The top 3 ugliest bag of the year was one originally blogged about by our Mallory Road: Anthropologie “Romper” Hobo.

Looking like a little kid’s bag, or actually, just a little kid’s jumper (that’s American for overalls dress, you Brits), this is one oddity of a bag. Why was it made, who would buy it? I just know it’s no longer available … for some reason. Oh, and one more thing; it “sold” at $598.

Uummmm? What?

See how it could get any uglier tomorrow and Sunday—Christmas Eve!

So, tell me, am I the only one who really doesn’t like the shape of this bag?

Anthropologie carries some adorable and nice-looking bags, in fact I wrote about one yesterday, but this Red Romper Hobo just doesn’t cut it for me.

If I spend $598 on a bag, I sure do not want it to resemble a child-size romper. Plus it looks quite large, and at 17″ l x 16″ h x 10″ d, it is. According to Anthropologie’s web site, it can even double its length by unsnapping and unfolding.

Regardless of size, if a bag comes in this shape, I’ll pass on it.

It’s been unseasonably cool here in the midwest, but that hasn’t persuaded my employers to turn off the central air-conditioning, making the office building I work in feel like a freezer. I figure they assume that it will get warmer in the next couple weeks again, so why bother turning off the air, right? Those freezing temps at work may explain the reason why the Sweater Girl Tote ($528) by Rafe, available from Anthropologie, caught my attention.

While the thought of dipping temperatures isn’t too exciting for me, I do like the look of sophisticated warm cuddly sweaters, which is what I think of when I look at the popcorn-knit wool on this tote. The wool/leather combination provides handbag-loving girls an adorable fall/winter bag with lots of texture and movement (check out the side tassels). Plus, I like the buckle flap on the front. By the way, it measures 13″ l x 9″ h x 6″ d.

Anthropologie has started highlighting some of their upcoming bags available for the fall, including the Alistair Hobo by Rafe, selling for $448. Measuring 16″ l x 10″ h x 3.5″ d, it’s made from plaid wool with leather trim and has a jacquard lining with three pockets.

I really like the look of this bag with the plaid, brass rings and the fold-over top strap—it definitely looks like it’s made for autumn.

The interesting thing about this bag is it’s expandable—if you’re running out of room, simply unzip the wraparound zipper and the bag expands. Of course, unfortunately, there’s no measurement for the expanded width mentioned in the description.

When I was an interior design major in college, I had a professor that would occasionally dismiss class early so we could go get supplies for our next design project. Sometimes, I would go by myself to get them, but it was always so much more fun when two or three of us would go together. One of my design friends had a convertible, which was a treat to ride in since the rest of us didn’t have one nor had I ever ridden in one before college. There was something different and exciting about riding in a car that, with a push of a button, you could raise the hood up or down. That doesn’t seem so exciting to me now, but on a bright sunshiny day that I got out of class early, it did.

Well, this suede and canvas Acrobat Bag, available from Anthropologie, sure doesn’t resemble a convertible, but with the click of a couple clasps, it can be converted from a shorter handbag to a longer shoulder bag, which is exciting to me because that allows flexibility in how it can be carried. Selling for $228, it comes with two sets of removable straps that allow the convertibility. It measures 15″ l x 9″ h x 1.5″ d and has a nice fold-over flap that closes with a lobster clasp, giving this purse a relaxed, vintage feel.

If you’ve taken a look at my bio, you know that Anthropologie is one of my all-time favorite stores, so needless to say, I was excited to see they had new-for-the-season handbags available on their web site. They always have bags with one-of-a-kind looks and amazing details, along with unusual materials–very rich-looking! But, sometimes, they come out with a bag that just, well, doesn’t work for me.

The Bandeau Bucket Bag (17″ x 14″ x 6.5″), with it’s brown corduroy cinched wrap, kind of reminds me of a woman trying to fit into a tube top that’s two sizes too small. It has a ruffled top edge made from floral fabric with a matching bloused bottom and it sits on metal feet. (Personally, I feel metal feet should be reserved for finer fabrics such as leather and suede—fabrics you don’t want touching the floor!) The proportion of the bag doesn’t work for me either. It’s 17″ tall, making it much taller than it is wide.

On the other hand, I LOVE the Marwood Saddle Clutch! Soft turquoise cotton (although it reminds me of suede), tasteful beaded retro-print fabric, snap closure, perfect size (5.5″ x 11.5″ x .5″) and my favorite—melon-colored lining. Purely a great clutch!

Considering the seasons amidst and ahead, we ladies should be able to treat ourselves, but for a lighter bill. This Anthropologie “Estelle” Bow Purse is elegantly refined and richly designed, but at a mere $78 for this medium 10.5″ length handbag. Adding a little practicality is the full “espresso” leather back, yet keeping with the charm, there is also a bow on this side. Adorable, with vintage appeal, it’s priced right for an “occasion” bag, especially for the young lady.

Ooh, Ra Ra! This Silver Tasseled Satchel by Anthropologie makes me want to cheer with school spirit. As a full-load college student, my current tote is ready to drop out. But this genuine leather bag is sure to be sturdy, and in a crackled tan, it has an already broken-in feel. Style-wise, it’s satisfactory, but I do especially like those side buckled belts (major in class, right now). And I like that it definitely gives off a graduated vibe. Will it pass the true test of toting-time? It works hard with 2 front “cargo” pockets, an outside zipped “pouch”—inside; 2 accessory pouches and a zippered pocket. At 14″ x 11.5″ x 4″, it’s my book-&-essentials lugging dream! But at its near-$300 price tag, it may remain just that without some “financial aid.” I’ve added it to my Birthday List on Kiss Me, Stace, so maybe I’ll get a gift certificate to help me wake up and get going!

Functional and fun: check out this neat toiletries case from Anthropologie. It’s laminated in colorful paisley; attractive to all ages. The inside is lined with various useful pockets. What a fun way to travel in style! If only the pattern were sold on other travel pieces, it would attract focus on a luggage belt. It’s even cute enough to design the whole bathroom with, or place decorative pieces in a bedroom.