ta-da! the fanfare satchel meets the stealth satchel.

Here is the fanfare satchel, closed

and open.

Here is the stealth satchel, open

and closed.

It seems to me that they have met before (hums)

Closer reading reveals that the fanfare bag has a leather body under a net onto which the sequins are sewn. Just askin' for trouble.

I found the Stealth Satchel problematic not just because of the sequins and camo print, but because it was made of fabric (under the sequins) and had no structure. It looked like the kind of thing that would collapse if it had to hold more than a bus pass. I was reminded of  a knitting bag.

I read the J.Crew catalog copy to say that the fanfare satchel is made of leather. The satchel appears to have a frame, thus some structure. But sequins on net on top of a handbag? Let's just say I wouldn't wear it anywhere really festive, unless I had a particular reason for wanting to get caught on someone's buttons.... or for leaving a trail like Hansel and Gretel.

Which reminds me, in case anyone feels like decorating a cake to add a touch of  - whatever - to the Labor Day festivities, may I suggest a tribute to a girl's second best friend:

I'm so glad the legend makes clear that this creation is of frosting. My first thought was that someeone had gone wild with pot cheese. What a relief.