This medium “Caravel” bag in matte alligator, which has understated gunmetal hardware (my favorite color for hardware, because it so often creates a subtle and finished look when used with a black bag).

The top-handle is long enough to slide over the wrist, yet it slopes gracefully in a curve from the bag, so it will never swing wildly from the arm when you’re on the go! The frame of the bag has classic, ladylike proportions, and I can see this as a perennial go-to bag for a pulled-together wardrobe in those cold weather seasons.

The size of the bag, at 11.5″ long, is the magic number for me — though a small bag (and therefore in proportion for the petite women among us), it has space to fit the daily essentials of life in a beautiful package (width is 4.5″ and height is 6″). Real alligator has staying power, beyond the current trend of the season. The price is high, but a true investment that will last throughout your lifetime (if cared for reasonably well) and likely an heirloom for your younger fashionable children/nieces/adopted children/lucky girls. $5,595 at Barneys.