The past two days have been devoted to handbags that cost the price of a BMW, a nicer BMW, and a small house, but with a pinch on my arm and its all back to reality. This reality is, of course, still in the world of designer bags, but doesn’t that low 4 digit price tag look amazingly refreshing today? For an everyday tote which rides on the metallic wave trend, the Yves Saint Laurent Metallic Downtown Tote is a favorite. The Downtown Collection has been a hit thus far for YSL and the new colors of the hits keep rolling in. Metallic silver leather along with silver-tone hardware pair together in this funky tote. Front buckle strap detailing and front pockets give an added touch to an otherwise simple bag. I love the shape of this bag, which is perfect for everyday wear but will still provide you with some edge.

Last week the sexiest woman alive (so says Esquire) had an appearance on the Letterman show. After taping the show, Jessica Biel greeted her fans and signed autographs wearing a fitted gray coat, a beautiful YSL bag, and red lipstick 3857673 shades too dark. She needs to get rid of that shade of lipstick, it really makes her look like a clown, but should keep on keeping on with the Yves Saint Laurent Downtown Tote. Biel opted for the white/ivory version which sports montana leather and goldtone hardware.

This past weekend the world was in shock at the loss of fashion guru and mastermind Yves Saint Laurent. His designs have impacted the fashion world as we know it today. So rather than mourn his death, let’s celebrate his life and what Yves Saint Lauent has brought us. I for one am a huge fan of YSL handbags. I have my eye set on the YSL Muse Two for a while now and feel like sharing my love for a design from YSL is a great way to show appreciation. The Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two sports an edgy, fun, and sophisticated style which is brought together by three fabrics: blue croc-embossed suede on the front, leather on the top flap and sides, and canvas trim on the sides. This is a laid back look with the perfect touches. There is goldtone hardware along with two side button closures and a middle lock. Dimensions are 15″W X 11″H X 6 ”D. This handbag exudes precisely what I loved about YSL. While the runway was filled with haute couture, the handbag line always appealed to me and my style. There was something casual yet timeless about his bag designs and they continue to show they are seasonless.

I think we all know that Yves Saint Laurent is, uh, kind of freaking brilliant. He passed recently, but his eponymous label lives on in what seem to be very capable hands, if the Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Medium Bag is any indication. The bag is a perfectly vintage shape - I picture elegant, monied women in the 1950s wearing this bag, along with a chic pair of gloves (why don’t we wear gloves anymore? Or hats? Can we bring those things back?) and a 3/4 sleeve skirt-suit.

The thing is, though, this shape is so timeless that you don’t have to be a vintage-lover to understand its appeal. It’s simple, functional, and not at all gimmick-y. The color is a gorgeous example of one of the season’s popular berry tones, and the patent makes it extra glam and very ‘now.’ I would imagine that this bag could be dressed up or down quite easily - based on the dimensions on Saks’ website, “medium” is an accurate description of the bag and it wouldn’t be too big for dinner out or too small to take to work or to the mall. Feeling kinda sassy? Tie a beautiful silk scarf to the handle, like many ladies on the forum do with their Hermes bags. But really, this bag is freakin’ awesome on its own, and would add a great pop of color to pretty much any outfit that any of you own, so everyone out there that’s afraid of color and has lots of black and brown needs to at least THINK about this handbag, for a moment mmk? .

I most recently have fallen in love with a specific YSL bag. Remember when I covered the YSL Volcano Tote? I ended up seeing it in Saks last week in pewter and I fell in love again. PEWTER! You know, that beautiful shimmery gray color that I obsess over. In fact, pewter is one of our colors for our wedding (though finding pewter bridesmaid dresses has proven to be much more difficult than anticipated). So now I have this huge crush on YSL and continue to seek out their bags. Simplicity is what reigns me in.

If the shimmery colors of the Volcano tote did not do it for you and you also wanted a larger bag, the Yves Saint Laurent Large Soft Top Handle Shopper may be just what you are looking for. There are a few reasons why I love this bag. First of all, the shopper shape is large but not gargantuan. The other perk about the shape is that it should fit nicely under your arm without the sides being too large and protruding in front or behind you. The body is stitched with a signature “Y” on the soft leather. There are double top handles and a double shoulder strap. Measurements are 16″W X 14″H X 7 ”D

There is something about the Holiday Season that gets me all excited. I don’t know if it is the shopping, the sales, the parties, the presents, the overall good mood people seem to be in (minus crazy last minute shoppers) or a combination of it all. Either way, I am thrilled that the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. I personally love holiday parties. It is a great excuse to dress up, mingle with friends or friends to be and just enjoy the festive season. Yet, this begs the question, what do I wear and which handbag will I sport? I think I’ve found at least one handbag I’d love to carry to a party, the Yves Saint Laurent Evening Muse. I am totally in love with the fabulous golden metallic leather and -gasp- silk stitching. But wait my friends it gets better on the inside… plush satin lining. Gorgeous. Ok, sure, I am always a little concerned with satin and how easily it could snag (especially as lining) but, it’s on the inside of the bag, so a little snag here or there won’t even be seen by anyone else! And no matter where you are partying, be it a huge city or a small town, or where you are going, be it a red carpet premier or a family gathering, this bag is sure to turn heads! Keep in mind that the size is much smaller than the typical YSL Muse, only 9 ”W X 6 ”H X 2 ”D which designates it a true mini-Muse/evening bag.

YSL bags are able to please my every want a need. Just when I needed a pick-me-up, a beautiful glimmer caught my eye in Saks. I was wandering the store aimlessly, looking for a white summery dress (I did this after Labor Day, GASP!). The dress hunt left me empty handed, but when I turned the corner I found the most stunning YSL handbag. Nothing super amazing, but something eye catching and perfect to pair with a little black dress.

 The Yves Saint Laurent Volcano Tote is my obsession of the week with its crackled gold leather that catches light at all angles on the simplistic body. The signature “Y” stitch accents the bag perfectly, adding a logo without being logofied, which is what many of us strive for. Because let’s face it, as much as many of us do not want an all-over logo, we do want the bag to be recognizable at times, and many of our bags are recognizable. The color is called Bronzo, and it is all kinds of perfect. In the stock picture online it looks good, but in person (and shown with the model) it is a deeper hue of metallic perfection! There are double handles with a small 5.5″ drop, a zip top closure, one inside and cell phone pocket, and canvas lining. That is the only thing I am left yearning for more; the lining. Why not finish it up with deep brown buttery soft suede?

Typically, I would not expect Coach to release a funky and edgy design. But alas, Coach realized that the masses are into the deep and dark skulls and crossbones. Really though, it is not deep and dark, it is just edgy and totally hip now. The best part is the Coach Skull Charm sports silver and black leather with metallic trim and costs a mere $38.

Eva Longoria Parker is living the dream. She plays on the hit TV show Desperate Housewives, is now on the big screen, and recently married San Antonio Spur basketball player, Tony Parker. Eva is all smiles nearly every time she is photographed. After leaving a photo shoot, Eva Longoria was seen wearing a hot blue number paired with her Coach -Python- Miranda. As prices in handbags skyrocket and buyers continue to look for more luxurious options, design houses like Coach, who are known for their more affordable bags in the realm of the handbag world, continue to raise their prices and bring in new option. In the past couple years, Coach began to release alligator and -python- bags to compete with the exotic push in the luxury market. Many shoppers say they would not splurge on an exotic bag from Coach, but Eva seems to love this bag!

The Lily is a new design from Coach that actually has my attention. It is a cute shape, style, and great daily wear. There is a black and camel leather version of the Coach Lily, but if you are a special person, you have the opportunity to get your hands on an ostrich version. The Coach Ostrich Lily was the bag of choice for Rebecca Romijn in the stunning red Bordeaux. Romijn, along which other celebrities such as Eva Longoria, are opting for some of the exotics bags from Coach. Coach bags have always been popular and are many women’s first bag into the designer handbag world. But as the market expands, Coach does too, and while some are not keen on spending thousands on an exotic bag from Coach, some are.