While I was reading about the gorgeous new Bottega Veneta Suite at the Park Hyatt Chicago (above) yesterday, I got to dreaming about what it would be like to stay in a room like that. Anyone who’s ever picked up one of the Italian brand’s luxurious handbags knows exactly how luscious and soft the leather is, and rolling around on a couch of the same provenance must be what dreams are made of.

Last night Vlad and I sat down with a huge bowl of popcorn (among many other treats) to watch the 2012 Oscars. Only a few of the attendees outfits really caught my attention, but from the moment Michelle Williams graced my TV screen, I was obsessed.

She picked a stunning coral Louis Vuitton dress that was both feminine and delicate. I could not stop staring.

Images via Vogue.com

For a brand that uses no external logos, monograms or even so much as a tiny name stamp, a Bottega Veneta bag sure is easy to spot from a mile away. Not only does any handbag addict know Bottega’s signature intrecciato woven leather well, but Tomas Maier’s reign at the Italian company has brought with it signature flourishes that make the leather goods uniquely Bottega without making them any less elegant or subtle.

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.

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.

Dare I say it, but has anyone else found Bottega Veneta a little boring as of late? There is nothing wrong with the company’s designs, in fact they are gorgeous, but I really want something that can lure me in and I simply can not say that is what BV has done for me recently. I have always loved the brand, and I want so badly to love what they put out that this pouch has my heart doing an itty-bitty happy dance.

Images via Vogue.com

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.

Bottega Veneta Leather Leaf Clutch, $3380 via Net-A-Porter

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.

Bottega Veneta Metal Lace Karung Knot Clutch, $3980 via Bottega Veneta

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.

Bottega Veneta Large Hobo Bag, $3250 via Saks

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.