But where can I put my cellphone?

According to an article in last week's New York Times, sunglasses are the new "It" bag.
In case you haven't been in a department store recently, you can't help but notice that displays of fashion optics has grown, and just like handbags a few years ago, it seems every major designer has a line of sunglasses these days.

Balenciaga 0015s, $360...I love tortoise, the logo is big but almost butterfly-esque. Perfect for hiding behind.

So, maybe you need more proof than that? According to an industry analyst quoted in the article, handbag sales are down 14% against a 10% rise in eyewear. Common sense, would also make it seem like a real possibility. Where a handbag was once an accessible designer purchase, the current prices make them less attainable...but the desire for designer products is still there...can't buy a $2100 Balenciaga bag, but you can buy a $360 pair of Balenciaga sunglasses.

Jimmy Choo, $345...The loop holding the arm to the frame is an almost shoe-like accent. The best "instead of a bag" pair. Fabulous!

Like a handbag, a pair of sunglasses is right up front, something people notice immediately, and incorporated with designer logos and trademarks, there is no reason to believe that they will not become "IT" items with waiting lists, and legions of fans who can spot a pair of the popular shades from 50 feet...there is also no shortage of celebrities to wear the shades giving them the same push handbags get.


Fendi FS448, $415 ...As much as I deride the bags, these rimless shades are cold, hard, and very sexy chic. Perfect for someone who wears sunglasses at night.

Besides, even at the high end, most of them still cost less than half a handbag from the same company...it's easy to create a wardrobe of them. Something more difficult when the item in question is thousands of dollars.
Now that the argument is made for why sunglasses may very well be the new "IT" bag, there is still one tiny problem...the other things you carry around besides your shades. You know, wallet, cell phone, PDA, iPod...not to mention, those pricey sunglasses all come in fancy hard clam shells that need to be on hand for storage.
Sunglasses may be the new novelty on the "must have" horizon, but replace the handbag? I don't think so.