It may look a bit plain from the outside, but that isn't necessarily a bad feature for a bag like Bare's Reversible Bucket Tote, which is intended to be as versatile as possible. The bag has very soft leather both inside and out, in a light beige on one side and white on the other. Both sides, each of which can easily be turned to face out, have a zippered pocket on them. The handles of the tote are inset and are reinforced for comfort. It measures 20" L x 22" H. Price: $825.

If you are thinking about going skiing or up to the mountains this winter, a shearling bag is the best kind to take. Not on the slopes, of course, but shearling always look stylish and snuggly in cold, snowy places. This is the Borbonese Reversible Shearling Bag, with a soft, cream-colored shearling on one side and supple sheepskin on the other. To make the act of turning the bag inside out less of a hassle, the purse has double rolled leather handles that attach to loops at its top edge, which has a drawstring closure. The bag measures 4.75" x 11.75" x 5.5" and the straps have a 10" drop. Price: $1,500.