But before I digress any further, here some of the pieces that I like. They include the Alma in exotic ostrich, a SGD9450 bag that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Something new for the ladies from the Epi Electric collection is the Sévigné, a single handle leather bag (SGD3500) that also comes in smaller sizes for those looking for something more casual.

As far as I’m concerned, the only big-ticket item I would like from Louis Vuitton this X’mas is the Alzer, which costs SGD9150. Stunning, isn’t it?

If you’re looking for something to adorn your wrists, check out the bracelets which range from SGD480 to SGD600 (shown above), in materials as diverse as wood, resin and metal. These will make good X’mas gifts too.

Don’t mind the monkey. He’s only here because I think it’s kinda cute. The sunnies, in case anyone’s interested, retails for SGD935. What are you planning to get for yourself (or your loved one) from Louis Vuitton this Christmas?

Images: Louis Vuitton

As always, enjoy.

Clockwise from top left: Thierry Lasry Excity Sunglasses, from GBP255, Chanel Le Vernis collection, SGD36 each, Globe-Trotter Candy, from GBP400, H&M + Versace Mini-Bag, SGD199, Mulberry Peace & Love Lily, GBP2000, Loewe Napa Pouch, TBC, Furla Candy Key Ring, SGD89, Prada Saffiano Pouch, SGD380, Converse Chuck Taylor Leather Sequined Sneakers, GBP75, Miu Miu croco-print calf leather bracelet, SGD280

Images: Chanel, Furla, Globe-Trotter, H&M, Loewe, Miu Miu, Mulberry, Net-A-Porter & Prada

YOU SHOULD SEE: Rock Candy
YOU SHOULD SEE: Woman In Red

Traditionally made in sizes from 40 cm through to 55 cm (which refers to the width of the bag), it has stayed true to its original form, large and imposing, which also happens to be its Achilles’ heel. Being so huge also means it is a less popular option as far as the guys are concerned. Sometimes, trying to spot one on the streets is like trying to find a unicorn, but when you do, you’ll drop everything you’re doing just to stare at it a little longer, taking in its magnificence and basking in its glory.

The one shown above, in Togo calfskin, is a HAC50. A gorgeous hue of golden cocoa brown, it is priced at SGD19,000, which while out of reach to most mere mortals does also makes it all the more covetable as well.

There are newer sizes which include the smaller 28 cm, 32 cm and 36 cm (though I think they are only made when special orders are received), catered specially to ladies who like its vertical shape as opposed to the Birkin‘s more squarish proportions, but that’s irrelevant as far as this post is concerned, since I’m still on the fence as to whether a HAC50 (or a HAC45 for that matter) is one of the bags I should be seriously considering, even if I will only probably use it as a carry on when I travel. What do you think?

Image: Hermès

Which probably means I wouldn’t be getting anything too big from the collection, as pretty as it may be, in hot pink and trimmed with leather trim in rich burgundy. Instead, check out the the 13″ Vanity Case (GBP400) and the 18″ Air Cabin Case (GBP560), both of which you can bring onboard the plane and keep an eye over.

Order them online via Globe-Trotter if you’re eyeing these pieces, or check out Cumulus at Wheelock Place if you want to check out the regular editions from the brand.

Images: Globe-Trotter

YOU SHOULD SEE: Globe-Trotter Centenary Collection

The best thing? The price, of course, which comes in at EUR28 for this particular piece. Black cardboard, trimmed with brown leatherette (that’s faux leather, by the way) and finished with steel handles and locks. All for just SGD49 or so after conversion which is truly a steal. International shipping is another SGD47 though, if you’re just ordering one piece.

If, however, you are looking for something to use for travelling (and not as a home accent), they also stock luggage pieces ranging from EUR21 to EUR36, with sizes measuring from 30 cm to 70 cm. The larger pieces even come reinforced with a wooden frame so you won’t have to worry about it falling apart while in transit. Very Globetrotter, but without the exorbitant prices.

Image: Manufactum

Made almost entirely of fabric, it comes trimmed with leather along with an additional shoulder strap. The bag also comes with zip closure on the top (along with an additional padlock for added security) as well as patch and zip pockets on the inside. If you’re keen, the bag retails for SGD2580 and is available in 3 different colours. Besides Encre (shown above), it also comes in Fusain and Sepia.

Image: Louis Vuitton

YOU SHOULD SEE: Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Speedy30
YOU SHOULD SEE: Louis Vuitton Monogram Idylle Collection

That’s where you come in. As the saying goes, it always pays to help, and in the case of Carl Jones, helping him find his luggage may win you a chance to win one of 10 weekend holidays up for grabs, which includes flights, accommodation and of course, American Tourister luggage.

If you haven’t figured it out by now, Carl Jones may be made up but the contest on American Tourister’s Facebook fan page isn’t. Simply head over to their page, ‘like’ the page and click on the tab that says ‘Find My Luggage To Win’ to start taking part!

There will be 10 winners in all, announced every Tuesday over the next 10 weeks. And if you didn’t manage to help Carl the first time round, you can always keep taking part, and keep giving Carl a helping hand till you win.

Image: American Tourister
This is a special courtesy of American Tourister

One could use it as a carry-on where even personals like fragile electronics would be safer since the case is hard-sided. There is also something about the angular shape that give it that stylish, almost James Bond edge.

Prada is not alone as far as the such bags are concerned. Victoria Beckham’s S/S11 collection also had one with a similar shape, the main difference being the additional clasp at the front as well as the slightly more rounded shape. Retailing for GBP3250, the Victoria Beckham Structured Leather Travel Bag measures 45 cm by 40 cm, is fully lined in leather on the inside and comes with 4 internal pockets.

Now for the downside. While both pieces from Prada and Victoria Beckham are stylish, how does one carry it from point from point fully loaded without suffering from a sprained arm? Is it really practical or does one just ignore the shortcomings and use an airport push-cart?

They, however, are not alone as far as squarish bags are concerned. Jil Sander’s F/W11 collection will also feature this boxy handbag that simply resembles a box with a handle stuck on. Definitely smaller and more user-friendly than her larger cousins, this is one bag I’ll be keen to check out once it launches later in the year.

Images: Jil Sander, Net-A-Porter & Prada

A total of 5 pieces are present in the collection, including 2 variations of the carry-on version, one in medium and another in large with prices starting from SGD800. And here’s an extra perk if you do decide to get a piece for yourself. You’ll definitely never miss it when it rolls out on the conveyor belt at the arrival hall, instead of craning your neck and wondering why every other piece of luggage looks so similar (and wondering if it is yours).

If, however, you like the design but don’t actually need another piece of luggage at the moment, there is also an iPhone4 case that retails for just SGD90. Check them out at all Tumi boutiques island wide.

Image: Tumi

Gorgeous as they might be, I don’t see how they will be practical for everyday life, unless the men you know actually use a tiny mobile phone, a small wallet and not much else. Still, they are beautiful pieces in their own right.

Much more practical are these larger clutches (or portfolios if it makes you more comfortable). Employing the same ornate clutch, these will instantly jazz up any dull office ensemble and give you that added spring in your step, after your wallet has recovered from the massive haemorrhage from purchasing it in the first place.

Last but not least, here are some of the pieces from the much anticipated Damier Infini collection, soft calfskin embossed with former’s classic check print available in a variety of designs, including the Neo Greenwich and Porte-Documents Voyage. There are also some new designs, including what looks to be an overnight/weekend brief and a clutch portfolio shaped a la H by Harris.

Already, I’m having some issues with these pieces. Firstly, they will be incredibly expensive, seeing how runway pieces in full leather from Louis Vuitton often cost around the equivalent of 3 arms and 4 legs. Secondly (and more importantly), the larger ones will most likely be on the heavier side, which also means only those who aspire to have huge bulging biceps should seriously consider them.

Images: Gianni Pucci, Style