Now, isn’t this just super cute? I am confident many of you out there are familiar with the big necklace hit in the 80′s: best friends necklaces. You better *know* that I had one. It wasn’t anything expensive, but I totally gave part to my friend Sara and I wore the other half. I was, like, super cool. I am pretty sure it didn’t take long for the chain to break, but luckily that wasn’t a sign of Sara and I growing apart, in fact, we are friends still today – years and many moves later.

While I am not completely sure if these necklaces still float around, I love that Rebecca Minkoff has taken a modern spin on the 80′s classic.

For the longest time I associated Chloé with shoulder bags. It took me a while to realize that Chloé also really knows how to make exquisite clutches. Maybe that was a bit close-minded of me. But hey, I’ve realized the error of my way and I now expect all sorts of fabulous bags from Chloé, not just what I was originally accustom to.

My opinion began to change when I saw Amanda’s review of the Chloé Leather Bow Clutch last fall and continued recently with Megs’ review of the Chloé Iris Strass Chrochet Clutch. So, I’ve been keeping my eye out for more amazing creations and have found yet another one I really enjoy.

Any regular PurseBlog reader knows how much I love Valentino, but since the brand’s leather bags start around $2000, it’s impossible for me to amass the collection of that I really want (which is all of them). We’ve all got budgets that we have to work within, and Valentino handbags are sadly not my first financial priority (unless I could eventually buy enough of them to somehow build a fort and live in it or something).

That means that I love a look-for-less scenario, as long as the design isn’t straight a Valentino ripoff and the materials and construction are still top-notch. That’s exactly what the Elie Tahari Melrose Bow-Trimmed Leather Tote has going for it – a soft, ruffled aesthetic with fantastically touchable leather. Valentino, Shmalentino.

We all know how lovely the Bottega Veneta intrecciato woven bags are, but a lot of people feel like the brand’s simple good looks don’t fit their personal style. I can’t blame anyone for wanting something more, and while Bottega has been doing a fine job of mixing up their aesthetic recently, I’ve got a woven alternative for people that like something a little funkier.

The Vanessa Bruno Fringe Sack is full of bohemian texture and visual interest in a way that might be a little much for people that prefer Bottega’s more traditional bags, but it might be perfect for people that like to make a statement. I think that we all know, at this point, that a statement is what I prefer.

I have been actively avoiding discussing this Louis Vuitton bag with you all. It is not because I wanted to keep the goodness from you, rather the fact that I am still shocked Louis Vuitton made this line. And I really quite like the Spring 2010 LV bags, being extremely pleased with my purchases from the Spring collection, the Monogram Cheche Bohemian and foxy tail.

Then we have this bag, the Louis Vuitton Raindrop Besace. You must read on to see what I am talking about.

Doth my eyes deceive me? Could this be, could this really be the most beautiful Judith Leiber creation yet? Yes, I do believe so.

When it comes to Judith Leiber, all handbag lovers know what to expect: exquisite, luxurious and head-turning pieces. While this is what I certainly expect, there is a good chance Judith outdid herself this time. I came across this bag a little while ago and have spent more than a bit of time drooling over it. Everything you’ve come to expect from a Judith Leiber creation is here – and then some. In fact, I am almost a bit concerned that the pictures we have can’t even do the bag the kind of true justice it deserves, but I’m sure going to try!

Every time I see a patent hobo that’s supposed to slouch a bit in order to be wearable, I die a little bit inside. Why do designers keep doing this to us? Patent doesn’t slouch. That’s one of it’s innate qualities – it’s a structured, polished material for structured, polished bags.

I really like the maybe-tacky (shut up, I like tacky) effect of the burgundy zebra print on the Jimmy Choo Zebra Patent Hobo, but I can’t help but imagine that the stiff-looking handle would probably perch itself on my shoulder instead of molding to my arm, just like the body of the bag below it. As much as I try to make myself use bags like that because I enjoy them aesthetically, I just can’t do it.