"It" bags (classic and this year in particular?)

As noted in a post elsewhere, I just got a great new bag (Kate Spade canvas
and leather satchel). At the same time, my husband wants me to pick out a
really special treat for myself (due to a financial upswing after 5 very,
very difficult years).

I am batting around the idea of getting a Chanel or Vuitton purse. If I am
going to spend that kind of money I want it to be something classic that I
can wear with everything for years. My trepidation with the two above is
that so many people around here carry fake versions, I think everyone would
just assume they were fake, which would defeat the purpose.

I could go for something that is not as well-known among counterfeiters (do
they bother to make fake Marc Jacobs bags, for instance?), but I want it to
be something I will still feel great about years from now.

I saw a great Gucci in a magazine but it was all white and would only work
in spring/summer. Any suggestions for great splurge-worthy bags, either
classic or whatever is in this year? (I did have an issue of Harpers'
Bazaar that focused on this but I left it in my hotel in Miami Beach.)

Also, in a vintage store in Miami Beach I saw a great Hermes Kelly bag that
the owner wanted $5,000 for. I have heard that since they are so hard to
get, the used ones sell for as much as the new ones. Does anyone know if
this is what a new one costs? (It was in immaculate condition, but
bizarrely, he had another one made out of crocodile in worn condition that
he wanted $10,000 for!) Can you get a real one, even used, for $2,000?

Am I totally insane to even consider an Hermes bag with my life? (Work
part time, mom to two small kids, middle class, not heiress, just
pretentious. ;) Probably, as the thought of getting jelly on it is giving
me hives. Oh well, any suggestions for a splurgeworthy bag would be greatly

ahmward...

You are not insane. I would not go for the all white Gucci. The
luggage tan would be more useful throughout the year. I am still
lusting for a gfriend's luggage tan Gucci that is close to $1000 if not
more. If the Hermes is in such good condition and you love the Kelly
style, let me say you will probably never see one again. Croc bags are
insanely expensive. Don't worry about fakes. If the handbag speaks out
loud to you, it will be the one you will love forever. I have at least
two dozen of them yapping out loud in my armoire. Use me, use me, use
me they cry and then I carry a less expensive Cole Haan for every day
schlepping.

I cannot wait to hear what you buy. I usually begin the search by
perusing dept. store and high end web sites.

appreciated.