Louis Vuitton
49 E. 57th St (@ 5th Ave); 866-VUITTON
It has to be said, although you can’t walk a block without Louis Vuitton’s signature canvas rearing its fabulous yet perhaps over-played head, rest assured it will never go out of style. Although you’ll have to save up to make a purchase at Louis Vuitton, if nothing else, at least make the trip for the eye-candy. A favorite, the classic monogrammed Vuitton “Speedy” is the ultimate in chic and practical. Louis’ luggage is another popular fave. Who wouldn’t want to be seen at LGA with Louis Keepalls (aka duffels) in tow?

Lulu Guinness
394 Bleecker St (bet W. 11th St & Perry St); 212-367-2120
Best known in my mind for her signature girly prints, London's Lulu Guinness hosts designs that you definitely don’t see from other lines. Apparently a favorite amongst celebrities like Madonna and Elizabeth Hurley, Guinness is quite the coup! Let it be known, Lulu Guinness bags are only for those who are ultra feminine and not afraid to show it (think lipstick tubes and high heeled pumps). Something a little less bold and Barbie? Try her “Cord Carla,” a printless, moon shaped bag that is much less daring than her signature styles. Check out Lulu’s new line of evening bags, too.

MZ Wallace
93 Crosby St (bet Prince & Spring St); 212-431-8252
Although I’ve read other reviews who say that MZ Wallace is best known for sharp, practical, leather-trimmed canvas totes, I think I may have to disagree. Best known in my mind, for their much funkier styles, MZ Wallace is home to sleek, modern shapes dressed up with neon-oranges or bright greens and fuchsias. Try another traditional tote with leather handles in a camouflage print. MZ Wallace definitely gives those of us who are generally more conservative a twist to our fashion. As their website boasts of the collection, "they're the sort of pieces that say, "I have arrived," rather than "I am running to catch up."

Patch NYC
17 Eighth Ave (bet W. 12th & Jane St); 212-807-1060
Believe it or not, this totally adorable West Village boutique opened its doors with only a small collection of hand-crochet wool beanies for sale! Hard to believe…but true! Without a doubt, everything feels homegrown (the original yarn came from the Farmers Market in our own Union Square!) in this shop packed with delicate, vibrant, vintage-esque accessories designed by the store’s creators, John Ross and Don Carney. So detail oriented, these original bags, with collections for both day and evening, are necessary additions to your accessory wardrobe…not to mention, you’ll love their price tags.

Tumi
520 Madison Ave (bet 53rd & 54th St); 212-813-0545
Totally practical yet sleek and sophisticated, Tumi is the place to go for no-nonsense bags in order to avoid unnecessarily sacrificing style. (Touche!) Unbeatably sturdy and therefore pleasantly reliable, you’ll find Tumi is chic in a no-frills kind of way. Tumi’s bags come in a bunch of shapes and sizes, stemming from the simple over-the-shoulder (commuter boulder-holder) to duffels and rolling luggage.