As you may have noticed, I'm writing a lot about traveling lately. I generally don't get to do a lot of it, but I am traveling TWICE this month! Unforuntately for me (but fortunately for you!), I won't be around to take advantage of Saks Friends & Family event. Snag 20% off in store (and online). Snag all the information from the image above (click for the full size). HAPPY SHOPPING!

Even sadder than a missed 20% discount opportunity at Saks is the fact that I'll be missing master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian appearing at Bergdorf Goodman. You may not know his name, but you definitely know his work. He has created over 20 of the best selling fragrances of all time for houses like Armani, Dior, Lanvin and Narciso Rodriguez. After launching his own line in 2001, he has challenged the way we view fragrance by creating products that think outside the lines.

After a recent trip to Bergdorf's beauty bay (my absolute favorite in the city), I cam home with scented bubbles. Yes, that's right, scented bubbles. In fact, the best part about the bubbles is that you can't actually experience the scent until you pop the bubble with your nose. So genius!

Experience the genius for yourself, as Francis Kurkdjian will be making personal appearances at Bergdorf Goodman this weekend!

Friday, April 23rd

3-6pm

Saturday, April 24th

1-3pm

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

She might have it rough these days, but we're still Team Britney. Her new album is fantastic, even if she refuses to promote it. The list of people & media outlets making her life miserable is a mile long, and LMH - Moet Hennessy just joined the ranks.

Back in 2005 Britney released the music video for "Do Somethin", which included a close up shot of LV logo fabric. According to LVMH Louis Vuitton, this closeup is a copyright infringement. No word on when the suit was filed, but we're sure LVMH considered Britney's recent behavior before proceeding with the case.

Not only did Louis Vuitton receive free promotion in a Britney Spears video, but the Parisian court awarded the luxury powerhouse 80,000 euros and banned the video.

On the positive side, Britney's next single from Blackout, "Piece of Me" is already gaining airplay and the video is expected to drop soon.

--Source: Forbes

Related:

Top 12 Luxury Handbag Brands -- Scarlett Johansson for Louis Vuitton -- Murakami & Vuitton Team Up

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Now playing: Britney Spears - Piece Of Me
via FoxyTunes

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