If you haven't heard of Merit Beauty ... it was a handbag from a designer brand. I simply couldn't keep my eyes off of it. Here's the thing: The Signature Bag isn't a product you can purchase ...

And in the hands of the right designer, it can even become a true work ... auctioned during amfAR’s Cinema Against AIDS ...

The best designer tote bags are true investment pieces ... totes should be reserved for special occasions, their true beauty lies in how seamlessly they integrate into everyday life.