According to a research study by resale marketplace Baghunter, you’d do better putting your money in a (Birkin) bag than in the stock market or gold.

The study looked at returns from the S&P 500, gold and Hermès Birkin bags from 1980, when the Birkin bag was released, to 2015. At its highest point, the S&P 500 offered a 37.5% return on investment, gold offered a 14.3% return and Birkin bags offered a 25% return. Market fluctuations bring the average returns down quite a bit however. While stocks and gold hit lows that brought their average return down to an 11.66% nominal rate and 1.9% respectively, the Birkin bag hasn’t decreased in value since its launch.

At price points that put it in the ultra-luxury category, Baghunter founder Evelyn Fox suggests that the stability of returns aren’t subject to the same market fluctuations of other commodities.

“There is a difference between luxury and ultra-luxury. While the luxury market suffers during worse economic times the ultra-luxury market is impervious to economic factors that can affect other industries such as high-street retail and stock markets,” she says. {Luxury Daily}

While that’s certainly a positive indicator for bag collectors, Hermes typically announces Q4 sales results in February so those who still prefer to stick with stocks will have to wait to see if the company can match the returns of its most famous product. The most recent investor release for Q1-Q3 2015 reported 9% growth at adjusted exchange rates, with leather goods and gold jewelry growing fastest year over year.

We’re so ready for this jelly bag

But there are lots other purse shapes to be explored, and this crossbody does it with minimal hardware details, and an ombre body that make it the perfect all ages jelly bag for summer. The black version definitely has a shelf life that will extend well into fall, but the neon yellow and light blue colorways are the ones that kicked our SOS (Shiny Object Syndrome) into high gear.

Vince Camuto Ombre Jelly Crossbody in Black, $98; Wedgewood (light blue), $73; and Lime Punch (neon yellow green), $73

Looks great with: a cream or light neutral zip-top pouch to keep everyday purse items together and out of plain view. A clean, minimally adorned pouch would look amazing, but texture and studs would take it to the next level.

Whiting & Davis Studs & Snake Clutch in Pearl, $73

Kanye West’s unique Birkin bag gift to Kim Kardashian

Apparently the artist behind this previous pop culture painting phenomenon was unavailable.

There’s so much that can be said here, but in case you’d just like the facts, what you’re looking at is an Hermés Birkin bag that likely started off with a retail value in the 5-figures, customized by artist George Condo, who previously worked with West on the album art for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

In case you want more than the facts, here are a few fun things to do with this image:

• Guess which Kardashian family member each portion of this painting represents. #KrisHasToBeOnTheLeft
• Have a friendly debate about whether this tops the floral print dress/glove combo that made Kim subject to grandmother’s couch comparisons. #GameOnGivenchy
• Wonder if Anna Wintour had a word with the artist before he completed this. #StillNoVogueKoverageForYou
• Speculate on the possibility that Kanye West is at the top of the fashion trolling game, and secretly dismantling the Kardashian empire by bringing them to a level of public embarrassment that no one thought was possible. #BeautifulDarkTwistedKardashianKonspiracy

Image via Instagram

Fossil Bird Print Coated Canvas Key-Per Shoulder Bag, $88

Don’t let the many birds on this bag fool you. With more than enough room for daily supplies (binoculars? bread?), and a classic shape and unfussy canvas strap that’s casual enough to make this an every day bag, it’s anything but flighty. Grab it by the handle or throw it over your shoulder and you’re ready to fly.

The standard rhinestone encrusted evening clutch is standard for a reason, but clutches in transparent acrylics (lucite, perspex or plexiglass depending on where you live) are adding a bit of bite to the traditional lipstick and phone holder. Yes, a few are covered with gobstopper sized gems and stones, but the most innovative are the ones where the clutch itself becomes the biggest sparkler of them all. It’s a sweet look that doesn’t come cheap (these BCBGeneration lucite cabochonesque clutches were the only ones we found under $100), but the best arm candy rarely is.

Pictured: Rauwolf Monks Robe Degrade Sputnik Clutch, $2255

Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Sliced Leather Orange Clutch

$365 @Shopbop

ASOS Bright Orange Pleated Clutch Bag with Metal Frame

$21.95 @ASOS

Hobo International Apricot Patent Leather Ally Clutch

$78 @Zappos

Bright colors are everywhere this year, which loyal readers may know we kind of love. In browsing for a few bright bags to bring those of you who are still attached to neutrals or a favorite little black dress, we noticed that a good portion of the bags we were bookmarking were from London-based etailer ASOS. So, this week we’re highlighting all of the brights (get it?) that made us considering spending a small fortune in ASOS’ bag section.

In addition to the variety of brights, the floral tooled detail on this satchel adds to the warm weather charm and makes a bag with a classic shape and simple style unique.

ASOS Leather Bright Tooled Satchel in yellow, $94.81 @ASOS. Also available in turquoise green and red orange.

Marc Jacobs Bamboo Leather Crossbody Bag, $1495 @Nordstrom

If you want to go more luxe than laid back with your crossbody, this pink and orange beauty that captures the 70s glamour of Marc Jacobs’ spring collection (you’ll be time traveling again to the ’40s for fall, enjoy it now) is one of our favorites. The brown version has its own vintage charm, but this color combination is perfect for the season and maybe even beyond if you’re not ready to return to the structured neutrals a few months away.

The weather now may be soggy and gross in many parts of the country, but summer festival season isn’t too far away. So, no better time to kick off a week of crossbody bags that keep hands free for drinks, dancing, and if the rain keeps up, holding an umbrella along the way. Proenza Schouler had runways full of Aztec-inspired prints, and while they’re all over shorts, hoodies and accessories they didn’t make it onto as many purses. Fortunately, Volcom picked up on the trend and the result is this cute crossbody with a similar feel at a dissimilar (much more budget friendly) price.

Volcom Spaztec Crossbody Bag, $38 @Zappos

Salvatore Ferragamo Maia Straw Gancini Rascello Tote, $990 @Bloomingdale’s

Most of the straw purses on our list this week were a bit non-traditional. That was so we could save this tote for last. The Maia Straw Gancini Rascello Tote is classic in the best way possible. It’s decidedly best poolside or at the beach, but the fan shape, tortoise print handle and contrasting band at the top will undoubtedly be a style staple that lasts for many summers to come.