$200 - $399

With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching I keep thinking about what wonderful clutch I am going to carry that night. For me, the kind of New Year’s Eve handbag I will carry is a no brainer - a clutch, obviously. However, what *kind* of clutch is a completely different story. Do I let my outfit do the talking and use a bit of an understated clutch or do I let my clutch do the talking and wear an outfit that is a little less flashy? I think the Lauren Merkin Eve Moon Rock Clutch is the perfect combination of the two. The shape and size of the clutch is perfect for a fun night out while the color is popping. And this gorgeous gold color is found not only on the outside of the clutch but also on the inside lining. There are definitely times where I go back and forth about if I should go with gold or silver. If you are more of a silver kind of person, check out the Lauren Merkin Eve Metallic Clutch for a similar option. But you know, the great thing about the Moon Rock Clutch, you can use it year round, not just for your New Year’s bash. Buy through Luna Boston for $200.

So, I realize I just wrote about a tote gone wrong. As soon as I turned around I found myself pleasantly surprised with a tote gone right, the Carlos Falchi Velours Suede East West Tote. I will start off by saying I have two issues with the handbag. The color, white, can just get dirty too easily. And suede, I am just not always good at keeping it clean. So, as you can see, those are two personal issues, but if I can learn to keep white clean and take care of a suede handbag, this would be a great choice. Carlos Falchi certainly puts together some gorgeous bags. This one has dual woven handles, a snap closure, and is lined with a dark, rich pattern. I think the dark lining is a great contrast against the soft white suede. And in true tote fashion, there is ample room for whatever your daily essentials might be. Buy through Zappos for $290.

Isn’t it funny how things from your childhood are ingrained in your memory? When I came across the Anya Hindmarch Viola Wicker Clutch, I instantly remembered a chair with a wicker base my parents had in their house. When Megs and I were young, we would sit there and poke our fingers through the wicker holes. For whatever reason, that seemed to keep us entertained for quite some time. However, I am not sure this clutch would keep me entertained for very long. I do like the casual feel of the clutch, but I am not sure I am a fan of much else. Over time, I worry that the wicker might start to fray and the last thing I want is to be carrying a handbag that could potentially snag my skin. Again, I can definitely see someone sporting this in the spring or summer, but I think it would be one of those handbags you use a few times and then it makes its way into the depths of your closet. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $355.

When it comes to holiday dinners with the family does your family dress up or keep in casual? Our family tends to keep it casual and pretty laid back. With our extended family strewn across the country, Christmas dinner is limited to our immediate family; so, I can see how we remain pretty casual. However, I’ve always kind of wanted one of those dinners where the entire family heads over to grandma’s house for a holiday meal. If I were to attend a dinner like that I would have to carry along a nice handbag. The Michael Kors Woven Raffia Clutch might work. The red woven raffia clutch with gold frame has a clasp fastening on top and gold leather lining. I like how this clutch could work in a festive atmosphere as well as throughout the year. I can’t quite decide if I think the clutch looks too textured or not, but it does look like it could be fun to carry around. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $350.

We can’t all carry an exotic handbag everyday. I know there are some of you out there who have loads of exotic handbags - lucky - but the good thing is that you can get a similar look, for less. Of course a croc embossed handbag doesn’t come close to the real thing, but there certainly are a few out there I wouldn’t mind toting around. The Dooney and Bourke Croco Large Hobo could be an option. The hobo style shoulder bad is made of crocodile-embossed leather and comes in a variety of colors. Here, the red looks absolutely stunning. Yet, if you aren’t a red handbag kind of person, pick up the bag in black, brown or honey. The hobo shape is classic and clearly you have plenty of room for just about anything you might carry around during the day. If you were in the market for an exotic handbag, would you hold out for the real deal or buy something like this instead? Buy through Zappos for $285.

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.

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.

Personally, I am a fan of metallic handbags. There is something edgy, chic and downright eye catching about metallic handbags. The Kooba Gemma Tote is no exception. I’ve had my eye on this handbag for a little while now and I thought it was high time to write about it. The rose gold metallic leather tote has the right combination of girlie and edgy. Hinge detailing and the buckle strap work well together. Kooba puts together some really great totes. There is always plenty of room to store what you need to without the bag seeming too bulky or awkward. I am all for large totes, but not when they are so large they become a burden to carry. I hate walking around and having my bag bump into my surroundings. This tote is a great size. I think the only thing I worry about is if the color will become outdated too quickly. What do you think? Buy through Bluefly for $328.95.

Oh, and speaking of Kooba, make sure you check out the Kooba Blake handbag today over at Purse Blog. It is day 5 of our 12 Days of Handbag Giveaways and you can enter to win!

Over the weekend we had the chance to meet Tory Burch while she made an appearance at her Bal Harbour store in Miami. It is always great to meet the designer behind the brand. At the same time we were lucky enough to meet one of the creative designers behind the handbag line. Of course we talked shop a bit and I bet this is one of the reasons why the Tory Burch Kerry Resin Clutch popped out when I came across it. Tory Burch handbags always seem to look sleek to me. This handbag is no exception. The resin clutch comes in tile blue and poppy coral. Both of these colors pop and would add a nice splash of color to your outfit. I do like how the clutch looks textured. I can see myself practically strumming it as I carry it. And of course, the clutch is topped off with the ever so recognizable logo medallion. Buy through Shop Bop for $335.