We reported on the Gucci iPad case when it came out, noting that for the price ($230), it was a relative steal and could double as an envelope clutch. Gawker reports that couture houses are jumping on the iPad case bandwagon, with Chanel’s being the priciest at $1,555.

We don’t know why, but almost anything that Chanel puts out make us weak in the knees, including this iPad case. Never mind that the iPad is a third of the cost of its case, but how’s that different from carrying a designer bag whose contents are not worth much? (Maybe we should take this line of logic to therapy or a money management counselor.)

Some might see a Chanel iPad case as an ostentatious extravagance–we just see it as another form of quilted Chanel genius.

We ADORE this simple and striking copper armour bracelet from MTWTFSS Weekday. Too bad for us–unless you’re in Scandinavia (or “Scandi” as one of our cute Swedish friends calls it)–you can’t get this, or any of their other fab wares, since they only sell in-store.

I’m a sucker for school supplies and office supplies. I’ve been known to spend hours in the markers section at Staples alone, smelling markers and testing the fine points. So when I found out that one of my favorite designers started designing school supplies, it was truly cataclysmic!

Marc Jacobs is expanding his empire and it includes school supplies under the too-cutesy-for-words label Bookmarc. The line includes pencil cases, tins and colored pencils and can be purchased at Marc by Marc Jacobs shops around the country. Write on, Marc!

For francophiles and Diorphiles (I just made that word up), I present to you the Dior Oui ring with “Oui” spelled out in delicate script with a winking diamond in 18K gold.

Oui, mon amour!

Available at Diorjoaillerie.com.

The Vitrine–purveyors of cool by young and up-and-coming designers–is one of my favorite sites. Their well-edited collection of creative accessories and objects for home come with background on the object’s origin and info on the designer.

Something that caught my eye was the love/hate door sign by designer Amanda Keeley. A typical hotel door hanger transformed by the words love and hate, one on each side, tell how you’re feeling without having to say a word. Perfect for tempestuous relationships!

Assad Mousner‘s jewelry can double as weapons of self-defense. With no dearth of spikes, sharp edges and look-at-me bright metal, her bracelets, necklaces and earrings are meant to “look like found objects belonging to a jewelry box from [the 70s] rediscovered in the present” by evoking the freedom and music of the era.

From the F/W 2010 collection, my favorites are the Cleopatra Bangles in bronze, gold and gunmetal.

Soon to be available at Assad Mousner.

Ingenious design hails from Patrick Quinn, blacksmith and sculptor (a real live blacksmith, how awesome! How many people are blacksmiths anymore? Oops, I digress) in the form of the Metrocard Belt Buckle.

This cool belt buckle readily snaps onto any button snap belt and even though it was designed for NYC’s MetroCard, it can be used for any credit card or ID to which you need easy access.

Unisex and handmade in Brooklyn of hot rolled steel that looks better and better with wear.

Check out Dior’s collection of nine short films  of approximately 30 seconds each celebrating the New Lock Bag, directed by Peter Lindhberg and Darius Kodji, and starring actress Nora Arnezeder.

Check out this awesome Um Tote Bag designed by Josh Jakus and curated by the eco-heros at Holstee. Made from grey wool felt (factory dead-stock, so stays true to conscience design) and transformed from a flat surface.

And if responsible design doesn’t warm your heart, then check out the Holstee Manifesto below, which warmed mine:

This large leather shoulder bag from Swedish Hasbeens (incidentally, the best brand name EVER) is everything you want in an everyday bag: sleek, minimal, roomy and retro-stylish. According to their website, it’s inspired by “an old hunting bag that was popular in the hippie 70s.”

The leather is untreated and softens and ages over time for a natural distressed look.

It comes in several colors, including black, red, nature (off-white), cognac and mustard–my favorite!

Priced at $332 and available in stores and online.

Bliss Lau Diamond Dress

You need not be a dominatrix to sport the rising harness trend in jewelry. A few popped up on the Fall/Winter 2010/11 runways during both London and New York Fashion Weeks in leather, taking inspiration from Bliss Lau, the pioneer of body jewelry. Worn over tanks, drapey sweaters and even jackets and dresses, harnesses add a bit of primitive style to an outfit otherwise best kept simple.

Leather and Metal Harness

Metal Chain Harness

Draping Jewels and Chain Harness

Available at ASOS.