I feel like it’s time to take the temperature in the room, so to speak. I know that I, personally, am not sick of black leather, chains or studs because I liked them way back in high school and have enjoyed them ever since, but what about the rest of you, for whom they may not be a party of your innate personal style? Are you over the industrial trend yet?

And, as an extension of that question, is the Magali Pascal Chain Shoulder Bag awesome or boring? I vote for ‘awesome,’ but I can also see where this trend might be getting a little tired. Are you over it yet? And if you are over it, what is the new trend that you’re supporting?

Can we talk for a moment about this whole denim thing? And I mean not talk about it like fashion people, but like people that like to buy pretty handbags, because ultimately, that’s what almost all of us are. Even if we are fashion people in our spare time. Let’s dispense with what might be “on-trend” and talk about what actually looks good. Hint: IT’S NOT DENIM.

In the interest of full disclosure, I probably haven’t worn jeans in about a year. I just don’t like them. I know a lot of people do, and they look great on a lot of women. They do not look great on me, however, and they do not look great on handbags. I’m ok with denim-colored leather, but bags like the Miu Miu Large Denim Tote are simply beyond the pale.

Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I am thrilled! Not only am I a sucker for a day devoted to telling those close to you that you love them, but also my anniversary is a week later. February really is a month filled with love. One of our favorite designers, Tory Burch, teamed up with renowned artist Leanne Shapton to design an exclusive collection of items for Valentine’s Day. The collection is made up of cosmetic cases, totes and pajama sets.

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I am a fan of the day of romance, in spite of the overblown commercialism. A true romantic at heart I adore all things pink, girly, and sweet – but all in good taste of course. And even better if there is an edge to the sweetness! Can you say Lanvin? Well I’ve scouted out some heart inspired handbags and accessories to get in the mood for Valentine’s Day. I’d much rather receive a handbag than perfume or candy, wouldn’t you?

It has been quite some time since I’ve given serious thought to a loud and attention grabbing clutch. Usually, I go for a sleek design or one with maybe an aspect or two that grabs my attention. However, like many of you, there are times when I step outside my handbag comfort zone and at least entertain the idea of something I wouldn’t typically carry. This happens to be just that kind of clutch.

Ok, so, I just got back from vacation and I am trying to get back to normal. You know what it is like coming home after a fabulous vacation. I am a bit tired but continue to run through all of the fun I had. Since my vacation was in a tropical spot, I was surrounded by great swimsuits, sunglasses, cover-ups and of course, totes. I had a cute, fun bag to carry to the pool and beach, but I saw some others that I wished were mine. Oh, and then there was one lady who carried her Balenciaga City Bag to the pool. Not something I’d do, would you?

I know, I know, you were hoping to see another fabulous Rebecca Minkoff bag. But, as you might have been aware, the designer has branched out with a line of flirty clothing and fierce leather and metal bracelets. I personally adore what Rebecca Minkoff has done with the small collection of bracelets- in an interesting Hermes-esque turn, she’s managed to connect the general feel of the bracelets to the current handbags, creating a cohesive group including both the bags and the bracelets.

Take the intricate Flowerstud Bracelet, for instance. It perfectly matches the reinvention of the studs on the Linear Stud Rocker Bag by pairing small and big studs in linear patterns. Perhaps next we’ll see mixed-metal studs on a bracelet? I’d like that.