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“Ugh, too much going on” is my current mantra. Presently, I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel too clearly . It barely glimmers just past New Year’s. I feel sheepish, because 1] I haven’t surfed or posted as much this week as I would like, 2] I haven’t rotated out my purses as often as I would like, 3] I have been neglecting my circle of friends, 4] I have not been doing my yoga daily so I’m doubly stressed. Too. Much. Going. On. Mostly family-related politicking is prevalent as this is the season of 1-holiday-a-month. Yet, even though the closest ones live over 70 miles away, they live in my mind 24/7. I think and I think and now, all this stuff is starting to insidiously eat away at logic and coolness. It is in times like these that I do what I can and try not to worry about the small details. For example, instead of doing an hour of yoga, I try to fit in a little at a time each day like 15-30 minutes of fewer poses but longer stances. As for friends, I try to catch a few for morning coffee before 9 a.m. As for my handbag, I rely on one that is a little on the formal side as I believe they are the most versatile. I am currently using a variant of the Hermes Birkin, which is a vintage handbag by the famed Spanish brand, Salvatore Bachiller. These Givenchy handbags are appealing in that way that they offer aristocratic looks without sacrificing technical necessities. They are absolute functionalists conscientiously tempered in appearance to remain runway worthy. They have the huge capacity for a myriad of uses, yet they secret away any mundane purpose assigned to them. Currently at the helm is relative newcomer, Ricardo Tisci, whose affinity to Gothic dramatics permeate this season’s handbags. These designs work well using the stark opposites: traditional dark and light and for colors in between, the deepest of espresso and indigo come into the fold. Subtley returns to the label as well. The four leaf G insignia impressed on the Nightingale speaks volumes more of elegance than those that have logos weaved consistently through. All three are currently available @ Barneys NY.

Starting from left–

• Givenchy, Shiny Grained Overnighter in Black, leather, logo studs at handles, braided leather and chain double handles, detachable leather shoulder strap, brass hardware, interior side zip pocket and two multifunction pockets, 19″ x 13″ x 6.5″d, 7″ handle drop, $1,750.
• Givenchy, Large Shiny Grained Nightingale Hobo in Marine Blue, leather, embosses logo on base of handles, detachable shoulder strap, brushed nickel hardware, interior zip pocket and two multifunction pockets, 17 x 14 x 7.5″d, 3″ handle drop, $1,795.
• Givenchy, Large Bettina Satchel in Beige, leather, wrinkled leather, hooked top and zippered pouch, double leather handles, 6″ x 16″ x 8″, $1,595.

Stumble it!