all that glitters: a good wallet is golden

Every time I get the chance to ask a stylish woman about her wallet, it always sparks an intense and lengthy discussion about how hard it is to find a good one. With the holidays right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about the merits of some of the sparkly offerings of the season.


Clockwise from top: Vivienne Westwood Pelle Nappa Wallet $192; Coach wallet $78; YSL Patent Y Mail Wallet $395; Burberry Gold Small Ziggy Wallet $395; Marc Jacobs Large Zip python-effect wallet $525; Givenchy Metallic Continental Wallet $700.

As counter-intuitive as it might sound, spending money on a wallet--the device that holds your cold hard cash--is not a bad investment. I think there's something hopeful about springing for something shiny to replace a boring plain wallet. If you need a reason to rationalize, then consider this: a wallet is something we all use multiple times a day, every day.

If you like your wallet on the petite side, check out Burberry's glittery Ziggy Wallet. Coach has a more affordable version of the cute mini square with a detachable strap that makes it holiday party worthy. For simplicity with shine, Vivienne Westwood has a nice sized wallet that won't break the bank at $192. Set on having a black wallet? The YSL Y Mail is a whimsical but timeless collectible that puts a sparkly spin on basic black, or if you'd like a more of a rocker feel, the new MJ Large Zip Python-effect wallet can provide just that. For all out glam, the Givenchy Metallic Continental trumps the bunch (with a glitzy price tag to match).


Prada: the Hollywood staple

After living in Los Angeles for over a decade, a Prada wallet rarely excites me because they're so ubiquitous--but this gold Saffiano Zip-Around version just might change my mind!


So tell me, is there a special wallet that makes your heart beat faster?

Inside and Out of Señora Cartera's Bag

In case you've ever wondered what bag I use and what accessories are inside it, head over to Mary Jo's style blog, Trust Your Style, where yours truly was part of her "Thinking Inside and Out of the Bag" series. You decide if my bag is boring or glamorous. If you'd like to be part of the series, just read the post for details on how to participate.

Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote

I think it's fair to say that this is one of the ugliest designer bags ever made. Fashioned from sequins, beading, crystals and leather, the Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote puts it all on the line or, in this case, on the bag with truly disastrous results. This tote is a symptom of what is wrong over at the house that Mr. Garavani built. What's even worse than all the stuff on the bag is its' egregious price tag - $4495! They need to clear the smoke in the air at Valentino, and realize that a bag like this simply will no cut it. You can pre-order this monstrosity via Neiman Marcus, but, let's be frank, you'd be insane to do so.

My Big Fat Clutch: Mary Jo Matsumoto MJM Bag

Mary Jo Matsumoto MJM bag

I love the late 30s and early 40s, it's my favorite period in design history. The look was revived in the 70s by Halston and then again by Tom Ford at Gucci, each with their own twist. I've been collecting vintage pieces from this era for over a decade and so when I recently launched my own luxury line of handbags, I had to pay homage to the big clutch that shows up in countless film noirs. Yes, this is a clutch roomy enough for Veronica Lake to slip a handgun into it--not that I'm advocating violence! It also has my signature knot detail and is made entirely from eco-friendly ultra-suede.

Each bag in my line was named after someone who inspired me during the creation of the collection. This particular clutch is shamelessly called the MJM clutch, because it's so personal to me. In fact, it's the first one from my collection that I snagged for myself and I'll tell you why. It's as roomy inside as a regular bag but I love the fact that it's such a major departure from the over-sized droopy bags we've all been hauling around for the past few years. I guess I'd have to admit that I love the pure femininity associated with a clutch. A man or a woman can schlep a big bag around, but only a woman is going to bust out a big fat clutch.

Deal Of The Day: Balenciaga Neo-Classic Besace Bag

It's a complete coincidence that a Balenciaga bag happens to be the "Deal Of The Day" a mere day after writing about another Balenciaga bag. The Neo-Classic Besace is a great bag and a solid option for those of you sick of the classic "Motorcycle" line (and shame on you if you are). The turtledove grey pebbled leather exterior is elegant and will work with almost any color. This is definitely a bag you'll get tons of use out of, and now Bluefly.com is sweetening the deal by lowering the price from $1445 to $1156. That's a 20% reduction on a style that is a current trendsetter and a pretty good seller for Balenciaga.

The single pleat down the front and rear of the bag is a wonderful design choice, and the slip buckle strap on the front flap is both modern and classic. Pewter hardware compliments the design, and a 41" detachable shoulder strap helps transform it into a great work bag.

I really want this bag, but my X-mas funds are tied up in another purchase. Here's hoping one of my readers will scoop up the last one of these left. It's a fabulous deal on a fabulous bag.

Balenciaga Neo-Classic Besace Bag available via Bluefly.com

Temperley London Zebra Canvas Shoulder Pouch

If someone were to describe the Temperley London Zebra Canvas Shoulder Pouch to me, I would laugh at such a ridiculous bag. It's no wonder I've adopted the motto "seeing is believing" because after seeing the bag, I'm actually quite fond of it.

Now don't misunderstand me, folks. I'm not saying I'd actually buy it or even recommend anyone else buy it. I'm just trying to prove a very important point about handbags - seeing a bag, especially in person, is a completely different experience from just reading about or seeing a photograph of one. I can't remember how many times I've dismissed a bag from less than stellar photos, only to change my mind after trying it on in person. I have a feeling the bag in question is just that sort of bag - sounds horrible on paper, but not so bad in real life

I happen to hate drawstring bags, but, for some reason, this one works for me. I find that the silver hardware on the leather loops and shoulder strap contrast well against the zebra print. Perhaps the fact that although this is technically a zebra print, the designers have chosen to use different colors than the expected black/white combo. The brown and blush mix is softer and less of an eye sore. The detailing on the dark brown leather strap is interesting, and the decision to make this a canvas bag and not a leather one was wise indeed. The price is low therefore making the idea of purchasing a whimsical, animal print bag more appealing.

So remember the golden rule of handbag shopping - don't judge a bag until you've seen it, touched it and worn it. You'd be surprised at how many "blah" bags will quickly earn a place in your heart and on your "must-have" list.

Temperley London Zebra Canvas Shoulder Pouch available for $600 via Net-A-Porter

Balenciaga Classic Day Bag in Pourpre

Balenciaga bags are like a bad (or good) habit I just can't seem to kick. Over the years, I've collected many of them. Every season holds the promise of newer, more fabulous colors to entice me. This fall is no different with the addition of this gorgeous hue called pourpre. I respectfully disagree with it being named 'purple'. I'd call it more of a 'scarlett' red, but that's just me. The fact is, this and pretty much any other color Nicholas Ghesquière and his design team offer aficionados year after year are stunning to behold. As you can tell from this pic of my current collection, I am more than familiar with the colorful side of Balenciaga. You should be as well. I'm eyeing the Day Bag, by far the most roomy and relaxed of all the classic B-bag silhouettes, in pourpre. If this color isn't for you, don't worry. I'm sure you'll find a color and shape you'll love.

Michael, this one's for you ;-)

Balenciaga Classic Day Bag available for $1095 via BarneysNY

Chanel: Top of the Bag Chain

Chanel Spring 2010

Now usually the word "classic" makes me want to yawn, however the Chanel Spring 2010 handbag is classic for all the right reasons. Not just because it's from a venerable design house. Or because Coco Chanel is a style icon experiencing the greatest of resurgences. Chanel gives us the perfect classic bag for Spring 2010 because Karl Lagerfeld is a mastermind genius who has brought it all together: the old, the new, the cutting edge.




Take for instance Chanel's latest little black (or white) bag. It incorporates their signature leather quilted texture and trademark rectangular shape and adds a coin-purse fusion to the mix, thus morphing into the cutest of small bags--which, if you haven't noticed, is the mega trend for spring. But of course the pièce de résistance is the timeless Chanel leather and chain handle. It cropped up on almost every runway, making this particular Chanel bag one of the season's most worthy investments. My taste runs to classic mixed with vintage and whimsical touches, so for me, this little bag checks off on all accounts.