Valentine’s Day! If my informal research is any indication, you probably think of it as either your favorite holiday or the worst day of the year, but no matter which you choose, it still comes around once a year, every year. And if you’re in a relationship, that means that you still have to find ways to gently guide your significant other toward the right kind of Valentine’s-appropriate gift. We have a few ideas, obviously, and they’re all shaped like handbags.

This Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is our first of two, and it’s for the partner that wants to hit this Valentine’s Day out of the proverbial park (or who simply has an enviably large discretionary budget and wants to spend it on you). From $270 to $2595, we’ve got plenty of red and pink bags that make great gifts and that will remind you of a very happy V-Day every time you use them.

Valentino Mini VaVaVoom Shoulder Bag, $1695 via Net-a-Porter

Fendi Baguette Shoulder Bag, $1260 via Neiman Marcus

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bob’s Memphis Satchel, $530 via Net-a-Porter

Kate Spade Rosa Tote, $425 via Neiman Marcus

RED Valentino Ombre Chain Clutch, $550 via Saks

Yves Saint Laurent Cabas Chyc Linen Tote, $2595 via Net-a-Porter

Jason Wu Kate Python-Embossed Clutch, $895 via Neiman Marcus

Reed Krakoff Mini Atlantique, $1190 via Neiman Marcus

MICHAEL Michael Kors Margo Shoulder Bag, $270 via Net-a-Porter

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: Handbags that say “I love you” is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping

Almost every season, Marc by Marc Jacobs is a shining beacon in a sea of endlessly expensive handbags. I’ve owned several of the brand’s bags and small accessories, and I’ve had consistently good luck with both the quality of materials and construction of the bags. With almost the entire line under $500, that’s a pretty good endorsement.

For Spring 2012, I’d really, really like to have one of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Wedie Satchels – this is the kind of bag that feels both current and like it could be an everyday staple. Now I just have to decide – neutral or colorblocked?

To be sure, both versions of the bags have their charm, and on a basic school satchel shape with a clean finish and little in the way of twee embellishment, this bag feels more adult-appropriate than some of Marc by Marc’s work. As much as I like colorblocking in general and this combination of navy, cerulean and ivory in particular, though, the all-beige version does something for me that bags in its color family rarely do. The combination of the unstitched edges and the slightly grey undertone gives the finished product a sense of modernism that’s missing when more colors are added. By my measure, this shape and its messenger bag cousin are the best venture from Marc by Marc Jacobs in several seasons. Buy through Saks for in beige or blue for $498.

Whether neutral or colorblocked, this Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel is pretty great is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping

Bright bags are big statement pieces and for this season, neon is all the rage. I’ve attempted to wear neon clothing items but I have never found the colors to be very flattering on me, and that is of course why I turn to accessories to take part of the trend in a way that works for me.

I scoured the interwebs to find the 9 best neon bags and I am certain I have a great selection. Including a taste of every color of the rainbow, our favorite designers are splashing their accessories with hues that are sure to be attention-grabbing bags for this season.

Mulberry Small Bayswater Shoulder Bag | $1,100 via Net-A-Porter
You can’t leave out purple and the iconic Mulberry Bayswater caught my eye. I love the smaller size with the longer optional shoulder strap which makes it both compact and versatile.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Leather Shoulder Bag | $370 via Net-A-Porter
A very wearable shape in fresh bright-green leather, this bag screams spring and will transition to summer seamlessly. I’m not a green color girl, but if I were, I’d love this bag.

Lanvin Colorblock Happy Shoulder Bag | $2,090 via Neiman Marcus
Lanvin Happy Shoulder Bag is both elegant and feminine. Amanda and I are huge chartreuse fans and this Lanvin bag puts a smile on my face from ear to ear.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Snakeskin Clutch | $1,735 via Net-A-Porter
Proenza Schouler gets two spots in our round-up because the brand is just that good. What makes you feel warm and fuzzy more than lime-green snakeskin on day to evening clutch?

Emilio Pucci Python shoulder bag | $2,850 via Net-A-Porter
The moment I saw this bag, I fell in love. It has a sleek Celine feel on the outside with a fun printed lining hiding within. The size meets the ladylike structured bag criteria while being large enough to carry for daily use and the shocking neon pink python skin is perfectly girly.

Alexander Wang Prisma Leather Tote | $685 via Net-A-Porter
I’ve been wanting to scoop up this bag since the moment I laid eyes on it. The perfect azure-blue leather with rhodium corners can carry everyday essentials and look way too cool while doing so. The price is very reasonable too.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Medium Suede | $1,595 via Barneys
The more bags I buy and use, the more the amazing brands stand out. Proenza Schouler is one of the designers that sticks with what they know and does so extraordinarily well. The quality is top notch and the colors they constantly churn out are top of the game. The green hue is a bit muted but still works well for this trend.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Silk-moire Knot Clutch | $1,650 via Net-A-Porter
Bottega Veneta is known for its elegant Knot Clutch, and the elongated version with turquoise silk intrecciato will remind you and everyone that sees this bag of the Caribbean.

Diane von Furstenberg Mini Disco Stephanie Clutch | $365 via Neiman Marcus
Diane von Furstenberg released the Stephanie a few years ago and this bag has become a fan favorite. I only own the large version, but the Mini Disco is delightfully chic and the perfect small accessory option. Bright orange and silver leather will help get the party started.

9 Things: The Best Neon Bags for Spring is a post from: Cheap Online Shopping