$400 - $599

What came first, the chicken or the egg? It is no shock to anyone out there that designs (especially when it comes to fashion and handbags) are replicated. Sometimes on purpose and sometimes not. But, I have to say, I can’t help but wonder when I come across a bag that reminds me of something similar if there is any relation. The Miu Miu Stamped Leather Clutch is fabulous. The orange glazed stamped leather clutch is adorned with gold tone hardware and comes with a zip top and detachable shoulder strap. Use the shoulder strap during the day as you run errands or take it off as you head out to meet some friends for a couple of post-work drinks. The handbag might be too small for me when it comes to day time running around, but if you are able to pack everything in, I say, go for it.

But, back to my original thought, this clutch reminds me of something else, say, the Furla Nausicca Xsmall Top Handle Bag I wrote about a while back. Sure, there are noticeable differences and I definitely wouldn’t mistake one for the other, but if you are anything like me, you can see the glaring similarities. So, do we chalk this up to a trend or something else? I’m just curious. Get the Miu Miu clutch through Net-a-Porter for $420.

Just yesterday I wrote about the Dooney and Bourke Large Croco Hobo. During this post I posed a question about whether you would rather wait for a real exotic handbag or if you would go for something like a croco embossed handbag. As I thought about it a little more, I began to think that an important thing to consider is how relatively close to “real” the handbag looks. Of course you know that it isn’t the real thing, but some look better than others. Take the Rafe New York Emma Convertible Shoulder Bag for example. This handbag looks to be a little more believable when it comes to the overall look of the bag. But even moving past authentic exotic or not, I like this handbag. The removable chain and leather strap lets you use the bag as a shoulder bag or a clutch. There are several pockets to choose from inside the handbag while lined with traditional Rafe logo fabric lining. More than anything I like how the handbag has a young, chic, sophisticated and versatile look. I could definitely see myself carrying this! Buy through Rafe for $525.

There are moments when I just want to be totally girlie. Do you know what I mean? But, now that I am a “grown up” I can’t just put on all sorts of ruffles to fulfill my girlie side. Instead, I look to my handbags. The Treesje Avery Satchel shows how you can be girlie and sophisticated. You can wear a sophisticated or minimalistic outfit and let this handbag do all the talking. White glossy textured patent leather is topped off with goldtone hardware. And actually, I was a little surprised at myself. I don’t usually like ruffles, but here, the ruffles work. Tiered ruffle trim along the front and back of the handbag results in a handbag for the girlie girl. But like I said before, I can see someone wearing a sleek outfit then grabbing this to add a little frill to everything. A strap over top with turnlock closure secures everything nicely. Fabric lining with zip and cell phone pockets can be found once you open the main zip closure with snap-close ends. What do you think? Too many ruffles or just right? Buy through Bluefly for $423.

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.

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.

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.

I’ve been really on the fence when it comes to L.A.M.B. handbags. I find myself either loving something or totally hating it. Maybe it is the pattern or perhaps the color, but for the most part I can’t decide how I feel about the brand as a whole. However, the L.A.M.B. Signature Carlisle Clutch I definitely like. I love how the bag can be held using the double handles, or how the handles can be folded down and the clutch carried just as that, a clutch. The print on this great. The earth-toned colors are soft yet rich. I like the leather trim at the edges; the color of the leather goes really well with the print. More than anything, this is just one of those handbags that simply “works”. It is functional, fashionable and fun. Buy through Shop Bop for $425.

I am a total sucker for soft, supple leather. To me, I really have to stop and take a second, third or forth look at any handbag that boasts touchable leather. The Mayle Agnes Bag is one I just want to hold. Don’t you think the leather looks gorgeous? Smooth grained leather with zigzag topstitching work together for a nice balance of soft and texture. I love the braided shoulder strap which is combined with woven link chain detailing. Although I am not usually a huge fan of handbags that have all sorts of details hanging off of them, I really like the leather ties and link chains which hang from one side. For some reason this works really well with the topstitching. I’m going to have to keep an eye out for Mayle handbags. What do you think? Buy through eLuxury for $595.

Alexis Hudson continues to put out great handbags. We’ve covered Alexis Hudson before and if you are keeping up with the 12 Days of Handbag Giveaway we are doing over at Purse Blog, you know that yesterday there was an Alexis Hudson bag up for grabs. Yet, if you didn’t win, no worries, there are plenty of bags to choose from and several of them can be found over at stefaniBags. The Alexis Hudson Grand Bastille bag is one that isn’t just practical, but it is a little different. If you are anything like me, you enjoy carrying a handbag that offers a different look than most bags you see day to day. The great thing about this black leather bag is that it can be carried in hand or on your shoulder, all depending on your mood. Just as you might like to tote it around during the day, it would also be a great addition to your outfit for a night out. Well, it might be a tad too big for a night out at a crowded bar, but it is all about your comfort. Buy through stefaniBags for $495.