New York has had multiple weekends of 90+ degree weather so for me, summer started a while ago, but alas, I’m told it just OFFICIALLY started this past Friday. (Who makes these rules anyway??) And so this week’s Luxe For Less is a celebration of summer and the heat that will be, and nothing says summer like stark, clean, cool white.

I’m jumping right in and suggesting this lovely 32cm Hermès Kelly:

I know the world of Hermès is befuddling and intimidating to the uninitiated. I won’t lie to you: the learning curve is steep. But suffice it to say, I don’t recommend this Kelly lightly. Firstly, I do believe it to be authentic, and have confirmed this with other Hermès fanatics. Secondly, the leather is outstanding. It’s called ‘Ardenne‘ and is no longer produced by Hermès, and not due to quality issues. It is a heavier leather than most other Hermès leathers, but wears well and is less susceptible to water damage. In addition, it is the Goldilocks in the age old question of slouch versus structure: it’s firm, with a casual slouch over time, but never to the point of messiness. Thirdly, it’s a retourne type Kelly, which means that the seams are turned inwards with a rolled effect on the edges; the other option is the more formal sellier, with stitching on the outside of the Kelly. Fourthly, the size is the larger of the two most common sizes, and transitions nicely from day to evening. Fifthly, this Kelly is from 1995 – ‘old’ by any other standard, but in its prime by Hermès standards. And lastly (don’t want this to turn into an Hermès tutorial now, do we?)… the price is great for a Kelly in this condition, being about a full $1,700 less than current retail for a similar leather. The BIN for this item is $5,300 but there is a Best Offer option. *wink*

If that sticker is a little too steep for your pocketbook right now (gas prices being what they are, after all), try this Coach Large Madeline Leather Tote in Parchment.

The shape is elegant and timeless, and Coach leather is always quite durable. With the 7 inch handle drop, you have the option of carrying the Madeline over the shoulder, making it a great option for running errands and everyday wear. And that lavender lining is a perfect compliment to the subtle white of this bag. At $340 Buy It Now with a Best Offer option, the price is at least $88 less than retail. And yes, this bag passes the authenticity muster.

And for those days when you just want to be a little bit cheeky, try this Betsey Johnson wristlet.

It’s white patent leather adorned with crystals, lined in leopard, with a fun chain detail. Aside from the fact that the inside is thoughtfully constructed with compartments for your credit cards and some change, what else is there to say about this fun, cheeky item? Starting bid is just $49.99.

Check back next week for more Luxe For Less. Happy shopping!

posted: June 24th, 2008 comments: No Comments

If you’re anything like me, you carry around more than necessary and don’t exactly make a habit of cleaning out your purse regularly. Maybe you even abandon a packed purse in favor of a new one just so you’ll have a chance to carry your millions of bags around. (Here’s hoping this really isn’t just me.) Every now and then, though, a teeny bag like this cute Coach Hamptons Capacity Wristlet steps in to save the day. I rely on this much more than I ever thought I would, maybe because the idea of slipping something so lightweight on is really appealing during the summer. Who wants to throw on a bulky purse while wearing a cute dress? This wristlet fills in nicely; it holds a small wallet, a phone, a mirror, some makeup and a few other odds and ends. Available in several colors, including this pretty pink and blue (chambray), it’s $98 at Coach.

posted: June 7th, 2008 comments: No Comments

Yikes. So not only is this Coach tote covered in eyesores masquerading as large leather flower appliqués, it’s also extra large in size. I don’t think any of us need an enormous straw handbag coated in tacky looking flowers unless we live lakeside and can somehow use the locale as an excuse. Otherwise, it has no place in a busy city - and frankly, I can think of much cuter beach bags to carry on vacation. And for $698? No, thanks. Available at Coach.

posted: June 4th, 2008 comments: No Comments

The Coach Preferred Customer Event rolls around a few times a year. The great thing about it, is that you can save 25% off on items that haven’t even come out yet. As long as it’s in the catalog, a Coach SA will sell the product to you at the discounted price, meaning you’re getting something brand spanking new on sale. Does it get any better? Coach Preferred Customer Event invites are sent out to those on the mailing list, so next time you need a gift, pop in and pick up a $30 key chain, and get yourself on the list without spending a bundle. In the past, Coach SA’s have honored the sale without a client needing a coupon, so visit the store, put on a smile and work your magic. You can also ask a friend (who has been issued a coupon) to take you along…the more, the merrier!

posted: June 3rd, 2008 comments: No Comments

If your work week is spent furiously getting the job done, you deserve more than just time off on your weekend - you need color, cheer and a little excursion. All of this can be accomplished with this fun Coach Hamptons Canvas Patchwork Weekend Tote (I know, it just sounds like such a thrill). But at its heart, it’s bold and bright, with a spirited amalgam of pinks, purples and reds all competing for attention. Just toss one or two days’ worth of essentials inside, sling the sturdy strap on and go. It (and your killer work ethic, of course) is a great excuse to get away. Available for $448 at Coach.

posted: June 3rd, 2008 comments: No Comments

Coach has some fun new handbags in their lineup this season, and I’m almost tempted to include this just for the great shot of springy green color. But the overall design of the Editorial Large Canvas Tote is a huge disappointment. The signature trim and the gold hardware placed just so over a pristine white backdrop give it that look of country club perfection - which I loathe. The colors are awesome, though. In addition to this green, there’s also a bold fuchsia (and a boring white, which deserves no mention but I do like to be fair). Available for $548 at Coach.

posted: May 6th, 2008 comments: No Comments

I felt an incredible rush of “Oh-my-God-I-have-to-have-that!” come over me when I first caught sight of the latest from Coach. This Ergo Patent Leather Pleated Framed Satchel (that’s a mouthful, huh?) is practically perfect. From the knockout pink to the classic navy (there’s also a beige), the colors are gorgeous. Not only is the gleaming leather fabulous, so too is the handbag’s practical, ladylike construction. An inside compartment with a kiss-lock closure gives it a unique spin, and it’s lined with the Tattersall print (better inside than out, in my opinion). I’m normally a big fan of pink, but the navy is really calling my name. It would be perfect to carry through fall, though the pink would be ideal to wear throughout spring. And the beige would work well year round. Looks like Coach owns my bank account this season. Available in limited quantities for $498 at Coach.

posted: April 28th, 2008 comments: No Comments

It’s the little flashes of pink that save the new Coach Signature Stripe Patchwork Shoulder Bag from being another run of the mill patchwork purse. It’s made up of the usual pieces: suede, patent leather, metallic cowhide and the classic signature print. The girly color scheme is bound to be a hit amongst those who weren’t crazy about fall’s subdued color palette. The interior features useful multifunction pockets and a large compartment to keep your change from rolling around. It’s cute, but perhaps best suited for the true Coach purse fanatic. It’s available for $398 at Coach.

posted: April 27th, 2008 comments: 3 Comments

This style of bag is nothing unique (doesn’t Foley and Corinna have something very similar?), so I can’t credit Coach for doing anything brilliant with the new Ergo Leather Convertible Tote. Despite that, this is a chic little purse that’s got a very smart, classy vibe about it. Perfect for the professional woman who doesn’t want to carry something hefty and burdensome, the Convertible Tote holds just enough if carried as a tote. When it’s time to relax, fold the top down and sling the strap over your shoulder. Available in burnt orange (very pretty), natural, white and black for $478 at Coach.

posted: April 26th, 2008 comments: No Comments

Charming leather flowers twirl their way around this easy Coach Bleecker Floral Duffel. Over a simple beige backdrop, the flowers stand out without going overboard. The classic shape is great for everyday wear, and the purse’s roomy interior makes it as practical as it is sweet. Available for $798 at Coach. Contact Coach at 888-262-6224

posted: April 21st, 2008 comments: No Comments