Calm down.

The pennies you save are the pennies you earn. No argument there. But hoarding half-used sugar packets and mini mayo bottles to ease your economic crisis is, frankly, a little feeble.

When you’re finally ready to make smart financial decisions, start with an R&Y Augousti handbag. Created by a French duo famous for their furniture designs, the totes, clutches, and shoulder bags are made of pretty snake or eel skin. Antique brass hardware and other details (like intricate laser-etched leather and big wooden clasps) make the bags at once timely and timeless.

Which means they’re sure to bring you an excellent return on your investment — as well as a mountain of compliments.

Which, on some days, can be as good as money in the bank.

Available at Elements, 4400 Lovers Lane, University Park (214-987-0837).