I was in love with the purple ostrich version of this bag, but some things are just out of the bag-buying budget. I could easily settle for the woven leather version in a nice summery shade of yellow, however. Some more icing on the cake is that Bottega Veneta used goatskin to weave the leather. Can you say SOFT!! That just raised my opinion a few notches of this bag. The dimensions are lady-like perfect, not overly huge, but still practical for everyday: 13½”W X 11½”H X 5″D. There is a 6″ drop from the handles and comes with a zip and cell phone pocket. Also has the luxurious suede lining, as if this bag isn’t already luxe enough. Available at Saks for $2,100.

Now how rude would it be of me to only show you the bad side of Prada? Of course, there are some good ones mixed in the bunch. It seems like a barrel of apples, the bad ones make the good ones look that much better! Hmm…maybe that was the creative reasoning behind some of the less appealing designs. Either way, the Prada Cervo Lux Print tote is absolutely fab! Deerskin with python print is so original, and perfect! The bag has the look of python, but in a totally cool and practical way. Real python skin seems to inevitably curl up and fray over time, especially on bags and wallets that are handled and used. I have only seen a couple of designers make a sturdy, reliable snakeskin bag, so in essence it’s a little risky to buy an expensive exotic tote if the thing is only going to end up falling apart. Trust me, I LOVE snakeskin bags, but this is truth. So, Prada solves the problem by making gorgeous python print bags (which are a little difficult to find mind you!) and so you have the soft touch of deerskin and the chic look of python, but none of the hassle or worries. It’s really lame to have to baby a bag and constantly monitor it to make sure nothing gets spilled or dropped on it. So, save yourself the headaches and go get one of the best buys from Prada this season. Available at Neiman Marcus for $2,350.

I was browsing online over the weekend and caught these two sinfully-ugly Pradas. The pink nylon bag with the little rhinestones looks so cheap, I would prefer to buy it at a flea market for $5 if that was my kinda style. And the mix-matched military patchwork snakeskin tote is also WRONG! Gravely wrong! It is going against the bag commandments. And the price is even more grotesque, even for exotic and even for designer. $5,500 for the snakeskin Prada (ugh) and $1,395 for the pink Walmart, er I mean Prada Tessuto Pietre Tote.

We have to start out with a backpack, because some men don’t/can’t/won’t pull off a messenger bag or tote. But why not settle for a super nice italian leather version, eh? Priced at $2,350. Maybe we could wait for a sale? LOL.

Now for messengers, this is definitely sweet. This is the T Bag messenger and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and dual zipper pockets in front. And for the price, it will probably be the only messenger you will ever need: $1,650. I would get this to travel with, luxurious, but not overly masculine. But still perfect for husbands or dads.

I find this Tod’s Softy Messenger to be nearly perfect. This would look good on any man, man-bag lover or not. $1,550.

I found out a pleasant surprise a few weekends ago. Actually right after Barney’s started selling terrifyingly expensive vintage bakelite bangles, I discovered that my lovely mom has been collecting them for several years already. Whew! Thank goodness, at least I can borrow hers any time without dropping some serious cash on a more expensive form of plastic. It is lovely, with a ceramic-like sheen, but still!! $4,000 for a bracelet?? Well, actually they have one for OVER $10,000. So if you happen to have a mom who has been secretly collecting them already, then count your lucky stars, because these are an investment! You can see all of Mark Davis’s bakelite jewelry at Barneys.

Priced at 9450 €.