I've never considered a handbag could double as a self-defense mechanism, unless it had a brick inside or something equally heavy, but Alexander McQueen's Knuckle Duster Patent Leather Clutch would certainly bring more than a slap to an unwelcome visitor's body. Accenting the top ridge of this richly covered bag are skull and crystal rings in dark colors adding a subtle bit of glamour. The bag does feature more than protective embellishments such as a clasp closure, metal frame and leather lining.

Have you ever put your thumb through a ring connecting your handbag's handle to the body of the bag for protection from muggers along a busy street? Well just slip your fingers through these rings atop your clutch and I'd bet you'd deter any interested parties from attempting to swipe your clutch now. Enough violent fun for one day...

(7" x 41/2" x 2" for $1,595 at Saks)

There's no easier way to punch up an outfit than with a burst of bright color, and this jewel-toned blue number by Alexander McQueen is a perfect example of that. The Crystal-print Clutch is made of multi-colored satin twill printed in a geometric crystal pattern that's highlighted with silver hardware. Styled with a fold-over flap top that closes magnetically, it also features a zipped pocket on the back and a black-lined interior. Plus in true clutch fashion it has no strap, removable or otherwise. $540

How can you not love a bag that's described as "fringed and fabulous?" This Leather Woven Wishbone Shopper by Alexander McQueen earns that description and as a result must be carried with bold confidence or you won't be able to pull it off. The large slouchy shape of woven leather is accented with tassel fringing, silver wishbone rivets, stitched edging, and basketweave detailing on the front and back. It has a single handle on the top and is fully lined. A perfect break from the usual spring pastels and brights. $6,380

This is a bright, bold clutch that certainly will not go with anything. It's probably very limited in terms of what it will coordinate with, unless I'm being too close-minded or you're a lot riskier than I am in your fashion choices. But regardless of when or how you carry it, this Neon Panel Clutch by Alexander McQueen is sure to make a statement. Black patent leather with bright pink geometric panels give this bag its slightly retro vibe, plus its large size (13" x 7" x 3") means it will have plenty of room for stashing all of your essentials. $1,070

Runway fashion shows are fun because the styles are so extreme, and then it's always interesting to see how the designs get toned down later for sale to the mainstream public. The shoes in Alexander McQueen's Spring 2009 collection are no exception, providing lots of artistic flair and totally unwearable (in the real world anyway) style. My favorites are these crystal boots -- look at that gorgeous heel -- and my least favorites are these incredibly ugly and unflattering heels that are made to look like your toes are pressing through the leather. Yeah, gotta love the "my shoes are totally too small" look.

British fashion star Alexander McQueen has designed a limited edition "couture" bottle of Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Gold Signature Scotch for the holidays. McQueen's design features royal blue leather detailing and comes topped with a hand-enameled blue, red and gold cap.

"This is a piece of art which reflects the luxury and craftsmanship values of what haute couture is all about," McQueen tells Vogue UK. "You can see my signature 'stamp' with the blue leather 'dress' and the Union Jack colors. I have created a rare collector's item that those with an eye for design will want to keep."

Only 2,000 individually numbered bottles are being produced and will be available exclusively from deluxe UK department store Selfridges, for about $500.

Alexander McQueen's design for Samsonite's Black Label Collection has recently added a new holiday look in silver for the Hero Al1 and Travel Al2 pieces. The unique ribcage design of the Hero bag was inspired by the human torso which protects our precious internal organs and is complete with a backbone on the opposite side of the bag. Prices on the original pieces range from $775 to $900 but perhaps the metallic shell will increase the price...I'm not sure. This limited edition version will be released in November at all Samsonite stores. Check out the gallery for the rest of this great collection.

Vince, the brand that focuses on what it calls "luxe staples" --mostly cashmere sweaters and comfy separates -- has today launched its e-commerce site. Joining the ranks of recent designers flocking to the interwebs (including such high-enders as Alexander McQueen and Oscar de la Renta), Vince is attempting a more direct relationship with its customers, as it also opens a store in New York this winter. The brand opened two stores in Los Angeles recently on Robertson and Melrose Place.

Vince will also continue to be available at all the usual suspects, Barney's, Bergdorf's, Lane Crawford, et al.

I've mentioned Zappos Luxe Life before. Now and then I browse the store to see what's new in the Couture section, and recently I found a bag that I really like for fall. Usually Alexander McQueen is too way out for me, but I think this Western-inspired patent bag is great for the days when you break out the jeans and boots but want a nice bag to polish the look. The burgundy and gold bag is made of of patent leather. It's 14" wide across the bottom, 9.5" wide across the top, 5.5" deep and 10" high, enough room for wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick and personal technology. The handle drop is 5". Other features: a front exterior slip pocket, platform bottom, top zip closure and a luxurious interior lining with a back wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. Comes with a protective dust bag. $2,569; free shipping and returns from Zappos.

In all its envy-inspiring green python is Alexander McQueen's newest addition to the Elvie line, a framed tote with ladylike handles and gold hardware. Available exclusively at Net-a-Porter yet not to shoppers in California (where shipping python only makes for a fashionable six months in the county jail), the bag features a turn lock to secure its contents. It's lined in brown suede and has a small zippered pocket inside. The bag retails for $5,380.

If python isn't your thing (or endangered species are), you can find a black patent version over at Harvey Nic's.

This Trigger Shoulder Bag by Alexander McQueen looks sturdy and like it's designed for a busy woman on the go who uses the heck out of her handbags. It's sleek in black leather and has a slight military inspiration in the design, but a feminine touch can be found in the detachable gold and black plaited rope strap. It features studded trim, a decorative golden buckle, a press stud fastening, and protective feet. The interior is divided into two compartments by a small zippered pocket and (of course) it's fully lined. $2345

One of the hottest accessories around just went hot pink! Alexander McQueen's scarves have been dipped in pink and scattered with paisley to benefit Breast Cancer Care through Selfridges & Co's charitable Pinkridges event. The event runs from the end of August and the scarf will only cost £140 -- a small price to support one of the common diseases among women. Wear something beautiful with a message and you'll find that fashion has a fabulously pink lining. Who doesn't love pink?

Alexander McQueen -- bestowed high honors from the Queen herself as well as the late ruling monarch of fashion, Isabella Blow -- has just granted devotees across the globe, or at least those with functioning laptops, their wish come true: online shopping via his website. As of yesterday, McQueen's Autumn/Winter 2008 Collection is available for purchase online. Featuring seemingly life-sized models posing in various Fall looks, the site's menswear group appears en route to an obscenely chic hunting party in the English countryside. One can waste a good portion of the afternoon viewing catwalk video from the Fall show, each look an exercise in sleek, fashioned from luxe black tulle and mohair and often with intricate crystal detailing. Oh, and there's free shipping in the U.S. Same day messenger service available to Manhattanites. How befitting.

This Blow Oversized Hobo Bag by Alexander McQueen makes a heavy, dark statement but can still be pretty versatile I think. Probably best saved until fall, this bag features black stamped patent leather (it looks very 'slick') and gold hardware in the form of zippers and little hinges that hold the shoulder straps on. It has a button fastener on the top of the inside and a twill lining, and of course (being a 'hobo') it's positively HUGE, so there's plenty of room for whatever it is you need to tote around town. $2,100

The history of the illustrious London luxury goods maker known today as Swaine Adeney Brigg goes back over 250 years. They've been supplying various items to Britain's Royal Family for 200 of them, and as those monarchs tend to be a traditional lot, the firm has basically remained unchanged in all that time. However, even this storied, not to say stodgy, company has decided it's time to freshen things up a bit. They recently brought in Alexander McQueen's former accessories chief Dominic Laurelli as design director to give SAB a much needed facelift.

Laurelli's first creation is the new St. James luggage collection. Laurelli tells us he drew on the understated elegance of 1920s luxury travel and the great Coco Chanel for inspiration, and says the St. James line is intended to be "synonymous with both traditional English leather goods and contemporary, modern style" (two words seldom heard around SAB). The collection is made from a durable anthracite tweed-like fabric with a water resistant backing and bridle leather detailing.