This Chloé Joan Shoulder bag evokes feelings of both practicality and fun. You've gotta love a top that cinches up like this one does, and the equestrian inspired hardware, plus the colors are nice and neutral for fall without being boring. Opens at the top, of course, but it also has a somewhat hidden compartment on the front with a tasseled leather pull and zipper closure. The cinch-top is fun but since it doesn't close securely I'd have to be especially careful not to let anything spill out when I set it down. $1515
I like this shoulder bag because it's got a lot of style but isn't loud or impractical, plus it looks comfy and easy to use and to take care of (I love anything that looks low maintenance). The Marni Leather Shoulder Bag is made of soft green suede, bright silver hardware, and sides accented with a pretty shade of purplish-pink. It closes at the top with an oversized bobble push lock that shows through the flap via a cut-out, and the flap stays down with a clasp. $1,775
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
I never quite know what to do with this particular shade of blue, although they call it "midnight blue" to me it's more of a grey periwinkle that may be pretty but is also picky (as far as what it will coordinate with). But regardless this Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Shoulder Bag is especially nice in a soft and slouchy shape that features the intrecciato style and some large ruching detail up the middle. It also has a lush (albeit a little hot for summer) suede lining in taupe, and a zip-top closure. $1,950
Some bags are meant for specific occasions, some bags are meant to make a statement, and some bags are meant to be exceptionally stylish for a very short period of time. And still other bags are meant to be flexible, to do and to go wherever you need them. This Jimmy Choo Malena Shoulder Bag fits into that category. Stylish and neutral, this bag will carry your everyday essentials alongside your everyday outfits with ease. It features vanilla patent leather paired with suede, lots of buckles, a few zippers, and brushed brass detailing. $1,975
This bag is so unusual that you are either going be completely enthralled by it or wonder what in the heck they were thinking. I think I love it. It's flirty and fun with a double row of eyeleted leather ruffles in a gorgeous deep red. With all that going on, the rest of the bag is appropriately simple in every other way. Other than those pesky charms hanging from the shoulder strap, that is. Also available in an equally pretty black version, the bag sells for $1950.
In neutral taupe with pretty tortoise buttons, the Julia features a striking yet subtle snakeskin print. I love the extra wide straps and the matching trim along the top. With external patch pockets on front and back and decorative flaps on the ends, the bag has a nice, non-fussy look that would coordinate with most any outfit. Inside, it is lined in fabric and features zip, patch and cell phone pockets. Measuring 15½"W x 11"H x 4½"D, it has a zip top closure and is on sale right now for $312.99.
Obviously the animal print trend is alive and well in the handbag world. I, for one, hope it stays that way. Designers keep finding new and interesting ways to employ these exotic patterns and I never tire of them. This one takes the jungle print uptown with gold accents and the result is stunning. The metallic gold leather trim highlights the pretty curves of the flap and the detachable chain strap adds even more elegance to the shimmery satin bag. I am, however, just about over the charm trend. This one sports five, hanging from a gold ring on the side of bag. Measuring 11"W x 6"H x 2½D, the bag sells for $1390.
I am usually not a big fan of purple, but this dark violet shade is kind of nice. The grained lambskin just glows and you know it is going to feel as nice as it looks. Accented with just the right amount of gold-tone hardware, the bag sports Chloé's signature over sized zipper pulls and double rolled handles with an 8" drop. Inside, the bag is lined in canvas and features a zip pocket. Measuring 12"W x 13"H x 4" D, it is currently available for pre-order for $1,760.
It's not too early to start thinking spring. The new handbag collections are starting to make their appearances and I am loving what I see. Bright colors and fun patterns abound and it puts me in the mood to shop. And what says spring more than green? Prada calls this shade acquamarina and it gives this simple bag a fresh and clean look. Adorned with just one large pleat and a gold-tone logo, it is anything but fussy. Measuring 8"L x 9"W x 2"D, this calf leather bag is the perfect way to kick off the new season. $535.
Have you ever seen metallic leather look so much like actual metal? The trim on this bag has such a beautiful shimmer to it and it really pops against the dark brown leather. The classic shape is further highlighted with more metallic leather piping around the edges and some subtle pleating on the front. Measuring 16"W x 12"H x 6"D, the bag opens with double magnetic snap closures and has a 7" strap drop. $200.
If I had to choose just one bag to carry for the remainder of my days, it would be a bag like this. Large, sturdy and neutral. The vintage leather looks like it would just get more beautiful with wear and the wide strap promises to be comfortable when the bag is loaded up. The hardware is over-sized, but the brass blends nicely with the warm tone of the leather. On the back side, it has a handy open pocket and the interior features several more. Lined with Tattersall fabric, the bag measures 10" x 10" x 4" with a 14" strap drop. $448.
The last thing you want to do when the snow is flying is to break out your nice leather handbag. Snowbound fashionistas need something moisture-resistant and stylish, and this bag fits the bill. Made from Italian nylon (who knew there was such a thing?), the Skye bag sports good looks and durability. Trimmed in leather with tonal topstitching, the bag features brushed silver metal hardware and a long, flat shoulder strap as well as a shorter, rolled leather handle. Since we aren't worried about weather on the inside of the bag, the suede lining provides our leather fix. Measuring 14" x 9" x 5½", the nylon Skye bag is available in five colors and sells for $595.
Another shimmery metallic bag that manages to bypass gaudy and go straight to gorgeous. I love that the lambskin leather is thick and pebbled and almost completely unadorned. With just touch of gold-tone hardware on the straps and side buckles, the bag is uncluttered and sleek. A magnetic closure fastens the top and the interior is lined and features zipper and slide pockets. Measuring 20" x 16½, the 30" strap can be worn long or doubled for a more compact look. $450.
I usually find Dooney and Bourke bags to be a little stiff and boring. This one isn't all that exciting, but I like it for its simplicity. Clean lines, the sparing use of silver-tone hardware, and the neutral color make this satchel perfect for every day use. It looks quite rugged and up to the job of toting around the stuff you just can't leave home without. The cowhide leather is water repellent and the bottom has protective feet. Measuring 10½"H x 17"W x 8½" D, the bag features internal zip and cell phone pockets. It is also available in a pretty blue, but I think we've seen enough prettybluebags lately. $395.
