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

If you think the teddy bear with wings is adorable, you can take him home for SGD340.

You’ve already seen the iPhone cases covered in little hearts (the iPad cases have the exact same pattern as well); now have a look at the sling bags that are a tad too sweet for my liking. Still, I’m sure they will appeal to lots of ladies out there who just want something fun and fuss-free for weekend jaunts around town.

Here’s the aforementioned iPad case (SGD480), by the way (in case anyone’s wondering what it looks like). Besides pink, it also comes in black or white with red hearts.

Last but not least, meet Kent and Kylie (SGD310 each), Prada’s pair of boy and girl whatchamacallits that come with angel wings. Frankly, I’m not even sure what they are, but they sure are cute. The full collection is now available in Singapore, and you can check them out at Prada ION Orchard, Paragon and of course, Marina Bay Sands.

Images: Prada

YOU SHOULD SEE: For The Love Of Hearts
YOU SHOULD SEE: Valentine’s 2012 Womens Louis Vuitton
YOU SHOULD SEE: Valentine’s 2012 Womens Chanel

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

YOU SHOULD SEE: Proenza Schouler PS11 Satchel

And if you’re a fan of Chanel’s quilting, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the pieces in this collection come with just that, from a tote bag with aged quilted calfskin (shown above), to a lambskin messenger bag trimmed round the botton with interlaced chain detailing.

Other pieces give off a vintage vibe, like this small quilted calfskin flap bag that features a very pretty clasp. Love Chanel but dislike the thought of carrying the same Classic Flap and 2.55 bags like everyone else? This could be the one for you then. There’s one in yellow as well.

Next we have an embellished satin evening bag that comes in a different colour from the one they launched over Christmas.

All in all, it’s a collection that borders on safe, and there’s really nothing wrong with that. Especially since many of them are destined to become heirlooms that should be passed down from generation to generation.

Don’t believe me? Just head on over to my Facebook fan page to check out the rest of the collection. Really, what’s not to love?

Images: Chanel

YOU SHOULD SEE: Valentine’s 2012 Women Chanel
YOU SHOULD SEE: Chanel Interlaced Chain Bracelet
YOU SHOULD SEE: Chanel Ivory Shell Clutch

The forthcoming collection is pretty straightforward to say the least, a homage to colours like soft pink and pearlised gold with the right amount of shine.

You’ll also find Chanel icons like the camellia etched onto pieces like the iPad case, to actual fabric brooches, exotic bags and clutches in the nudest hues, as well as a couple of pieces in the girly sherbert pink. No word yet on the prices (that would be in another post) but most everything featured here will arrive in early February 2012 if not earlier.

Images: Chanel 

For those of you who are curious, like me, you need to wonder no more. Having seen it for myself in the S/S12 press kit, I’m happy to report that this shell is indeed a clutch, made of resin and shined till it looks almost luminous. Not sure how it’ll work though, or the retail price, so do stay tuned for more updates.

Another head-turner would be this multi-coloured sling bag which is truly fascinating. What looks to be a coral reef growing out from under the interlaced chain is actually silicone, pieced together one by one till the whole bag was formed.

A statement piece through and through, it is one of those bags destined for a collector’s wardrobe, because only a collector can appreciate the amount of imagination that went into creating it. That, or a really wealthy patron of the house who must own anything, and everything, Chanel.

Images: Chanel

Almost square, the cotton check body comes adorned with bridle leather belt detailing, along with a rolled leather shoulder strap and the gold-tone hardware, which finishes it off rather nicely, in my opinion.

Retailing for SGD1890, check it out online here along with all other new season bags that just got launched.

And make sure you have a look at the Burberry Medium Check Belting Bowler as well. It’s adorable.

Images: Burberry

It’s not ugly, per se, but somehow I’m not feeling it much either. The shape is pretty, the half-moon body topped on with a single handle. The tassel is interesting, but the more I look at it, the more it reminds me of a Chinese lantern. I guess the only real issue I’m having with this bag is perhaps the print, which is much too The Little Mermaid for my liking, if you catch my drift.

In other words, it will probably do much better in a solid colour sans print, while still keeping the medallion as well as the tassel, though honestly if that happened, it wouldn’t be very Versace in the first place, would it?

What do you think?

Image: Versace

Detailed on the front with Fendi’s iconic logo in the form of the bag buckle, the bag is otherwise clean and simple, the slightly ruched leather body finished out with a long gold-tone metal chain. The chain is removable by the way, which means you can also use it as a clutch if you so choose to.

Available in 5 lovely colours in Singapore, they include the classics; Black, Brown as well as bright hues like Fuchsia, Lemon and Red. Priced at SGD945 each, they are now available at Fendi boutiques island wide. For those of you in the region, they will also be available in Malaysia (MYR2350) and Thailand (THB22,300) as well.

Images: Fendi