So I present to you two bags: the Marc Jacobs Patchwork Amanda and the Versace Large Greek Key Shoulder Bag. Both are black patent leather, both have chain straps, both are kind of square and boxy, and both have large quilting over most of the bag. The styling is slightly different – Versace, naturally, makes everything in their line to be flashy and obvious, with their Greek motif forming the lines between the quilts. The Marc Jacobs bag is more fashionista friendly with more subtle styling and branding.

To me, the choice between these two is a no-brainer, and not just because the winner shares my name. The Marc Jacobs Amanda is much more elegant in its details and wearable in my wardrobe, and although not a complete original (Chanel did do pleats and chain straps first, after all), it’s still much preferable to its uninspired Versace cousin.

Oh, Versace. We’ve had this conversation before. But before we starting talking about the sticking point that I always have with this brand, let’s talk about some positives. First, I think this is a really nice-looking bag. The Versace Frame Satchel reminds me a bit of the iconic Marc Jacobs Stam in shape and proportion, and that’s a good thing. People loved, and still love, that bag, and part of the reason was because it’s simple and functional. I like that Versace included their bit of bling in the top frame by making it all metal, and the zipper trim is cute and a bit unexpected. The leather also looks beautiful.The problem I have though, is that the leather is not exotic, and for the price tag, it absolutely should be. $4000 is too much to spend for a regular leather bag, which is exactly what this is. My Stam cost about $1300 at regular retail, and this bag is not any more fantastic than that one was. I continue to be baffled by Versace’s pricing scheme, and they don’t appear to have the avid following to support it.