Happy Chinese New Year and welcome to the Year of the Dragon, everyone! Since our cultural knowledge of the traditions of Chinese New Year is admittedly somewhat limited, we thought that the best way we could join in on the festivities would be by highlighting the work of one very talented Chinese American designer – Alexander Wang. After all, what better way to celebrate a culture than by appreciating the contributions of its people?

Wang’s bags are likely familiar to most of you already, but he’s done something a little different for Resort and Spring 2012 – he used color. The man known for black and grey did an admirable job of brightening things up and even incorporating a print or two for the new season, and today seemed like a perfect day to feature several of our favorites. Take a look after the jump and let us know how you’re celebrating in the comments.

Alexander Wang Rocco Satchel, $875 via Neiman Marcus

Alexander Wang Donna Hobo, $795 via Net-a-Porter

Alexander Wang Marion Shoulder Bag, $650 via Neiman Marcus

Alexander Wang Raphael Shoulder Bag, $730 via Net-a-Porter

Celebrate Chinese New Year with the bags of our fave Chinese American designer, Alexander Wang is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping

With my first six months in New York coming to a close, I’ve done lots of thinking about how clothes, shoes and accessories play into the very unique New York City lifestyle. For as long as I can remember, a handbag’s structure didn’t really matter to me; I could carry almost anything from a day clutch to a huge hobo rather happily because I always, without fail, had a car with me. Now that I don’t, my preferences have changed drastically.

That’s one of the reasons that I’m excited for the debut of the Reed Krakoff Soft Boxer tote, or the Shoulder Boxer, as I like to call it. I’ve been an enormous fan of the regular Boxer since its debut, but I simply can no longer justify buying a bag that doesn’t have an option for shoulder carry. This modified version of the Boxer design completely solves that problem.

When I laid eyes on this bag, the first thing I thought was, “Oh, sort of like a Shoulder Birkin!” Although the modifications aren’t identical to the Jean Paul Gaultier-redesigned Hermes bag, the spirit is similar. Not only were the shoulder straps lengthened to accomodate a woman’s shoulder like the JPG Birkin, but they were also flattened, which is a huge advantage in a shoulder tote and something all designers should consider when adapting designs for shoulder carry. Double rolled handles always slip off, and they’re really only appropriate for bags carried in the crook of the arm.

The body of the Boxer was also shortened, just like the Shoulder Birkin. This helps lessen the bulk under the arm and the likelihood that you’re going to have all of your belongings banging against your hip all day, which is essential in a structured tote meant to be carried this way. I’ll have to reserve judgment until I can try out the bag in person and see how it feels (I like a very long tote strap), but my hopes for this extension of the Boxer line are high. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $1295 in black or coral.

Introducing the Reed Krakoff Shoulder Boxer is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping

When I spotted the Tory Burch Fur Hobo on ShopBop, I felt a slight sensation of warmth come over me. It was short-lived, but it happened, and for that I am grateful. You know why else I am grateful? This bag is seriously stylish and that can’t be said for many fur bags (check out our six worst fur bags for fall).

The entire hobo is made from imported rabbit fur with a gold chain strap. The overall design is entirely simple, almost Stella McCartney-esque, with the gold chain shoulder strap. While I’m not typically drawn to fur bags (and trust me, I am aware how strongly many feel about fur being used for fashion), this one finds a way to draw me in. The inside has a zip pocket and two patch pockets, which is perfect for your everyday needs. Overall dimensions are 14″H x 12″L x 5″D. Buy via ShopBop for $725.

The Tory Burch Fur Hobo looks warm is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping