it’s true…target has added a handbag maker to their list of “design on a dime” big-name designers.

for those who aren’t familiar, rafe (pronounced RAH-fee, if you were wondering) is a designer that has only been around for a few years, but has managed to make quite a splash. his “regular” bags retail in the $400-600 range, and he’s known for using a lot of hardware and a lot of fabulous color, while still keeping the bags useful. and, at least this year, he’s been pretty much all about patent leather. unfortunately, i’m rarely (if ever) willing to pay a boatload for a patent leather bag, because most of them are coated with plastic to get the ‘patent’ finish anyway, so i always have a hard time justifying the cost.

but $49.99?? sign me up!!

as with most of their designer collections, the rafe for target collection is a little ‘hit and miss’. the hobo style, for example, is quite large, and really fat on the ends, which annoyed me. and the little clutch, while darling, is highly impractical – it closes with 2 snaps, which are not magnetic, which translates to needing 2 empty hands every time you want to close your clutch. not my fave.

however, i loved the cream satchel and the black doctor bag….very impressive! and they’re perfect bad-weather bags, since they’re PVC. moreover, i have to say, i’m more impressed with the quality of this line than i have been with any other ‘designer’ line at target. little details really make this bag a bargain – a great lining, exterior pockets and zippers that are functional (not just decorative), well-stitched, padded handles (so they don’t look cheap), metal feet to protect the base of the bag….as martha would say, it’s a good thing.

according to target.com, the bags won’t ship for 2-6 weeks. but they’re available now at stores…though i had to hit 2 to find the black bag. so, i’d recommend rushing out straight away and nabbing one (or two) while you still can!

happy hunting!

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