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!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Splurge Worthy Tote Bags

Similar to a resort collection, a cruise collection features clothing and accessories target for holiday travel to warmer climates.  These small collections are a wonderful way to pick up a fun new accessory, to use now and in Spring and Summer, even if you’re not traveling.

Whilst browsing through the Gucci Cruise Collection on the Bergdorf Goodman website, I was pleasantly surprised to find a couple fabulous handbags that are definitely worth considering if you’re itching to get yourself a new one.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci Jungle Large Tote ($2200) – This beautiful black leather tote features bamboo and metal bead details. It’s definitely large at 13 4/5″H x 16 1/2″W x 6″D, so it will fit just about everything you need for a day of fun and adventure.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Gucci New Pelham Large Shoulder Bag ($1450) – This pretty bag features the signature horsebit detail and embossed logo. The grey leather is fabulous and is accented with studs and brass hardware.

Aren’t they fantastic? Super luxe and totally wearable for just about any season. What more can you ask for in a cruise collection?   You can pre-order these lovely bags on the Bergdorf Goodman website. They have an estimated ship date of April 2010, so you will have to wait a bit, but these bags are so worth the wait!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Gucci Cruise Collection

Zuma Press

In the past bloomers may have only been for underneath big dresses and for a woman’s eyes only. Don’t tell the designers of Milan Fashion Week to keep the bloomers to themselves though! Bloomers were on the runway at Prada, and they’re at it again here at Gucci. The navy metallic look is very Gucci and the leather bomber jacket is a great transition from the Fall / Winter 2010 collection.

Zuma Press

Strong shoulders anyone? I still haven’t jumped on this bandwagon. Since Beyonce hit the Red Carpet at the BET Awards this summer in a short broad shoulder look, I haven’t quite been able to decide. This look; hmm. It’s interesting. Much like the bomber jacket it look like the strong shoulder look is here to stay.

Zuma Press

Last year the cut out one piece made its grand entrance into the fashion world. People ranging from you and I to fashionistas on the French Riviera were wearing cut out one pieces leaving horrible tan lines for all of us to see. It sure looks like this look is here to stay.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Milan Fashion Week: Gucci S/S 2010

Sak's Fifth Avenue

These ankle boots have several zipper accents, from the top of the heel to the middle of the foot to the tip of the toes. The heel is 4 inches with a 1 1/3 inch platform so you’ll be able to feel extra sexy and trendy in these super luxury booties.  They are $1,190. I’m thinking these are a definite splurge piece. I’ve made my peace with the ankle boot trend..and if I’m going to buy a pair of ankle boots they might as well be Gucci boots, right? Now, all I have to do is save up that extra money for them!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Gucci Pixies Zipper Boots

Today though, Gucci is much more. Gucci is luxury,  it’s classic, and it’s fabulous. Of course, high school has come and gone and I’m pretty sure we only won one of the four Gucci Bowl games when I attended high school. But Gucci…Gucci you are still there and you are still fabulous and I want to own everything there was there made with the Gucci label on it. Everything, including this Marina Horsebit Necklace.

Neiman Marcus

The necklace is 18 karat yellow gold. It measures 19-7/10″ inches long at one strand and 31 inches long at the longest strand. It would make an amazing necklace for a professional look or even an understated fun piece for a weekend outfit. It is $3,975 from Neiman Marcus.

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Gucci Marina Horsebit Necklace

Scarves can make great accent pieces for fall, especially if you pick up on the richer colors of the season.  Just because a scarf is light rayon or cotton doesn’t mean you can’t wear it into cooler weather.

Bluefly has some great scarves on sale right now – with some hefty discounts on designer names.  Check out this lovely silk twill scarf from Gucci:

The Italian-made “Briglie” scarf has hand-rolled edges and classic Gucci equestrian accents.

Prefer something in shades of blue?

Also from Gucci, the “Millenium” scarf is also Italian-made silk twill, with a hand-rolled edge.  Even though it’s got a floral motif, the rich navy blue makes this a great transitional accent for fall.

Purple is going to be a hot color for fall, so stay warm in a purple ombre silk/cashmere blend “Kashmere” scarf.

images: Bluefly

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Transitional Scarves for Fall

Valentino Premier Bow Shoulder Tote ($1895)
Bottega Veneta Twisted Karung Bag ($3600)
Prada Vitello Daino Pocket Tote ($1555)
Prada Cervo Shine Tote ($1650)
Gucci Icon Bit Medium Shoulder Bag ($1950)
Fendi Peek A Boo Patent Tote ($3450)
Jimmy Choo Blythe Shoulder Bag ($1895)
Gucci Sukey Shoulder Bag ($850)
Dolce & Gabbana Miss Sicily Plisse Tote ($2795)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

I’m a bit disappointed that bags by Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Botkier, Dior and Miu Miu didn’t make the list!  I do respect this selection because each bag is stylish and has details to make it stand out from the rest.  Although most of these bags are pretty expensive and quite dramatic, like the over $3K red Fendi and the Bottega Veneta, they’re still wearable, only if your outfit is sleek and simple. In other words, let your bag do all the talking! The other bags on the list lean towards the classic side and would make worthy investments.

If it were me and these were my only choices, I’d choose the Gucci Icon Bit Shoulder Bag. It’s simple enough to use every day but stylish enough to not get boring.

What do you think? Would these be the bags you’d put on your top 10 list of bags for the season?

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Bergdorf Goodman’s Top 10 Bags

Gucci has been making some lovely purses with oilslick patent lately, of course – featuring their signature horse bit:

The medium shoulder bag features a permanent handle and removable & adjustable shoulder strap.

The medium tote is perfect if you want a simpler bag, but don’t need a shoulder strap.

images: Neiman Marcus

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Oilslick Purses from Gucci

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Fendi Medium Classic Baguette ($1010)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Chloe Heloise Braided Hobo ($1595)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Gucci Icon Bit Medium Shoulder Bag ($1390)

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Aidan Bowler ($398)

Just like your favourite pair of jeans, these pretty blue bags will go with just about any outfit and occasion. I don’t know about you but I don’t see a lot of blue handbags when I’m out and about and that’s unfortunate because blue is such a pretty shade. Do you have a blue bag? Which one of the above would you pick?

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Celebrate Independence Day with Blue Bags

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!

Post from: Splendicity. Check out our new community features!

Celebrate Independence Day with White Bags