And just in case you’re no fan of the Kelly, meet Tiny Birkin in Kiwi Epsom Calfskin, which also comes with the strap. Adorable, isn’t it?

Might as well show you the Tiny Birkin in exotic lizard as well, in Blue Mykonos that’s oh so lush.

Images: Hermès

Measuring 10 cm by 10 cm, you slot the cash into the middle, with the cards in the front pocket. Available in 4 different colour combos, they are sleek and to the point, with overstuffing nearly impossible. No more bulging lumps, no more unsightly eyesores.

Images: Bill Amberg

Made in England by skilled craftsmen, the 38 cm by 32 cm tanned cowhide leather briefcase is finished off with brushed palladium hardware. And that’s not all. I read somewhere that when you buy the satchel, it will come with the craftsman’s name card on the inside, and if you ever need any repairs, the same craftsman will be responsible for it. Which is really neat, right?

Priced at GBP760 (under SGD1500 after conversion), it comes in Tan as well as Bordeaux (shown above), which in my opinion is modern, sleek and even a tad bit sporty. You can even get it online if you like, where they do ship internationally.

And speaking of sporty, do check out the new S/S12 ad campaign which stars a trio of British Olympians over on Alfred Dunhill’s Facebook fan page, and celebrates the achievements of these brilliant men and their inspiring stories.

Images: Alfred Dunhill

YOU SHOULD SEE: Alfred Dunhill Biometric Wallet
YOU SHOULD SEE: Update – Dunhill Leather Envelope

Have a look at the accompanying video, and see how many new shoes you can spot for yourself.

In other related news, the first drop of S/S12 shoes (the Chalky collection) is now available at Dr Martens stores at Wheelock Place and Orchard Central. And if you’re heading to the Laneway Festival that’s happening on 12 February 2012, don’t forget to check out the cool shuttle bus that will be picking up festival goers from 12 noon to 8pm.

Image & Video: Dr. Martens

Exuberant and glossy, Prada takes it a notch higher by releasing the ad campaign video that features a bevy of beautiful women, gorgeous RTW, bags and accessories and a killer mish-mash soundtrack that’s very Prada. Have a look (and a listen) and you’ll know what I mean.

And in case anyone’s wondering, the glossy leather bag featured in the ad campaign above is now available in Singapore and retails for SGD4930 a pop.

Image & Video: Prada

Priced at SGD390 and now available in Singapore (check out their boutiques at ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands), the ring comes with an extra surprise. Engraved at the back of the ring is the word ‘Love’. Short, sweet and to the point. Love.

Image: YSL

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

01. It was a busy month for me as far as adding new bags to my collection was concerned. For the month of January, it was all about colourful and roomy totes, and I ended up with the Burberry Prorsum Large Sunburst Print Tote, along with this coated canvas tote from Pierre Hardy. The Rolex I’m eyeing will just have to wait a little longer then.

02. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, here are some gift ideas you should check out from the likes of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. You can also check this post out if your loved one is obsessed with hearts, as well as the Celestial Embracia collection from Goldheart.

03. For those of you who are flush with takings from your red packets over CNY, here’s a quick suggestion on what you could be buying for yourself. From the quilted leather tome from Chanel to those drool-worthy Givenchy sandals, there’s pretty much something for everyone. For those who want to get themselves some dragon paraphernalia, check out this post.

04. From the odd to absolutely quirky, here are the acetate totes from Jil Sander, the S/S12 transparent Lockit, as well as the Furla Glitter Candy Bag that’s also quite perfect for Valentine’s Day. Let’s not forget the Proenza Schouler Tiki Clutch, as well as the pieces from the Longchamp + Mary Katrantzou collaboration.

05. If a classic piece is what you want to start the new year with, do check out the 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour collection, the PS1 Mini Satchel from Proenza Schouler, the Coach New Willis, as well as most of the bags from the Cruise 2012 Womens Chanel collection. You can thank me 10 years from now when you’re still using the bags.

06. I haven’t forgotten the boys either. Want pieces that are not too expensive yet classic or fun? Then check out the Lotuff & Clegg Working Leather Tote and the Coach + Hugo Guinness collection respectively. Also for the boys, the Burberry Prorsum Vibrant Duffle Bag, the Nightingale from Givenchy, as well as the Alfred Dunhill Biometric Wallet.

07. As always, here is your seasonal colour guide for the Longchamp Le Pliage collection, as well as the S/S12 colour chart for Balenciaga. Don’t forget to check out the new Epi colours from Louis Vuitton too, which now has a total of 16 hues.

08. My favourite ad campaign so far has to be from Chanel, in particular the one with the Boy hanging off the model hanging off the high bar. Also check out more campaigns from the likes of Miu Miu, as well as from Mulberry featuring the new S/S11 Travel Day Bag.

09. Other interesting bits and bobs covered this month on the blog include the Chanel Las Vegas de Chanel makeup collection, those bright plastic flats from Moschino + Kartell, the frog keyfob from Etro, the OTT iPhone4 case from Butler & Wilson, and those leather bracelets from Balenciaga that got many of you very excited.

10. The one bag I’ve been yearning for since I came back from Paris last year. Meet the Goyard Sainte Lucie.

Image: Chanel

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

Having a lineage as old and as revered as Goyard does means they have an ample historical archive, and if you choose to look past offerings like the Saint Louis and the Boeing, the Ambassade and the Croisière, chances are you’ll find something you’ve never ever seen before, and the experience of it for someone like me is akin to unearthing hidden treasures.

Which was the case the last time I was in Paris, when I ventured in looking for a shoulder strap and a wallet for my partner. With those tasks accomplished, my eyes started to wander around the store and landed on the Goyard Sainte Lucie which was sitting in the display cabinet.

What looked like a folded briefcase quickly turned into something else. Undo the buttons on the top flap and it unfurls into a tall vertical tote that measures 34 cm by 33 cm by 16 cm. Lightweight (it literally weighs next to nothing) and roomy (when unfurled), it was just the type (and shape) of tote I still don’t have in my own collection, and right there and then I almost committed.

Available in a limited number of colours and priced at EUR1350 each, I’m definitely picking one up if I ever find my way back to Paris, or have one customised to my personal specifications, which is also possible at Goyard. I just need to decide. Soon.

Image: Goyard