Carrying one of the new Dolce & Gabbana 'One-of-a-Kind' bags means you were personally invited to one of a select few events at a D&G boutique, as that's the only way to get one. The collection includes 17 bags made of crocodile skin, pony skin, and suede in various combinations, and the warm, intense color schemes are meant to evoke feelings of the English countryside. Sizes vary from small to big and each bag in the collection is designed for women who want a favorite bag that they carry with them every day to every occasion.
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
Gallery: Blow Oversized Hobo Bag by Alexander McQueen
Sparkly and golden, this handbag is sure to make you feel like a rockstar as you make your entrance at whatever event you take it to. It's the Metallic Bracelet Bag from Roberto Cavalli and it's really a two-for-one handbag and bracelet. It features gold metallic leather with a gold bangle bracelet that can either dangle off the bag or dangle on your wrist. It has a clasp closure on the top and a shiny leopard print lining. This is the kind of bag that will make you feel beautiful no matter what kind of day you're having! $1,165
Despite it's deceiving simply shape, I think this VBH Oval Compact Clutch will still catch a lot of eyes because it's so unique. Its hard shell is described as being covered with "red gradiated python leather" but it looks like fuchsia to me (which isn't bad), and it also features silver metal hardware that includes some ornate trim along the top. The inside is lined with luxe suede and features a silver logo plaque. Certainly not a clutch that will go with very many dresses but certainly one that will make a statement when it does.
This bag looks a little dated to me (80's anybody?) but I'm not the fashion police (apparently this look is slated to come back 'in' this fall) and I love the name so thought it was worth featuring. Celine's "Watch Me Dance" Clutch bag is made of patchwork leather in bright color squares on a blue background. It features a flap front with a turnlock closure, an optional shoulder strap, satin lining, and a little padlock with key trinket that dangles off the back. $1,200
Yay! Three cheers for buying cute designer handbags and supporting charity at the same time! Artist and designer Julie Feldman has a gorgeous collection of handbags and has made several of them part of a charity effort called "Handbags for Humanity." Every time you buy a designated bag (on her website the eligible bags are marked with a special logo) a percentage of the profits are sent to various charities that are listed on the website and right now include Center Theater Group, Ellen's Run, Long Beach Women's Cancer League, and Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles.
Gallery: Julie Feldman's 'Handbags for Humanity' Handbags
Not the most summery of bags, but Versace's New Madonna Small Boston Bag is more of an "all year goes with everything" bag. Croc-stamped patent leather with a beautiful ombré effect is accented by darker contrasting leather trim and polished silver hardware. A very structured shape with lots of accents like zippers, metal rings, and silver stud details, with the interior featuring a satin lining, zip pocket, patch pocket, and cell phone pocket. It also has a flat base with metal feet and a zip top with a locking Versace pull tab. $1,775
Obviously I see a lot of handbags writing for Luxist and I can usually find something good about them all, but this is one I would truly love to own myself. I love to wear anything that comes in grassy shades of green, and this Ombré Chiffon Clutch by Stella McCartney does it just perfectly in my opinion. Blending from jewel-toned green to black, and looking ultra-feminine in delicately ruched chiffon, this clutch is an instant classic that's a lot more affordable than many other designer bags. Fastens with a zip closure and logo-embossed disc zipper charm along the top, and features satin trim. $395
What a happy, flirty evening bag this Hydrangea Roxie is by Julie Feldman. All of Julie's bags are handmade, and in the case of this one a pile of silk hydrangea petals are nestled decoratively on top of a black satin flowerbox-shaped evening bag. The Hydrangea Collection includes bags in white, baby pink, periwinkle, dusty pink, and purple, and each one features front magnetic snap closure and an attached shoulder strap that can be hidden inside when not in use. 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 8", $225.
Happy Fourth of July! What better way to accent your outfit and show off your patriotic spirit this Independence Day than with a stylish new handbag. Designed by Julie Feldman and described as an "Americana tootsie roll handbag" (now I'm craving candy) this classic and simple bag is made of distressed leather with two rolled leather handles and zip closure at the top. I love the earthy and worn looking stars and stripes because they're so much less obnoxious than the brightly colored versions, and make the bag that much easier keep using all summer. $490
The Dior Ethic Zip Tote is structured, feminine, and full of fun details like grommets and whipstitching around the seams, a pudgie little pocket on the outside front, and a set of dangling accents that include braided straps, a Dior-embossed heart, and a tassel. It has a zip top with a leather pull (the front pocket closes with a magnet), protective metal feet, a couple different pockets inside (including one for a cell phone), and a nylon lining. Everything you need and want in a tote! $1,150
This is one crazy looking handbag! Featuring three of the most difficult looks to pull off (fringe, zebra print, and rainbow colors) it's the very daring Fringed Zebra Baguette by Fendi. Just looking at it you're sure to have a smile on your face (whether you love it or are laughing at it!), and I suppose with all those colors it's probably pretty versatile when it comes to matching it up with outfits. Features include the multi-colored leather fringe, a removable leather shoulder strap, removable buckles, magnetic closure, and a suede lining. $5,420
This is a big tote that's proud of itself and isn't shy about announcing itself for all to see in big pink letters. Totes are great to have around for all kinds of things, and although this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag doesn't exactly fit into the "neutral" category it is made mainly of black and cream (which both go with a lot), and the concept of spicing up an outfit with a bright shot of color is always in (hence the hot pink!). Zip top closure, monogrammed lining, and 1980s vibe included. $170
Back in 2006 we covered the original Bayswater Bag from Mulberry and now we have an updated mirrored version. Flashy and bright, this bag is not for the timid (well, unless you're looking to get seriously bolder) and although it now had gold mirrored leather the bag still comes with all the great features of the original including my favorite: the flap closure with buckle that can be locked with the tiny padlock that comes conveniently hidden in the pouch charm that hangs off the handle (whether you use it or not miniature padlocks are always fun!). They show it here with a fall/winter outfit but I think metallics can be pulled off in any season. $1,595
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
