Chicago - March 01, 2006

Cat’s out of the Bag

Luba J Handbags

• Number of times we’ve used Botkier as our go-to It bag since first writing about it: 17.

• Number of times we’ve wished we had another bag to reference: 16.

• Number of times we oooh’d and aaah’d when we saw the new Luba J bags: Too many to count.

• Favorite thing about them: Just one? Too tough. Buttery soft leather. Suede lining. Twisted leather handles. Not to mention the hardware.

• Number of ex-models it took to design them: 2.

• Number of models and colors they come in: 5 and 8, respectively.

• Our fave: Balloon in spring-friendly apricot.

• Number of times you’ll look at the bags: You mean before lunch?

• Number of times you’ll try to convince yourself you don’t need a new bag: Who said anything about need?

• Number of times you’ll kick yourself if you don’t get one: Every time we reference it as the new It bag.

Available at Active Endeavors, 853 West Armitage Avenue, between Halsted and Fremont Streets (773-281-8100 or activeendeavors.com).