I know, I know. That’s a lot to ask of a brand when they’ve got so many other folks against which to compete. But really, leather as show-stopping and finely tanned as that on the Gryson Ariel Satchel is something more people should be using. It’d be unfair for them to keep it to themselves.

Because really, how gorgeous is this leather? It looks like it’s a material that wants to tell you something about what it’s seen in life, rather than just sit there and look innocuous and pretty. And who doesn’t love a bag with something to say? But the texture doesn’t distract from the overall design, it adds to it, and the mark of a good designer is being able to deal with a raw material that has lots of personality. Buy through Luna Boston for $795.

With a new material and a new color however, Gryson’s lovely painted finish makes a much different impression on the Gryson Painted Eel Olivia Bag.

Gryson couldn’t have chosen a better color to showcase the subtle variations of her painted finishes than this deep wine red. The depth of color keeps it from looking sloppy, but it’s just light enough to show the dimension and subtlety of the paint. If she had gone with a bright instead, it would probably have looked shoddily done and unfinished, but burgundy keeps things classy. Featuring eel, one of fashion’s most affordable exotics, was also a great touch. Buy through ShopBop for $995.

But I can’t quite figure out why the Gryson Painted Violet Bag is advertised as such – does it look painted to you? I’m having a hard time seeing any special effect at all. If I’m missing something, please enlighten me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the bag. Quite a bit. But if we’re going to talk about painting, I’d like to see a bit more of a dramatic effect, particularly since I have questions about how well a painted finish, as opposed to a dyed one, will wear over time. If it might not last as long, you might as well get the visual bang for your buck, right? This looks exactly the same as distressed dyed leather, and most handbag enthusiasts are used to doing what’s necessary to care for that kind of color process.

But other than that, I kind of adore it. The lines are modern and not too finished, giving it a young, edgy vibe that probably appeals to exactly the kinds of girls that Gryson wants carrying her bags. And whether it’s painted, dyed, or color with voodoo, the bag’s leather looks phenomenal – soft but textured, tough but not too tough. Regardless of the specious nature of the painted effect, sign me up for this bag. Buy through ShopBop for $755.

So if you’re looking for a great everyday bag, maybe consider the Gryson Tutu Convertible Satchel. The leather looks exceptionally soft and matte, plus the dark charcoal grey color is a great compromise for people that want a neutral that will take them through fall and winter but don’t want to buy another black bag. The leather looks thick, which may make the bag heavier than desirable, but if your arms get tired than it comes with a crossbody strap that will give you a bit of a rest. For those like me that aren’t a big fan of extra straps, it appears to be completely removable. Gotta love options, right? Buy through Saks for $668.50.