Reed Krakoff Standard Leather Clutch

As much as I like the Reed Krakoff totes, they are way to massive to actually use. The smaller pieces like this, however, work for me. This clutch is so chic and minimalistic, perfect as the one clutch in your wardrobe, if that’s how you roll. It is serious enough to attend big to do’s but you can wear this with jeans and even nice summer shorts for vacation evenings out. The simple hardware closure is so simple it’s sublime. The only other detail is the textured leather which add so much richness. There is also this little coin purse that I love, it is a typical kiss closure but the inside has card slots (around $200). I didn’t like the leather it came in but I’m hoping for Spring there are other fabrication options. Reed Krakoff Standard Leather Clutch for $490.

Prada Denim and Crocodile Hobo

Prada makes some of the most gorgeous bags I have ever seen. This? Not one of them. I am all for denim and crocodile. But when the denim is on my handbag I can’t help but think I’ve jumped in a time machine and headed to a time when Mariah was an actress and starring in “Glitter.” Of course, this Prada bag doesn’t look like a pair of jeans made into a bag, but if you’re classifying a color as “denim” there probably isn’t going to be a great outcome. The shape of the bag is so outdated, and the frayed fringe edges are creeping me out. A crocodile handbag is always nice, but this bag only has a small, crocodile twist closure, which is why I am confused as to why this is a “Denim and Crocodile Hobo.” Guess you can’t win ‘em all! for $1,495

Lanvin Sweet Dora Patent Crossbody Bag

Sweet Lordy Lord, this bag has the wrong name cuz Dora to me does not sound as refined and sophisticated as this bag insists (yes, it is due to the explorer by the same name). The subtle color blocking, the clean engineering and HOLY WOW, that tortoise-like clasp with gold hardware is blowing my insane little mind – it is the perfect icing on the cake. The straps are adjustable for crossbody or shoulder and unlike most crossbodies, this one actually looks great as a shoulder due to the east/west shape. You can go from quiet ladylike cool to raging party goer with a simple sling of the strap. I love the new direction Alber Elbaz is taking us!! At Neiman Marcus for $1747.

Givenchy Black Tote with Red Straps

Is this bag simple? Yes. Is even the name a little un-creative? Indeed. Do I think it’s as cute as a puppy in a duck costume? Yes, yes I do. The Givenchy Black Tote is as functional as it is fantastic. The red straps totally make this worth selling some old jewelry your ex gave you that is sitting in the bottom of your jewelry box in a knot right now looking ugly and full of secrets.This black tote also comes with a longer black strap making this a perfect accessory to carry on a trip. It’s sizeable enough to fit wallet, phone, snacks and that copy of Sports Illustrated, Swimsuit edition that you buy every year to torture yourself and sit on the plane and study the bodies of these creatures to finally decide airbrushing has really gotten out of hand and you feel sorry for these girls being in the magazine in the first place. Then proceed to throw back a Yoo-Hoo and snacks and feel good about the fact that you are a real woman, not a swimsuit alien from a Brazilian different planet to be gawked over.Functional and cute, this would be an easy wear to throw something on and grab. It’s casual but classy and I would certainly get a lot of miles out of it. But you will pay for those miles. This red handled beauty is $1,660 @Elyse Walker

Smythson of Bond Street iPhone and iPad Covers

I already love Smythson and now that they are taking care of my technology needs, the love has turned to sheer obsession. The colors, the quality and the function! Everything a girl can ask for! This iPhone case is great for those like me who don’t really want a case but need one because I’m clumsy (my phone seems to fly out of the car all the time). This case keeps it safe when not in use and simply slides out when I need it. Right now, it is available in this Ruby gem Damson but for the holidays, it will also come in pink magenta. Also for the holidays is the iPad cover in either a sleeve (as shown) or zip around design (see jump page), prices range from $280-$460 depending on style. I have been searching for the perfect iPad cover since I got the iPad and I settled for a very boring (and ugly) black cover just to tie me over. Well, I know what I want for Christmas. I am ordering the zip around ruby Damson immediately!! Damson iPhone case, pre-order for $155.

Fendi Fall 2011

Classical silhouettes resigned supreme in the bags at Fendi’s fall show. Overscaled in size and popping in bright colors, the handhelds featured nifty longer straps that made them instant cross-bodies. I love the roomy shape of the Fendi day bag for fall; it harks back to an iconic shape Fendi has shown since the days of the momma baguette. Also note the subtle scripted floral detail directly above the FF logo buckle; it adds an air of old world nostalgia to the bag. Offsetting this shape was a felt tote that, while certainly pretty, remains to be seen if will hold its shape due to the soft fabrication.

Dior Fall 2011 Bags

I know Galliano did not foresee his public meltdown or that this collection would be his swan song at Dior but I still can’t help being slightly disappointed by the lack of new bag styles. Dior’s Fall 2011 bag collection was mostly a re-issuing of past season styles in different colors – cherry brown, dark jade, candied apple red, pink snake, cerulean blue, and lilac ostrich. Pretty, yes. Exciting, no. Structured styles reigned supreme, in ranging from petite to imposing and perfect squares to elongated rectangles, with the interjection of a selection of chain-handled hobos and even a couple of bags that looked like no more than frothy dollops of fur. The Miss Dior in crocodile was notable, but it was the Granville in olive green with geometric red contrast stitching that slightly piqued my interest – finally, something I haven’t seen before! Even more interesting, though, was the fact that the atelier appeared at the close to take a bow. Perhaps there were no major statements bags, but a major statement was made: Dior is not Galliano.