YSL Cabas Chyc Bag

Spotted on everyone from Leighton Meester to Rihanna, the Yves Saint Laurent Chyc bag has officially reached cult status. As much as I love glamorous designs, there's something to be said for simplicity and elegance. Every woman needs a stylish bag that can be worn with countless outfits and this is it. The roomy interior and classic styling definitely make this an office appropriate tote, and it can potentially double as a weekender. Panels stitched to the exterior of the bag enable it to mold to your body and the leather flap closure is secured with an oversized "Y" buckle. Personally, I would just leave this tote unzipped, but it's nice to know that you have the option of added security. The golden hardware is quite striking against the rich blue hue, but there are a plethora of color options to suit your specific taste. Chyc bags range in price from $1895 to $2995 and they're available for purchase at YSL boutiques as well as NET-A-PORTER.

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BagPoor's Holiday Time Saving Tips

The holidays can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember the reason for the season. Don't get bogged down with shopping lists, meal preparation, decorations, and overnight guests. The key to enjoying this time with your loved ones is staying organized. Here are some time saving tips, direct from me to you.

1. Make a list and check it twice. Don't attempt to go grocery shopping or buy gifts without a detailed list. This will save you several trips to and from the store and prevent stockpiling unnecessary items.
2. Shop online. Department stores are a madhouse right now and quite a few e-tailers are still offering Cyber Monday deals. Not only can you save the hassle of trekking to the mall, but they'll ship gifts directly to your family and friends. No need to wait in long lines at the post office.
3. Preparation prevents poor performance. Many items on your to-do list can be taken care of ahead of time. As a true Southerner, I would never bake macaroni and cheese the night before, but there's no rule against having it completely oven ready on Christmas Eve.  
4. Buy a key rack. How many times have you spent five stressful minutes searching for your car keys when all you want to do is leave the house? Enough said.
5. Just breathe. Everything isn't going to go off without a hitch, but that's what's so special about the holidays. Try to stay calm and relax.

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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Samsung via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Samsung.

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Kate Spade Rosa Tote

Before we get to this fabulous Kate Spade bag, I need to announce the winner of the Reiss Marley wallet giveaway. Congratulations Couture Carrie! Please email me your mailing address, and I'll have Reiss send you your new chic wallet. For those of you who didn't win, there's still time to enter The French Needle giveaway. Now, can we talk about this adorable tote? It's structured, yet feminine styling is fit for the likes of Blair Waldorf, but you don't need to be a Gossip Girl to get your hands on this bag. It's actually available at Neiman Marcus for a very reasonable $425. Although, this bag was probably designed for ladies who lunch, it's sizeable capacity makes this tote perfectly appropriate for casual office wear. The monochromatic bright pink hue was a bold choice and I appreciate the juxtaposition of the patent leather bow detail against tonal pebbled leather. Dress this bag up with a Chanel blazer or down with a Valentino t-shirt. Also available in taupe with a black bow.
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Shop Around Tours

What one often remembers most about girlfriend getaways is laughing with dear friends, and nothing sparks these fond memories quite like wearing a fabulous bag that you purchased during the trip. Deborah of Shop Around Tours has managed to combine our love of traveling with our insatiable appetite for shopping. The Shop Around Italy trip is in March and it encompasses an 8 night tour through Venice, Milan, Rome and Florence. Deborah knows her way around Italian outlets and can get you exclusive access to design factories, where you'll literally save thousands of dollars on the latest fashions from top designers, like Prada, Gucci and Ferragamo. Shop Around Tours just celebrated 10 years of Italian sightseeing, wine tasting, fine dining and discount shopping. Call 212-684-3763, email info@shoparoundtours.com or visit ShopAroundTours.com for more information on the Shop Around Italy trip in March, other future excursions or to plan a group shopping tour.      

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The French Needle Scarves + GIVEAWAY

 

Few accessories can rival my adoration for handbags, but scarves are certainly a close contender. I love their ability to completely transform a simple outfit. Throw this stunning Petrusse Polka scarf over a basic little black dress and suddenly you've become Marilyn Monroe. The cashmere will keep you warm, but the glamorous feather trim detailing will get you noticed. On the other end of the spectrum is this gorgeous Petrusse Arcane shawl. It's daytime friendly and feminine, with demure lace accents. The wool and silk blend is so lightweight that it can be worn year round. Simply pair this shawl with a crisp white shirt and you're out the door in effortless Parisian chic style.        

When it comes to fashion and style, no one does it quite like the French. Unfortunately, it's practically impossible to find these beautiful handcrafted scarves in the United States. That's why Lisa launched The French Needle. Not only does she have the best selection of French scarves available online, but The French Needle is also a one stop shop for the highest quality needlework supplies. When I told Lisa how impressed I was with her Petrusse collection, she graciously offered to give away the fine wool Ballade shawl, which features a lovely waffle weave pattern. The lucky winner will even be able to choose whichever color variation her heart desires. In order to enter the giveaway, simply sign up for Lisa's email newsletter or 'like' The French Needle on Facebook. A winner will be randomly selected and notified on December 1.       

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Lanvin Sweet Dora Bag

Lanvin isn't exactly a go-to designer when it comes to handbags, but every once in a while something magical happens. Alber Elbaz surprises us with a fresh design that manages to marry luxury and whimsy, like only Lanvin can. Take the Sweet Dora bag, for instance. Nothing quite says elegance like a noir python skin shoulder bag with a leather-entwined chain strap, but this bag is far from boring. The closure mechanism is something that I implore you to see in person. It's like jewelry for your bag. I've always been an advocate of tortoise shell, but it looks particularly fetching against such a rich black hue. Pair this statement bag with everything from the simplest black dress to an ornate tribal print. The python Sweet Dora bag is available at Barneys for $2590. There's also a metallic lambskin clutch iteration, which retails for $1990. 

      

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Reiss Vida Bag + Marley Wallet GIVEAWAY

I've been obsessing over the Reiss Vida bag for a couple of weeks now, and I wanted you all to be the first to know that it just went on sale. The two-toned exterior embraces the color-blocking trend, without being over-the-top. I love the juxtaposition of the indigo suede body, paired with smooth beige leather trim. This color combination can be worn throughout the year and will never go out of style. The Vida bag is the perfect size for casual weekend wear, but it is certainly elegant enough for the office. The oversized tassel with bamboo detailing and knotted handles give it a sophisticated resort vibe. Best of all, it's on sale for only $372 at Reiss. When I told them how much I adored the Vida bag, they graciously offered to give away the matching Marley wallet to one of my readers. It's also indigo suede with beige leather trim and a bamboo turn-lock closure. This wallet retails for $170, but it can be yours for free. All you need to do to enter the giveaway is follow BagPoor on Twitter, 'like' us on Facebook, or subscribe to our email newsletter. The winner will be randomly selected and notified on November 28. Good luck!

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Emma Roberts in Versace for H&M

Emma Roberts (don't worry... I had to Google her too) attended the Versace for H&M launch party and runway show on Tuesday evening, wearing a garish outfit from the diffusion line and stripper shoes. Let this be a lesson ladies. While there are some lust-worthy pieces in the collection, they need to be incorporated into your wardrobe. Don't simply wear entire outfits from the lookbook. The only redeeming accessory from Emma's ensemble is her bag, also from the Versace for H&M collection. Although the mixed studded detailing isn't exactly innovative (Miu Miu anyone?), I appreciate the scaled down size and single chain handle. It's a fun alternative for evening, rather than a classic clutch.           

   

Now that the entire collection is available for your viewing pleasure, which pieces made your wishlist? I, for one, will be at H&M next Saturday morning, in order to pick up a few early Christmas gifts. For those of you who aren't obsessed yet, check out the new commercial. You'll be instantly enthralled.  

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Gucci Soho Bag

The Gucci Soho Bag is one of my favorite accessories from the Cruise 2012 collection. I have a newfound appreciation for the oversized interlocking 'G' logo. It's less ostentatious and more sophisticated than the traditional monogram. The slouchy hobo shape and large capacity make this the perfect bag for casual weekend wear or family road trips. A cream cotton lining offers simplicity when searching for your belongings and it helps to keep the bag lightweight. The large tassel adds a bit of whimsy to an otherwise classic design. Purchase the red variation at Gucci boutiques this winter for $2090.  Additionally, it's available in purple and black leather, but there's also a bold hand-painted python version, retailing for $4500.  

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Balmain Amazon Clutch

I love the understated design of this clutch and I was shocked to discover that it was Balmain. No tacky embellishments, no dated rocker vibe... just a chic suede clutch in a beautiful lilac hue. The fringed detailing gives it a western aesthetic, perfect for an Aspen getaway. Although, it's quite sizeable, this clutch has a shallow depth, so bear in mind that it truly only has enough room for your essentials. Pair this bag with a faux fur vest for effortless winter styling. Purchase the Amazon clutch at Barneys for $895. This bag won't immediately land on my must-have list, but I'm definitely impressed with the new direction of Balmain and I'm seriously anticipating the spring collection. 



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Marc Jacobs Thompson Satchel

Happy Belated Halloween! Sorry for the awkward silence over the last couple of days. My computer finally fizzed out on Sunday, after months of warnings. I tried to blog with my tablet, but I'm afraid that I'm not that technologically savvy. Suffice it to say that I got a new laptop yesterday, and she's beautiful. I was saving this bright orange Marc Jacobs Thompson bag for Halloween, so I'm still going to feature it. First and foremost, I have to ask where this bag came from? I don't remember it from the fall collection, but spring can't be available already. Is it resort? Regardless, I'm impressed. It's ladylike chic for the downtown crowd. The smooth tonal racing stripes juxtaposed against the pebbled calfskin is genius. Stylistically speaking, this bag is perfection. However, in terms of functionality, I do have one complaint. Why only one pocket? Nonetheless, it's still a great edgy alternative to the Mulberry Alexa. I adore the orange hue, simply because it's so rare, but there is a taupe variation for those of you who are a bit less daring. You have the option of carrying this sizeable bag by hand, in the crook of your arm, or slung over your shoulder. The Marc Jacobs Thompson Satchel retails for $1250 and it's available at Saks Fifth Avenue. Lastly, please welcome Reiss to the BagPoor family. They're my newest sponsor and they have a fabulous collection of winter wardrobe essentials at reasonable prices.

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