BagExchange.com

It’s hard to believe that while handbags from high-end designers warrant a concerted effort on my part to develop a five-year savings plan for a future major purchase, these entities have also constructed a tier of affordable keepsakes that enables one to keep your beloved (ahem…handbag) close to your heart until that day you and it meet hand-in-hand. Not that literal, of course, but little bits of leather, shiny hardware, and micronized logos honed into a piece of jewelry or accessory provide a physical allegiance to a particular designer. To me, the most bewitching accessories offered by designers are, ironically, those that do not broadcast their makers’ persona with neon signs. Rather, they are designed with only a discreet display of clues echoing a lifetime worth of emblematic success. Taking a brief survey, I see the iconic lock of the Muse handbag, the color scheme and bold ‘Y’ lifted from the package of a famous perfume, the equestrian-tinged fittings from which a craftsman built his reputation and workshop, and the inseparable entwined initials that speak for themselves.

Starting from left–

• Louis Vuitton, Epi Wish Bracelet in Myrtille, Epi leather with a monogram flower clasp, Alcantara lining, includes a transparent paper to write down a wish and hidden pocket at interior of bracelet, 6-7″ (adjustable) x 0.6″, $275, @ eLuxury.
• Louis Vuitton, La Folie Brooch, brass metal and transparent resin, monogram flower pendant, LV signature in the heart of the flower, $135, @ eLuxury.
• Hermes, Lima Pendant Necklace, silver pendant on a black silk cord, Ref. 102119b04, $730.
• Hermes, Jumbo Necklace (also available in silver/palladium plated), leather, leather necklace, gold plated (4.5″ diameter), Ref. 039847cc23, $220.
• Yves Saint Laurent, Opium Bracelet, brass, onyx pendant, $150, @ YSL’s US Online Boutique.
• Yves Saint Laurent, Muse Bracelet, adjustable silk cord with silver, crystal and enamel charm, $240, available for pre-order, @ YSL’s US Online Boutique.

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