Thanks to Amanda for holding down the virtual PurseBlog fort while Vlad and I spent Christmas in Germany and the Czech Republic. I planned to do some work while abroad, but we spent every minute of every day exploring new cities and taking in the culture (and cuisine). For this reason, I took a straight eight days off work and it was glorious. But now I am back and Amanda will get a little downtime before 2012 begins.

I’m not the only person who spent the holidays traveling, as this is the season for millions to leave home. I have finally come along to the idea of having a more luxurious carry on bag, and the Bottega Veneta leather travel trolley is my latest want.

Ok, so I know it seems like a total waste to spend money on bag that gets banged up and thrown in the dirty luggage scanning belt, but I still have an easier time justifying an expensive carry on versus expensive checked baggage. Bottega Veneta is known for their premium leathers and superb quality, and that gets me thinking that this trolley would be the ultimate luxury.

The chocolate intrecciato leather is the perfect hue of neutral that will also not show wear as quickly as other colors. The black acetate handle extends as you would expect from any trolley and the inside has a zip-fastening compartment, padlock, and detachable protective twill sleeve. Seeing as how Bottega’s classic Veneta bag costs nearly $3,000, the price tag for this spacious piece of luggage seems reasonable. Buy via Net-A-Porter for $4,900.

I used to associate black and blue with bruises, but going forward I will always think of this stunning Bottega Veneta Knot clutch instead. Leave it to Bottega to know exactly what I adore and design it in a way that has me going gaga. We have discussed their Knot clutch ad nauseum and my two favorite renditions have been their crocodile version and their intrecciato metal version. But now I have both in one place and that feels like Christmas came early.

With the perfect touch of sophistication, the Bottega Veneta Crocodile and Intrecciato Metal Box Clutch integrates textures and colors in a completely fashion-forward combination.

The navy crocodile skin is spotlighted on most of the bag while the corners have the super industrial chic intrecciatio metal design. This gives a pairing that is both unexpected and completely welcomed. I always look for something different, especially when it comes to classic shapes and styles, and this clutch is the definition of just that. If you are looking to kick up your evening wear style, don’t count this clutch out. Priced at $7,130 through Net-A-Porter.

A good pouch can either be used in addition to your handbag or to stand alone, and the beauty of the Bottega Veneta Laser-cut Leather Pouch needs to be seen. I would gladly carry this pouch as an independent piece so everyone could see the intricate black goat leather laser-cut detailing.

There is a hint of classic intrecciato found on either side of the matte black twist lock fastening, a while we are on the hardware, can I get a hell-yeah for the idea of more designers using matte black? Black hardware is fine, but matte black gives such an edgy cool vibe that always lures me in – truly, more designers should do this. The top flap simply folds over and the inside is lined in taupe suede. Dimensions can work for a clutch, 7″ x 4″ x 1″, easily fitting your cell phone, keys, lipstick, and some credit cards. This is the pouch I want and maybe, just maybe, Santa will put it in my stocking. Buy via Net-A-Porter for $720.

Bottega Veneta never disappoints. I realize that’s something of a strong statement, but I honestly can’t remember a time when I’ve looked through the handbag images from a Bottega show and thought, “Eh, these are ok.” The bags are always utterly luxurious and usually quite functional on top of it. Tomas Maier knows where his brand’s strengths lie, and as a result, the bag lovers in his customer base always get something utterly lustworthy for their patronage.

Despite a design or two that doesn’t quite pass muster (riveting just make ostrich skin look strangely mottled on a few of these bags), Bottega Veneta Spring 2012 stands out as a very strong handbag collection in a season that’s seen a few stinkers from brands that are usually reliable. Ladies, Bottega is still the Bottega you all know and love.

We all know that Bottega Veneta masters the art of intricate leatherwork. However, there may be a time when the beauty that is created is simply not necessary and the Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch may be one of those times.

Don’t get me wrong, this bag is eye-catching with its interesting leather leaf detail over the entire outside of the hard box clutch. But I wonder the practicality of this item and on top of that the price reaches the high end of the scale. So I am turning to you to have you tell us what you think of this designer clutch. Buy via Net-A-Porter for $3,380.

Fill in the blank: The Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch is _______________.

One of my favorite parts of fashion is the gift of imitation. I remember being blown away by the pleats printed on the flat skirt of a Prada dress when I was younger, and the ability to trick the eye and make something expected out of something totally unexpected is one of the best visual treats you’ll find. It’s the kind of creativity that reminds us all why we pay these prices.

That’s exactly the kind of reaction that I had to the Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch when I first saw it. On initial visual inspection, it just looks like regular black lace overlaid on a cream-colored fabric; a nice clutch, but not a particularly fascinating one. The reality, though, is much more interesting.

You’ve probably already caught on that the “lace” is actually finely honed metal, shaped in a way that’s just as intricate and detailed as anything I have hanging in my closet. The underlying material is cream satin, and the combination of metal over satin with karung lizard trim is making me absolutely salivate. It would have been easy for Bottega to cut a corner here and there – use a throwaway trim for the metal lace, or use regular lace and market this bag as a very straightforward evening option. Instead, Bottega gives you double-barreled luxury. (Not to mention, the most interesting clutch at the party.) Buy through Bottega Veneta for $3980.

Even though rust is an objectively negative thing outside of the fashion world, there’s no color that reminds me of cool evenings and changing leaves like that slightly dirty burnt orange that shows up when iron starts to oxidize. Bottega Veneta knows exactly what I’m talking about.

The Bottega Veneta Large Hobo Bag (why won’t Bottega give us better names?) has exactly the functional structure and traditional intrecciato leather that we’ve come to expect from the Italian accessories powerhouse, but that color. That color. Can you tell I’m ready for the weather to cool down, like, immediately?

This bag probably falls somewhere in the spectrum of “brown,” and I’ve made my feelings about brown bags known around these parts. I generally don’t tolerate them, but this rich shade of brown has so many wonderful orange and red undertones that I don’t know how it’d be possible to dislike it. On top of that, since the bag is Bottega, you know it’s going to be one of the softest things you’ve ever had in your hot little hands. Now where’s that crisp morning chill that I ordered to go with it? Buy through Saks for $3250.

In the spirit of honesty, I would like to admit the following: My understanding of the men’s accessory industry is only a fraction of what I know about women’s bags and leather goods. There are a few reasons for that: First, I’m female, which means that my practical, first-hand experience with women’s leather goods is obviously going to be larger. Second, men’s fashion (and accessories in particular) have long been the redheaded stepchild of the industry, and only now are men’s fashion shows and trends starting to be covered with the attention that they deserve.

That’s a big part of why we started Man Bag Monday, but it also means that pieces like the Bottega Veneta Crocodile Wallet confuse me a little bit. Even though the price is well within the norm for an exotic women’s piece (if perhaps a bit high for a small wallet – it is Bottega, after all), how do men look at a wallet that costs more than a grand?

Naturally, it has to be said: This wallet is just about as gorgeous as you’ll find anywhere, for any price. The color variation on the crocodile scales is beautifully detailed but still plenty masculine, and I would gladly pony up a lot of money to have a bag or clutch made out of the exact same skin. If this were just any old wallet, it out be easy to dismiss as something that no one will buy for four figures, but it’s not.

Before writing this post, I sent the link to this wallet out to several male friends, both gay and straight and with varying levels of interest or noninteret in the fashion industry. Only one of them, a friend who is already well-versed in the prices of the fashion industry because of his mother and her enviable couture collection, though that the price was in line with what one might spend on a high-end wallet. The rest, even those who have the income for such things, thought that it was beyond the pale. And even my friend who was willing to shell out the cash had some concerns about crocodile and how well it would put up with the beating that a wallet takes, considering that fine croc is often more porous and fragile than other leathers. Could you see buying this wallet for your significant other? Or even for yourself, if you prefer a billfold to a traditional women’s wallet? Buy through Mr. Porter for $1150.

At first glance, this design might seem unremarkable, but I can’t help but be impressed by the restraint Bottega shows in bags like these, season after season. The company may release a gimmicky bag here and there, but it’s always supported by tons of luxurious everyday bags that a woman could carry well beyond the immediate season.

Regular readers know that it takes an act of god to get me feeling enthusiastic about a brown handbag, but the details are what make this design shine. Not only is the black woven trim my favorite part, but the matte hardware in particular. Why don’t more brands make bags with matte hardware? That’s a serious question, and I’d like an answer. If matte nail polish and matte black football helmets are both awesome (AND THEY ARE.), then why hasn’t fashion stepped it up when it comes to such a fierce finish? It’s the kind of subtle detail that can make a bag and it’s one of the things that makes this one. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $2680.

Sunday night brought us the 2011 installment of the MTV Movie Awards, which is always a treat to watch. I always wait and hope for something crazy to happen, but the high point this year was merely hearing Robert Pattinson blurt out the F word and slip past the censors. Otherwise, I was back focusing on the fashion, per usual.

One of our favorite looks was the gal in the picture above with her elongated Bottega Veneta Knot Clutch. Only question is, do you know who’s that girl?

Emma Stone is that girl! Emma was our best dressed from the awards show in a head-to-toe Bottega Veneta Fall 2011 look. In fact, we could not stop obsessing after we saw her walk the red carpet. I love the unexpected burnt orange color of her timeless and iconic BV Knot Clutch. Shop Bottega Veneta via NAP!