Coach Madison Mirrored Metallic Small Hobo

Need some bling? One could argue that a bag this small is perfect in a mirrored metallic, but frankly, I wish the Coach would so something like this this in a bigger bag. The Madison is a lot of bang for a a little too much buck ($278 for such a teeny bag isn’t really recession-friendly), but it definitely makes a statement. I love the gold hardware hanging from the already bright bag. While the color is a little space age, the classic design is thoroughly Coach and works back to the neo-preppy look of chunky gold accessories, bright optic silk scarves, and darling ballerina flats.

Michael Kors Haircalf Clutch

You certainly do not need to spend thousands to achieve true style. If you can walk in to TJ Maxx and come out with a fabulous outfit, you have way more clue than anyone living on Park Ave. Not that this Michael by Michael Kors clutch is the answer to economic bohemian chic but I love that it has personality and that's the key to everything. The cutout handle is all rage (yes, still) and haircalf is considered an exotic, at least it is not traditional leather and that's really the crux of the "exotic" trend. I am not an animal print girl but this is a small bag (12 3/4" x 8 1/2") so it just adds a splash of it for some fun. For $348 you get a bag that is on-trend, functional and can be made all your own. At Vivre.com

Chanel Cruise 2009- Miami Beach!

Each season, Karl chooses a city as the inspiration of the collection. For Chanel Cruise 2009, it is none other than the glitz of Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. The collection pays homage not only to the city's love of color and glamour but its art deco inspired architecture and art. We got a close up look yesterday at the trunk show (Beverly Hills trunk show is today at Chanel boutique!) and found more than a few bags to lust after. The "Sensual" bag (above) is by far our favorite-- in dusty blue with matching logo (a bit big for my taste), the leather is lambskin and soft as buttah which will patina beautifully. People are always afraid of lambskin for fear it will scratch-- but that's what gives it character!

The essential bag (below) is being touted as the "it" bag for Chanel cruise 09-- it is a ladylike rendition of the classic chain flap bag and will be perfect for those who lunch and like dainty purses. It is quite small (10") and retails for $2,450, there is one other size, even smaller than this. White is now a year round color but in Miami it feels even more appropriate. love how the large Sensual bag (35cm) opens up wide with so you can stuff with daily necessities. It is large but when you pull it up, the chain tightens and it appears smaller than it is. A plus for a tiny girl like me. There are three sizes of the Sensual (below) the smaller sizes have a flap but I prefer the big tote. Medium $2995, Small $2495.
Love this little "Chain Mail" bag, it is disco chic and you can bet the girls who hang out at the Setai (my favorite Miami getaway!) will be rockin' this look all season long

Have it your way with Design Guru Bags

See a bag you like but not in the color or material you want? Now you can customize the color and material of your bag with Design Guru Bags! If you are PETA freak (notice they slyly put up an ad through blog ads, don't click on it unless you want to lose your lunch) you can choose a man made material instead of leather. You start by choosing one of four bag styles.
The bags are nothing to write home about but they are simple and functional. Sometimes you just want an easy tote to look nice without making any kind of statement or fuss. You can choose one color or add a contrasting second color in addition to choosing an interior color. Lastly, you can personalize it with a symbol for the lining of the bag (each represent a different meaning-- peace and harmony or vitality, etc). It's kind of fun just to play around with this software. It shows you exactly how the bag will look! Gotta love modern technology. Prices are reasonable at $495 for the Mini Mapmaker (shown above left), $695 for the Mapmaker above right (14"x12"), $795 for the Stadia (shown below) and $695 the West Wind for laptop/work (10"x13" shown below right). Go to Design Guru now and have fun customizing your own bag! Jump for more photos!

Loro Piana - "Soft Weekend" Man Bag

I am totally serious this time and I know you will all agree, this bag is totally suitable for a man. Not only is it super manly but it is perfectly utilitarian, which apparently is the only thing men care about if they are in the market for a bag. I love Loro Piana, of course their cashmere but their bags, as well. Tina and I have several between us. It is such good quality, the leather is comparable to the level of superiority their cashmere is known for and all the styles are designed for function.

But the ones I think are stylish and chic, he will not be caught dead in. That's why this bag is so great - it is really the best of both worlds. It has the signature tab detail over the essential and handy big outer zipper compartment. The interior has all the pockets and slots for gadgets and do0dads. See, he doesn't have to use a backpack or nylon messenger! Christimas is sneaking up quickly so keep this is mind for the men in your life. $4710 and only comes in this brown. Call Jeanie at the South Coast Plaza boutique at 714-432-1301 to order.

Chloe Python Bay Bag

This Python Bay Bag is another one of Chloe’s many spins on their every-popular “Bay” bag series. With this purse, Chloe shows their ability to keep their trademark look while keeping up with the latest trends. I must commend Chloe for never going too over the top when it comes to design and color. The handbag has such intricate detail to begin with to make it an obvious statement piece. Their choice in Ivory is perfect to go with just about any outfit in the fall and winter. I love the cozy holiday feeling I get when wearing a white bag during the holiday months when it’s snowing out. With the addition of the python skin, it brings on a unique combination of chic and vintage appeal. $4,000 at Net-a-porter

Charles David Zahra Large Pleated Satchel

I would have to say this is definitely the case for the Charles David Zahra Large Pleated Satchel; animal prints are always cycling themselves into the “what’s hot” list.

With this bag, he leopard print was the first thing that caught my eye. I do love animal print as much as the next person, but I am wondering if this is a little too much. And although I am not a huge fan of the shape of the satchel, I can’t get passed the amount of the leopard print. The calf hair bag is topped with croc-embossed leather and leather trim. Clearly, there is plenty of room in this bag which is kept closed with hidden magnetic closures. I am all for animal print being in style, but what do you think, is this too much?