When I was a little girl, my mother’s best friend was a French immigrant named Piper with impeccable taste and the shoes and handbags to prove it. She let me prance around her living room in borrowed Dior stilettos and shoulder bags, and from that moment on, I pined for the soft leather and skinny heels. Now, in my late thirties, I can’t imagine the fashion world without these ten Dior handbags.

1. Dior Le 30 Medium Tote

Price: $2,100 at saksfifthavenue.com
Available in two colors, glossy black and latte-with-cream “pigeon,” this sweet tote is all stylish, bang-on details. Note the soft lambskin on the outside, the cotton lining, and double shoulder straps with an eight-inch drop. I love the convenience of the snap closure, and the two open inner pockets and single, smaller zippered pocket. Add metal feet and a pair of chain-link straps and voila! The perfect shoulder bag!

2. Dior Le Trente Medium Shopping

Price: $1,950 at saksfifthavenue.com
Though my grandmother always said you should never wear or carry white between Labor Day and Memorial Day, Piper disagreed. This handbag is proof of that! Butter-soft white leather with a gently gathered shape, and a drawstring top with a fold-over cuff. Shiny silver-tone hardware, signature CD charm, and double-chain handles. Stash your goodies in a small inside zippered pocket or in the roomy general space within.

3. Dior Babe Python Frame Bag

Price: $6,550 at saksfifthavenue.com
A bag for the chicest city girls, crafted in exquisite python in a double-frame style. Cunning detachable matching coin purse and a single six-inch top handle. Still craving more luxury? This bag is lined In soft suede, and features a convenient magnetic flap closure (to keep your treasures safe inside). Wear this with your tallest gold peep-toe sandals, and a sleek New York ponytail.