Bags I’m always on a lookout for include those made of Epi leather from the 80s, which Louis Vuitton made virtually indestructible. Many of the designs are also discontinued, including the Louis Vuitton Epi Malesherbes which was also unofficially known as the brand’s version of the Kelly. Made in a wide variety of Epi hues, it did originally come with a long handle till it was shortened towards the end of its production.

Measuring 26 cm by 22 cm, it is a rather ample handbag as far as weekend jaunts and sit-down dinners are concerned, with an additional zip pocket on the inside. Classy and chic, the bag is almost entirely covered with Epi leather, with the most minimal of gold-tone hardware in the form of the clasp and handle joints.

You’ll still find this underrated beauty online, where they go for around USD350 each in pristine condition. Which really isn’t so bad for a bag that’s still relevant in this day and age when everybody seems to be doing clean, understated and chic.

And if anyone out there is keen on getting one but isn’t too sure about its authenticity, do drop me an email and I’ll be happy to help.

Image: Louis Vuitton

YOU SHOULD SEE: Louis Vuitton Epi Saint Cloud

For 2012, Coach has released the Willis range of bags that pay homage to the original Musette, available in 3 different styles, one of which comes in 2 sizes. And my personal favourite has got to be the New Willis (shown above), stunning in vachetta leather with silver-tone hardware. Priced at USD298, the 25.4 cm by 24 cm shoulder bag is great for work or play, something you can carry either over the shoulder, or across the body.

If the one in vachetta leather is too high maintenance for you, you’ll be glad that it also comes in British Tan and a gorgeous dark blue, as well as Vermillion.

My only suggestion? To keep it as clean (and as old-school) as possible, I’ll remove the logotype hardware tag altogether.

Such a beauty, isn’t she?

Image: Coach

YOU SHOULD SEE: Coach + Hugo Guinness Limited Edition Collection

The shoulder strap is long enough that one can easily sling it across the body with ease, so there is really no reason to ask the boyfriend to carry the handbag for you. Get it online at Net-A-Porter where it retails for GBP1130.

Image: Net-A-Porter

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Looking almost like the aforementioned Alexa, the only big difference as far as the exterior is concerned is the addition of a lot more hardware in the form of the plaque in front, along with all those embellishments on both sides of the bag.

Another big change is the addition of the 3rd strap that you can see in the middle of the bag, and if it is functional, it simply means you can now leave the other straps unbuckled while you’re out and about. Which is a good thing since those extra straps can be a hassle when you’re trying to retrieve something while on the go.

Besides the regular versions, there will also be an Oversized Travel Day Bag, in a variety of colours and finishes. And now we wait, to find out when they will be released for sale, and how much.

Images: Mulberry

Also available in a clutch, as well as a much larger Lockit East-West size, I’m personally keen to find out how much this baby will cost once it hits the shelves sometime in late February early March.

UPDATE: Tentative prices are in, and they are SGD2440, SGD4500 and SGD4700 for the clutch, Lockit and Lockit East-West respectively.

Image: Louis Vuitton

Besides the one in Rose Pink, there will also be one in Light Blue which is no less pretty. No word yet on when they will be available in Singapore, but here’s keeping our fingers crossed that they will be launched before 14 February 2012.

Also, for those of you who missed out previously on the Candy Bag in Fuchsia when it was launched early last year, there’s good news. Just in time for the Lunar New Year, Furla Singapore will be selling them at boutiques island wide from 9 January 2012 at SGD480 each, so do remember to head on down (or put yourself) on the wait list before they are all sold out again.

Images: Furla

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Thankfully, the dragon padlock in question bears more resemblance to the ones in How To Train Your Dragon than Eragon, which means it is also more adorable than fierce. Priced at SGD3090 for the Amazona28 and SGD3790 for the larger Amazona that measures 36 cm across, you can get them now from Loewe Ngee Ann City.

Image: Loewe

The Dior + Anselm Reyle collection is loud, almost irreverent, as far as the capsule collection is concerned, and one that won’t find many fans as far as the purists are concerned.

But for those longing for something upbeat, fun and totally in-your-face, these are exact pieces for you, from the camouflage print Panarea totes to the New Lock clutch, most of them accompanied with a pair of coloured triangles, the artist’s graphic signature. Watch the video, and see the artist at work.

Due out in Singapore from January 2012 onwards, prices will start from SGD400 for the bangle to SGD6000 for the Lady Dior in lambskin, and besides the bags and accessories, you’ll also find other essentials from shoes to scarves, sunglasses and a cosmetic line from this collection.

Images & Video: Dior

The first one, L.A.dy Dior starring French actress Marion Cotillard, who ‘suffers’ from a nervous breakdown during a shoot, is a fun gem to watch. More importantly, look closely and you’ll see most (if not all) of the new variations of the Lady Dior, including the stunning edition that comes in sapphire, fuchsia and turquoise exotic croc.

For those who can’t see themselves spending so much for the croc Lady Dior, the regular leather version retails for SGD4800.

Next, we have a film by Ellen Von Unwerth titled I Found My Love In Portofino, which stars Jac Jagaciak and Antonio Navas.

Inspired by the beautiful port town and its quaint houses, it’s colourful, it’s romantic and it’s worth watching a couple of times, since you’ll be too distracted by the actors to focus on the accessories which are lovely, from the RTW pieces to the bags to the accessories like jewellery and scarves.

Selected pieces from the Cruise 2012 collection (like the SLGs shown above) are already available in Singapore at Dior boutiques at ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Marina Bay Sands.

Images & Videos: Dior

You all know (and love) the finish of Monogram Vernis, and quite a lot of you fancied the stripes from the Rayures pieces that are now available in stores. Put them together and you’ve got the new Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Rayures collection, which besides being a mouthful to pronounce, has also resulted in pieces that run riot with colours and patterns.

Take the Monogram Vernis Rayures Alma BB for example, which is one of the pieces slated for release come February 2012. One of the smallest bags you can buy from Louis Vuitton, it looks positively lickalicous, due in part to the fact that it does look like sugar candy bon-bons.

No word yet on the price, or the exact release date, so do stay tuned for more updates.

And most everything comes in this colour combination as well, great for those who prefer something that’s a tad more mature.

Images: Louis Vuitton