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

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!)

Largely reminiscent of Hayden-Harnett's Mercer Clutch (I told you they were trend inspirers), this tote-ish bag by little known Corto Moltedo is also half strangely new. With a top rod/cut out - type handle and two side bottom pockets, plus loads of other doo-dads and design features, the bag's a little much to take. It's notable though, being a foldover convertible bag with attachable shoulder straps, plus it just looks so odd ... so what else does Moltedo have to offer anyway? Should we keep a look-out?

The Priscilla sells for $2080 on Net-a-Porter.

The new style of Marc Jacobs' Venetia, with patchwork leather and zippered pockets---called the "Met Patchwork" Venetia---is available for pre-order on Neiman Marcus now and shipping by April 6th.

The bag is certainly the classic Venetia, a satchel sized 15" x 8" x 4" with double handles and a real strap closure, but all new with bronze metallic "patchworked" leather and changed front pockets.

Priced $1,475, currently offered in bronze, is this the next covetable bag by MJ?

I sneaked a tiny peek at J. Crew's Plaid City Tote in my Nan's catalog. Just my luck! I love the idea of plaid bags and this style is so sweet with allover-outer pockets. Personally, I'd wait out for a more school-girl Fall plaid to buy. And at $98, it's got to be me, and I've got to love it. But for a whimsical, summery look that actually doesn't have straw, this may be you!

11 1/2 length, cotton/vachetta trim. (Wedges not included.)

See how nice this Louis Vuitton bag is that Jessica Simpson is carrying? I've definitely---and boldly---made it clear how I feel about Marc Jacobs's design efforts with the brand, but this bag is nice. I do like the pointed leather straps details many bags have---it's a signature (and they should all have it).

And sure, this is a very expensive version that Jessica Simpson can afford, I get that ... but this LV is so much nicer than the ones I see you carrying at the mall. I'm watching you.

I present another beauty from Forzieri, the Python-Style Trim Sand Leather Hobo Bag. It's chic, it's luxurious, it's classic and classy. It's made of genuine leather and embossed python that should prove for fully unique items. It's inventive with its sleek height-elongated center pocket that is covered by the bag's slim flap. Yes, the flap is the pocket cover, complete with a hidden snap. Oh, my God - to. die.

Why do I think it's genius? Besides what I already pointed out; it seems to me that the center pocket would be a perfect cell phone holder for most phones. But it doesn't look functional, it looks fully stylish. Oh ... I have a pain in my chest. It's too much.

It is a bit much ... of the expensive, at $295.

And finally, I give this handbag a Smooch* Award for Shape. Why, just look at the angles of the pockets. They flow with the hobo shape perfectly. When I first
discovered hobos, I never thought I would once admire one so much.

Curious about the handbag seen on The Apprentice Season 3, as carried by Kendra? (She wore it tucked under her shoulder, as the last three candidates walked to the boardroom that set Kendra in the final two, then there was a closeup shot, as she and Tanna were celebrating!) You're lucky to have found me, then, because I recognized one of my favorite bags right away. It's the Dooney & Bourke Ostrich Pocket Zip Top satchel in Brown w/ Brown Trim. The bag is made from fine, soft leather embossed with faux ostrich. It comes in a variety of colors, and sells for $335. That's probably within the budget of a successful business woman, but it's not too expensive for the regular gals, with a little bit of saving and a lot of desire for a beautiful purse.

Can't wait to afford this purse? eBay has some discounts, including a Pocket Zip Top in White (which is one of the more beautiful colors for the Ostrich), currently bidding at only $100!

I've commented on this lovely line of purses before, click here to read more about the bags.

By the way, go Kendra! Watch her win(??) next Thursday night for the two hour live finale!