If you have the same dilemma or if you want to add a stylish new tote to your handbag collective, I found a couple highly splurge worthy candidates we can audition ASAP!

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci Jolie Large Tote ($780 at Bergdorfs) – The Gucci logo paired with the red and green striping detail makes this tote a total classic.  This tote has been around for years and it continues to be a best seller and can often be on back order on various websites.  I think what’s appealing about the Jolie tote is the simple structure. Although the Gucci logo pattern is everywhere, it’s not too obnoxious or in your face. Plus the charms are fun!

Image: Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Damier Neverfull MM ($700 at LV) – This versatile tote has been around for a couple years now and it is a highly coveted bag from LV.  Its available in three sizes, but like Goldilocks and the three bears, the medium (MM) size feels just right. This tote is also available in the classic Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas print but if you don’t want logos galore, this would be a better choice. By the way, this tote will soon be available in Damier Azur next year so if you love that lighter colour combination, wait for that!

Ok, maybe you’d rather get a tote that is logo or pattern, free? Take a gander at these beauties, in the ever chic and fashionable black…

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Dior Soft Large Woven Shopper ($2350 at Bergdorfs) – This is a tote bag that doesn’t mess around. The large size will hold just about anything and everything. The style is classic and the black woven lambskin leather is super lush. Similar to the Gucci Jolie tote above, this one has the familiar Dior charms for a bit of playfulness.

Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Bottega Veneta Buckle Leather Tote ($1850 at Saks) – If you want something a wee bit smaller than the Dior, this one is perfection.  The leather is exquisitely soft and supple. The buckles add just the right amount of detail to keep it from looking bland and boring. But really when is a Bottega Veneta bag ever boring?

Hmm, I love them all but isn’t that always the case?! My ideal tote is all or mostly leather, soft but structured at the same time. This might be why I haven’t found ‘the one’ yet – I’m ridiculously picky!

Which one of these lovely totes would you choose? Have you found your holy grail tote? If so, tell us about it below!

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Splurge Worthy Tote Bags

Pamela Anderson has a few new fragrances in the works. First up with be Malibu Blue which is going to for day wear and Malibu Night, which I’m assuming is for night wear (not to be confused with pajamas…. actually, it would probably work very well there if your pjs were of the satin and lace variety). Malibu for Men will be launched in 2010. In addition, Anderson is working on a makeup line. I’ll let you know when I find out what these fragrances are supposed to smell like. When I think of Pamela Anderson, I think of my favorite Beach Blonde Candle.

Dior has a couple of new items coming out that are tied to their Hypnotic Poison. The “flankers” include Extrait de Parfum which has an additional floral influence and the second item is a ruby necklace called Collector Rubis.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

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Fragrance News: Balenciaga, Dior & Pamela

The designers have kicked off their Spring & Summer 2010 collections with a bang – so let’s get to the good stuff already… bring on the accessories!

I must admit to not having a particular theme for this post – I’m simply sharing some of my favorite early picks from the runway.  So what’s making me drool right now?

I’ve been a fan of Issey Miyake for many years now – even though the fashion sometimes takes a turn into the downright weird – I still am a fan:

That handbag is shaped so cleverly, with each leather “fish scale” shaping the purse.

There’s nothing weird about John Galliano’s latest handbag offering for Dior:

Clean, elegant and oh-so-stylish – yum!  There is much to be said for handbags that can be carried for years, and this one certainly qualifies.

This fabric belt by Portuguese designer Fatima Lopes reminds me of a Japanese obi belt – I’d wear it!

I might not show that much skin under it though…

images: Zuma Press

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Yummy Accessories from Paris Fashion Week

I’ve already written about some of Christian Louboutin’s new mesh-detail shoes – but he’s not the only one getting into the sheer fun.  Dior, and Jimmy Choo both have mesh shoes for Fall 2009.

Of course, if you’re going to rock the mesh look, there is a time and a place for it…  In my neck of the woods, winter involves some serious snow and cold – which is just not so practical for high heeled mesh shoes!  Now if winter just means you don’t need to have the air conditioner on all the time – go ahead and have fun!

The Dior “Corset” bootie is made using kid leather with a lace upper, and is available in both brown and black.

The Jimmy Choo mesh bootie is made from a fishnet lace mesh, calfskin trim and embellished with silver studs.

And one more pick from Christian Louboutin…  The “Ambro” peep-toe pump comes in both black striped lace (shown here) or black leopard print lace, accented with patent calfskin.

images: Bergdorf Goodman

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Sexy Mesh Details – For Fall?

Fall 2009 Little Black Dresses (Images: Neiman Marcus)

Blumarine Lace Neck Dress ($945) – The lace on the neckline of this dress makes it sweet but not too girly. The off centre slit on the front is sexy but demure too!

Missoni Bateau Neck Knit Dress ($1335) – This is a great alternative to a basic black dress, the subtle pattern gives it interest without overwhelming the shape.

Dior Embossed Sheath Dress ($2990) – A classic sheath dress gets an update with the embroidered necklace, gorgeous!

Valentino Sleeveless Dress ($1890) – This is as classic as it gets! A beautiful sleeveless black dress with a defined waist will make any girl look like a million bucks!

The dresses above are stunning examples of the diversity you’ll find when shopping for a little black dress. Even though the colour is a basic black, it’s the little details like the cut and embellishments that make a dress truly special. Every woman needs a few little black dresses, make sure to check out the new selections at Neiman Marcus!

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Ladylike Little Black Dresses

(Images: Bergdorf Goodman)

Christian Louboutin Candy Lace & Patent Spike Pump ($835) – A wild mix of black lace, red patent leather and gold spikes, these shoes are not for the faint of heart!

Jimmy Choo Bright Corset Bootie ($895) – These booties give off the ultimate tough rock edge. Wear them with jeans for a chic daytime look or balance them with a feminine dress for evenings.

Dolce & Gabbana Tall Leopard-Sole Boots ($1095) – Hot boots are made even hotter with the cool leopard print soles. Infuse a bit of ‘rowr’ to your ensemble!

Alexander McQueen Skull Zipper Pump ($895) – Totally to die for pumps in a lush metallic red and accented with the playful signature skull and zipper details.

Fendi Colourblock Patent Pump ($720) – These are pretty tame compared to all the other shoes but they’re no less as fierce. The hot pink is a fab contrast to the black patent.

Christian Louboutin Low-Cut Patent Bootie ($995) – Seen on all the top celebrities, these booties are definitely the “it” shoe for fall

Dior Serpent Pump ($820) – A beautiful pieced scalloped detail give these red hot shoes a cool tough vibe.

If you’re looking for a gift idea for a birthday, anniversary or just because, these shoes would definitely make her day. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to buy these exact shoes, they’re shown here as a guide as to what’s hip and fun for Fall 2009. These beauties can all be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman.

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Fierce Fall Shoes for Her

Let’s begin with the cool and crisp white handbags!  Here are just some of the ones I spotted while browsing the Saks Fifth Avenue website…

(Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Dior Soft Woven Medium Shopper ($2100)

(Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Gucci Jockey Large Hobo ($1750)

(Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Tory Burch Slim Leather Tote ($550)

(Image: Saks Fifth Avenue)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q Lil Riz Leather Hobo ($428)

Which one would you pick? Although I love Marc Jacobs, I think I’d get more bang for my buck with the Dior tote!

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Celebrate Independence Day with White Bags

The hardest part would be picking out your new piece of arm candy but maybe I can sway you over to Dior?

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

This Dior Shopping Large Tote looks as if it’s made of leather but it’s black coated denim! The signature Dior quilting looks great on the denim and the silver hardware compliments it nicely.  I like how there aren’t Dior logos all over the bag, the cute silver Dior charms are the only embellishment. This  is perfect if you’re the non-logo type of gal.

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

The tote measures 12″H x 15″W x 7″D so it’s not too big but it will definitely hold your wallet, make up bag, electronics and maybe a book, magazine or small bottle of water.  This is truly and investment-worth bag. Pre-order it now at Bergdorf Goodman for $990 and it’ll ship no later than September 7th!

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Dior Shopping Large Tote

I am loving all of the vintage-inspired sunglass styles that are popular this summer, but it would be even more amazing to get my hands on the real piece of history!  Maybe I have discovered Nicole Richie’s secret to always having the most amazing vintage styles.

Here are some great vintage sunglasses from Retrosun:

Image: Barneys

Vintage Vienna Sunglasses in Pale Honey $265

I love these delicate metal frames in soft summer hues.  The round lenses are a distinct vintage style that is popping up everywhere.

Image: Barneys

Vintage Dior Retro Rounds in Dark Wine $265

This is another beautiful round lens with a delicate metal frame.  I love the 1970s style with the tortoise shell and thin gold details.

Image: Net-a-Porter

Retro Sun Vintage Christian Dior $270

Sometimes I like the vintage look where you can kind of imagine your Grandma wearing it, but it is also ridiculously fashionable.  That’s how I feel about these rose-tinted oversized sunglasses with red acetate frames.

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Where to Get Real Vintage Sunglasses

Image: ILORI

Badgley Mischka Euphoria in Orange $325

Image: Anthropologie

Bitty Bloom Sunglasses at Anthropologie $24

Image: Saks Fifth Avenue

Dior 60’s Sunglasses in Panther at Saks Fifth Avenue $290

Image: Urban Outfitters

UO Floral Sunglasses at Urban Outfitters $9.99 (reg. $20)

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Patterned Sunglasses for Summer