I can always count on Giorgio Armani to offer something elegant, chic and ladylike any time of year. This Giorgio Armani Pleated Leather Purse has an intricate pleated design, like a delicate ruffled lace collar, or princess-like chiffon trills. What is surprising, is that the pleats are made of a soft leather, but gathered like a dainty silk purse. The fresh white color and updated fabrication make this handbag modern and new. Baby’s got a brand new bag… the ‘GA’ logo even has a very modern new makeover at the front.

   If your work week is spent furiously getting the job done, you deserve more than just time off on your weekend - you need color, cheer and a little excursion. All of this can be accomplished with this fun Coach Hamptons Canvas Patchwork Weekend Tote (I know, it just sounds like such a thrill). But at its heart, it’s bold and bright, with a spirited amalgam of pinks, purples and reds all competing for attention. Just toss one or two days’ worth of essentials inside, sling the sturdy strap on and go. It (and your killer work ethic, of course) is a great excuse to get away.

   Oooh…I like. Edie Sedgwick would have flipped for this ultra-mod Lanvin Nopalea Bag, which features a killer clear Lucite handle attached by silver hardware to the stark white Nopalea leather body. The bag has some slight gathering in the middle, where a seam runs down, and the shape is just the right amount of slouchy, aka relaxed cool. I think this is a hip handbag that captures the mod sensibility that’s so in right now (see Sienna Miller, short sack dresses, and Lucite bracelets). It’s the cooler kid sister to the Lanvin Kentucky bag.

   There is something so beautiful about many YSL handbags. I do not love them all, but I do love most. The designs are typically very elegant, clean, and wearable. YSL has been using a process of crocodile-embossing their suede, which leaves us with such a stunning effect. There are a few design houses that currently soften their crocodile skins until it does feel like suede (Bottega Veneta does this beautifully), but it is very expensive. Croc-embossed suede looks much more real than croc-embossed leather and I happen to like it much more. The Yves Saint Laurent Capri Flap Hobo implements this croc-suede in a chic shape that is a perfect everyday bag. I have been very drawn to flap bags lately, they allude this feeling of casual style but can still look incredibly stunning and pull an outfit together beautifully. This YSL bag has a golden chain toggle closure with a wooden ornament. On the inside there is a clever center zip that divides the bag in two along with a zip and cell phone pocket. Dimensions are 17″W X 14″H X 6″D. Big question now is which color is better, almond or sky antracite. Both are great, both will last season to season.

   With so many vibrant shades of blue to choose from this season, I think I’ve found the perfect blue hue that suits my taste. The new Totally Turnlock Lady L Satchel from MbMJ comes in a deep blue color called midnight. I’m really loving this darker blue because not only is it great for a summery nautical theme, but it can also be worn year round. I’ve seen a ton of electric blues and turquoise colors that are strictly for Spring and Summer. But the Lady L Satchel in midnight would be great for any season. And for a price tag of $448, I think that for those on a budget, like myself, this is a great investment alternative to blowing accessory allowances on a handbag that will only be worn for a few months out of the year.

Not only do I love the deep midnight blue colored leather, but I also like the minimal gold hardware details, including the turnlock closure on the front. I think the gold metal and darker blue leather really compliment each other. Another huge plus is that the straps are long enough to allow comfortable wear over the shoulder. And this bag would definitely be able to hold everything I need to carry since it measures 11 1/4″H x 15 3/4″W x 5 1/2″D. It is also available in earth and grass.

   Yawn. Seriously…it looks like Giorgio & co. weren’t even trying when they designed this Armani Shoulder Bag, which features butter-hued leather, a front flap, a logo charm, and top handles. I realize that Armani is renown for their less-is-more, self-edited glam, but there’s really nothing here. Made in Italy, the bag is undoubtedly immaculately made, but it completely lacks any ingenuity or pizzazz. More details or even a more daring color would have helped.

   The Coach Preferred Customer Event rolls around a few times a year. The great thing about it, is that you can save 25% off on items that haven’t even come out yet. As long as it’s in the catalog, a Coach SA will sell the product to you at the discounted price, meaning you’re getting something brand spanking new on sale. Does it get any better? Coach Preferred Customer Event invites are sent out to those on the mailing list, so next time you need a gift, pop in and pick up a $30 key chain, and get yourself on the list without spending a bundle. In the past, Coach SA’s have honored the sale without a client needing a coupon, so visit the store, put on a smile and work your magic. You can also ask a friend (who has been issued a coupon) to take you along…the more, the merrier!

   So her black leather jacket, platinum blonde locks, fishnet stockings, and tight and short white dress may scream “New Jersey call girl,” but you’ve got to give Christina Aguilera props for trying to salvage her sorta tacky outfit with a polished and professional Lanvin handbag. The bag, which appears to be a variation of the Hero style, is a formal case with black leather, a brass frame, and short leather handles. It’s more “stylish executive” than whatever look Christina’s trying to achieve, but it’s still a nice-looking handbag.

   My love of Yves Saint Laurent has only been growing recently. Their handbag collection was not known years ago for appealing to a younger twenty-something crowd, but lately, YSL handbags have been riding the wave. While the YSL Tribute Flat Tote is made to look ancient with the crackled gold finish, the finished product has an old world feel with a new world appeal. The way this bag is finished is quite intriguing, as the patent leather is styled with a fresh finished of crackled gold. The gold is not super blingy, more of a subdued brushed gold. The doubles shoulder straps have an 8″ drop. This bag is just as flat as they say it is, with merely 1″D, but somehow I still love it. It is a fresh look, a clean look, and a highly sought after bag. The inside does have a zip pocket along with silk satin lining. Overall dimensions are 16½”W X 17¾”H X 1″D.

   What is this accessory? It’s pretty much self explanatory, it’s a TOTE. Mr. Marc Jacobs definitely wanted to remind us Bagista’s what we’re looking at. Somehow, I have mixed feeling towards this TOTE, I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it either. I imagine it being a great kick-around bag or something I would wear on short shopping trips and on casual days only. What do you girls think? To be honest, I feel if it wasn’t for that bold hot pink graphic found right up front, this bag would look incredibly awkward. I will like to note to you Marc Jacobs fans (myself included) that within the description of the bag, camouflage-like pattern is stated. Does LV ring a bell? I don’t know about you all but I totally do not see the “camo” pattern, I see more 80’s wear within it. Another feature found on this standard supply tote (besides its unique design) includes fluorescent coated hardware; I haven’t seen too many bags sporting such.

So would you ladies wear this bag? Personally, I can’t make up my mind on whether this TOTE is fun or tacky, but I do know that the $128 price tag is pretty reasonable for a MBMJ bag.