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

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

How ridiculously fabulous is this Prada Struzzo Executive Tote ($5850)?!  I’m in love with the blue colour  (Colbato) and simple structure. You don’t see a lot blue handbags so if you want to stand out (in a good way), this is the one to get. Ok, so the price is pretty insane but it is made out of ostrich leather which gives it that cool texture that begs to be touched. This is the kind of tote that will always look amazing no matter what season.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

Another fabulous resort collection Prada bag is the Vitello Daino Hobo ($1350). While this is an established style from the Prada line, it’s been updated with the use of this lovely dark yellow (Mimosa). If you still want a bright coloured bag, this would be the better one to get as it is all one colour; none of this overly trendy contrasting stripes or details.

While these two handbags aren’t in your average/classic colours of black, grey, brown, red or even white, they’re still stylish and have the longevity one should look for in handbags. Both of these handbags can be purchased or pre-ordered through the Bergdorf Goodman website.

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Stylish Prada Resort Collection Bags

Images: Bergdorf Goodman

As you can see, the Prada Saffiano Fori Shoulder Bag ($1295) and the Saffiano Fori Boston Bag (pre-order, $1650) are bright. Neon bright, even. I do respect the design aspect of these bags. It has a South Beach, Miami feel to it don’t you think? But, I don’t think many people would care to tote these around, at least not for longer than one season.

For the Saffiano Fori Shoulder bag, you have a choice between the black/pink/yellow as shown or a light-blue/black/white calf leather version. The blue version is much tamer than the pink and yellow but it is still quite different.  The the Saffiano Fori Boston Bag is only available in the orange/pink/brown combination and compared to the shoulder bag, I feel this one would be the better choice out of the two.

I have to say though, the perforated calf leather does remind me of Louis Vuitton’s perforated line a few years back.  Now don’t get me wrong, Prada is a fine handbag company but sometimes they teeter on the verge of copying. After all the Boston bag does look similar to the Speedy.

If you love these two resort collection handbags from Prada, you can order them now at the Bergdorf Goodman website.

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Traffic Stopping Prada Handbags

As some of you may know I’ve been on this seemingly never-ending search for the perfect black bag. I haven’t been able to narrow down my choices just yet, but this Botkier Venice Satchel ($595) has definitely secured a place on my most wanted list!

Image: Neiman Marcus

The Botkier Venice Satchel ($595) has the classic qualities I love about satchels mixed with a little bit of a street edge. I adore the cool zippers and tassels that give the bag a playful, don’t take life too seriously quality. This is the type of bag that will get lots of compliment, not just for its good looks but for the smooth texture of the leather and the sophisticated styling.

The Botkier Venice Satchel scores even more points with me because of the size. I love large handbags and this one measures at a perfect 1 1.5″ H x 15.24″ W x 4″ D. It will hold everything you need and then some! Other pluses includes the removable shoulder strap and silver hardware. Love, love love it!

If you love it too, you can purchase this lovely satchel at Neiman Marcus online or in stores.

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Highly Covet-able Botkier Venice Satchel

Here are four fabulous red clutches that will look great with just about any outfit whether you’re just hitting up a bar with friends or going to a fun holiday party.

Images: Neiman Marcus

Matt & Nat Morgan Convertible Clutch ($150) – This versatile clutch cleverly hides a chain strap so you can carry it on your shoulder if you need both of your hands free (for dancing!). It’s also eco-friendly as it’s made out of Japanese paper!

Juicy Couture Lock It Long Clutch ($128) – If you like your clutches to have a little more hardware or embellishment, this one is a good choice. There’s also a patent version if you want a little shine, too!

Lauren Merkin Louise Croc Embossed Clutch ($200) – Crocodile (real or not) is quite luxe and the traditional shape of this clutch gives it a vintage feel.

Judith Leiber Small Oval Curved Minaudiere ($1595) – Beautifully detailed with Siam red Austrian crystals all over, wow!

Obviously, the last clutch is a total splurge but you have to admit, it’s quite lovely. Which one would you pick? I personally love the first one because I love it when bags do double duty.  You can purchase these red clutches at Neiman Marcus online. And don’t forget to enter the free shipping code: SHOPNM when you check out!

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Festive Red Clutches for Evening

Image: Neiman Marcus

I was browsing through Neiman Marcus today and saw this lovely handbag. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a Botkier! The Noa Tote ($575) is a fabulous tote bag, easily carried on the shoulder it will take you from the office to a day of running errands and shopping.

What I love most about this bag is the material, lambskin leather! Lambskin is ridiculously soft and supple. The colour is also lovely. It’s a beautiful coral shade that will look fantastic for Fall and Winter and even better during Summer! It’s also available in black for those of you who need a great looking black tote.

The overall shape is simple but the pleating and zipper details are what makes this tote stand out. It measures 13″H x 18″W x 3″D, so it’s not too gigantic, just big enough to hold your essentials.  At $575 the price point isn’t bad at all considering you’re getting a great looking bag in the softest leather available.
If you’re thinking about picking up a new bag for yourself, definitely check out the Botkier Noa Tote in person or order it via the Neiman Marcus website.

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Soft & Stylish Botkier Noa Tote

Images: Neiman Marcus

Kooba Blair Shoulder Tote (on sale $472) – The pleating detail and luxe leather are what makes this handbag simply fabulous.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Faridah Hobo ($448) – A classic from Marc Jacobs, this hobo is a go anywhere bag that will hold everything you need.

Images: Neiman Marcus

MICHAEL Michael Kors Medium Wainscott Shoulder Bag (on sale $209) – This bag, although it reminds me of a Marc Jacobs bag, is cute, functional and a great size to use for work or play.

Juicy Couture Easy Rider Satchel ($328) – For the younger crowd, this trendy satchel has fun details that give it a bit of a funky edge.

What to pair with these lovely bags? Just about anything, really. Whether it’s a casual outfit of jeans and a tee or something a little more dressed up for a day at the office. These ivory and cream bags will stand out from all the dark coloured ones in the crowd. As for being dirt or stain magnets, there are leather protectant sprays to combat those!

You can purchase all of these handbags at Neiman Marcus, do hurry over because the Kooba and Michael Kors handbags are on sale. Oh and don’t forget to enter the promo code: SHOPNM to get free shipping with your order!

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Creamy Vanilla Handbags for Winter

Image: Nordstrom

The Jimmy Choo Robin Eagle Leather Bag ($2350) is a gorgeous bag made out of chalk white leather. I know white leather handbags are dirt and stain magnets but I think this bag should be an exception. A white handbag can and will look fantastic year-round. Its not strictly just for Spring and Summer.

What struck me most about this bag is the beautiful detail in the eagle. The eagle is made out of various sized grommets. Some of the grommets are filled with different coloured crystals to give a little life and colour to the designer. It’s really a work of art.

The bag itself is large at 16″W x 12″H x 12″D and wonderfully slouchy boho feel. It has an easy-going, carefree vibe that makes you want to just go on holiday to a lush tropical location.  Details include fringe tassels and cool braided shoulder straps with round link accents.

It’s a gorgeous bag but the price is quite steep at $2350.  If you want to treat yourself this holiday season, go for the Jimmy Choo Robin Eagle Leather Bag. You can order it online at Nordstrom.

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Ultra Luxe Jimmy Choo Robin Eagle Hobo

Lanvin handbags are a fun and functional mix of chains, ribbons and leather. While with some handbags with that combination can end up looking tacky (some Juicy Couture bags come to mind…), Lanvin knows how to keep things balanced.

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

The gorgeous and lady like Lanvin Happy Shoulder Bag ($1695) reminds me of the Chanel flap bags but with a twist. The twist is the black velvet ribbon that is threaded through the gold chain shoulder straps.  The quilted rogue calf leather is ultra luxe, too! The size of this shoulder bag, 9″H x 12″W x 4″D, is perfect for daily use. You can easily dress this down with jeans and a simple tee or take it out on the town with a little black dress!

Image: Bergdorf Goodman

For a more casual look, the Lanvin Denim Amalia Shoulder Bag ($1675) is a great choice. The cotton denim is accented with white top-stitching that keeps it from looking boring. The ribbon on the strap is embellished with a removable logo charm for added fun. This shoulder bag is just a tad bit bigger than the one previously at to 8 1/2″H x 14″W x 3 1/2″D – still making it easy and wearable for every day.

What do you think? Are they a bit too much or just right? If you love these, you can get them at Bergdorf Goodman.

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Feminine & Flirty Lanvin Shoulder 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!

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Gucci Cruise Collection