The Basement of the Bargains

The big thing in purses right now is totes. We’re carrying more, and we need the space to carry it in. Of course, there’s no need to sacrifice style for utility. You still want your tote-style purse to stand out in a good way. You want it to look elegant and eternal, but you still want it feel exciting and expressive.

At 14 1/2″w at bottom (18″w at the top) x 6″d x 10 1/2″h with a 10″ drop on the shoulder straps, this superfantastic tote by Lucky Brand composed of stripes of plain, sueded, and tooled leather in warm shades of brown and tan is big enough to handle whatever you need to carry, but stylish enough to let everyone know you mean business. Multiple internal pockets help keep you organized, too.

Normally, this terrific tote goes for $172.00, but you can get it from 6pm for just $102.06! That’s 41% off the retail price. I feel lucky just knowing this deal is out there!

This classic yet funky pierced Italian calfskin handbag and matching cosmetic bag by Chi by Falchi is both stylish and practcial. It’s a roomy 16″L x 6″W x 12″H with 11-1/2″L strap drop and even has a pocket for your cell phone. The cosmetic bag measures 6″L x 1/2″W x 4″H.

Choose between croc-embossed denim (shown) or black, or pebbled bronze.

Once upon a time, you would have had to pay $688.95. Luckily for us, HSN (who had been selling it for just $225.00), has marked it down to a mere $139.90. Too much for you to pay all at once? Then you can arrange to purchase this lovely bag in four payments of only $34.98.

Now that’s what I call a good deal!

Today only, Saks Fifth Ave is offering a great deal: spend at least $250.00 with them, and get free shipping and a gift card good toward your next purchase. Depending on how much you spend, the gift card can be anywhere from $25.00 up to $450.00!

Of course, some restrictions apply, but a careful reading of the rules tells me that sale items count toward the total. That means you could splurge and buy this handsome Ralph Lauren silverplated cachepot which can be used as either a grand centerpiece for your table or as a serving piece

for the bargain price of just $346.50 (regular price $495.00), and get yourself a gift card worth $25.00 off your next purchase.

Or you could choose several smaller items, like this handsome journal and card case set in your choice of black, brown, or orange goatskin leather for $45.50 (regular price $65.00), or this elegant pair of chalcedony drop earrings by Arena CPH for a mere $72.00 (regular price $120.00). Take care of gifts for your bridal party or stock up on Christmas gifts before the rush hits. Then save yourself money both on shipping and your next Saks purchase.

It just makes sense.

Does anyone out in the Manolosphere love opera-length gloves as much as I do? Because I do quite adore them. So frivolous, and yet so elegant. It’s impossible not to stand a little taller and feel a little more grown up while wearing them. And yet all too often, when we manage to hunt them down, they are made of stretchy synthetic fabrics that constrict our biceps in unfortunate ways or scratchy nylon lace and are only to be had in black or white. There’s nothing wrong with black and there’s nothing wrong with white, of course, but sometimes I long for siren red or a lucious chocolate. I’m bored with black and white, no matter how fashionable or how classic they are. I want color in my life. I want natural materials that feel good against my skin. I want diva gloves.

Caroline Amato has heard my cry and created my ultimate opera-length gloves.

Look at these beauties! Made in Italy of genuine leather lined with 100% silk, they also come in seven different delicious colors including this glorious green, a rich, plummy purple, a tangy orange…oh, yes, and white if that’s what floats your boat. No black, though. Sorry.

Of course real leather opera-length gloves lined in silk are not inexpensive, but they are on sale at a great bargain. Originally priced at $285.00, they are now available from eLuxury.com at the steal of a price of just $169.00.

Now where did I put my tickets to Rigoletto?

Got an iPod? Want to keep it looking nice? Why not head over to Ralph Lauren and check out the sale on this elegant leather iPod case?

Made of supple calfskin, this handsome case comes with its own presentation box in case you want to impress someone with an elegant designer gift. It fits most video iPods, and the strap has an adjustable buckle. It also comes in three different colors.

Best of all, it’s a steal right now. Originally $250.00, it’s been marked down to just $69.30!