Are you ready for New Year’s Eve? Considering the fact that I haven’t even finished my Christmas shopping, I guess you could say I am not quite ready. However, I can’t help but think about which outfit I might wear and of course which handbag I might tote along. When it comes to New Year’s eve I like to carry something a little flashy, a little sparkly. So, what about the Marc Jacobs Eugenie Wristlet Clutch as an option? For me, this is a no-go. Between the shape and the glitter studs, I just feel like this handbag looks like it was just thrown together at the last minute. I am all for slouchy bags and even clutches, but this doesn’t work. The silver leather clutch with four large glitter studs, does have an open pouch pocket at the front, a zipped pocket on the inside and is fully lined. I guess you might be able to say that there are a couple pluses, but all in all, this is not a clutch for me. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $595.

There are times when I simply don’t feel like carrying a handbag. I guess you could call refer to those as my minimalistic days. So, when I am in that kind of mood, all I want to grab as I head out is something that holds the bare essentials and might be able to fit my phone and keys. The Shih Diego Toto would be perfect. Although it is classified as a wallet, I think there is plenty of room to add my phone and a key or two. This high-gloss patent leather wallet has a bit of stud detailing which comes together for a chic and modern look. The zip around closure includes two expanding pockets, one slip pocket, one zip pocket and several slits which can hold credit cards, IDs and such. And a nice little bonus - satin lining. Do you ever feel like you’re having a minimalistic day? What would you carry? Buy this option through Bluefly for $79.20.

You know that the holidays have infiltrated your life when you start to look at handbags and something very holiday specific comes to mind. Honestly, when I first saw the Furla Gigante Karolina Tracolla Hobo I though, hmmmm, doesn’t that look like Santa’s Bag? I know, I know, it sounds silly, but I figured I would share that with you. Ok, now for the handbag. This large tone-on-tone stitched red suede handbag is accented with golden hardware. I am definitely one who tends to gravitate towards slouchy bags. This bag demonstrates how an unconstructed shape can work. I feel like there is a delicate balance between a cool, slouchy look on a handbag as opposed to a handbag that looks like material has just been thrown together, a handle attached and that is that. As much as I love suede, I don’t like the maintenance that is usually required. I am after all, a no-nonsense kind of gal. However, if I made sure to take proper care of a suede bag, this is one I would consider purchasing. Buy through Saks for $545.

How exciting - yet another handbag up for grabs. As the Hayden Harnett giveaway is getting ready to wrap up, another giveaway is kicking off. This month, the eBoutique stefaniBags is sponsoring the giveaway. We’ve had the pleasure to talk with Monica, the founder of stefaniBags and her site really has some fabulous designer handbags to choose from. We’ve featured Foley + Corinna handbags before and many of you have raved about them. So, we were thrilled when we found out that our December giveaway would feature a Foley + Corinna handbag. We have the bag here in our office and let me say, it really is as versatile in person as it looks in the image. Read up on the details below to see how you might be able to add this handbag to your collection!

What you can win: Foley + Corinna Jet Setter Jr in black

How to enter: Visit the stefaniBags website and enter your favorite designer the site carries in the comments section below.

Details: The giveaway will run Tuesday, December 2, 2008 and will close Friday, January 2, 2009 at 5 pm EST.

GOOD LUCK!!!

It looks like I’ve been finding a lot of clutches lately. I guess that is no surprise, my eye seems to always be drawn to them. Yet, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Magazine Leather Clutch has a different look and feel than many of the other clutches I’ve written about lately. The oversized fold-over clutch offers a hip, young, and unique spin on a clutch. Pastels typically remind me of spring and Easter eggs, but this pastel orange is one that even I could see myself carrying (I typical steer away from pastel handbags). The clutch has a zip top compartment with contrast print lining - always a plus - as well as smaller internal pockets. Does the leather look as soft to you as it does to me? I also love the slouchy feel of this handbag. Although the light color makes me wonder how quickly I could get it dirty, it might be worth giving a try. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $350.

I’m going to state that from the get go I am not really sure if this bag is for me. However, I absolutely love the color. The MZ Wallace Bea Shoulder Tote has me thinking about earth tones and luscious caramel. As you have probably noticed, I am constantly on the look out for a functional yet fashionable day to day handbag. I do love exotics and specialty bags as much as the next person, but I seem to think I can never have enough day to day handbags. However, with this one, I am not so sure I would add it to my closet. The color is about the only thing I really like. The patent leather handles against the nylon just doesn’t work. Sure, the size is perfect for day or night time use, but I just don’t see myself carrying it. What about you? Do you think I am missing something here? Buy through Luna Boston for $375.

As much as I love writing about clutches and handbags that I think would be perfect for the holiday season, I also love bringing you clutches that can without a doubt be carried any time of the year. This Dooney and Bourke Patent Foldover Clutch looks like it will transcend seasons. There isn’t anything too flashy or over the top. The clutch is simple, sleek and has a nice hint of sophistication. I am not usually the kind of person who carries clutches during the day. But if you are, this is one can go with a casual daytime outfit just about as easily as with an outfit you might wear out on the town or to catch a show. The purple patent leather looks great on this clutch. If you want a different look, just put the detachable shoulder strap to use and there you go. Buy through Zappos for $155.

I am going to be perfectly honest here. At first I really just wanted to write about this handbag because of the name, Meagan. Now, I am sure all of you know Megs, my sister whose full name is the long, drawn out Irish version, Meaghan. Although all versions of Megan seem to be pretty popular, there’s always something a little fun about a handbag with your name in it (even if it isn’t spelled exactly the way you spell it). Ok, now that I said that, on to the handbag itself.

The Tory Burch Straw Meagan Tote has me dreaming about summer already. This tote makes me think pools, beaches, boats, mixed drinks and hanging with some of my favorite people. I have to say, although there are always several totes to choose from as the warmer months approach, I can’t always seem to find a bag that suits me. This one does. The straw tote with canvas panels say I am beach ready while the topstitched patent banding and stud detail say I’ll look good at the poolside bar. I am a huge fan of resort totes that don’t seem too beachy or too fancy for the beach - it has to be the perfect combination of the two. I think this tote gets at what I am talking about. What kind of beach tote do you carry? Buy this one through Shop Bop for $450.

There are a few things about the holiday season I love. One of them would have to be all the parties, gatherings and events. The holidays are a perfect excuse to get together with friends and family and celebrate a bit. As much as I love hanging out and seeing everyone, I also love to see what they are carrying with them. You all know how much I love a great clutch, so I am definitely one who sports many different clutches during this time of year. The Kotur Dabo Python Clutch would be fun and fashionable to tote around. The petite python box clutch has gorgeous Swarovski crystal closure and brocade lining. Obviously, you won’t be able to fit a ton of stuff in here, but there is definitely enough room for your holiday party essentials. Buy through Singer 22 for $440.

There are certain designer names that when spoken about you have a clear vision of what to expect. This is how I feel about Badgley Mischka. Anytime I hear that name, I instantly think class and sophistication. And actually, I also think that I probably can’t afford it. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find the Badgley Mischka Platinum Label Sofia Small Flap Shoulder Bag. The steel gray leather looks gorgeous and I absolutely love the silvertone details you find on the handle. Although I probably wouldn’t use the shoulder strap, I do appreciate having options. This is without a doubt the kind of handbag you can transition from day to night in a snap. The bag is big enough to carry your daytime essentials yet not too big so that you would have a hard time figuring out how or where to stash it when you are out grabbing drinks with some friends. Buy through Saks for $325.