Stylish with Substance

With probable fears of crime and hanging on to our dear valuables looming more than ever, combined with who-knows-what untold other little micro-now ways of life, cross body bags have become more appealing than ever.  In a budget-minded style with a twist, I recommend buying only one of this rare and unique style, in a possible statement bag or at least one to last lots of  "every-days"......partially because the new trends follow the new way of life, pairing down. Given that, here are some in "every" pricerange following the *built to last--while budgeting* rule...

Statement Holding ($$$)

Gucci - $1,395

Flaunt your Love ($$)

Kooba - $485

Practical-ly Making $

Fossil - $148

[caption id="attachment_1372" align="aligncenter" width="405" caption="Louis Vuitton art from eLUXURY"][/caption]

I absolutely get giddy when Louis Vuitton and eLUXURY create art for/from their most classic bag(s). The "cool" thing is this sculpture looks even more do-able than a simple ball-y snow man! So brighten yourselves up, those in the cold - when the flurries have fallen, make yourself something better than an angel!

Besides, a bag made of snow is not just priceless, it's free!

Juicy Couture Distressed Leather Fluffy, Winter White

Based on the style-preference delusion that fashionistas don't detest big fringe, and seemingly out of the 70's, has arrived new bag design house MUXO. Designed and crafted solely by Camila Alves and her own dear mother, Muxo's bags are painstakingly labored over by their own hands, tools and a rarer cowhide from Brazil - no not even sewing machines are used by this team. That's not to say this indie business isn't big biz backed or have gone/are going it alone en route to already-instant fame, for the designer is a fashion-and-Hollywood-insider as a former model and current baby-momma to Matthew McConaughey's newborn son Levi.

So there's no need for Camila to pray to label namesake, an African goddess of water, for help - which is lucky because what does water have to do with land-animal-skinned accessories? No, with unique "ironing" details and bags that go beyond leather-jacket fringe and long straps, such as a frame satchel and several nice clutches - I even predict mother-daughter team will encounter a bit too much success than four hands and not much more electricity than lighting can handle. Perhaps little Levi will help in the future? The 1 month old was recently quoted, "Dad, mom, I wanna go support mom’s purses". Aww! I hope this couple is as open-minded as they'd seem. ;-)

If you're interested in these unique bags, they range from $450 to $1,400, are available through their official website, or you can check them out in person at L.A.'s Kitson.

So yes, I'm behind this Spring... and where to start? Well why not where I have a little pun already popped into my mind - even though it's just an update on my favorite, and I recently blogged about the Paddington, but oh well! It's a fave for a reason, perhaps.

Yes, the Paddy, that I have dubbed...

The Pattenton

If you want to and can snatch one up - good luck - Paddies are widely sold out, at least online.

Just wanted to introduce you to Style.com's Candy Pratts Price's fave accessories from the Fall shows, and their new pictures, descriptions and -- ah! -- official names.

Ah, the benefit of being an insider journalist. Well, at least we get their info when they give it.

Read it (well, view it) here on Style.com.

By the way, so far, I'm noticing at least one of the same handbags. (I've hardly begun looking, thanks to life and its foibles getting in the way.) It's a Dolce & Gabbana silver number.

Oh, my! This color! I had just started preparation for a "what trends I'm into for Spring" post, and pastels top that list, my friends. And then I come across this, this pale plum Stam! It's gohhhhgeous!!

The purse sells for the usual Stam price of $1,350. *Shrug*

Well I *drooooooooooool* over the colour, it's my new fave!!

It's some eye-candy via eLUXURY's home page. They may not be all mine, but it's still a delicious treat. (A good diet dessert---but you know, with a little bit of dark chocolate in the stomach.)

Louis Vuitton Speedies all in a row

This post is part of our Early Gift Guide Week.

Is definitely THE Coach bag of the year (chosen upon the merits of my Coach devotion and knowledge): Legacy Signature Satchel (preferrably the 2nd version of this style, available now on www.coach.com). This bag has it all (Classic Signature, famed new Legacy, its black and brown/tan people!, and this Fall's rendition on the style has the added bonus of side buckles, which is my personal favorite touch to a purse) and then some (unfortunately it's heavy). But there's another bonus, the dogleash clip on the front does not flap over the closure, so it's a bit more practical than last year. It's the ultimate, this year (and the entire year!), for the biggest COACH fans (so be sure she doesn't already have one, ha).

Such an important purse does come with a higher-end pricetag; $698, but GOD will she love you! (I would!)

This post is part of our Early Gift Guide Week.

For the handbag lover, the perfect gift above a certain budget range of course depends on the specific (bag) lady, but one choice, and my top pick, is the Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Speedy Croisette (only in size 30). How many fashion-minded women wouldn't be thrilled with a Louis Vuitton, especially one both classic and modern. What put this pattern over the top for me was its new color option; an understated red with overall pale tones, making this bag subtly festive for the holiday season, while classic enough to tote all year round; for years to come.

The LV Mini Lin Speedy Croisette (not a direct link, as the LV website [where it's only available] is flash, apologies.) only costs $750.00, too! Not bad! It would be the best gift of the holiday for most women out there!

And if you want to pass this on to someone as a hint -> there's an e-mail forward linkto the side, above ->>. Or if you're wishing for something only similar by Vuitton, browse or pass on this link for eLuxury's LV Holiday Gift Catalog.

Furthermore, please leave your comments on how you feel about this pick (hey, it's a tough call) and what would be your choice. (Better for forwarding to others, my dear.)