Valentino Patent Histoire in Turquoise

Valentino Histoire bag generated quite a buzz last year until the beginning of this year and has somewhat become the most iconic bag from Valentino. Angelina Jolie loved the bag so much that she couldn't help but to order a downsized version for her daughter, Zahara. I am certain that by then, the baby still didn't even know where her own nose was. For resort 2009 collection, Valentino reissued the bag again in stunning patent turquoise so yummy that i could not stop thinking about cotton candies and how happy they made us as children. In this color, the bag is not made to be a keeper but for the next two seasons, it will surely keep you extremely happy and satisfied. Get this stunning bag from Neiman Marcus at USD1,795.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Rebecca Minkoff Matinee (Web Exclusive)

Rebecca Minkoff has taken the world of handbags by storm with Morning After Bag and Matinee. The Matinee is a practical bag with understated yet sophisticated design and quality Italian leather. The Web Exclusive version in wine/ burgundy suede is a must-have and i am not joking! The shape and size of this bag is excellent for everyday use but in this color, expect eyes on you when you tote it around town. The other thing irresistible about RM bags are the price points which rarely go beyond USD650. Pre-order this one now from rebeccaminkoff.com for USD625.

Image is courtesy of rebeccaminkoff.com

Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Etoile

Every season, Marc Jacobs and his team in LV reinvent the classic Monogram Canvas. From the Graffiti to Cherry, Jokes, Perforated and the most recent Water Color, the items have somehow become collector's items to the undying LV fans. While i myself love only a handful of the items in the various series, the latest Etoile which did Triple-quilting on the canvas offered two very nice bags. Both the shopper and the bowler come in shapes and sizes great for daily use or travel; the function which mono canvas bags serve best. Like all the other seasonal Monogram Canvas bags from Vuitton, i am pretty sure these will be sold-out. Overall i like both bags a lot, the only problem is the prices are too steep for bags mostly made of canvas, whether quilted or not. Still, if you were a collector or have more than three grands to spend on an LV bag, by all means, grab the shopper for USD3,500 or the bowler for USD2,950 from the eluxury.com.

Image is courtesy of eluxury

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Tote

The handbag industry has reached a new height despite the market downturn and the new height is Exotic high. Contrary to the opinion that people will reduce their spending on luxury goods, exotic handbags are still high in demand. "Women are starting to think of something that looks a little timeless and isn't so identifiable the way the 'it' handbag of the minute was," says David Wolfe, a trend forecaster at the Doneger Group in New York. "They're looking for things that maybe have fewer details and gimmicks but [with] recognizable quality. The exotic skins certainly deliver that. Anybody who looks at those bags knows that they're pricey."

And who else would rejoice more upon hearing such news than Nancy Gonzalez? The Colombian-based handbag designer has been long recognised as the top exotic handbag maker to the world. Nancy Gonzalez bags are logoless, hardware-less and made of supple and quality exotic skins, mostly crocs. This croc tote in red (also available in black) is one example of simplicity at its best. I can imagine the bag being used today and still being used by the owner 30 years from now and will still be as stunning. If you could do the math, grab this baby from Neiman Marcus at USD3,650.

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Mulberry Mabel Shoulder Bag

I had never really loved another Mulberry bag besides the Bayswater until last month when i visited a Department Store in Berlin. Mulberry Mabel, especially in this electric blue, is one of the bags that fits perfectly into my criteria for "the bag for refined ladies who define style". It is needless to describe the quality of the leather used in this bag as a Mulberry bag is known for its quality material and refined workmanship. As with most other Mulberry bags, Mabel is understated and does not make you fall in love at the first sight but the moment you try it on, you will grow to love what you see in the mirror; Talking about lasting impact. Get Mabel in this electriying color from the nearest Mulberry store or have one sent to you from NAP for USD1,195 (for America) or £655.66 (for other countries)

Image is courtesy of Net-a-Porter

YSL Croc-embossed Degrade Muse

YSL Muse is one of the few iconic bags created in my life time. Since its creation in 2005, I have witnessed this bag went from 'It' bag to THE bag of the house of YSL and like all the other classics, it never goes out of style. Hail the folks in YSL and Creative Director, Stefano Pilati for creating this ageless beauty! For Resort 2009, YSL reinvented the Muse in the color and look of the season, minus the steep price. The bag is made of croc-embossed leather which brings down the price significantly while still keeping the look in current trend that is exotic skins. I also love the blue/ gray color which is about the color of Resort 2009 and Spring 2009 yet still has all the attributes of being a classic. If you happen to be looking for a bag to last for the next two seasons and potentially to keep forever under USD2,000. Look no further as it will be tough to top this one. Pre-order through Neiman Marcus for USD1,995

Image is courtesy of Neiman Marcus