The Perfect Handbag: A Woman's Best Friend

My new FAVE: LV Artsy MM

Most of my friends of the male persuasion have asked the question, "Why do women fawn over and make such a big deal over purses?" Unfortunately for them, the answer is neither understandable nor satisfying in their quest to understand yet one more detail of what makes women tick. I usually begin by correcting them on the difference between a "purse" and a "handbag" which happens to be the simple deciphering factor that anything with a price tag of over $500 would constitute a "handbag" or "bag." Don't feel bad if you didn't know this....I just learned this distinction about 5 years ago from my sister, Molly, who happens to be the Handbag Oracle of all things related to this most crucial accessory.

I believe that some things are inherent rather than learned and most people would say that individuals would develop their taste for accessories such as handbags over time and through maturity. I beg to differ. I distinctly remember Molly at 2 years old dragging around any purse she could get her hands on that would either go with her outfit or would hold the right portion of animal crackers based on the day's activities. I firmly believe that if she had the advantage of opposable thumb strength at an earlier age, this daily routine of searching out and carefully packing up the day's belongings in the purse of the day would have started much sooner. Unfortunately, that particular trait in our genetic code that predisposes her to handbag selectivity at such an early age was not dominant for me at birth but, through many years of observing and learning from her, I was able to develop a similar eye for handbags. I am resigned to the fact that I will never have her unique talent for seeing and calling out a fake designer bag from a mile away, but I have been able to learn enough to at least question the validity in close proximity and proper lighting.

What is most difficult for men to understand about this obsession for women to adorn themselves with bags that may cost more than the average car payment is that bags represent their personality with a touch of style. A bag is not just a purse or something to carry around your wallet and keys....It holds all that is most important to women when they venture out into the world whether it is for a carton of milk or a trip around the world.

That being said, I am always looking at all of the beautiful bags that are out there whether it be online, in a store or just admiring another woman's good taste on the street.  I tend to carry one designer bag pretty consistently for YEARS!  This is my rationalization when I decide to go all in on my bag purchase.  I just updated the bag I had been carrying to the new LV Artsy (see above) and I absolutely love it.  I can carry just about anything and I will definitely expect get my money's worth.   I have already had a consistent flow of compliments which always makes me feel good that my months of weighing pros and cons of all of the top contenders was well worth the time I spent to find my next bag.  The last bag I carried almost every day and had it for over 5 years. I fully expect to continue to have occasions to take it out of retirement in the future.  When you pick a designer bag with a hefty price tag, it is important to make sure you consider a balance of neutrality and style.  That way, you can get a lot of use and enjoyment out of the collection of purses you acquire for years to come.  See below for bags that are works of art with the price to match .... not to mention way out of the realm of possibility for the non-celeb civilian world, AKA the real world of which this crowd lives!

Here are my TOP 5 nominations for the Holy Grail of handbags....

5. Marc Jacobs Carolyn Crocodile Bag

Purple crocodile and absolutely gorgeous!  With this bag, you actually buy your wardrobe based on this bag.





4. Fendi Selleria Bag.....$38,000

Made from your choice of Sable or chinchilla as well as soft silver leather. At this price, it should definitely come with a Restraining Order against PETA activists.








3. Louis Vuitton Tribute Patchwork Bag....$42,000

This bag is a compilation of 15 different designs and styles trademark to LV.  Just an FYI, you don't have to be my sister to call this one out as a fake if you do ever see one in person...there were only 4 released in the US and 20 worldwide so it may be likely you have  encountered an impostor.








2. Hermes Matte Crocodile Birkin Bag.....$120,000

Absolutely beautiful and even if I was lucky enough to win the 3-digit million dollar lottery only AFTER being struck by lightning several times, still couldn't bring myself to spend this amount on a bag.  It boasts a whopping 10-carats of diamonds adorning the white gold clasp.  Hermes has really raised the bar over their traditional Birkin's with this one....seriously, only one was made worldwide!



1. Chanel Diamond Forever Classic Bag....$261,000....That's right!  Over a quarter of a million!

This bags totals 334 diamonds at 3.84 carats along with 18k gold chain and clasp.  What is more surprising?  That there are 13 people in the world that actually have the Forever bag....If you find a woman that owns a Forever, either become best friend's with her or find out if she has a son or daughter you can marry!!!!



Happy handbag browsing!