They’ve been doing more wrong than right in most of their high-profile bags lately, but they still make some great stuff that doesn’t grab as many headlines. I got a chance to examine a bunch of their bags up close this weekend, and I was particularly taken with the classic lines and superb construction of the Prada Saffiano Soft Frame Clutch.

Actually, “particularly taken” would be an understatement of my feelings. I’m in love with it – deep, inconvenient, all-encompassing love that I didn’t expect to find for a Prada bag. In my heart, that kind of love is usually reserved for Balenciaga or Valentino.

Please believe me when I say that the pictures don’t do this bag any sort of justice. I saw it in smooth black leather, which was ridiculously rich and perfect for this sort of oversized, take-anywhere, day-to-night clutch. It struck me as the sort of bag you’d look at and be able to tell that it was expensive, even if it had no logo. I’ll admit that it looks a bit boring in photos, but in your hand, it’s a great bag.

When I opened it up, I was even more pleased. The slightly retro, structured closure stands open to reveal a leather-lined interior (the black version has red, which is much more exciting than the taupe inside of the cream-colored version) with several pockets and enough space to hold more or less everything that you could put in a medium-sized shoulder bag. You probably wouldn’t want to fill it that full, but a little extra space in a clutch is never a bad thing.gucci handbag

Overall, I think I may have found the perfect clutch for me, and it was in one of the most unexpected places. Perhaps it was a cosmic reminder that in fashion, you should never count anyone out completely. Buy through Saks for $1350.

Well, my wishful thinking was all for naut – the plasticky, rhinestoned monstrosities have landed. The Prada Spazzolato Tote might be the best of the bunch, and to say that’s faint praise would be the understatement of the season.

I’m not sure why anyone thought that it would be a good idea to take patent leather (yes, at least this one is real leather) and make it look sort of like a cheap pleather imitation of carrera marble, but that appears to be exactly what they’ve done here, and they’d like you to pay upwards of two grand for it. In order to entice you more, they’ve taken a fistful of rhinestones and bunched them indifferently at the bag’s closure, for reasons that aren’t immediately obvious.

To be fair, the shape isn’t terrible and the bag is lined in leather, a detail that more and more designers are choosing to ignore. Also, this bag isn’t see-through like a bunch of the other ones from this particular collection. Those are absolutely the only positive things I have to say about it, though. Buy through Saks for $2395.replica chanel bag

Actually, I’ve seen this bag before, but I forgot about it. So, when I came across it again, all I can say is BRAVO Prada, BRAVO! Unfortunately, I’ve come across too many Prada bags that have missed the mark lately. In fact, they’ve missed the mark so much that I virtually stopped looking at them. Today folks, today is a different day.

This classy bag comes in both blue and red leather – so take your pick! I am more into the blue, but that is my preference. The tonal topstitching adds a hint of texture but it is the golden hardware that absolutely has me captivated. I love how the hardware runs from the handles onto the top of the bag so gracefully. The hardware isn’t too chunky nor is it too flimsy. More than anything, the bag is classic, it is timeless and it is elegant. Everything about it is luxurious and I would starting looking at Prada handbags more often if they kept up with their strengths. Buy through Bergdorf Goodman for $1495.lv handbag

You know how the movies portray things. Everyone walks fast, walks with a purpose, walks with power… oh and they all look fabulous. I was instantly reminded of this when I came across thePrada Ivory Saffiano Bi-Fold Zip Briefcase.

First and foremost, I love this briefcase. It is sleek, elegant and it means business. There’s an old saying that says if you want the part, you must dress the part. Let me tell you something, this briefcase is definitely THE part. The saffiano calfskin is topped off with silvertone hardware. This Prada bag has a bi-fold front pocket with a zip closure – perfect for grabbing that presentation you’ve prepared. The front leather lined compartment has built in pen holders, card and patch pockets. Basically you have everything you’d expect in a traditional briefcase, but it is a touch more fashion forward. The measurements are 16” wide x 11½” tall x 3” deep.fashion bag

Now, what I am trying to figure out is if this bag is meant for a man or a woman. I am sure there are a few men out here that could pull this off, yet I am thinking most men would opt for black or brown instead of white. With the given measurements, do you think this would be too large for a woman to carry? No matter what the case might be, this briefcase is beyond fabulous and I hope someone picks it up. Oh, and if you do, report back and let us know how fabulous it is! Buy through Bluefly for $1112.