These are tough times and tough times call for smart measures. I mean, as much as I would love me a $20,000 purse that’s made of some exotic skin and embellished with Swarovski crystals, this is not practical and also not responsible (in many ways, actually). Oh, and there’s also this small fact – I can’t really afford it. But can you, really?

Why buy designer bags that steal your hard-earned money when you can have something that will get you the same feeling minus the impossibly expensive price tags? Thanks to technology, you’ve got other options like high-grade replicas and refurbished designer bags. You won’t have to spend too much or sacrifice a kidney to look stylish because these alternative options provide style at reasonable prices. And everyone can use a little more money as well as savings these days, right?

The Valentino Demetra Collection boasts a great combination of lavish styling and feminine features. Both the designer brand and the Demetra bag itself epitomizes a classic feminine look that would steal the heart of any woman.

It features a vintage silhouette, with braided top handles and low-key silvertone hardware. The clean lines and soft elegance reminds me of a look from the 70s. The Valentino Demetra comes available in many different renditions, all of which are very worthy of attention. Here are some of my top picks from the drool-worthy collection.

The blush tone of this patent leather Demetra is perfect with the vintagey look of the satchel. It is priced at $2,345.

Another great version that boasts great detailing and an uber-feminine touch, thanks to the lace cut-out style on the bag’s exterior. This one costs $2,875.

This one is one of the more dramatic versions of the Demetra. Aside from the bright red color, it is also made of exotic alligator skin, which increases its price to a whopping $19,500. Yowza!

Most doctor’s bag are boring and second-rate but this one is definitely not that. The Ralph Lauren Bedford Bag, which is priced at $1,995, features a great union of classic and edgy style. It has a sophisticated structure but the piping style and accents around it add a bit of edge to the classic shape.

Angelina Jolie carries it perfectly with a flawless pair of white pantsuit and nude pumps. The bag stands out and looks classic this way. If all doctors looked like this, I’m sure there will be a sudden surge in men patients. Or maybe even women too!

There are so many options out there, countless of bags that would make any girl happy. Because of the huge popularity of designer purses, there was also a surge in the manufacturing of replicas. From the luxe Hermes Birkins to the ever so popular Louis Vuittons, almost everything you see on the runway has become available for the mainstream consumers.

Because these bags have become more affordable, there are now more options for us to choose from. I understand how confusing this can be because I’ve had the same problem too. Here are some tips:

• Seek help from the customer service people of the website. Those sites that offer quality service should also be able to provide assistance in this matter.
• You will never go wrong with the classics. If you want to play safe, go for structured silhouettes and basic colors. This will also be more wearable with basically any wardrobe.
• If you want to follow trends, read discussion forums and ask around. Get information on the latest and popular bag finds/replicas for the season.
• If you are on a budget, then this would be the perfect time for you to grab those deals especially if they are on limited offer.

I have missed blogging about my dear Olsen twins. After their much awaited bag collection from The Row, things have started to settle and they sort of went off my radar.

Let us all celebrate an Olsen comeback with this paparazzi photo of Ashley Olsen carrying one of her fave go-to purses – a classic 40 cm Hermes Birkin. The bag has been seen on her arm a number of times but this photo is by far my favorite, thanks to that ridiculously luxe-looking coat (which is probably also super expensive) and the sexy pair of Louboutin kitten heels.

Here’s another offering from Kate Spade’s whimsical collection: the Kate Spade Cha Cha Chocolate Clutch. This cute candy striped purse is perfect to tote around during the holiday season so I was thinking of getting myself one soonest.

The purse is priced at $295 and resembles something ALL women love – chocolate! The chocolate wrapper is made of 14k light gold plated exterior and it comes with a super fine detachable shoulder strap so you can wear it over your shoulder or clutch it around.

It is definitely a creative take on two of the most important things for a woman – bags and chocolates. I’m looking forward to carrying this clutch soon. Would you wear it too?

Like most women, I want my shoes and bags organized, color-coordinated even. I am not wasting the hundreds and thousands of dollars I’ve spent by letting my bags rot away – all that luscious leather decomposing deliberately.

Bag maintenance is important, especially if you love your arm candies the same way I do mine. Here are some useful tips to get your designer babies (real or replica) looking like new again.

• Leather (genuine ones) oxidizes naturally and will give off a beautiful look and a smooth texture after a few constant uses. You don’t have to do anything but wipe it off from time to time.
• Stains can be pretty hard to remove, especially on fabrics like canvas, cotton or suede. If you have nasty stains, do not use harsh chemicals or it’s just going to ruin the fabric. You can send the bag to a professional cleaner and have the stain removed instead.
• The hardest bag problem to fix is broken hardware – a lock, clasp or golden chain. The good news is – there are several “bag doctors” who can fix the problem with a few simple twists and turns. Look up services like these online.

I like Nicole Kidman. Her statuesque frame and pixie-like face features make her a great candidate to wear almost any dress. Sometimes though, certain accessories can destroy a look, no matter how cute it may be.

This is a perfect example of that. Unfortunately, her Prada Madras Flap bag totally ruined this otherwise perfectly good picture. This woven bag (priced at around $2,600) is not as fugly as it looks in the picture. The brown rendition of the Madras Flap is actually much prettier and the woven detailing is also applaudable. It’s just that this bright orange version is a bit of an eyesore for me.

The only reason why I deem Kris Humphries worthy of a post is because he is finally off to divorce court! Another reason – he is carrying a Louis Vuitton Keepall Hunting Bag.

This luxe bag (priced at around $1500), in my opinion, is more worthy of the spotlight than this pseudo-athlete. It is one of the more stylish renditions of the popular Keepall, which features the classic monogramming, a tasteful flap closure and a rolled leather top handle. The shoulder strap is detachable so it can be carried in multiple ways. This bag is also very popular for its very roomy interior, a great piece for jetsetters!

If you take the risk in shopping in an online site that is not trusted and popular among other online shoppers, then you are bound to get bad merchandise when you order. I have heard several nightmare stories about shoppers getting less than they expect or deserve.

As a customer, you have the right to demand the quality that you paid for (as long as it is reasonable, of course). That means, if you are not satisfied with the product you got, you can return it.

Here are some reasons and instances wherein you can return an order or ask for an exchange or refund:

• The bag that you got is way too different from the one displayed in the picture. Or you got a totally different merchandise (e.g. you ordered a bag and got a watch).
• The merchandise is defective – there are obvious runs, wears and tears on the bag.
• You received the order way after the promised delivery date. For example, delivery is expected to be within 3 weeks but you received the bag after two months.
• It just doesn’t suit your taste and it does not do what is promised. Although not every retailer or shopping site will be willing to provide returns for this particular reason, there are some who value customer satisfaction highly and would be more than willing to exchange it for what you want.