As always, thank you kindly to the folks at Nieman Marcus for not only providing this post with handbags, but with fueling my imagination with accessories.

Before you get concerned at the cost of the hottest handbags you should know that the world of discount retailers has changed considerably in the last decade and what you see before you today will likely be available to you for a meer $30, if you can handle pleather.

Today's selection ...

In 1986 Ennio Capasa started his amazingly soft and chic label, Costume National. The Milan based company was a name inspired by a book of uniforms and was first a ready-to-wear and shoe collection for women in 1987. Not wanting to deprive his own sex, Capasa started Costume National Homme in 1993 and has since diversified into fragrance, accessories, and the higher-end Costume National Black Label.

The Spring line is decidedly femme and muted in ton save for a ...