I‘ve never written about Prada before because I haven’t fallen in love with anything Prada…until now. Prada tends to either hit it right or hit it really wrong – remember the Wookie-like fringe bags last year? This lovely Vitello Shine Tote in a go-with-anything shade of blue is an example of Prada getting it exactly right. I picked up this bag in a shop yesterday and had a very difficult time putting it back. I think she wanted to come home with me.
Part of this bag’s allure was the smell – it reminded me faintly of that Balenciaga bag smell, only more intense. The Vitello Shine is made of sturdy calf leather but is finished to feel more like a fine goatskin or sheepskin. The inside is lined with butter-soft, pale ivory leather that was delicious to touch, although not the most practical color. There are snaps at the top at either end to pleat the bag if you’re not carrying a lot in it, or to open wide for a bunch of stuff. The antique brass metal chain and hardware give it a bit of shine and interest, without adding too much bling. You can only see this in the white version I’ve pictured above, but the tote I saw yesterday had matching curved brass plates on the handles as well. This gives the bag a bit of renaissance-biker chic without adding a lot of weight.
The Vitello Shine comes in brown and black as well, but I really like this particular blue. It looks fabulous with jeans and would also be classy with a suit. The color is at least 3-season, but I can even see it in summer with white jeans. There are a few other styles in this collection, including a great hobo and a bowler, but the tote is the one that really speaks to me. At 12″ x 15″ x 7″ it’s a practical size for everyday, without being ginormous. If only I had a money tree, she would be mine! If you’ve got the cash, it’s $1895 at Neiman’s.
You must log in to post a comment.