The Dior Gaucho bag just keeps getting better. When it first came out, ehh not so good. But with style re-inventions there have been improvements, like interesting texture and different straps.

Now they have the classic in a shimmering gold metallic washed calfskin. My BFF’s mother picked that out as her dream bag, and I say “good choice!”

But here’s how the conversation went with my BFF, introduced here for the first time (who otherwise will be known as the Evil Fashionisto! dun dun dunnn).

Ella: “And that’s an It Bag!”

TEF: “A **it bag?”

Ella, ignoring: “I found the price! It’s about the same as my dream quilted Bay; $1760.”

TEF: “**** ****.”

Ella: “It’s less expensive than the Gaucho she liked last trip to Neimans. Over $2,000.”

TEF: “****. Ma, you should get a fake.”

Ma: “I don’t want a fake.”

TEF “No, don’t they have inspireds?”

Ella: “Yeah, I can find one for you, without metallic leather though, probably on ASOS.”

TEF: “What’s that, pesos? It’s for pesos? That’s a perfect price!”

Ella, laughing: “That’s priceless. Ooh, get it?!”

Almost genius and almost two bags in one is this Dolce & Gabbana Convertible bag. In black leather with gold hardware, this plainly shaped bag has two side handles that meet in the center to be held. (Left) But there’s also a chain shoulder strap so the bag can be carried another way. I really wish that the handles and neat V shape of the bag would remain in that position, by the handles being attached that way, even when the bag is carried by the strap. It’s a very attractive look, but carried the other way, the bag is just a rectangle with awkward rings sticking up. Not smart design there.

If you like the bag, it pre-orders through Neiman Marcus for $1,995. Perhaps you can really rock the look!

*Tip from Señora Cartera via Haute Topics*

Zac Posen, a hot and popular ready-to-wear designer with celebrities and in-the-knows, has now put out a line of handbags. The bags are on the simple and sophisticated side and quite well designed.

My favorite is this Aurora bag, a tall satchel with kiss-lock closed straps over its framed closure. In creme at 12″ x 9″ x 6″, it costs $1,400. What a way to make an entrance!

Purchase Posen’s bags at eLUXURY and Neiman Marcus.

Balenciaga isn’t sold online in stores as it is in department stores and city boutiques. But I found that a certain online retailer has authentic bags that are harder to get elsewhere – all authentic – Diabro.net (I bought a Silverado from them so far).

I may just make two more purchases this Spring and one would be a dream Balenciaga; the quilted Matelasse bag, which has elegant styling to appeal to a different kind of fashionista than the motorcycle may – like moi! It still has some signature touches (like studs and tassels), and add that plush pillow quliting, and there’s no wonder it’s IT. It’s “big”, but not too big – and roomy at 12″ x 8″ 5.5″.

The Diabro price is usually just around retail, and this goatskin satchel’s pricetag is $1,659. We’ve got to save up quick, huh?

Chanel offers lots of fantastic and luxe bags each season, but since they’re a classics maker, there isn’t always much too unique to shout about. Still, the bags are fabu, and I vow now to blog more about this brand favored among many. (Including myself, oh my first Chanel, come to me!)

For Spring, there are a lot of bright whites and luxe skins, but what catches my fancy most is something I think is actually a bit new and different. It’s a calfskin flap bag – standard enough, but it’s the logo I love (well, for a different reason from usual). The Chanel inverted Cs continue on from flap to bag body … and of course, because it is Chanel after all, they flow seamlessly and align perfectly. Super swoon!

Wow, I really need my first Chanel soon … or two.