There is bad kitsch and there is fun kitsch, this absurdly charming Desmo tote, of course, being the latter. I would never normally carry a bag full of dogs, so to speak, but I have a certain affinity for our very own adopted Balmain pug. And when snazzy dogs are decked out for a good cause? Well, count me in.

Meet “Pug Dogs for Happy Kids.” Don’t let the snobby apparel of these canines fool you. This project by Luisa via Roma to benefit UNICEF has dogs dressed by designers up for auction, and they are all displayed here. It makes for a fun tote for the summer, or it could be a cheeky tote for your very own pooch. Mine travel with me, so this might just be a carrier for all her doggie essentials. Best of all, all proceeds benefit UNICEF. On Luisa Via Roma for $197.

Functional can be so boring so of course my recommendation is always to go with some exotic to spice things up. Well, first of all, that investment level might not work for everyone and secondly, and more importantly, do you really want to overuse your precious crocodile as a highly functional everyday bag that you throw all your junk in? Damir Doma has been surprising me with really incredible designs, like this textured bag made by slicing out little confetti size tags, like hanging chads. These little dangling tags catches the light and casts shadows, giving it a richness most textures don’t have. I also love the ingenious way the handles are attached, giving it another focal point to feast your eyes. This cool grey could be your summer’s best option. At LN-CC for $1352.

Meeting DKNY PR Girl is one of the greatest things that’s ever happened in my career. We met on not-so-nice terms (due to a not-so-nice review of a Donna Karan bag I wrote) but have since developed a mutual respect and admiration for each other that led to a most successful bag collaboration. The Five essentials bag collection we designed for DKNY is like the gift that keeps giving, though the Treasure bag (above) has sold out world wide, it continues to get amazing press play.
Huge thanks to Me Magazine for this latest feature!

The Tote and Trendy bags from Bag Snob x DKNY are still available at Net-a-Porter.

One new reason to look forward to summer’s end: for his latest collection, Jason Wu is set to follow up last season’s attention-getting bags with even more exciting styles. Daphne still has the trademark Miss Wu owl eyes, for a dash of sweetness, but her wide-eyed gaze isn’t what makes this satchel stand out. The shape is so cool – it has a vintage feel, courtesy of the sturdy frame and short, ladylike handle – but the flair is in the trapezoidal silhouette. Plus, that totally crazy-amazing hardware? Wu has got it down to the final detail.

The quirky hardware actually opens up to my very favorite bag feature: a big front-pocket. Thin yet perfectly proportioned, the adjustable shoulder strap allows for a close-to-body sixties’ look or a longer, more modern length. Surprisingly, the bag’s main compartment has a zipper closure, which is a bit of a hassle in my book (I’m lazy about closing up my bags), but this is a must for some girls. Zipper or not, I’m just waiting for Daphne to come out in a fun color; a really beautiful, rich green would be to die. At Nordstrom for $1,875.

Pair with: Wear a classic dress in a modern pattern. The full skirt and cap-sleeves of Raquel Allegra’s cotton and silk-blend dress reads lady, while tie-dye reads new rebel. On Net-a-Porter for $820.

Here we go! Kick off sale season on Shopbop.com with its 3 day sales event. Enter code BIGEVENT at checkout for the discount!