Walking down the street earlier this week, I was deep in thought about replacing my years-old bag by The Row—a faithful companion that’s carried me through seasons of outfits and moods. Just as I was weighing whether I really needed a new fall bag, the universe answered in the most dramatic fashion: one of the handles snapped, sending my entire life tumbling across the pavement. Lip balm rolling one way, sunglasses another. I took it as a divine green light. Without hesitation, I bee-lined to Prada, where my innocent plan for one replacement quickly spiraled into a bag-buying binge. First I snapped up the petite Prada, above, and then, like a fiend, I went to Gucci, and bought a practical but extra stylish roomy tote . Because when the universe speaks, I listen—and preferably in Nappa leather! And, okay, maybe in canvas Hathaway Hutton and broken-in (Prada-inspired) Parker Thatch, too!