I live in Manila, where I recently came across beaded and bejeweled bags that were originally made Mary Frances. (I think that she and her Philippine designer partner have since parted ways). They’re quite beautiful and very intricate in their design (seen here in my personal blog ; I even bought one for myself.

But beyond the fact that they’re sold on eBay and ShopNBC, I don’t know much about Mary Frances. What’s her reputation as a designer? What do you think of her bags? Are they really collectible?

I’ve been a bad girl this week.

Even though I had already bought one of these bags, just seeing them day after day (the sample sale was being held where I work) wore my resistance down. I bought five more. Cheapest was $43; most expensive, $65. I spent a total of $271, the cost of one Mary Frances bag in the US. 

My hubby, who bankrolled this purchase, figures that when I tire of them, I can always sell them on eBay.