You know a guy is good when he can make a sporty duffel bag look glamorous. Leave it to Christian Louboutin to pull off this unexpected feat with flair, as on his Fred Duffel Bag. Bright blue leather trims the white canvas, which keeps it a standout in a sea of basic carryalls. The best part, though, is the dual shoulder strap and handle combo. Use the strap and you’ve got yourself a roomy, convenient bag for a day out with the family. Grab it by the handles and it’s a chic travel bag great for storing a weekend’s worth of essentials. The nylon interior is lined with pockets galore, too. You can’t go wrong with something so functional. Available for $1495 at Saks.

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I appreciate a canvas tote as much as the next girl, I just also understand that I can get a nice one for under $10. The Bottega Veneta Medium Canvas Tote is a huge, huge mistake. When high end labels attempt to do a “casual” bag, they usually fall flat on their face, as is the case here. Sure the purse is nice, but do any of us want to hand over $780 for it. Especially when it’s white! While you can spray the handbag with a protectant, I also suggest having no children in tow when you carry this bag. It has a gorgeous European flair when styled with full skirt and slight heel, but I suggest leaving this one for the few of those who can throw away nearly $800 on a white canvas bag. The Bottega Veneta Medium Canvas Tote is available through net-a-porter.com.

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Though it’s being met by mixed reviews and curious glances, this Yves Saint Laurent bag is nothing to scoff it. Simply for its ability to create conversation and arouse some interest, it’s fascinating. Don’t let the slightly drab picture fool you – the YSL Raspail Cascade-Print Tote is a veritable work of art that’s striking in the flesh. The red hue is astoundingly bold, and even more so as it drips down onto a blank white canvas. At 16″ wide by 14″ high, the Raspail Cascade-Print Tote is cavernous enough to hold it all and get you through the day with perhaps a bit more style than your average tote. Available for $995 at Neiman Marcus.

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Top 10 Cruise Bags for 2008
Sick of winter? We hear you. As we count down the days to spring and we get closer and closer to tucking our winter bags in their sleeping sacks, here comes the Cruise collection.

Take a stroll on over to net-a-porter and take a glance at their latest stash of cruise purses. Collaged above are the top 10 (+1) beauties that recently hit the virtual store shelves of net-a-porter. Check ‘em out.

1) Anya Hindmarch Lulu Leather Clutch – The hammered metallic clutch with wooden ring detailing.
2) Bottega Veneta White Tote – The white canvas tote with chocolate handles.
3) Devi Kroell Satin Frame Clutch – The satin clutch with appliqué details.
4) Marc Jacobs Gennifer Leather Bag – The quilted tote with chain link shoulderstraps.
5) Jimmy Choo Chrissy Mesh – The metallic mesh oversized clutch.
6) Zac Posen Shoulder Bag – The woven leather drawstring shoulder tote.
7) Be & D Kan Kan Portfolio Purse – The ruffled leather shoulder bag with chain strap.
Miu Miu Matelassa Bag – The large Matelasse tote with a removable long strap.
9) Mulberry Mabel Snakeskin Bag – Large metallic Mabel with two large front pockets
10) Botkier Large Sasha Duffle – The large slouchy tote with long and short straps.
11) Marni Leather Balloon Tote – The distressed large leather balloon bag.

Discover the latest Cruise designer handbags, purses, wallets, totes, clutches and more at net-a-porter

Yves Saint Laurent Raspail Canvas Tote
Art becomes fashion with Yves Saint Laurent’s freshly painted new Raspail Canvas Tote. Sort of reminds me of the vintage Moschino Dripping Chocolate Bag that was designed with (as the name suggests) chocolate pouring down the white marshmallow body (yummy). YSL’s newbie features fresh red paint spilling down the white canvas body like a piece of art. Love it!

Find @ Saks Fifth Avenue
$995

[via The Fashion Row]

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Decisions, decisions, decisions. Hair down or up? Flats or heels? Black belt or brown? It’s all enough to make a girl’s head spin. Thank goodness for sympathetic folks like Lulu Guinness, who created this Reversible Tote White so that an indecisive gal can change her mind at will. One side is a plain white canvas tote; flip it inside out and you’ve got a vibrant, ultra-feminine floral hummingbird print (very spring-appropriate). Feeling girly or no-nonsense basic? Let your handbag decide.

£135 at luluguinness.com

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You can’t go wrong with purple, I always say. Just take a look at this fun Lulu Guinness Striped Maddy Tote, a large white canvas bag with bold purple stripes and funky fuschias that hang from the purple and green braided handles (my favorite part). It’s got plenty of personality, is practical, and is sure to brighten any bathing suit. The handbag even has a zip top, so you don’t have to worry about your belongings falling out.

£225 at Luluguinness.com

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If you love Pucci’s bold prints but don’t want to go full-out wild, this Small Flap Shoulder Bag is a good in-between option. Here the print – a cheerful stainglass-like pink, orange, and purple kaleidoscope – is limited to a small dose of trim on the flap, with conservative but stylish white canvas making up most of the purse. If you want to go a bit more wild, look inside – the interior is lined with a fab day-glo Pucci print. It’s a bit tropical without going over the top – just enough to brighten your outfit.
$540 at Eluxury.com

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Is it wrong to like Alexander McQueen’s handbags more than his fashions? My latest obsession is this darling McQ Fold-Over Bag, the ultimate summer tote bag. The white canvas with matching leather trim is fresh and minimalist-chic, with cool little details like a metal hook clasp, adjustable straps, and multiple zippers. It’s clean, it’s fresh, and pure handbag heaven. $935 at Shopbop.com

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Is it just me or has Michael Kors been taking notes from Marc Jacobs? The fun MK monogram of this adorable MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet-Set Monogram Medium Satchel is similar to the alphabet soup monograms that Marc Jacobs has shown. But who cares? It’s still a very cool handbag, one made of embossed, coated grained leather in a smoky brown with orange smooth leather trim and a very L.A.M.B.-like white canvas band down the center with a flashy gold medallion turn-lock closure. It’s sporty but stylish, and I love the orange and brown color combination. Great for traveling.

$328 at Eluxury.com

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Vogue loves the Trovata boys, and after seeing their yummy Canvas and Patent Handbag, I can see why. The bag perfectly captures the carefree yuppie Trovata sensibility with its classic shape and fun patent leather trim. The bag is available in purple, green, orange, or blue patent, with nautical-like white canvas to balance it out. I love the little patent buckles on each side, and the elegant patent handles. A great weekend bag, and a lovely combination of polished, preppy, and quirky.

$595 at Barneys.com

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Also adorned in large leather tassels and trimmed in a gorgeous burgundy, this amazing bag costs $3,695. Pre-orders are being taken now for shipment by April 15th.

Even though this is a brand I often find overpriced for its quality and usually find over-rated, I bow down to this beautiful piece. Their Spring collection is striking and different. I just want more!