BagExchange.com

One makes you a fan. Having two makes you a superfan. But, three, ah, three, makes you a collector. Okay, here’s my deal. I am a big fan of Yves Saint Laurent. Ever since my mother dabbed on that Rive Gauche perfume back in the 1970s, I have had an infatuation which has turned into deep respect and love for the line. Through the years, I have found myself wanting and finally getting an oversized Muse. Now I have two (one is buffalo and the other is a haircalf)…well, I’m ready for the big leap forward to get a third. Problem is, I don’t know what which one to get. I can tell you off the bat that I do not like the new Muse, the “II”. No, thank you. Patchwork and the name YSL doesn’t seem to go together for me. I’m leaning towards the large Tribute, the ever so classic but somewhat stodgy Rive Gauche in large, or the Downtown. Yet for some reason, I am reluctant to come to a decision. Well, after perusing through YSL, Neiman Marcus, and Saks with their different versions of the same bags, I’m beyond flummoxed and limited by budget. The one thing I really really want is the medium Downtown in Black Python. Lovely, but it’s unavailable in stock, and according to my pocketbook, it’s not going to happen anytime soon. So, I’ll carry on with something else that appeals to my sensibilities, and here are the choices. Shapes are signature, but either the color or the texture gives them an up-to-the-minute appeal while upholding refinement and that uptown frigidity.

Starting from left–

• Medium Haircalf Downtown in Black, gold-tone hardware and button detail., top handles with rings and double zip top, front compartment with zippers, front buckle strap details, made in Italy, 17″W X 14″H X 7″D, $2,495, @ Neiman Marcus.
• Large Ombre Rive Gauche in Grigio, shiny leather that fades from dark grey to light grey, goldtone hardware, double top handles, 5″ drop, removable shoulder strap, 18″ drop, small flap with toggle closure, top zip closure, removable key case, protective feet, silk lining, 14″W X 15″H X 6″D, nade in Italy, $1,995, @ Saks Fifth Avenue.
• Large Patent Croc Tribute in Magenta, patent leather, gGold-tone hardware, top handles with rings, top zip; hanging ID tag, 16″W X 16½”H X 2″D, made in Italy, $1,395, @ Neiman Marcus.

Stumble it!