The See by Chloe Backstage Crossbody is an unusual bag with a ton of functionality and a great shape.

This attractive little bag (10.75"W x 9.75"H x 3.5"D) is soft, buttery leather with snakeskin-embossed trim, a generous strap (21" drop) and a "look at me" logo in goldtone hardware. We love the "Backstage" name for it, as this is just the sort of thing we'd expect to see dangling from a runway model when she arrives for work or stuffed on the makeup table as she gets made up. The eye-catching color makes it easy to find post-show, too.

The drawstring closures are enhanced by a hidden magnetic snap, so even though it's a crossbody, you don't have to worry about pickpockets. Just worry about someone stealing the whole bag -- because it's gorgeous.

The See by Chloe Backstage Crossbody is available from Bloomingdale's for $470.00.

I like this bag, which is surprising since that big gold knob on the front kinda rubbed me the wrong way at first glance. It might be the pudgy slouchy shape, or the fun texture of the astrakhan-stamped leather, but either way this Hedda Stamped-Leather Tote would make a lovely addition to any handbag collection. Called a "forever bag" (and I have to agree) it's designed never to go out of style and features a front pocket under the flap, double zip closures on top with a flap pocket inside, and a detachable shoulder strap. $1,720

The Chloé Bowler Chain Handbag is a fabulously retro bag which will compliment this fall's speakeasy styles perfectly.

The chunky bag is 12" tall by 19" wide, with a "8" by 14" flat bottom" (does anyone else giggle when they read the measurements of a "flat bottom"?). That means it has space for your wallet, your camera, your portfolio and yes, even your bowling ball. In fact, this is the kind of bag that looks cuter with more stuff in it, so stuff away.

What's really great about this bag, though, is how modern the hardware is. The leather-stitched gold chain compliments the classic gold tone buttons and makes it clear that you didn't get this from your grandma's attic (not that there's anything wrong with that).

The Chloé Bowler Chain Handbag is available from Intermix for $1,795.00.

The Chloé Large Paraty Handbag is the perfect, simplified update to the Chloé Paraty Lambskin Shopping Satchel we posted in February.

While the bag stays true to the triangular theme of earlier Paraty designs, there's a lot less going on, and it totally works. The satchel's 5" handles are adorable and elegantly appointed -- we suggest removing the detachable strap. The contrast of the peachy pink color with the gold tone hardware reminds us of the 80s, in a good way -- it makes us want to put on tight jeans and frosty pink lipstick and go out looking for Richard Gere.

We just love the way this bag keeps its unusual shape and the softness of the monochrome leather. It also comes in a chocolatey brown.

The Chloé Large Paraty Handbag is available from Intermix for $1,995.00.

This is the Chloé Mira Shoulder Bag...what do you think? I'm undecided because although I like the overall look there's something wrong about those crystal embellishments. Other than that it's a generously sized bag in a fairly unique "skin-tone" shade of beige eggshell leather with a lighter, peachier interior lining. Other accents include gold hardware, including a gold chain shoulder strap and a weighted flap-over closure with a dangling golden charm. It sells for $3,900 and so do you think it's worth it? Love it? Hate it?

Velvet usually comes out of mothballs about once a year: the holidays. Other than that, the fabric that has always stood for wealth and luxury tends to spend more time on settees and chaises than on warm bodies. That is, until now.

Velvet's not so underground anymore thanks to European and American designers who used bolt after bolt of it in the fall 2009 collections. And each one has manipulated the short dense pile into much more than just eveningwear.

Ralph Lauren, Fendi and Bottega Veneta created velvet rose-colored cap-sleeved frocks, neutral strapless cocktail dresses and burnt-orange slouchy day dresses, respectively. Chloé, Sonia Rykiel and Ralph Lauren went for velvet harem pants, mostly in dark green and black. Gianfranco Ferré, Lanvin and Elie Saab blew fashion watchers away with their long black velvet gowns with structured cap sleeves à la the '40s.

Aquilano.Rimondi-a new talented design duo from Italy-draped, cut and sewed bright red velvet into a belted cocoon coat-dress that hits just above the knee. Superb.

But if two designers can turn velvet into a full-blown trend of the season, it's Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs. Interestingly enough, both fashion forces took some yellow with their velvet.

Jacobs ran with the '80s-the decade he first hit the fashion scene- with neon yellow cocktail dresses like the one pictured above. Another yellow cocktail dress wraps its wearer like a mummy in wide-bands of velvet. (Fergie took this look out for a spin on the red carpet recently, only in electric blue.)

Prada reached back to a darker mood in the '40s and came up with a more toxic shade of yellow. This disconcerting yellow hovering somewhere between poison and putrid was made into a deep V-neck and stitched to a tweed skirt. Burned-out velvet made appearances on double-breasted coats and V-neck dresses (sometimes awkwardly topped with fur).

Here's a pretty dose of neutral glam in the form of the Lamé Shoulder Bag by Chloé. Golden hues and opulence in every inch is the name of game here, with a simple fold-over design enhanced by subtle details like a delicate gold-tone double chain shoulder strap, logo-embossed (and uniquely designed) turnlock front closure, and shaped with just a couple of decorative seams to break the pattern of the fabric and add some interest. Lined in nude leather with a single interior pocket also featuring the Chloé logo. $1,250

If you haven't seen the gladiator sandal yet most likely you've been living under a rock. Whether it was inspired by 'Troy' and 'Gladiator' a few years ago or just a fashion waiting to be resurrected from a distant past the strap-covered sandal is a huge hit. No matter the color, high-heeled or flat, metallic or matte, the gladiator is the sandal of the season. Above is a High-Leg Gladiator from Ash fro $266. Other offerings from Farfetch bring multiple designers' views of this iconic shoe to one accessible place. Peruse the gallery to see the possibilities.

I can't help but laugh at the phrase "uptown tribal style" that Net-A-Porter put in its description of this Sally Shoulder Bag by Chloé. It's not that it doesn't fit (because it certainly does) but it's just such a blaring oxymoron that it gives me giggles every time I read it.

The bag itself combines a jungle green and black camo/safari print with canvas and a boxy shape that all contrasts nicely with a fold-over top made of sleek black Ayers snakeskin. Other features include goldtone hardware, full lining, and a golden double-chain shoulder strap. $2,560

The Chloé Paraty Lambskin Shopping Satchel is classically luxurious with a modern, triangular shape.

The polished black lambskin and polished brass chain link hardware give the medium-sized (15½"W X 10"H) purse a vintage feel, but the tapering of the details on the outside of the bag make the look new. The bag is lined in an elegant beige cotton, and has a top zipper accompanied by a detachable shoulder strap with a 16" drop.

This sturdy Italian-made bag has double top handles, giving it a clearly-defined, voluptuous shape, and would look excellent carried with a brightly colored coat or with next season's vintage layered fabric look. Pair with yellow or pink gold jewelry and jewel-toned shoes for a splash of color.

Available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,895.

Bright and bold, this is one of those designs that makes a person want to bend down and take a closer look -- what exactly is going on in there? It's the cut-out design and the shiny patent leather that gives this See by Chloé bag its contemporary edge (that's the multi-print lining showing through), while the 80s shape lets you indulge your craving for a little retro vibe. So be fashionably accessorized with bright crayola yellow this spring, and since it's a little retro it's a bag that will probably be in style for awhile. $400

Bright yellow is one of the colors for spring, a sunny dose of color in a gray world. The See by Chloe Night Out calfskin clutch is done in a color called Curcuma yellow (curcuma is the genus of the plant turmeric which is famous for imparting a golden color to curry and other dishes). The clutch has a flirty curve of silvertone hardware and a front flap magnetic snap closure. Inside there is a center divider, zip and cell phone pockets. It sells for $395.

Chloe's Heloise bags have one thing in common -- braided handles and luxurious leather. No matter which one you choose within the Heloise line you will certainly be making a stylish statement. Each has a slightly weathered appearance that strikes a rugged yet rich tone. Made in Italy with fine lamb leather and gold-tone hardware you can choose between these styles:

• Heloise Medium Shoulder Bag
• Heloise Shoulder Bag (pictured above in Vermillion - $2,030)
  
• Heloise Braided-Strap Bag
• Heloise North-South Tote, Large
• Heloise East-West Satchel, Medium
• Heloise Vinyl Tote

Check out the gallery below to really get a sense of these stunning handbags.

It's never too early to start planning your spring wardrobe especially when swimsuits are already greeting us in stores and excursions to the beach are only months away. Pair crisp oatmeal-hued canvas with soft olive-toned leather trimmings and a touch of golden hardware and you're describing Chloé's Andy Small Canvas Tote. The bag is complete with two petite exterior pockets, an inside pocket, fully-lined interior, long zipper closure and an expandable bottom. Grip the two handles atop the handbag and stroll out your front door to enjoy a day in the sun for $1,375. (14" x 9" x 6" with a 6" handle drop)

Luscious caramel-toned leather makes such a luxurious statement when adorning your arm during a day in the city or a last minute lunch meeting. Chloé's Heloise Hobo features a plaited leather shoulder strap, a small press-stud pocket on the outside, two interior pockets and a press-stud fastening to close. The handbag is large enough to carry all your essentials for $1,610. (13" x 16" x 5" with 4" handle drop)