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 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
Kate Spade's "store opening totes" is a collection of 7 individually designed canvas tote bags created in commemoration of the opening of several new Kate Spade stores around the country. Each bag is available in a limited edition of only 50 and is not only designed in honor of its specific store's location (this "stop and smell the roses" bag is representative of its store's home in Portland, Oregon) but is also only available in that individual store for purchase. So if you're looking to have a collection of all 7 bags you better get ready for a cross-country travel spree.
This artificial crocodile design representing the Everglades in Florida is my favorite.
I like this Versace Stamped Croc Darling Tote because it's neutral, it's generously sized, it has a nice relaxed shape, and (perhaps best of all) it has straps that convert it for backpack wear and side ruching that can be unbuckled to increase capacity. A very real and useful convertible bag. It also has a healthy dose of style from slightly iridescent crocodile leather, gold metal hardware, and a satin lining. It also features metal feet, loads of pockets (most of them with zipper closures), and padded leather handles. $4,335.
Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta is famous for its signature collection of hand woven leather goods, the simple clean lines make them some of the most in demand bags season after season. The newest addition to the Intrecciato line, is the over sized tote. Perfect for the beach or an over night get away, this bold summer bag makes a splash with its red patent leather body and brass detailing. A peek inside shows soft camel suede lining and a pocket that zips shut. Bottegas never come cheap, this being no exception, retail price is $2,680! A worthwhile splurge, it will last you for decades.
Are you suffering from campaign fatigue? Tired of seeing Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama duking it out on TV? Me too. But here's a bright spot: You can support the Democratic Party and make a fashion and political statement with the Change tote bag from Alexis Hudson. Company designers Rachelle Copeland and Emily Ironi teamed up with Los Angeles artist Greg Miller to create the bag.
"The Change bag is designed for everyone who believes in hope, change and the Democratic party," said Copland. "It's a real statement piece!" Ten percent of proceeds from the sale of the bag will support either Clinton's or Obama's race against John McCain. The bag will be available at alexishudsoninc.com for $95 starting in mid-May.
Alexis Hudson offers a range of really nice bags, though much more expensive than the Change bag, in the Spring '08 collection (see a few below).
Loeffler Randall's Calfskin Tote comes in a beautiful shade of bright neutral, is of appropriately generous toting size, and is designed in a simple but still interesting shape in soft calfskin leather. Other features include my favorite of a flat base with metal feet (I always love it when I can set my bag down and not have it constantly tipping over), hidden pockets on the front and back where the seams criss-cross, and a golden nameplate on the inside along with two patent-trimmed patch pockets. $685
Mommies on the move love the Lucas Stroller Tote by Hedvig Bourbon! With a unique design that allows the leather straps to hook around the handles of your stroller, you can easy and quickly convert this over the shoulder purse to a convenient stroller attachment. Genius! With several large pockets to help organize all your baby paraphernalia (diapers, wipes and bottle) and a smaller pocket for a cell phone and car keys, everything you need is right at your fingertips. It even comes with a matching changing pad! They truly thought of everything when designing this must have mommy bag. Available online for $265.
I am not sure why this bag could not have been done in leather, but it wasn't. The material is PVC over nylon mesh and the only leather on this bag is found in the trim. Still, it is an eye-catching pattern and a totally retro look. With just a touch of gold-plated brass hardware where the straps fasten to the bag, the busy pattern is all you notice. The bag is open at the top and features gold nylon lining and interior cell, utility and makeup pockets as well as a key clip. Also available in white, the bag measures 14 ½"H x 9"W x 5"D and sells for $450.
Have you ever seen metallic leather look so much like actual metal? The trim on this bag has such a beautiful shimmer to it and it really pops against the dark brown leather. The classic shape is further highlighted with more metallic leather piping around the edges and some subtle pleating on the front. Measuring 16"W x 12"H x 6"D, the bag opens with double magnetic snap closures and has a 7" strap drop. $200.
I like this bag, but it is one of those rare occasions where the back side looks better than the front. The silver-tone hardware looks sharp against the turquoise leather, but the abundance of leather fobs hanging around is distracting. There is lots of storage in the front zippered pockets and an interior zip pocket, and the wide strap is adjustable canvas. The other side of the bag is plain and simple - just a large expanse of pretty turquoise leather. The bag opens with a zip top and features black canvas lining. Measurements: 15½" W x 15 ½" H x 6½" D. $1405.
Who would like to get a bag full of money for Christmas? Me! Although I'll be honest and say I'd like it much better if it wasn't just full of $1 bills like this 750 Swag Bag from Money. But it's a good looking all-purpose leather tote bag that would make a great gift for almost anybody. Made of fine Italian leather, it features 18k gold-plated zips from Japan, the cute gorilla logo in an understated outline and, of course, an inner lining made of genuine $1 bills. A true "money bag." Plus you can always grab a dollar if you need a pack of gum or something and don't want to use a card. £799
I feel the need to go somewhere warm right about now and this bag would be perfect for the trip. It's a beautiful warm red color and the ruching detail adds tons of character. Measuring 17.7"L x 5"W x 11.8"H, it is big enough to hold the travel necessities, including a good book or two. There is plenty of organization options with two angled zip pockets on the front and zip, cell and PDA pockets inside. Also available in black, it is practical and pretty and just begging to be taken somewhere. $1690.
I've been trying to decide which handbag I will be asking Santa to bring me this year. I am in the market for a bag that is large, durable and goes with anything. I have it narrowed down to a few, including this one. While it is also available in a gorgeous denim blue suede with gunmetal hardware, this black leather with oxidized copper hardware is better suited for every day use. The pleating at the bottom adds a casual softness to the bag and I love the detachable braided chain strap. In fact, why would you ever want to detach it? Lined in logo jacquard, the bag measures 15 ½"H x 13 ½"W x 6"D and features interior zip and cell phone pockets. $585.
There is something familiar about this bag that I can't quite put my finger on. I feel I've seen the color and the top-stitched handles before, but the elongated shape is definitely fresh. A roomy 15" x 12½", the bag sports gold-tone hardware and an interesting braided detail. What I like best is the wide 11½" straps. A bag this size can get pretty heavy when loaded and that extra support makes it a lot easier on the shoulder. With a magnetic snap closure, the interior has both zipper and cellphone pockets. $418.
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 
