic designer handbags!

I have put a lot of time into studying this market. This is my researched page of the Best Bags Ever! You’ve probably seen a lot of handbags in your lifetime … and possibly even seen a lot of pages that I've authored about handbags and purses. I have been talking about designer handbags for quite a few years

I’ve studied all the top designers and have developed a keen eye for what is stylish and trendy. I have been refining my tastes as it pertains to style. Through the years, style comes and goes. You want to pick that handbag which will convey style for years … especially if you spend more than a few dollars for a particular brand.

Thanks for dropping by today to check out these fashionable designer handbags! You are in for a treat. Glad to see you.

Quick ... what's your favorite designer? Which of these designers is your pick?

Balenciaga * Bottega Veneta * Chanel * Chloe * Christian Dior * Coach * Dolce & Gabbana * Fendi * Givenchy * Gucci * Hermes * Jimmy Choo * Kate Spade * Louis Vuitton * Marc Jacobs * Michael Kors * Prada * Tod's * Versace

What makes a designer bag one of the best? There are a lot of elements that go into the mix … you could say it’s rather like a good package. There’s the designer and his reputation along with good design and celebrity exposure. Excellent leather and exotic materials coupled with the finest craftsmanship are important. I personally like the extras from embossed hardware to chain link straps, fringe, flaps, sometimes a pom-pom or two … you know the bells and whistles without overdoing it. This past season the roomy, over-sized satchel has been hot along with patent leather! As you can see, there are a lot of factors that make a bag one of the best. It’s rather like magic!

In this lens, you will see some of the very BEST BAGS by their respective designer brands. Just how many designer brands can you think of that have sported their very own signature logos? Actually, quite a few! OK, which do you think are the most popular? To give you a little “hint” of the designer brands that made the BEST BAGS list, see if you can find their logo in the logo popcorn picture shown here!

Over the years since I first created this page, I have watched the designers change with their designs. I’ve found that the styles may change a bit, but the designers are still producing classy products. As I’ve kept on top of the best, I have actually removed a designer or two from my list and added perhaps one or two.

• Balenciaga is a fashion house founded by Cristobal Balenciaga, a Spanish designer. He introduced couture shapes to the women's world and was referred to as "the master of us all" by Christian Dior. His bubble skirts and odd, feminine, yet ultra-modern shapes were trademarks of the house. IMHO, One of the coolest styles of Balenciaga bags is the violet purple City bag! Shop Balenciaga Designer Handbags

• Founded in the early 1960′s, Bottega Veneta is a manufacturer of consumer goods, producing primarily men’s and women’s ready-to-wear clothing, small leather goods, and exclusive home items. The company is reputed for quality and exclusivity and its famed signature Intrecciato Line. The company merged with Gucci Group in July 2001. Bottega Veneta has a variety of the woven leather handbags which exude a classic style. Shop Bottega Veneta Designer Handbags

• The House of Chanel, more commonly known as Chanel, is a Parisian fashion house in France founded by Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel. According to Forbes, the privately-held House of Chanel is jointly owned by Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer who are the grandsons of the early partner Pierre. Chanel has long been known for quality handbags. I had the opportunity to see many of their bags in person when I visited PrinTemps in Paris. Known for the quilted bag, the metallic adds a new dimension! Shop Chanel Designer Handbags

• Chloe is a French luxury fashion design house headquartered in Paris, France. It was founded in 1952 by French-Egyptian creator Gaby Aghion. This designer produces women’s pret-a-porter, accessories, and fragrances. The Chloe Paddington handbag has a motorcycle-chic appeal. It sports the padlock accessory and has been a celebrity favorite for more than one season. Shop Chloe Designer Handbags

• Christian Dior was an influential French fashion designer. He was born in Granville, Manche, Normandy, France. Dior flagship boutiques are found in Paris, Milan, Rome, London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco and Shanghai. Mention the “saddle bag” and most handbag fashionistas will instantly recognize the Christian Dior brand. This is probably one of the most unique shapes of designer handbags out there. Shop Christian Dior Designer Handbags

• Coach Inc. is an American leather goods company. Coach began as a family-owned business in a loft in Manhattan, New York in 1941. It is famous for womens designer handbags, as well as items for both men and women, such as luggage, briefcases, wallets, and other accessories. Coach also offers watches, footwear, and office furniture. Do you know that if you do an eBay search for Coach bags that you’ll get over 16,000 auction listings and some 7,500+ eBay store listings for such a bag? That surely tells you that the Coach brand is quite popular. The most recognizable style Coach bag is the Signature Logo with the double Cs. Shop Coach Designer Handbags

• Dolce & Gabbana is a high-end fashion house started by the Italian designers Domenico Dolce, born near Palermo, Sicily, and Stefano Gabbana, born in Milan, Italy. Dolce & Gabbana are very popular for their designs in Hollywood. They have designed apparel for such celebrities as Madonna, Monica Bellucci, Ayumi Hamasaki, Isabella Rossellini and Kylie Minogue. They are based in Legnano, Italy near Milan. Dolce & Gabbana designer bags have that exotic appeal. This brand does a great treatment of animal print; i.e. leopard, pony hair, python with a great use of hardware to accessorize their designer line. Their bags are stylish with an edgy appeal. Shop Dolce and Gabbana Designer Handbags

• Fendi is an Italian fashion designer brand founded in 1918. Today, Fendi is owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. group, with creative director Karl Lagerfeld in the lead. Fendi’s trademark is sofas and women’s clothing. For years, Fendi bags have been instantly recognizable with their double F signature logo zucca canvas. Recently, their Spy bags were the rage! Shop Fendi Designer Handbags

• Givenchy is a French brand of clothing, accessories, perfumes and cosmetics. It was founded in 1952 by designer Hubert de Givenchy, who retired in 1995. John Galliano succeeded him as designer, but he was later replaced by Alexander McQueen. In 2001, designer Julien McDonald was appointed Artistic Director for the women’s lines. In 2003, Ozwald Boateng was appointed the designer for the men’s line. Clothing lines include haute couture as well as ready-to-wear men’s and women’s fashions. If you’ve seen my page on Givenchy, you undoubtedly know that I am a huge fan of this designer brand … in fact, it is my favorite designer! And, I do have a few items from my collection for sale! Shop Givenchy Designer Handbags

• The House of Gucci is an Italian iconic fashion and leather goods label. It was founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1906. It is considered one of the most prestigious and easily recognizable fashion brands in the world. Gucci generated over US$7 billion worldwide of revenue in 2006 according to Business Week magazine and was ranked 46th in the magazine’s annual chart “Top 100 Brands”. Gucci is the second biggest selling fashion brand after LVMH and the best selling Italian brand in the world. Gucci is the designer brand long known for it signature double GG logo canvas bags. The Gucci 85th Anniversary bag was a stand-out. Shop Gucci Designer Handbags

• Hermes is a leather goods, fashion, and perfume company based in Paris. It is known for its famous “H” logo. Founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermes as a saddlery company, the business has remained mostly in the control of the Hermes family for almost two hundred years. Today, the house of Hermes produces ready-to-wear fashion, home decor, jewelery, luggage, and fragrances as well as saddles. Well, when a style fashionista thinks of Hermes, she thinks of two different luxury bags … the Kelly and the Birkin. Both are celebrity-inspired; i.e., the Kelly is attributed to Grace Kelly of Monaco and the Birkin to Jane Birkin, the edgy actress. Shop Hermes Designer Handbags

• Jimmy Choo is a London-based luxury fashion designer best known for his handmade women’s shoes. In 1996, he co-founded Jimmy Choo Ltd with UK Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon. The London line of ready-to-wear is directed by Tamara Mellon and Sandra Choi. The ready-to-wear line has expanded to include accessories such as handbags. This brand has been the favorite of many celebrities including Victoria Beckham! Shop Jimmy Choo Designer Handbags

• Kate Spade was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1962. She is the co-founder and namesake of the designer brand Kate Spade New York. In January 1993, she launched the New York-based design company selling mostly designer handbags. In 2004, she launched her home collection of bedding, bath items, china, wallpaper and other home decor. Today, this brand offers a variety of items including, stationery, personal organizers, address books, shoes, beauty products, perfume, raincoats, pajamas, and eyewear. Trying to pick just one “best bag” from Kate Spade is pretty difficult. Her patent leather bags have been the most desirable. Shop Kate Spade Designer Handbags

• Louis Vuitton is a luxury French fashion and leather goods brand and company, headquartered in Paris, France. It is a division of LVMH Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy S.A. The company manufactures and markets luxury leather goods, fashion accessories, pret-a-porter, and jewelry. Many of the company’s products utilize the signature brown Damier and Monogram Canvas materials, both of which were first used in the late 19th century. The company’s products carry the ever-famous LV initials. I’ve had the pleasure to travel to Paris to the actual LV store and see their bags in person. I don’t yet own one. LV probably has the most recognizable signature logo tan and brown bags around. Shop Louis Vuitton Designer Handbags

• Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer. He attended the High School of Art and Design in New York City and graduated in 1981. Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy joined Tristan Russo in 1989 to create his designer collection. In 1992, the Council of Fashion Designers of America awarded Jacobs with The Women’s Designer of the Year Award. If there were a horse race, Marc Jacobs “might” be considered the dark horse that edges in at the finish line to take that victory. This designer brand has appeal, but seems to just attaining the recognition that it so deserves. Shop Marc Jacobs Designer Handbags

• Michael Kors is an American fashion designer known for his classic, chic, and luxurious style in American sportswear. In addition to the Micheal Kors runway collection, the MICHAEL and KORS lines were launched in 2004. MICHAEL, though still considered upscale, is more reasonably priced and available to the public. If you’re looking for a very affordable designer bag, check out this brand. Shop Michael Kors Designer Handbags

• Prada, S.p.A. is a well-known Italian fashion company founded in 1913 in Milan. In 1978, Miuccia Prada inherited what was still a leather goods business from her grandfather. Miu Miu is their line of clothing and Linea Rossa is the sport line. In addition to having great classic bags, Prada has an array of other captivating styles that it’s tough to pick just one. I like the dome bowler as it’s a new take on the YSL muse bag. Shop Prada Designer Handbags

• Tod’s Group is an Italian company which produces shoes and other leather goods. The family started the shoemaking business out of a basement in the late 1920s. By the 1970s, the company was manufacturing shoes for American department stores. In the 1980s, they kept the handmade manufacturing process and went on to create the brands of Tod’s, Hogan and Fay. J.P. Tod’s may not be the first brand that comes to mind when searching for a top designer bag, but it does deserve mention for a great mid-price bag. In particular, the Charlotte bag is so stylish and practical. Shop Tod's Designer Handbags

• Gianni Versace S.p.A. is an Italian clothier founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. After his death in 1997, his sister Donatella Versace stepped in as creative director and his older brother Santo Versace became CEO. The first Versace boutique was opened in Milan’s Via della Spiga in 1978. Today, Versace is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses known for its luxury clothing, accessories, fragrances, makeup and home furnishings. I’ve been a fan of Italian-made designer handbags for quite a while. This brand has that pop culture appeal with the fun “Snap Out of It” designer bag. Shop Versace Designer Handbags

The Designer Feedback Zone!
OK, tell me … am I right about the best bags ever? Did I get the best designer handbags as you see them? What might I have missed? Which is your favorite?

History: The Best Bags Ever was originally created on Squidoo by JaguarJulie on November 12, 2007. Highest lensrank ever achieved: #8,217 overall. Lens #151 in the quest for Giant Squid 200 Club.