If you sat back and dreamed up the most luxurious confection possible, where would you sell it? Target & H&M believe they're making luxury goods available to the masses, but are they really? One could argue they are simply dangling the notion of luxury, without providing actual luxury products.

We haven't fully formed our thoughts, and it seems the blogosphere hasn't either. In order to help you construct a better opinion on the subject, Coutorture has organized a Salon On Luxury & Accessibility. Ever since, the blogsophere has been abuzz with debate. Hope Robertson believes in affordable luxury, while Poetic & Chic thinks we're being duped. Further exploring the topic, The Budget Babe delves into the psychology behind the matter, as The Runway Scoop attempts to define "luxury". Style Eyes believes such products will become more accessible and Platinum Blonde Life believes in rapid consumption. Temptalia takes the subject a step further, looking analytically at the beauty industry.

Regardless of your feelings on the topic, be sure to check out Coutorture's interview with Milton Pedraza, the CEO of the Luxury Institute.

Related:

Top 12 Luxury Handbag Brands -- E! Countsdown Forbes Top 15 Supermodels -- Kai Kuhne For Ecco Domani

The Luxury Institute of New York has compiled a list of the 26 luxury handbag brands consumers are most familiar with. "There are so many names in the luxury handbag market today, which tells me that they have to work to stand out — the wealthier the consumers are, the more unique they want the bag to be," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "As far as status goes, this is probably one of the most important fashion categories — it's the one that really shows off who you are, no matter how you are dressed."

The brands are ranked based on the familiarity with luxury handbag consumers. Close to 800 consumers were surveyed with an average net worth of $2.2 million. "Handbag brands 2008" was conducted as part of the larger Luxury Brand Status Index, which also attempts to measure quality, exclusivity, social status and sel-enhancement.

1: Coach - 76%

2: Louis Vuitton - 63%

3: Gucci - 61%

4: Dooney & Bourke - 56%

5: Prada - 54%

6: Kate Spade - 48%

7: Burberry - 47%

8: Fendi - 45%

9: Chanel - 45%

10: Ralph Lauren - 45%

11: Dolce & Gabbana - 37%

12: Hermes - 36%

--Source: WWD

The pages of September's Vogue become interactive with ShopVogue.TV.  Go behind the scenes of the Roberto Coin ad with Christy Turlington, or purchase items directly from the latest Gucci ad.

Warning:  ShopVogue has the potential to become very, very addictive.

With all the versions of Top Model these days, it can be difficult to remember a time when real top models ruled the world. Fortunately, Forbes has compiled a list of the world's top earning models.

At number one, it's no surprise to see Gisele Bundchen top the list. She has earned an estimated $33 million, and is currently the face of Dolce & Gabbana's latest fragrance.

#2: Kate Moss, $9 million

#3: Heidi Klum, $8 million

#4: Adriana Lima, $6 million

#5: Alessandra Ambrosio, $6 million

#6: Carolyn Murphy, $5 million

#7: Natalia Vodianova, $4.5 million

#8: Karolina Kurkova, $3.5 million

#9: Daria Werbowy, $3.5 million

#10: Gemma Ward, $3 million

#11: Liya Kebede, $2.5 million

#12: Hilary Rhoda, $2 million

#13: Shalom Harlow, $2 million

#14: Doutzen Kroes, $1.5 million

#15: Jessica Stam, $1.5 million

Did your favorite model make the cut? Where is Naomi Campbell? Questions to ponder while you count your grapes for your morning meal.

There's still time to win a Rakku Shoe Wheel with Style IT and ThisNext. Don't forget how easy it is!

Click here for the full details.

Hurry up, because time is running out. Contest ends February 9, and the winner will be announced right here on Style IT February 10.

 

 

 

It's not too late to enter Style IT and ThisNext's Rakku Shoe Wheel give-a-way!

It's your opportunity to play dress up--just choose what items you would wear to New York Fashion Week's Fall/Winter 2007 shows. Recommend the items using ThisNext by tagging them "Style IT", and you're automatically entered to win!

Yes, it's actually that easy! Be sure to sign up for an account with ThisNext if you haven't already. Recommend as many items as you'd like, because the more items you recommend, the better your chances. Contest runs February 2 through February 9, and the winner will be announced right here on Style IT February 10. Good Luck!

 

Click here for full details on how to win! 

Come on, admit it. Who doesn't love playing dress up in designer duds?! Now you can too, and win a Rakku Shoe Wheel all at the same time. All you have to do is use ThisNext to recommend what you'd wear if you were to attend New York Fashion Week and tag it Style IT. If you don't have an account with ThisNext, be sure to sign up for one. Enter now, because the contest ends February 9.

Need a little more inspiration? Check out all the items tagged "Style IT".

 

Style IT and ThisNext are teaming up to allow readers of Style IT to win a Rakku Shoe Wheel!

What would you wear if you could attend New York Fashion Week? Style IT and This Next want to know! All you have to do to win a Rakku Shoe Wheel is select the items you'd wear if you could attend the shows, and be sure to tag them "StyleIT". Be sure to sign up for a ThisNext account if you don't already have one so you can participate.

To add to the fun, add beauty products, accessories and undergarments you'd wear. Don't forget to tag your items, because we'll be checking in on you! The official contest dates are from February 2 through February 9. The winner will be announced right here on Style IT on February 10. Good luck!

 

 

 

 

Have you checked out Style IT's recommendations on ThisNext? If you haven't, it's about time! Great new selections for spring, classic products, and even a few unexpected items that you'll find especially useful. Be sure to check it often, because I'm always adding new selections!

See more of my Just Can't Get Enough list at ThisNext.