I can’t decide if this news is counter-intuitive or not, but Forbes is reporting that Hermes will post an increase in sales during the first quarter of 2009, a time when many retailers and brands were feeling a big-time sales crunch. Why is that? Well, the sales increase isn’t worldwide. Sales fell modestly in Europe and experienced a double-digit decline in luxury-goods-obsessed Japan, but the brand saw increases large enough in non-Japanese Asia to more than make up for decreases elsewhere. The increases were seen mostly in South Korea and China, which many industry watchers regard as somewhat of a Last Frontier of luxury retail. So what does this tell us? First of all, we should all remember that signs of strength in the global economy probably mean good things for those of us in America. Our economy is incredibly interconnected with those of other nations, particularly China, and we can’t start to make a significant recovery without signs that are trading partners are also ready to move forward economically. Sales increases of luxury goods mean that consumers in other countries feel confident in the direction in which the economy is headed, and maybe a little bit of that consumer confidence will rub off on other markets. Lastly, it’s a good reminder to all businesses that there are still markets out there that are spending money. Finding them may be a challenge, but it can and will be done. So congratulations, Hermes, on a game well played. When you think of Burberry what comes to mind first? The classic check pattern, right? But sometimes going away from the ordinary can make something extraordinary. The Burberry Leather Pocket Shoulder Bag manifests itself in divine beauty and simplicity. Made from pebbled leather along with a side buckle and shackle details, this bag will have you simply intrigued. Perfectly fitting, the bag is accented with brass hardware. I see this bag being quite the perfect day bag for so many posh ladies out there. For carrying there is a single shoulder strap with a drop of 11.5″. Right in the center you will find the turn lock flap closure that comes from the zip top. This turn lock is snuggled in perfectly between the two exterior pockets. Inside, this bag boasts two open pockets, a zip pocket, and canvas lining. A bit different than so many Burberry bags out there

Today is the attack of the brown bags! So you all better enjoy their chocolately goodness. I’m just in the mood for some different brown bags and this way you can chose which one you like the best. Right now let’s focus our attention to the Gucci Medium Hobo. Before anyone jumps down anyone’s throat (including my own)- this is simply a style of a bag and none of us personally killed the rabbits being used for this. So Gucci is one of my favs. I love my Large Horsebit Hobo, and I just love many of their styles and designs. This hobo is made of chocolate laser-cut rabbit with chocolate leather trim and bamboo details. I love the shape, I love the color, I love the bamboo, and I happen to love the fur.Still looking for the gift that keeps on giving? Your children may be in school, may be asking for designer goods, and may be day dreaming of the latest Prada bag. Stuff their stocking with the Prada Pencil Case which is designed with red leather and gold hardware and comes with two designer pencils. This way, while the professor is rambling on about bull and bear markets, your child can be secretly enjoying their designer case. Really, it may be more distracting than anything else to the younger crowd, but to those that have school discipline it is perfect. Also great for a colleague or any Prada lover out there! Inquire at your local Prada boutique