I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a Marc Jacobs bag, by either the diffusion line or the main one! Actually, I've never been excited by a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. This Leola Hobo is the perfect mix of trendy playfulness and polished design. The zipper has undeniably replaced the studs this season but instead of randomly throwing zippers for the sake of the trend, this design incorporates it in an elegant asymmetrical style. $495 at Neiman Marcus.

Gerard Darel Flat Jack Santa Fe Messanger Bag $416.50

Peter Dundas is a seriously underappreciated talent. This former designer at Roberto Cavalli and Ungaro--now creative director of Emilio Pucci--has never let his passion for cutting-edge design be marred by trends or corporate restraint. The same can be said for the Marquise bag, his first bag (not to mention the only one launched with a name). While it was first introduced for resort, I think it's a fabulous bag for year-round use. It just reeks of seduction and aristo-rebel attitude but is elegant enough for dinner at Mr. Chow or Kaviar Kaspia. When Peter first showed this bag to me over coffee at the Mercer Hotel, he explained that it was named in homage to the Palazzo Pucci, infusing the luxe Florentine house with some indie rock n' roll spirit that only he could provide (I was just thrilled that nary was a colored swirl in sight!). Available in two sizes to suit all statures, the classic box shape is wrapped in black suede while a fully-lined canvas interior keeps the bag as light as can be. Sure, naysayers will note its similarity in style to Chanel or Lanvin bags, but check out those killer silver ring piercings that edge the entire bag! Break out the Balmain or Alaïa mini! The chain shoulder straps are great, too--perfect to wear as a normal handbag or across your body for a girl's night out. For the quintessential--not to mention updated--Pucci girl, this bag is right on target.

Small ($1,435) & large ($1,595) available at Pucci stores, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Ring lizard is my new obsession. You don't want to go too crazy with a ring lizard though, the natural patterns holds its own, so a simple flap with no hardware and a simple strap is just peachy perfect. The strap though is not typical, there is a solid lizard part that goes up to the shoulder but the actual shoulder part is black leather. Although you won't hold this in your hand, the shoulder part still gets a lot of action so it's good that it is not lizard. There is some interesting knotting going on where the strap attaches to the bag. These are just little touches that add design elements without obstructing the beauty of the skin. Jil Sander is a genius! Love her. At Net-a-Porter for $1795.

This uber cool and chic tote for all your life's needs - work, travel, weekends and parenthood converts from a trapezoid shape reminiscent of the Marjorelle (which I still love!) to a traditional tote. But those straps, so subtle yet impactful, tells all this is none other than YSL. But unlike the signature Muse and Downtown, this simple and easy tote does not date itself, so as an investment, you can be sure this will get run to the ground and pay for itself with devoted service. The neutral olive green is perfect for year round use. Will I be getting this? The answer is clearly stated in the name. At Net-a-Porter for $1525.

I have this bag in python and now looking at the crocodile I wish I got it in croc!!! But I love love love my python, it is the only bag I've had in years that I use continuously for weeks at a time without changing (except for clutches at evening functions). It is gorgeous, I can wear it with anything and it fits all of my things beautifully - for once I can answer my phone on time and find my keys without fishing around, every time!! In croc, it has all the same function and it is even more luscious and luxurious. The shape conforms perfectly to the body, the loosely twisted straps give it interest and stays on the shoulder, the size is large but the bag is lightweight (even in croc it is very light but of course python is lighter) and there are serious organizational pockets galore inside - zipper pocket with a medium loose patch pocket on the same side (where I put my keys), the other side has a large patch pocket for your smart phone with 2 slim pockets for either pens (actually, don't ever put pens in your nice bag) or lip gloss (I put lip glosses in both). If there is such a thing as the perfect bag, this one would come very very close!! Ruched Crocodile at Saks Fifth Avenue for $3,750.

Is it just me, or are jewelry houses itching to get a share of the multi-billion dollar pie that is the handbag industry? Not many Place Vendôme jewelers have had success with their attempts into the category--Cartier's stylish Marcello is the one exception it seems--but Bulgari may have something on its hands. I recently checked out their new Chandra bag line--which Julianne Moore is featured prominently with in Bulgari's spring campaign--while up at the showroom and I'm impressed. I particularly love the leather-and-chevron-canvas version (pictured here) available in two sizes, both of which can slip over the shoulder or the latter, which features a shoulder strap. The leather is smooth yet sturdy, the canvas makes it incredibly lightweight and it sports just enough subtle accent hardware to make a statement. The bag, which also features discreet adjustable straps on either side, closes with a top spring lock and has two c onvenient inner pockets. Its most prominent feature, however, is the flap-over leather buckle with two affixed Bulgari light gold dials (reminiscent of the brand's iconic Bulgari Bulgari watch) on full display. Take this on your next Roman holiday!

$1,300 &1,650 available at Bulgari store nationwide or at www.bvlgari.com

OK, this is not a Valentine's Day per se but the colors sure make me romantic and wanting some champagne to go with! For a fun holiday like Valentine's, I don't expect an over the top gift, but the soft pink and metallic silver on something considerate and practical like the Cole Haan Village Hobo would make me happy enough to make it a happy day for him as well =) The interior is full of organizational pockets. At Cole Haan for $378.

Sorry for the three-peat on top handled messenger bags in 24 hours but everywhere I turn, there is yet another style so I feel compelled to comment.  The latest is the Faithful tote from Alexander McQueen-- I adore McQueen but not really feeling this bag for some reason.  The overall design is cool but the proportions of the straps are too small and feel like an afterthought.  As in, hum, everyone else is sticking straps on (and yes YSL brought back the look first) so we should, too.  And with so much going on, the zippers and unique stitching get lost in the shuffle.  And really, do we need a giant Q in the middle of the flap?  Alexander McQueen Medium Faithful Tote $1,450

If you're cool like that, you will rock this Derek Lam hobo like nobody's business. But make sure you're really that cool because you need a bit of bad ass in you to make this work. Derek has said that the Derek Lam girl is "mysterious, a bit naughty, sexy and flirtatious, and she lives for her cocktails!". This is a quote from an interview we did with him in April 2008, and boy has he remained true to himself because that just about sums it up for this bag. The only thing you can predict about the girl with this bag is that her cocktail is strong and definitely NOT fruity! I must have this for Fashion Week NY! Get it at
Shopbop for $1090.

I debated even putting such a scary bag on our nice and pretty site but I need to make a comment about this whole obsession with vampires and zombies. Am I the only one here who finds the subject distasteful? Annoyingly, those obsessed will argue that vampires and zombies are in fact 2 separate subject matters. Whatever. I can't even watch horror movie previews but that's just me. I just don't understand why anyone would want this dreadful face on a bag! Bags are supposed to make you happy, jubilant and passionate not scared. At least it's cheap, at Browns Fashion for $81.31.