Stylish with Substance

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.)

This bag is me, but even I have my doubts. It's certainly not for everyone, but it does make a big statement, no?

Some of you may be glad to know that there is a choice of the smaller impact colour choice: black. (Same size though.)

Sorry for not posting really last week; I've been depressed because of Virginia Tech. I'm trying to get back to normal, but I also am in a very busy period with other work right now.

Thanks Saks.com! They've shown us how Jimmy Choo's Foldover Clutch is convertible - and I gotta say I now really love it and .. I think I need it! Check it out below:

Jimmy Choo Foldover Clutches being sold RIGHT NOW:

That second look is oh-so fetching .. and just unique enough! With a removable wrist-strap, this stylish bag can be toted upright & tall or with the top folded to the front and secured by a magnet.

The metallic-toned Foldover, at 11" x 7", is a bit smaller than the regular (a whopping 15" x 8" x 3"), but it also goes for a better price: $825 compared to $1,250. Overall, it might be a bit less day but it's so much cuter than plain black. Would I miss the size? Is that great cost reduction worth it (especially when I'll probably still bargain hunt)?

If you're wondering, too, well - we can check it out in live action carried by Hilary Duff (5'1 / average-slim):

She's about my height, and it's not bad at all. (Here's a full-body photo.) It would even look slightly larger on moi. Now compare that to the regular on 5'3 (*disputed) / skin & bones Victoria Beckham here and this 5′11 skinny mannequin here. Super-huge, and would be even larger against my frame. Now note, this does matter in this case, because clutches are assumed to be smaller---ergo oversized clutches can dwarf a petite girl.

Close-up:

I really like it! I also like to carry a lot of *important* stuff with me, and want to use this more than just on dates/for evening. (For a designer IT bag at that price, I want to use it!) So what should I do?

You can order for yourself the Metallic clutch from Saks and the Marin Oversized Clutch from Net-a-Porter.

The handbag above is Louboutin's Metallic Hobo, which sells on Neiman Marcus for $950. There's also the "Gathered Hobo" with metallic brown leather going for somewhat more at $1020. Buying one would be a not-too-too expensive way of grabbing some star style. And a piece of history, as this gathered design is Louboutin's first handbag!

Good choice, Cindy.

�A new great style from Marc Jacobs is this Deborah Bag, a shoulder tote with zipper details. Selling now in white, the bag also features a signature push lock (on�the zipped attachment closing the large front pocket) and classic square strap buckles, in addition to the double zipper feature toward the top of the bag.

The Deborah measures 15" x 10" x 2.5" and costs $975.

I'm hoping this purse at some point, or in another store, is released in other colours. Yes, white is trendy and attractive, but practical alternatives need to be offered. I like this bag, and it has a little bit of everything Marc (aside from quilting, a chain strap, or anything Stam-y) but I don't desire it nor see IT in it. Still it's a very pretty purse, with a great price especially for its size and amount of style. If this is your dream bag, grab her!

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It's a summery tote with gold metallic fabric. It's quite trendy, I suppose, but that won't cut it. Where are the Louboutin signature elements? They should think of some - I can:

They have platform shoes, espadrilles, and wedges right? So the bags could be raffia, have wooden elements, or even have pockets on the bottom a la the Zippy by Chloe. That compartment could be a different colour - a tan, perhaps in raffia?

Then of course all Louboutin shoes have the red sole - I think bags could be subtler; red fabric lining. That is a definite must and I will lose all hope if all bags don't have that already. (The store description doesn't say.)

The details it does have are a chain drawstring strap, nice, gotta hand them that - but then a dangling key charm? Everyone does that!

Oh sigh, why am I such a better designer than the professionals? Hmm? I need this job and this job needs moi!

The plus side, this seemingly (Neimans doesn't give size) roomy bag costs only $950.

Burberry has a new & interesting line out called "sliced check", which is basically their plaid pvc interrupted with stripes of silver and silver leather trim. It's a glitzy collection, for sure. You can see the effect best on their classic hobo shape. Sized 16" x 11" x 2.5", The Sliced Check Hobo costs $895, which is totally an already slashed price for such a luxe looking bag. Go Burberry!

Also in the collection are the Manor and the new Beaton.

And the number one bag in our Top 5 Party Bags series is the Little Stam by Marc Jacobs.

The Stam has a very formal silhouette, but making it smaller makes all the difference to be an evening bag. It's perhaps the perfect form for a bag such as the Stam. With a little less of the IT Factor, but perhaps a little more practicality (aside from wearing it less often), the Little Stam is still a true competitor.

See more Little Stams coming soon in new Resort colors!