Skip to Content

Hot on StyleList:

 

purse

BCBGMAXAZRIA Leather Bow Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BCBGMAXAZRIA Leather Bow BagThe BCBGMAXAZRIA Leather Bow Bag is an easy choice for a versatile evening bag.

This pretty bag comes in Bronze (shown) and Anthracite, and can be transformed into a clutch by removing the chain link strap. We love the metallic leather and subtly glam turnlock hardware -- it would be hard to find a dress this wouldn't complement.

The bag is lined in cotton, has an interior zipper pocket, and is a decent size at 10"W X 5"H X 2"D. That's large enough for a wallet, phone and some makeup or a camera, but small enough to be chic. Perfect.

The BCBGMAXAZRIA Leather Bow Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $228.00.

Botkier Orion Leather Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Botkier Orion Leather Shoulder BagThe Botkier Orion Leather Shoulder Bag is a surefire way to fight the winter doldrums with one of womankind's fiercest weapons: hot pink.

The name of this handbag suggests that it was inspired by the three stars of Orion's belt -- perhaps that's why New York house Botkier created a purse that can probably be seen from outer space. The lush Italian leather forms a fabulous hexagon which is just 5"W x 3½"H, and with a surprising 5" depth. It's essentially like carrying an enormous, gleaming jewel around.

We'd love to see this with a pretty white coat, or used as a last-minute way to jazz up a hopelessly boring outfit (it happens to the best of us).

The Botkier Orion Leather Shoulder Bag is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $275.00.

Paul Smith Georgina Handbag

Filed under: Handbags


The Georgina Purse by Paul Smith has ladylike elegance with a colorful bow and tassel for a modern twist. It's made of soft supple lambskin leather and accented with a gold tone frame and an inverted pleat. This petite bag lends itself for better use in the evenings or special events, but paired with a fashionable and casual outfit like grey skinny jeans, tall boots and a sweater, it could be the needed and unexpected statement piece for your outfit. $734.

Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Christian Louboutin Satin ClutchThe Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is like a handbag wearing a one-shoulder dress.

If you're heading to any holiday events in satin this year, pick up this little bag, which achieves an unprecedented asymmetrical elegance. The bag is so perfectly designed that even with its unusual shape, it appears demure and simple; no feathers or big jewels on the left detail. We feel relieved to see a Christian Louboutin clutch without that high heeled kiss lock closure -- we loved it at first, but we're tired.

This sophisticated Italian bag is lined in silk and will fit all your bare essentials at 10½"W X 4"H X 1"D. No cheating with this purse; there's no hidden chain. This is a clutch you could carry for years to come, and eventually pass down to your children.

The Christian Louboutin Satin Clutch is available from Saks Fifth Avenue for $795.00.

Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded SatchelThe Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel is a fabulous jolt to your wardrobe in black or this warm shade of pink.

The Studded Satchel has a rich texture in creamy quilted Italian leather with goldtone studs and hardware. We love the antique clutch shape -- made large in this iteration -- which makes the bag appropriate for both vintage and modern ensembles.

The bag is 8 1/2"H x 12"W x 2"D with a long leather strap; perfect for an entire day of shopping or a dinner-and-theater night. The studs keep its quaint design in check.

The Marc Jacobs Little Stam Studded Satchel is available from Neiman Marcus for $995.00.

Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Valentino Shining Flower Tux ToteThe Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is a whole new kind of handbag.

At first we weren't sure what to make of this style, the like of which we've never seen, but as we examined the details (and felt the ruffles), we ultimately decided that this is a brilliantly innovative new design.

While it's not always appropriate to wear a tuxedo (especially if attending an event with a man who's wearing a tuxedo -- that's a matchy-matchy disaster of hilarious proportions), the prospect of carrying a tuxedo is irreverent and delightful. It's also been a long time since we've seen a truly dressy, gala-worthy bag this large. You can actually fit things in this bag.

The Flower Tux Tote features black sequins, bright crystals, creamy rosettes and a black napa leather bow (a black tie, if you will). There's a lot going on, but it forms a cohesive whole we find creative and attractive.

The Valentino Shining Flower Tux Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $4,495.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 22, 2010.

Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth ToteThe Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is a fresh new take on the traditional tote bag, and one that will serve you well into the new year.

This bag won't arrive in time for the holiday parties, but it's just as well -- this bright white tote with rainbow stitching should be saved for 2010, when white (as well as beige, brown, and silver) will be everywhere and the splash of color will be much needed. We love the candy colors, the structured shape, and especially the eyelet details (but we'd leave that shoulder strap at home).

This bag would make a smashing holiday gift for someone who has everything; it's colorful and cheery, and there's something inherently luxurious about this much white leather.

The Diane Von Furstenberg Hayworth Tote is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $725.00, and expected to ship no later than December 17 (just in time for Christmas).

Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Dior Cannage Shoulder BagThe Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is a terrific holiday purse for merry days of shopping and candlelight dinners alike.

This Italian patent lambskin bag is ravishingly quilted in Dior's Cannage pattern, and not over-designed -- the shiny red is enough. While this would look great with black, we'd love to see this on the arm of a lady bundled up in a pretty white coat.

The bag features bright silvery chain links and a push-lock closure, and will be available in ecru with goldtone hardware in 2010. We love the leather detail at the top of the strap to protect your shoulders, hands and clothes from having to touch the hard metal -- how very considerate.

The Dior Cannage Shoulder Bag is available from Neiman Marcus for $1,750.00.

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy ClutchThe Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is a perfect holiday party purse. We challenge you to find something this season that it wouldn't match.

If you've recently discovered you have no good purses for this year's holiday parties, this is the ultimate solution. Its pouch-like, gathered shape in head-turning metallic golden-and-them-some leather and simple chain shoulder strap make it easy to wear and quite fetching.

The bag is 5"H x 9 1/2"W; just large enough for your necessities, and its scrunchy-soft texture makes it easy to carry, even without the chain.

The Lauren Merkin Diana Galaxy Clutch is available from Neiman Marcus for $195.00.

Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder BagThe Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is an unmistakably luxe choice for your spring wardrobe.

This fresh new design in a bright poppy rouge features generous silver chain links, oversized diamond stitching and dainty, only-from-a-French-design-house ruffle trim. The bag and logo hangtag are crafted from the finest lambskin, and the flap-top closes with an engraved silver push lock.

This spring, expect to see lots of silver, khaki, white and pale neutrals ... and this, as it will surely stand out if you see it coming down the street.

The Dior Ruffled Flap Shoulder Bag is available for pre-order from Neiman Marcus for $2,050.00 and is expected to ship no later than January 6.

Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie ClutchThe Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is a seemingly simple work of elegant mastery.

Firstly, in case you skipped the title and only look at pictures, this is not a tie, but a handbag. This clutch consists of two separated pockets, perfectly forming a 15" x 6 2/3" (approximate) bow tie. It's a bit larger than your average bow tie, but it would certainly be more than appropriate for any black tie event. No pun ... attempted.

This bag is "handmade from luxurious Duchesse silk satin," and features hidden brass zippers so you don't accidentally lose the contents. A purse like this may not be eye-catching at first, but as soon as someone notices it, they're sure to be pointing it out to people all evening.

The Alexis Mabille for CoutureLab Black Tie Clutch is available from CoutureLab for approximately $706.00.

Devi Kroell Twist Bag in Waxed Python, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Devi Kroell Twist Bag in Waxed PythonThe Devi Kroell Twist Bag in Waxed Python is a divine everyday bag for someone with a flair for the subtly unusual.

The overall shape of this Berry colored bag (it also comes in Coal and Black) is quite simple, but the second strap's twist is striking and graceful. At 15" x 6" x 26", this elegant handbag is large enough for work documents and sophisticated enough for the office -- but also interesting enough to bring along to brunch or dinner, as well.

There's something very harmonious about it.

Waxed python this fine looks great with everything (well, everything that also looks great; if you're wearing pink vinyl it can't solve your problems), and this Italian-made bag is an inspired example.

The Devi Kroell Twist Bag in Waxed Python is available from Devi Kroell for $2,590.00.

What Your Handbag Says About You

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags

Some women meticulously choose an outfit-coordinated handbag every morning, while others carry the same bag for months (or even years) until it finally wears out and falls apart. Because they're such a daily necessity and an ingrained part of our everyday lives, handbags say a lot more about their owners than just announcing their taste in fashion. Big, small, hobo, clutch, flashy or plain -- what is your handbag saying about you?

Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags denote a thoughtful, practical nature and careful decision-making.

Designer Label
Women that carry expensive, designer handbags enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).

Knock-Off Carrying a knock-off bag can say that you're putting a fake front to the world and not always being true to yourself. But at least you have good taste.

Clutch Those who carry a clutch or very small handbag on a daily basis don't need to have their entire life with them at all times and give off an "I am a jet-setter" vibe.

Over-sized
Large hobos and tote bags say that you don't want to ever have to go without. They say "I am prepared" and "I can take care of myself."

Flashy Bright, bejeweled, sequined, or otherwise very flashy bags denote confidence and a desire to be noticed.

Neutral Soothing, comfortable, neutral bags often belong to women with open, personable, friendly demeanors.

Do agree or disagree? What do you want your handbag to say?

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening BagThe BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag is a breathtaking take on the small black clutch.

Part goth and part Star Wars, we can't help but think that if Darth Vader had a purse, this would be it. That's not to say we don't like it; we absolutely love the BeaValdes shape, the enormous black crystals set in psychedelic circles of cut beads and the delicate size -- about 7" x 4" x 4 1/4". Even the base is covered in overlapping crystals and black and gold beads.

This bag comes with a dark metal chain so that you don't dull the crystals with your hand, and would be an amazing, noteworthy accessory for your very finest occasion.

The BeaValdes for CoutureLab Jet Stefani Evening Bag is available from CoutureLab; price available upon request.

Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag, Handbag of the Day

Filed under: Handbags

Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick BagThe Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag is an unexpected delight from the amazing collection at CoutureLab.com.

Where to begin? It's a bunch of sticks! Sort of. It's a handmade bag, lovingly constructed with real palm sticks, silk, diamonds, and gold. The palm sticks are harvested from bunches of coconuts, then cut in half and lacquered, and sewn to the shell of the bag. The edges are embellished with elegant gold leaf, and the bag is crowned with a multi-diamond encrusted bauble.

This striking bag would be hard to match perfectly to the right outfit; it would take a dress of character to stand up to the nature-meets-opulence of this design. Frankly, it might be best carried with jeans -- denim looks great with natural elements -- but to honor this museum-worthy creation, we'd hope they'd be nice jeans.

The Lotus Arts de Vivre Palm Stick Bag is available from CoutureLab for approximately $5,768.00.

Featured Galleries

A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Striking Time Watch
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos
Pilates in Heels: The Experiment
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique Platinum Watch
Bulgari Serpenti Watches
'Silver Zwei' Superyacht
'TV' Megayacht Charter
Villa Volpi
Volvo S60 Style