These aren’t so much wallets as they are actual bags. At least, Maison Martin Margiela’s supposed cash-and-cardholders wouldn’t be very functional for me. At a respective six- and nine-inches in length, how big does your tote have to be to keep things proportional?!

Forget “wallet.” As an easy, pared-down shoulder bag, the marked ivory wallet ($535) exactly what I need when I’m keeping things minimal (which I’m doing more and more these days). Pebbly leather has texture you want to show off, and with three compartments – a zipper pocket for cards, cash, and keys; phone and whatever else in the other slots – off you go, easy, breezy. The long strap makes the ivory variation a must, while the similarly dirt-distressed brown version ($435) (with three expandable pockets) will make for a cool, casual clutch. This is practicality at its best, you don’t even have to worry about getting them dirty since they already look that way! Available on Ssense.

Pair with: Make it even easier on yourself and keep it in the Margiela family. Their nude leather booties boast a comfy wedge with the intriguing cutout of a stiletto, for the best of both worlds. Maison Martin Margiela Cutout Wedge Booties, $955.

What better way to celebrate fashion month with a little – scratch that – a whole lot of bling! Plukka, the wildly chic jewel line, is offering the winner of our February giveaway his/her pick of ONE out of three of their covetable cocktail rings!

The lucky snob can pick between: the Wavy Gumdrop, 18k with 14 carat crystalline cabochon of lemon quartz, with a surge of tsavorite pave and white diamonds; Purple Haze, a gigantic amethyst flanked by 14 diamonds and surrounded by ruby and sapphire pave; or Anansi, with 18k domed latticework forming a spider’s web, topped with rubies and diamonds.

International readers welcome. Best of luck! And good luck to the winner – she’s have a hard (and very sparkly) decision to make!

Sign up here! HERE.

It has been awhile since JewelSnob seen anything this fantastic in jewel design: Diane Kordas Negative-Space Rings.

Think you know what’s hot for Spring 2012? Test your fashion knowledge at Stiletto Jungle.

Allie is Wired wonders whether Lindsay Lohan is cleaning up her act.

Don’t feel dehydrated while flying around! Save your skin with BeautySnob‘s In-Flight Hydration Arsenal.

ShoeSnob‘s picks of the best lucent heels range from off-kilter oxfords to transparent pumps to Edwardian booties: Top 5 Illusion Shoes.

Looking for a fashion pick-me-up? Coquette finds the bold color and graphic prints of Tibi’s new spring fashions irresistible.

Get ready for the summer with CoutureSnob‘s top picks of Sundresses and Swimsuits.

The Jet Set Girls found the perfect picnic basket for spring by Tracy Reese for Clos du Bois. What could be better than a great designed bag filled with wine?

Second City Style gets a peek behind the set Inside Her Work Wardrobe: FOX’s Sandra Smith Dishes.

The Beauty Stop test drives the new Urban Decay De-Slick makeup setting spray.

With this cute Cuddle Cover you can turn a simple pillow into a favorite stuffed animal. At TotSnob.

She might have the worst taste in men, but Kate is still sooooo chic. Hitting the NME Awards after-party at the W Hotel in London on Wednesday night, with her The Kills frontman husband, Ms. Moss looked effortlessly glamorous. Her borderline-boring monochrome look got a major upgrade, thanks to her quilted Chanel clutch. Just another example of a pop of color saving the day.
She makes it look so easy! And that’s because it is. Take Kate’s cue and pick up a lemony clutch of your own, keeping the rest of your gear simple and letting the sun shine from your hands. Theyskens’ Theory’s slick metal-trimmed eel box, Clare Vivier’s laidback fold-over, and Diane von Furstenberg’s smooth way with raffia all beam equally brightly.

Theyskens’ Theory Eel Box Clutch
On Net-a-Porter for $395.

Clare Vivier Fold-Over Clutch
On ShopBop for $150.

Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Raffia Clutch
On ShopBop for $345.

Take the weight off for spring! A big, perforated bag is breezy, breathable, and easygoing. All those delicate cutouts lighten the load and relax the mood, adding as much interest as a pattern but with complete neutrality. Just a touch of open-air texture brings a sense of fresh wonderment to classic bags.

1) Yves Saint Laurent Muse Two Medium Perforated Top-Handle: This perforation is subtle, with variation in size and texture thanks to a buttery soft suede-and-leather combo.
Available for pre-oder on Luisa via Roma for $1,895 (for arrival by March 31^st ).

2) Stella McCartney Faux Perforated Leather Tote: The seemingly eternal Falabella lives on, but it looks thoroughly fresh on this holey, creamy white rendition.
Available for at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,345 (for delivery by April 23^rd). 

3) Balenciaga Arena Perforated Leather Bowling Bag: Even the Arena now looks brand new. These edgy holes are big enough for this bag to double as a hangout for your pup.
At Browns Fashion for $1,507 (£945).

4) Alaïa Perforated Leather Tote: Alaïa has been working their magical way with perforation on their totes for some time now, and there’s no question why: they know to make it look intriguing, classic, and fun.
On Net-a-Porter for $3,680.

5) Givenchy Medium Tinhan Perforated Shopper: With such breathability, warm aubergine will look nice paired with spring’s crisp whites – and the color makes for an easy transition into autumn.
Available for pre-order at Barneys New York for $1,765 (expect delivery in April).

Who knew Armani had such amazing bags? Giorgio has turned up the heat for fall with an enticing array of Deco-chic clutches and killer shoulder bags. Intense, sultry colors (sexy shades of orange, hot pink, and cobalt set off by not-so-basic black) and a refreshing way with hardware will set these apart from the pack. They are also the perfect complement to Armani’s Fall 2012 ready-to-wear, which is his take on “rockabilly” style: loads of sizzling sunset-inspired colors (think flirty furs and silk cocktail dresses) mixed up with muted menswear and spicy oxfords.

I’m all about the rubberized chain-strap on bright-orange crocodile – such a smartly lightweight way to do bold hardware. And with double-sided compartments, this is a deceptively functional day-bag that can pump up any outfit. Super-textural pony-hair, for a reptilian effect, on an oversized clutch in bright magenta-pink is sleek yet intriguing. And I’m loving the splashes of animal prints. Only Armani can manage to make zebra-print look minimalist-chic!

1) Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Messenger Bag: The name says it all: this shade is totally out there, in a great way, and the vibe is a little Day Glo-loving, eighties surfer babe. It’s got a hint of the PS1, and it’s totally affordable. At Barneys New York for $498.

2) Proenza Schouler PS1 Leather Pouch: Speaking of the PS1, this one has a completely new spin. Here it is in cute miniature form in a color that will knock your socks off. Maybe it’s more hot mango than tangerine, but it’s still a fruit! At Barneys New York for $1,225.

3) Lanvin Colorblock Happy Shoulder Bag: Like a fresh slice of key lime pie, soft brown leather sets off the zesty flap. The Happy style, complete with grosgrain ribbon, is a success in such a lighthearted hue. At Neiman Marcus for $2,090.

4) Valextra Isis Shoulder Bag: Lemon looks artfully modern and impeccably sleek on Valextra’s grained leather shoulder bag. A simple, geometric shape puts the emphasis right where it should be: on the color. At Barneys New York for $2,000.

5) Blumarine Cotton Macrame on Rubber Clutch: Deep, powerful orange is given light treatment via a lace effect of mixed materials. Exotic, bold, and convenient: it has a handle on the back to slide your hand through and a detachable shoulder strap. On Luisa Via Roma for $1,034.

Some said it couldn’t be done. But the snob-worthy bag that costs next-to nothing is not a myth or piece of fashion fiction. With a little dedication and a bit of creativity, these implausibly inexpensive bags are out there waiting to be discovered. And they fit the bill in terms of style and practicality. So frugal snobs, rejoice. Here are five choice bags that will leave you with loads of cash to spare!

1) Topshop Leather Gusset Lady Bag: Seriously, the sleekness of a Céline from the British mega-store? This little ladylike shoulder bag oozes with polish, sports an unusual yet all-purpose color, and is 100% leather. All in all, the real thing for an unreal price. At TopShop for $100.

2) J.Crew Glitter Purse: Calling all Miu Miu fanatics! Glitter is everywhere this season (just ask Anya Hindmarch), and J.Crew is serving up a flirtatious little crossbody in three shades of sparkly fun. It doesn’t get more festive than champagne glitter, but the two-toned hematite brings true edge. At J. Crew for $56.50.

3) Gap Leather Crossbody Bag: I’m sniffing out some Proenza Schouler inspiration – and I don’t mind it one bit. The messenger style is cute in a miniature size and textural grained leather looks far pricier than you would expect. At Gap for $98.

4) River Island Cream Studded Clasp Bag: Perforation on a pale palette is enduringly chic. This angular handbag brings recent Alaïa totes to mind, and the rose-gold hardware makes for a dainty touch. At River Island for $64.

5) Diane von Furstenberg Laragh Tote: This roomy canvas tote will take you from shopping errands to the gym and back with zero fuss. Big, bold stripes make for a hint of nautical prep, while the gathered, leather-trimmed gussets are an intriguing detail. On ShopBop for $92.50 (from $185).

So the words “spring break” and “backpack” might bring to mind days of being an 18-year-old running off to wet ‘n’ wild Cabo to do body-shots, but let’s put a different spin on the idea. After making it through February, I know we could all use a little rest and relaxation in the sun (if you choose to call it spring break, that’s your prerogative), and a slightly more refined – but still fun – crop of casual spring backpacks makes for easy, quick-moving travel.

1) Pierre Hardy Contrast Leather-Trimmed Neoprene Backpack: Sun-drenched shades of neon bring on a lighthearted mood, and when neoprene is trimmed in leather, it’s sporty-meets-swish style. On Net-a-Porter for $1,650.

2) Jas M.B. Super-Soft Leather Backpack: Wear this classic double-pocket backpack in an unexpected way: as a messenger bag. In cool mint-green or deep cobalt, either hue will look fresh and fun with summer brights. On Luisa Via Roma for $531.

3) Duluth Denim Backpack: Headed somewhere rugged for your trip? Duluth’s soft denim-and-leather rucksack, with relaxed drawstring closure, is timeless relaxed for a city-meets-dirt-road vibe. At Barneys New York for $625.

4) Tory Burch Kailey Top Handle Backpack: Tory’s lightly nautical take screams vacation. Use this canvas bag (with a detachable shoulder-strap) to pack extra bathing suits and sunny-day accessories. On ShopBop for $355.

5) Diane von Furstenberg Printed Canvas and Leather Backpack: I’m loving the way Diane is appropriating her way with prints to bags at the moment. Mix this stripy floral bag with a boldly solid sundress or a contrast-printed swimsuit. On Net-a-Porter for $295.

From the easy glamour of St. Tropez to the breezy elegance of Capri to the surf-and-sun fun of Bondi Beach, summer style can take on all kinds of vibes. This Valentino bag has a distinctively summery feel, one that’s more Southampton than South Beach.

Crisp and clean with a splash of East-Coast prep (it’s all about the combo of creamy off-white and cognac leather), the classic shape is sophisticated, while a loose cage of contrasting natural leather trim takes it from boredom to stardom. Details like these are both bold and quiet: luxury at its best. And it wouldn’t be Valentino without that extra spark: the tiny touches of studded hardware – their current signature touch (gone are the big bows, thank you!) – at the closure and on the panels bring a hit of flash. So you can take this bag from Malibu to Montauk to Marbella and everywhere in between, all summer long. On Net-a-Porter for $2,595.

Pair with: This an ideal bag for injecting some denim sandals with a high level of chic. Bottega Veneta does it right, with dark indigo and a fresh wooden outsole. Bottega Veneta Denim and Leather Sandals, $740.