Top 10 It-Bags

I think it's safe to say that I am obsessed with designer bags. Honestly obsessed. I can spend hours and hours drooling all over the newest designer bags and searching for lookbookers with the bag and how they combine them. The bags I fall the most for are the so-called It Bags, a term for a single handbag style that would spread like wildfire in popularity through the intertwined worlds of fashion and celebrity, aided by clever or just plain lucky marketing. All very, very expensive.
Without further ado: The Top 10 of the It-Bags!

1. Hermès Birkin

The Hermès Birkin bag is named after the iconic actress Jane Birkin, for whom the bag was especially designed for. The 'Birkin' is the symbol of ultimate luxury, due in part to its exposure on popular television shows such as Sex and the City. An authentic Birkin'costs upwards of $6,000 and can have a waiting time of up to 2 years. A Birkin is made from either original togo leather, or exotics like python or ostrich.



2. Chanel Classic Flap

This little classic will always be in style. It was born in 1955 after Coco Chanel decided she wanted a shoulder bag to free up her hands and is inspired py the quilting on Jockeys coats. Karl Lagerfeld released a second, updated version in 2006. The Classic Flap is often confused with the 2.55 Reissue bag, which has the Mademoiselle lock when the Classic Flap has the CC-turnlock.



3. Chloé Paddington

The Chloé Paddington was created by designer Phoebe Philo in 2005 and is considered to be the quintessential 'Boho-Chic' bag because of it's slouchy, unstructured shape and exposure by stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, who are known for their bohemian sense of style. A leather Paddington typically costs around $1,500.



4. Balenciaga City

Balenciaga's line of motorcycle-inspired handbags are created out of distressed goat leather, which is what gives them their unique, relaxed shape. The City bag in particular, caused quite a stir after becoming the official handbag of choice for notorious fashionistas like Mary-Kate Olsen. The Balenciaga City bag is not available online and retails for about $1,200.



5. Marc Jacobs Stam

The Marc Jacobs 'Stam' is named after the designers close friend, Canadian Supermodel, Jessica Stam. The bag features quilting and gold hardware similar to that of classic quilted Chanel bags, but differentiates itself with it's relaxed look, gusseted frame and kiss-lock closure. Practically everyone in Hollywood has one and it retails online for around $1,300.

6. Fendi Spy

Fendi's 2006 Spy Bag is priced starting at $2,100 and is a favorite of style stars like Hilary Duff and Linda Evangelista. It's notorious status is caused partly by it's enormous waiting list, which can last up to 3 years.



7. Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Speedy 30 is more of a mainstay classic than a trend, but that doesn't stop it from maintaining "must-have" status all year round! Jessica Simpson carries hers practically every day. It is the ideal city bag, featuring a roomy interior with natural cowhide exterior and golden hardware. Price: $690



8. Prada Gauffre

Another It-bag to hit the market is the Prada Gauffre. Victoria Beckham, Halle Berry, Beyonce and Madonna have all been photographed with theirs. It is made of Nappa leather and retails for about $1,800-2,650



9. YSL Muse

The Yves Saint Laurent Muse is a status bag of the highest quality. Crafted out of the finest embossed leather, this oversize structured tote features expertly minimalist gold hardware and is often carried by celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Moss and Jessica Alba. They are often sold out and are priced starting around $1,200.



10. Alexander McQueen Novak

The Alexander McQueen Novak represents the structured shapes of Fall 2005 and was inspired by Kim Novak, a vintage-era starlet who appeared in Alfred Hitchcock films. It's original run consisted of a mere 200 bags, which caused mass hysteria among handbag lovers everywhere and elevated the bag into permanent It status!