Let’s go ahead and get the obvious out of the way here: I’d like this bag better if it wasn’t black. Although the black sorta works here, in a rich, wintery way, and a black bag is an essential, if not exciting, part of most women’s wardrobes. The Antik Batik Gossip Big Bag strikes me as a perfect bag for double duty: stylish enough for weekends, practical and roomy enough to take to a job that might require the occasional toting of files. I also wouldn’t be embarrassed to end up out on the town with it, and it looks like if I ended up sleeping at a friend’s place after a few too many, it might be soft enough to stuff and use as a pillow. And I’m all for late-night, multiple-use bags, aren’t you? Buy through Shop Bop, now on sale for $224.

The Holidays are knocking at our doors and it is time to buy great gifts for those we love. If you want to find a handbag for someone you love and are looking to spend less than $500, we have come up with a great selection. We put together a list of our favorite Holiday Picks from Net A Porter, which include bags that are marked down further right now as well. Happy Holiday shopping!

I know many of our recent posts have revolved around the holiday season, but hey, what do you expect? Tis the season, right? Anyways, you know how I feel about handbags that are a tad on the smaller side yet boast a shoulder strap - I’m usually not a fan - but that is just my personal preference. Well, if you live in a big city, you know how everyone tells you, especially during the holidays, to keep your handbag as close to you as possible. In this case, a handbag with a shoulder strap, like the Gryson Tessa Shoulder Bag would be a great option. First of all, the bag is not big and bulky which really equates to “easy to grab”. And the shoulder strap is adjustable so you can sport this on your shoulder or across your body, totally up to you. This is one of those handbags that doesn’t have anything that really jumps out at you, but it is practical and actually looks pretty good too. So, big city or small city, do you find yourself being a little more cautious about which bag you carry while shopping? Buy this handbag through Saks for $425.

While I was out on the West Coast I had the chance to head down to San Diego and check out the Gustto offices. It was great to be surrounded by people who clearly have a passion for what they do. I was able to check out where they keep all their bags (seriously it was like a little piece of heaven) as well as meet with some people on the creative side of the table. Although I know it happens, I can’t believe designers are already seasons ahead of us right now! As I came across the Gustto Baca Bag I was reminded of the time and attention to detail I saw going into the upcoming designs. This bag screams fun. The pebbled leather, metal ring detail, and gold hardware come together as a handbag that can be carried by such a wide variety of women. I can see someone young grabbing this as they run out to meet up for happy hour just as woman a bit older picks up this bag in order to add a bit of spice to her wardrobe. I absolutely love when I think I’ve found a handbag that might be able to transcend generations. Even if you don’t find yourself craving this particular Gustto bag, definitely keep your eye out, they are putting out some amazing handbags! Buy this bag through Shop Bop for $695.

There is something about a simple, classic, understated yet fabulous handbag. The Michael Kors Sutton Patent Clutch definitely captures this look. Yes, I know, it is a white clutch and it is way past labor day, but it is none-the-less amazing. The white patent leather is clean and gorgeous while the gold-tone buckle is eye-popping. Another plus would have to be the small pouch on the inside and gold contrasting lining. You know I am always a little hesitant to buy white handbags in fear that I will just get them dirty in no time, but this is a white clutch I’d be willing to give a try. Back to the white rule. We all know that although white after labor day is usually a big no-no, there are plenty of shades of white worn throughout the winter months. What are the chances you could be interested in pulling off this clutch post-labor day? If so, buy through Net-a-Porter for $595.

Have you recovered from Black Friday yet? Perhaps you spent most of your weekend catching up on some rest and trying to gear up for Cyber Monday. For as many amazing deals you might have come across last week, even more deals keep popping up. Bluefly is no exception. Today, you can receive an additional 15% off of your purchases. This brings in a grand total of 60% savings on some purchases. Head over to Bluefly and see what you find - I am sure you are bound to find something that kicks your December off to a great start!

Let’s be honest, it is always nice to have a little incentive when you are dropping loads of cash. And it is no surprise that we all spend quite a bit of money in a short amount of time during the holiday season. Over at Shop Bop, they entice you to spend more in order to get some off: spend $250 and get $50 off, spend $500 and get $100 off, spend $1,000 and get $250 off and finally, spend $1,500 and get a whopping $500 off. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Check out Shop Bop and see how you can buy and save!

If you have been checking out Purse Blog today, you’ve noticed that we are bringing you an assortment of sales. As Black Friday plugs away, I am sure if you aren’t out and about with the rest of the masses, there is a good chance you are doing a bit of online perusing. There are some fabulous deals and steals going on over at Bluefly. Click here to see how you can get up to 40% off your purchases!

Last week while out in LA, after a long day of amazing meetings, I had the chance to hit up a new hot spot for dinner. One of my fabulous contacts over at Luxaholics suggested we check out Shin for dinner, a restaurant they covered not too long ago. The ambiance was amazing and the food was good. For those of you out in the LA area, definitely check it out. But, this post isn’t about the restaurant, it is about the clutch Steph carried, an elegant yet chic Tory Burch Flap Clutch. I almost forgot how much I like the sleek look this clutch boasts. In fact, when we first sat down to eat I could barely keep my eyes off the clutch because, well, I kind of wanted it to be mine! I’m not one for logos slapped all over handbags, but the oversized Tory Burch metal logo medallion is a great accessory and not an eye sore. The glazed leather clutch has a curvy and stylish look and feel to it. Another plus, the clutch isn’t too dressy - you can wear it just as easily with a casual outfit as you can an outfit you might wear out on the town. If you need a little more texture in the clutches you carry, check out the Tory Burch Resin Clutch Megs covered over at Purse Blog. But, get this look through Nordstrom for $295.

Coach handbags, oh how I have a special place in my heart for them. For both Megs and I, our first designer handbags were Coach handbags. Now, as my taste and knowledge of designer handbags has evolved, there have definitely been times when I find myself on the fence looking at Coach bags. The Coach Amanda Satin Mini Satchel is one that I think I would place on the “liking” side of the fence. It is classic, sophisticated and has an ever so slight hint of edge to it. Now, this purse comes in several colors, but I am featuring the “grass” color because, well, it is different. I think I would opt for the double handles as the means to tote the bag around, so luckily the shoulder strap is removable. I don’t always know how I feel about satin bags because to be honest, they can just snag so easily. Yet, here, I like the polysatin with leather trim - the combination works. What do you think - is Coach able to compete with some of your favorite designers? Buy through Nordstrom for $268.