Since it was first established in 1837, Hermes has risen to be one of the leaders in high-end fashion. A Hermes purse connotes classic taste, elegance and style. Seen on the arms of the elite, this Parisian brand is a favorite of A-list names as Nicole Kidman, Lindsay Lohan Julianne Moore, Victoria Beckham, Elizabeth Hurley and Madonna.

Probably the most well known bag is the Birkin, which has appeared as the object of desire in many TV shows including Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, The Sopranos and Will and Grace.

The genesis of the bag has been disputed, but there is one well regarded “legend.” Named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin, the mythology goes that while seated on a flight next to Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas in 1984, she opened her Hermès datebook and all of her notes fell out. To remedy this problem, Dumas took her datebook and added a pocket on the back.

She was overjoyed and went on to explain to him her ideal weekend bag.  Thus, the Birkin was born.

While the bag is notorious for a long wait list,  it is, as with all good things, well worth the wait. This is not just a bag, but a symbol of luxury.

Best,

Tom Taraci

P.S. For information on my new Taraci Collection, featuring my quintessential list of NYC restaurants and a variety of the worlds’ most recognized luxury brands, please click here and have a great day.

For a women with classic style or that simply wants a high-end basic that will last for years, the Dooney & Bourke Medium Sac with Twisted Strap is a wise choice.

Measuring 16’’ long and 4’’ wide with a height of 13’’, this bag is roomy without being overpowering in size. It is available in a variety of colors including basics like black, brown, caramel, grey and sand, as well as brighter shades like leaf, red and mustard.

Importantly, inside is a zip pocket, cell phone pocket and key hook for keeping everything organized and in place. While I may have never toted a purse, I have watched my wife search for her lipstick in a far too large bag for nearly fifteen minutes.

The retail value is $295 and worth the time saved fiddling.

For those looking for something more adventurous, the Dooney & Bourke Giraffe Print Large Sac is a bit on the wild side.

This bag is larger, but nowhere near the size of the bags seen on some Hollywood actresses, making it a practical choice for day or evening. Like most D & B bags it features the useful inside zip pocket, cell phone pocket and key hook (no fussing around). The strap drop length is 9.5’’ and a hang tag on the side features an adorable blue duck.

Retail value is $395. Again it’s worth it.

Best,

Tom Taraci

It’s been a rough week. Hell, scratch that. It’s been a rough month. You don’t just need to get out of the office, but out of the city and away from the hustle and bustle. The great outdoors are calling you.

Camping is a great get away and it doesn’t have to mean eating out of a tin can in the dirt. Coleman’s Portable Table is allows you to dine civilly away from civilization.

The length is 47’’ and it includes a padded bench, which means it sets four easily and comfortably. Set up can be done quickly and with ease (unlike that tent of yours).

The table also folds up neatly like a suitcase, so its easy to pack and carry. Plus, having that little association to work, it will make you appreciate how nice it is to be doing the exact opposite: relaxing.

Taraci’s Tip of the Day: Something like a table may not seem like a good incentive, but for the avid outdoorsman this is a nice luxury that they may not purchase on their own.