Recently in Patent Leather Category

Sometimes a girl just wants to be left alone and if a simple "NO" is not clear enough, a knuckle ring hardware clutch will come in real handy! Even a slap might be misconstrued as flirting but a backhand with this on your fingers gets the message across loud and clear!! Just dangling this in front of you with a raised eyebrow is pretty scary, I mean, look at those skulls, they're so aggro. But violence aside, this is a nice alternate way to carry a clutch, especially with the patent leather, you won't smear your fingerprints on it. I just hope the ring sizes are ample enough to fit most fingers, as that would be a problem. I think as a novelty, I might just get it. I don't have to shoo away men anymore but my husband does act up now and again =) Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Patent Clutch at Saks for $1595.

Longchamp is our go to brand for travel and beyond-- it's not often that you'll find the words "practical" and "chic" in one sentence but it really describes its bags! I do not pack without at least one of the foldable nylon totes (you never know when you'll shop too much and need luggage space!) and now think I need this Rodeo Luxe tote for travel as well. It's big but lightweight and held up the test at the mall the other day-- I put everything in there including my son's sippy cup-- it's lined in easy to clean canvas so I don't have to worry about mishaps while traveling. The zipped front pocket is perfect size for a passport and boarding pass while the interior has several zipped compartments as well. I'm loving the azure blue-- it reminds me of the pacific ocean and was the color of my old Aston Martin DB7 Vantage Volante (oh how I miss that car!).

Longchamp 'Rodeo Luxe' Shopper is 15" wide and cost a mere $845 at Nordstrom. Do not ask me how much the Aston Martin will set you back-- it's way obscene but it was my wedding gift from the hubby so how could I refuse?

I wasn't into the Histoire even though it seemed like the whole world went bonkers over it. There was too much going on, the thickly braided handles, the same braided detail on the many pockets, all the features we too big like a cartoon character. But of course it was Angelina Jolie who propelled it into instant "it bag" status with the matching miniature version for *Sahara. But this tote is way more my taste. It still has bold details and the bright fuchsia in patent certainly adds an aggressive punch that screams to be noticed. Plus, it is a giant bag at 17" x 15". The little bit of the braiding detail is all that is needed, and the scrunched sides held together by simple buckles are way more appealing. It is open on top and is held closed by the cinching of the sides. I'm actually seriously digging this bag, it is the ONLY Valentino that has ever stirred me up. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $1895. Also comes in black which is just as great, just less loud.

* Correction: Ooops, my bad. It's Zahara.

I used to go to concerts every week, it was my life - I loved the crowd, the loudness, the adrenaline and strangely now that I'm thinking back, I liked the grunge. Well, times have changed because these days, the last person you will see at a rock concert is me. My husband still loves it but he won't take me now because all I do is complain about the crowd, the loudness, the boredom and yes, the grunge. I think it's called age. And I think Michael Kors is aware of my generation of women who still have that girl in us but in reality the only thing we're interested in is going to a quiet dinner and talk about our wilder days. For those occasions and women like me, this patent leather hobo with subtle chain detail is all the Rock 'n Roll we can handle - it still has an edge and is uber sophisticated. Age and lifestyle appropriateness are the most important things to keep in mind when getting dressed. Michael Kors also has the Chain Tote but the chains on those are a bit too much, this hobo is way more subtle. At Neiman Marcus for $995.

A few years ago, this bag would have been viable. It is such a cool looking bag but it is unfortunately incredibly dysfunctional. It is heavy and a bit on the clunky side. No more are the frivolous buying days of having something just because you want it, even if it means keeping it in the closet for fun's sake. On the one hand, it is depressing that we have to start making hard choices but the positive side is that I am forced to edit and it has been cathartic and economical. I started asking myself why I want things, why I over indulge and if it in fact does make me feel better to have too much of a good thing. Once I realized that I don't need any of it and I am perfectly happy regardless, the real meaning of luxury began sinking in. The icing on the cake, the big bonus, the extra long bath at the end of a perfect day - these indulgences are only enjoyable when we have the time and means to indulge. Right now, this McQueen bag is a novelty only worthy of a quick look-see. At Net-a-Porter for $2395.

We all have those Goldilocks moments, Is this clutch too big? Is it too small? Is it too boring? Or is it too bright? Is it too trendy? Or is it totally 5 minutes ago? Is it too summery? Or not summery enough? This is the clutch you need that is just right. The clutch is 14" x 9" which is big for a clutch but perfect for day. The bright summery orange or yellow patent leather trim is all you need to mark the season while the straw keeps it nice and neutral. Anya Hindmarch bags are timeless, yet spot on when it comes to style. Like I said, we could all add this to our routine! This is the easiest clutch to pack for travel and while at home this touch of sunshine will make you feel like you're on vacation! At Anya Hindmarch for $525.

Karl Lagerfeld shot the latest catalog for the House of Chanel starring Jerry Hall and a much much younger guy. I'm all for the younger man/older woman thing but the male model they chose looks almost underage but hey-- not judging!

The Chanel Upside down bag ($2,675) in patent white leather is fun and sure to be a collector's item but I'd feel, well, upside down carrying it.  I already have the 2.55 in white patent so no need to repeat.
The Chanel 2.55 ($3,295) in tie dye pink lambskin, however, is super fabulous!  I love the ombre shades of pale pink; it's subtle, sexy and very youthful.  I think I've found my summer bag!  I always invest in Chanel bags, no matter the economic situation; they are timelessly chic.

Call Alexis at 214-520-1055 to order!

(Jump to see the catalog!)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Patent Faridah Bag,$448 Sale $313.60; Mulberry Roxanne Tote , $795 Sale $556.50; Botkier Ziggy Small Shoulder Bag $450 Sale $135; Kooba Ryder Tote $645 Sale $322.

More sale! Shopbop is actually having a pre-season sale, as in Spring stuff is already on sale. I guess that's how bad things are getting but it's good for us!  I really love the Mulberry Roxanne Tote, it has great function, color and style.  Red is a huge color this season but if you get a basic bag like the Marc by Marc Jacobs Faridah Bag you can save the drama for the color and get an everyday bag that gives you sass along the way.  This is the best deal on the list, the Botkier Ziggy is cute and only $135!  Gray will take you through the entire year.  If you want something funky and a bit different, the Kooba Ryder Tote is for the edgy girl who isn't afraid to cross the line.  Although, at the end of it all, it is still just a practical tote.

I am in a practical mode lately and honestly, I don't think I am alone. Everyone is being focused and redefining the concept of "need", which now means the essential kind and not the emotional ones. I have been getting a lot of emails lately asking for work bags that can function as a day bag, which has always been the tote but this Fendi Sfilata Divided Satchel is actually the perfect solution! It has 2 divided compartments that closes with a turnlock clasp. It is 16" by 13" so your 13" laptop will fit, even with a sleeve on. There are little pockets on the ends which are good for computer cords and accessories but they are deep so small things will get lost in there. The crinkled patent leather is super chic and the shape is classic and long-lasting. Best of all, it is a Fendi without annoying monograms anywhere!! But one look and you know this is nothing but luxury designer. The price is not the most economical but if you need a work bag and you're getting a day bag at the same time, this is a worthy investment that will take you to your next bonus when you can buy another bag. At Fendi Sfilata Divided Satchel at Saks Fifth Avenue for $2590.

Update from Tina: Lauren is right-- eLuxury does have much better selections! This bag is hot, there is even a smaller version in metallic for evening. See Fendi Handbags here

The most asked question we get is, "So what is the hot bag right now?". It isn't so easy to answer sometimes but this season, it is unquestionably, undoubtedly and definitively, Givenchy. They graced us with the Nightingale that raised an eyebrow of interest and then last season the Sacca really got us going but this hobo cements their reign at the top of the game, even beating out YSL for me personally (I bought every YSL bag last year). Simple, adorable, functional and hip. There is that certain edge that is not attainable unless you are truly hip from within, most designers can do beautiful but not many can accomplish subtle edgy beautiful. And that is the perfect description of this hobo that must be mine, it shall be mine even though I told myself I will only buy things on sale from now on. There are just some things that make reason and ration go bye-bye. This is a slight powder pink in a textured patent leather, I mean, how can you be more subtle edgy beautiful than that? Also comes in a distressed black patent which is super cool but I just have to have the pink! Don't be deceived by the "small" in the name, this hobo is a good size at 12" x 18". This perfect bag has all the practical features - adjustable strap, magnetic closure and compartmentalized interior pockets. At Barneys New York for $1240.