botkier

At first, the Botkier Essex Shoulder Bag looks attractive, but unremarkable. The bag measures 16.5" x 3" x 9" and has a wide shoulder strap that is secured with large gold loops at either end. Its supple green leather has an earthy quality to it that would pair well with jeans or a casual dress and the bag has a reinforced bottom that makes it sturdy and practical. Then, you'll probably notice that there is a large golden tusk (or claw) attached to a matching chain that is used to secure the bag's flap closure. The unusual accent gives the bag an edge that makes it sexy and unique. Price: $735.

Alliterative though the name may be, there is nothing particularly poetic about the Botkier Bianca Bella Bag, but it does have a softer look and feel than some of the fall bags released recently. It is made of black leather, but it is a soft lambskin, and the bag is unstructured with slight ruching at the front pockets, so there are no hard edges in the design. The bag has a narrow shoulder strap and a top flap closure, which fastens with a satin brass turn-lock. There are a total of 5 pockets on the bag, both outside and within the suede-lined main compartment, making it very practical as well as attractive. It measures 8"H X 11½"L X 3"W, the perfect size for a versatile, everyday handbag. $445.

A good tote bag is a summer essential. Why? People seem to carry around a lot more in the summer. Perhaps it is the long days and gorgeous weather, though it might be the spirit of summer vacation lingering from your school days, but once June comes around everyone has hats, books, three pairs of sunglasses, a bottle of water and sometimes an extra pair of sandals that they need to have with them at all times. After all, you never know when the opportunity to hit the beach might up.

The Coach Motif Tote is a fun, straw bag covered with bright appliques and accented with white patent and silver metallic leather. It coordinates perfectly with Coach's Mattie Wedge sandals. What's not to like? $358

Botkier bags are designed by Monica Botkier, a former fashion photographer who was looking for a stylish bag that was big enough to hold all her equipment. She had no idea that the Trigger Bag she created would launch her into a permanent place in the world of handbag design, with fans like Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow. This ocean-blue satchel is the Lexi Bag, a top-handled bag with plenty of hidden pockets and compartments to tuck away everything from keys to cellphones. It is made of soft, supple calfskin which, in Botkier style, is durable and long lasting. The metal studs on the strap make it seasonal, but with a bag this functional and easy to carry, it won't get relegated to the back of the closet any time in the near future. It is also available in five other colors, including black and white. Price: $645