It’s that time of year when I diligently prepare “appropriate” wish lists for in-laws, family and my husband. I take into consideration whether or not it has potential for fulfillment due to perceived frivolity and expense. My in-laws are conservative in lifestyle and while they have three homes, don’t spend on high fashion purchases. My parents have been hit by the recession, so not asking for anything there and my husband thinks I already have too many purses! I tend to buy my own bags most of the time. So, what’s a fashion-minded girl to do? Since I don’t have the chance to ask for my deepest heart’s desire, I thought it would still be fun to prepare my dream wish list.

Vintage Chanel 2.55
Growing up, my mother and I were avid vintage collectors. We collected bags, jewelry and clothing from the 50′s. I learned to appreciate the value of high-quality pieces as enduring and timeless. I never ran across a vintage Chanel. Every time I get close to the new version of this dream, the price jumps up putting it more our of my reach. While I continue to lust after the new styles, I dream of finding a gently used vintage one at a fabulous price. The Holy Grail of a sort. Of course even vintage comes with a price. This vintage black 2.55 is at Shopbop for $3150 showing that had I taken the plunge years or even a decade ago, it would have been a better investment than the stock market.
Discover: Chanel at ShopBop

Nancy Gonzalez Tassled Bag
Every collection deserves an amazing exotic bag. Several years ago, I fell in love with Nancy Gonzalez handbags. It was the first time I’d seen Crocodile bags that were soft and supple rather than hard. I should have taken the plunge then when prices were half of what they are now. The lesson learned is buy what you love and buy less! This beautiful tassled bag showcases beautiful camel croco in a more ladylike style. It is an extremely lare size though, so it is sure to capture loads of attention. It measures 16″ x 9″ x 71/2″. A perfect fit for my collection! $3650.
Discover: Gonzalez Saks Boutique

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Donna, Lulu, Kate, Amber. No, these are not the latest batch of Top Models, they are some of the bag lines from the incredibly talented Katherine Kwei. A former PR executive, Katherine decided to pursue her dream of designing handbags in 2002. Graduating from the London College of Fashion, Katherine worked with Susan Hunter and Billy Bag Company during her studies. In 2006, she worked with Zac Posen on his Spring/Summer line and launched her line in 2007.

That 2007 collection caught my attention and I fell in love with her Donna line. I still love that style, but she has developed so many other unique styles utilizing her Chinese knot technique, there’s essentially a bag for every fashion type out there! Whether you love glam rock or are a sensible and ultra-fashionable executive, you will find something to treasure!

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection pays tribute to the music of the psychedelic ’60s to the ’80s disco scene and that vibrant, playful, stylish woman who everyone notices in the scene and everyone wants to be with one day. The new colors and styles will make it hard for you to choose, but so much fun exploring the possibilities!

Following the convertible trend, the Donna line adds a new, large hobo with a detachable, adjustable strap. In the snake version, beautiful and sophisticated grey/gold and a leopard print are stunning and versatile. The hand-dyed lambskin with watersnake versions features a rich chocolate, black and metallic. The Donna Batik line features brilliantly shaded turquoise and tangerine options. All of which are available in the six Donna styles.

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I am in love with Katherine Kwei handbags (and no, this isn’t my first time saying it)! Over the years, I have drooled over quite a few styles from this designer and I just cannot get over how beautiful they all are! The signature Chinese eternity knots are exquisite, while the mounds of fringe are full and fun. What’s not to like? But it looks like Katherine Kwei has been exploring other avenues. Check out this Katherine Kwei Kate Carry All! That’s right, no fringe here!

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Driven by a fierce entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for design, Katherine Kwei left her position as a public relations executive at Louis Vuitton in 2002 to pursue a degree in accessories design at the London College of Fashion. In 2006 she moved to New York where she completed an internship with Zac Posen. Then, in 2007, her dream became a reality when she launched her own handbag line for the Spring/Summer season.

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