First, I’d like to say that I’m so incredibly happy that Chanel Haute Couture chose to do something more interesting for their show this season than they did for their show last season. Although, if you find silver and white boring, this may be another loser for you.

It was a winner for me, however. For the first time in his lengthy career, Karl Lagerfeld created a collection that completely eschewed black and navy – in fact, it eschewed color of any sort, save for a few traditional Chanel suits with a culotte twist (I just dry heaved a little bit there), which were rendered in various pastels.

Of the few shows that we’ve seen so far Givenchy Haute Couture felt the most like couture to me. As the line between a normal runway show and a couture show continues to blur and fewer brands present the highest of high fashion as time goes on and the customer base dwindles, I still thoroughly enjoy seeing a full-on, beads-and-feathers-and-funny-hats shindig.

Good news, everyone – it’s cool to be an uptight, rich plutocrat again! Adjust accordingly.

Really, where would those ideals be more appropriately on display than at the Christian Dior Haute Couture show this week in Paris? John Galliano styled his Cruella-meets-English-nobility show with riding crops and streaks of Bride of Frankenstein grey hair, and although I didn’t adore this collection as much as I did the lingerie-as-outerwear show from six months ago, I couldn’t help but smile.

The trend toward chain link totes seems like an obvious choice this season. Although totes are somewhat on the practical side of the handbag spectrum, the addition of chains to ordinary totes makes them into something special. These totes featured are far from your generic 9-to-5 envelope tote and are just as adept at toting around loads of stuff during your busy weekdays.

Great googly moogly, people. I sit here every day and talk about $2500 handbags like they’re the most normal thing in the world, so most sane people would consider me somewhat desensitized to luxury prices. And they’d probably be right – I sort of consider Balenciaga bags to be a steal, since most of their motorcycle styles are still priced under $1500.

Welcome to the new year and new decade. Thanks to all of our loyal readers and members, 2009 was a great year for PurseBlog and PurseForum. For 2010 we have many more big things planned and truly look forward to sharing with you over the next twelve months!

We want to ask you: What handbag designers do you want to see us cover more in 2010?

When it comes to Christmas I typically have a few things I’d love to have, but I rarely consider myself one to have a wish list. However, this year, there are a few things that I would absolutely love to have. So, whether any of these things are given to me or I end up getting them for myself, I am pretty sure I am going to make everything on my list mine!

Even though the eighth night of Chanukah was last Friday, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to make my wish list. Besides, I spent the holiday at college and celebrated with my friends every night- while that was lovely and fun, my first Chanukah away from home lacked an essential ingredient: the presents. Let’s face it: I’m notoriously difficult to shop for, and even my parents stick to my wish list or a gift certificate due to my extreme pickiness.

If you are in search of a unique evening bag for your holiday and New Years celebrations consider the Lanvin Aumoniere satin pochette ($750 at Net-a-Porter). This adorable petite bag has a very vintage inspired look to it. This bag could have been your grandmother’s and looks just as modern today as it might have fifty years ago. Translated as “little pocket” the Lanvin Aumoniere is made of classic black satin and features satin drawstring handles which gather up to close the bag.

Two nights ago, on December 1st, we had the privilege to be invited by our friends at Fendi to the opening of this year’s Design Miami Vernissage in the Miami Design District.

For the second consecutive year, Fendi co-sponsors the events which feature an array of Limited Edition unique retail environments, art installations and the world’s most influential design show “” Design Miami/.