It’s pretty much a given in the finicky world of fashion that each season will produce one or two It Bags, designer handbags that end up on the arms of shopoholic starlets, socialites, fashion editors, and within the pages of the monthly style bibles. These items then ultimately become so coveted that waiting lists are often created for those of us who are not quite as well-connected as the Lindsays, Nicoles, and Mischas of the world. Deep pockets are also a must-have as the price tags for these status symbols are often comparable to the monthly rent of an East Village studio apartment (or at the very least, your share of the rent). However, this season, the It Bag has had some stiff competition in the form of its lesser known accessory cousin, the It Belt. All it takes is one flip through any of the glossy fashion magazines to know that belts are HUGE this season, in popularity and in size (some could give the Heavyweight Champion of the World number a run for its money). This is not particularly exciting news but what is a bit shocking is the sticker prices for some of these waist cinchers, many of which practically mirror those of their over-the-shoulder counterparts. But where with the construction of handbags you get function and multiple details in the form of linings, pockets, zippers, and straps, those $1000+ tags are a little more understandable (and I stress a little). Paying that much for a beaded satin sash that does nothing more than sit atop your hips seems a quite, erm, decadent to say the least. It remains to be seen if this trend rides into the Fall but who knows... with 80's-style showing face yet again on the runway, $1500 hairbows may be the next "must have" accessory for the fashionably victimized.
Bottega Veneta Noce Nappa Fenice ($2240)	Celine Tortoiseshell Chain ($710)	B Fendi XXL ($400)
Chloé Jeweled Satin Belt ($1080)	Phi Double Buckle ($450)	Herve Van Der Straeten Circle Chain ($565)
Alexander McQueen Horn Buckle ($685)	Prada Leather Pouch ($710)	Roberto Cavalli Mesh Logo ($740)