Fashionista’s get excited! Now, there’s one more place that offers Yves Saint Laurent to make it more accessible. Nordstrom! Available online and in stores, you can find some of your favorite items from the line. Amazing shoes and better yet some of my favorite handbag designs!

You know I’m enthusiastic about the Roady. Nordstrom has it in Ocean (similar to Marine at Saks) for $1295 and also in a beautiful white ivory and nero (black) trim for $1795. The white ivory option is quite lovely. The juxtaposition of the black trim and handle are a nod to this season’s interest in color-blocking without being overly trendy. Which is a good thing as this is a bag that you will carry for years to come. Since ivory is an all season color, you’ll be able to carry it year-round!

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Ready for a little Monday sample sale action? Well you’re in luck! There are plenty of deals going on..

Over at RueLaLa enjoy 60+% off on Carlos Falchi’s signature python handbags.

Then over at Billion Dollar Babes there’s a Designer Handbag Event that’s not to be missed. From Chanel, Chloe, Louis Vuitton and More!

Next stop, Ideeli and check out the selection of LAMB handbags!

And finally save on Gucci handbags and accessories over at Beyond the Rack. Also check out the Prada and Coach sale events. They started over the weekend but there are still a bunch of bags available.

This week is off to a great start!

Happy sample saling…

Let’s face it, most of us shop based on want rather than need. Frankly, I deplore shopping for something that I NEED. It usually involves a hyper search through websites and local stores looking for something that I love an want to fill a basic need.

So, how do you assess what you really need? It’s really a process of evaluation and elimination. What do you have? What do you use? What needs repair? What need to go? Answering these essential questions, will help you figure out what you need and keep you focused on a goal rather than being distracted by all the beautiful an fun bags out there.

I’ll use myself as an example. My larger bags include a few that are beginning to see some wear and tear so it’s time to make decisions on what I repair or remove from my options. Every wardrobe needs a black, metallic, tan/brown and a pop of color at minimum in my opinion. I have these, but the tan/brown options are truly in need of repair or removal. With spring coming up soon, I feel I need to focus on this area as I will be using it the most. So, in a few simple observations, I’ve drilled down to my need: a brown toned medium to larger size bag with handles.

After that, it still isn’t easy to decide. Do I want dark brown to light tan? Do I want gold or silver-tone hardware (if any)? Cross-body, shoulder, top-handle? There are still dozens of choices to make. The brown bag I’ve carried the most is a Katherine Kwei double-top-handled Edna bag that I’ve practically destroyed, yet still gets compliments.

I’ve narrowed it down to these few options. The final stage of this courtship will be in-store actually putting it on, feeling the comfort an weight of the bag. Tell me what you think?

The Proenza Schuler PS11 is one of the hottest handbags right now. (bagbliss post: the new it bag?) In fact, getting my hands on one would be very difficult, but I’m drawn to it anyway! I love the richness of the brown leather and the structured design and beautiful hardware make it very attractive. The shoulder strap would be comfortable for both shoulder or even cross body carrying. It’s 11″ x 7″ x 4″ so it would carry everything I need, but it is a bit smaller than my typical day bags. Perhaps it is time to downsize? $1850
Proenza Schouler Boutique at Net-a-Porter

The Fendi Calfskin Silvana Tote is a lovely lay-bag that has such fine craftsmanship. It’s another flap bag an I haven’t owned one in a long time! I love the top handles and the long handle option. The leather is so rich looking and it has an interesting pebble grain on the sides of the bag to contrast with the smooth grain. Minimal hardware provides just the right accent. Not too dressy an not too casual. It’s $2090
Find here at LUISAVIAROMA

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Net-a-Porter isn’t the only designer boutique trying to get rid of last seasons bags by slashing prices in the neighborhood of 40% off retail. Over at My Theresa they just added a bunch of items by Alexander Wang, Marc Jacobs (and Marc by Marc Jacobs), Yves Saint Laurent, Chloe, and more to the sale section – which includes more than just bags – accessories, designer shoes and clothing are on sale!

Gotta love the amazing post-holiday sales!

Pictured above:
Alexander Wang Washed Shoulder Bag: $710 (orig $1019)
Chloe Aurore Bucket: $1033 (orig $1474)
Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Mia: $356 (orig $504)
Marc Jacobs Sequin Stam: $1784 (orig $2544)
Yves Saint Laurent Charms Tote: $710 (orig $1020)

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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Leopard and animal print is a popular trend this Fall season that’s all over boutique and designer shelves. It’s one of those trends that’s stuck on the yearly repeat cycle, and I personally will never get sick of. However, I can be quite picky about the print..to me it all depends on who the created the print. One of my favorites this season is the Yves Saint Laurent new grey leopard print! I love everything pictured above: gorgeous Large Roady ($2995), iconic Platform Pumps ($880), French Wallet ($575), Zip Wallet ($595) and the Stole Scarf ($495)!

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For the gals who can glimpse through their handbag collection and catch an array of only “safe” neutrals, I say take the plunge and add some true color to your collection! So I wasn’t exactly that brave at once as I feared a true pop color handbag would become outdated too quickly. Nevertheless, I took the first step away from my browns and blacks and obtained a smooshy Balenciaga leather work in cheerful Raisin.

With that addition sitting in my collection, I don’t think I could acquire another purple shaded handbag but I can most definitely point out the gorgeous violets that Yves Saint Laurent is presenting this fall.

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It’s about that time of year again! Yes, I’m talking about Fall! And that means it’s time for all those animal prints to come out of the closet! What was once called a “trend” is now becoming a classic wardrobe essential for those months when the leaves begin to fall. Why? I think the reason this look keeps cropping up year after year is because it makes you feel kind of warm and fuzzy. And that’s just the feeling you want when the temperatures outside begin to drop. This look can also be a lot of fun, even a little bit quirky. But please ladies! If you decide to do the animal print thing this Fall… be sure to do it right! Just one piece, like a structured handbag, is all you need! There really is no need to pile it on!

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Some bags just leave me frozen in my footsteps, which is exactly what happens everytime I come across the Yves Saint Laurent Roady in person, online, or in store. It’s one of my favorite styles by Yves Saint Laurent. I love the bags clean silhouette and memorable single top handle with gold toned hooks and rings. And now for a limited time it’s available in a roaring leopard print. Gosh, love it! Leopard is a huge trend for fall, and the Roady is my pick!

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