$600 - $799

Oh dear. This will never do. I cannot support this at all. The folks at Bulga somehow managed to tie-dye their De Beber Tote. I’m not sure how someone would do that to leather…or why they’d do it, really. I remember tie-dying t-shirts at summer camp when I was a kid, and it involved lots of little rubber bands, buckets of dye, and some serious abuse of those old undershirts that we were dying. I don’t know how you do that to a leather handbag, but based on the results, I don’t recommend that you try.

The Bulga De Beber Tote suffers from a serious bout of over-complication - not only does the bag have a lot going on by itself (front pockets, top handles, zippers, hardware, adornments), but the addition of the dye pattern makes it kind of hard to look at. To make the design, the leather is in all kinds of different pieces, completely breaking up any pattern the dye may have had at the beginning, and kind of missing the point of tie-dye to begin with. If the bag had been a simple, uncomplicated tote with no front pockets or zippers, they very well may have gotten away with it, in kind of a hippie chic way. As it is? Not so much. This bag, sadly, is a victim of overdesign. However, if you disagree, you can buy through Shop Bop for $720.

I am still laughing. So, my last post on Purse Blog Savvy was just about how I was in the mood for color. This is true, I still am. However, wouldn’t you believe, as soon as I started looking around, color was just everywhere! You have to notice the crayola big box worth of color displayed on this Giuseppe Zanotti Clutch. I’m not sure if I think the use of color makes the clutch look like it was made for a small child or if the use of color is just right when accompanied with an all black or close to all black ensemble. I mean, I suppose you could carry this clutch while wearing a bright shirt and dark pants, but I would really be worried that my over-all look was too 80’s neon-esque. No matter if you like the clutch or if you absolutely hate it, there is without a doubt an element of fun to it. And this being the case, it doesn’t matter how old you are, from time to time, all we want is to have a little fun! So what do you think, yay or nay? Buy through Zappos for $769.

I’m in the mood for color. As I glanced at the site today I noticed a lot of black, or dark colored handbags. I figured, no matter what season, we can all use a break from the expected and take a look at something you might not think you’d be looking at during this time of year. Over the summer, a group of friends and I headed to the shore and rented a beach house for the week. It was fabulous. The only missing was an amazing beach tote like this Emilio Pucci Cancello Nylon Bag. Yes, I am thinking about a beach weekend while I live in Ft. Lauderdale and while the month of December just began. Is that so wrong? This bag would be a perfect beach bag. It has ample room for my numerous magazines, bottles of water and of course various SPF options. Emilio Pucci is known for patterns and colors that pop. So, if you think this bag is a tad too big with a tad too much color, you can always check out the Mombasa Small Tote Megs wrote about a while back. But either way, I think an Emilio Pucci handbag, no matter what size is a fun addition to anyone’s collection. Buy through eLuxury for $675.

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.

During the holiday season, it is hard not to notice all the black, red, gold and silver bring worn. I have no problem with that; I absolutely love those colors. Yet, at the same time, I always find myself pleasantly surprised when I see someone sporting a different bold color. So, what about the Marc Jacobs Satin Rad Bag? I do like the dark purple satin, but is it too much? At the same time, I’m not sure if I am digging the shape of the bag. Maybe it is the shoulder strap that I can’t get past, but either way, something just doesn’t seem to work for me. Yep, I think it is the shoulder strap. If you can imagine the handbag without it, I don’t think it is that bad. However, I have to say, I do think I’ve seen a lot better from Marc Jacobs before. If you are looking to add more unique colors to your line up, buy this through Net-a-Porter for $595.

After a week over in the West Coast, I am back in South Florida. When I landed this morning, it was pretty overcast and rainy, but now it looks like the sun might make an appearance. But, weather aside, every time I travel I can’t help but stare at the bags being toted around at the airport. I don’t know about you, but I know traveling days usually equate to the heaviest handbag days. Between all of my normal, day to day stuff, I also need to cram in a couple magazines, my iPod, maybe a couple snacks and who knows what else. Even though I have tons to toe around, I don’t really want to compromise style. The Furla Oxana Medium Shopper seems like a great travel bag to me. The size is great - plenty of room for all of your travel essentials. At the same time, it just looks like a great handbag. The dual shoulder straps clearly provide enough support as you are making your way through the airport or through the mall. Interior lining is of course a must, but with a bag this big, I like that just one simple and accessible interior pocket is included. That pocket is crucial. Throw your keys, ID and cell phone in the pocket and they are always just a quick reach away. What do you think? Would this be the kind of bag that would spice up airport attire? Buy through Zappos for $734.

Messenger bags - how I am so torn. Usually I am not a fan of messenger bags. For some reason I don’t really enjoy a bag crossed over my body; I feel restricted. But at the same time, I love the idea of just throwing the bag on and heading out - not worrying about making sure the purse stays on your shoulder or getting tired of carrying it in your hand. Yet, it takes a pretty spectacular messenger bag in order for me to buy it. The CC Skye Edie Downtown Chic Messenger Bag would be one I would carry. The gray leather and goldtone hardware are a perfect match. The other thing I like, this isn’t your typical messenger bag - it has personality. Messenger bags usually strike me as functional yet a tad boring. This one is functional but is in no way boring. I really like it. CC Skye has an eye for making each one of her handbags a little edgy and always chic. I think this is a hit! Buy through Singer 22 for $725.

Don’t you just love it when one of your favorite colors is one of THE colors of a season? Since blue handbags and clothing have been seen everywhere, I’ve truly been a happy camper. Blue is definitely one of my favorite colors and I have been thrilled to see a variety of fashionable blue handbags. I was a little wary at first because it seems like you would really need the right hue so that the bag didn’t seem like a mess. I came across the Bulga Tasia and I was thrilled to see another blue bag success! The blue leather is simply a fabulous shade. However, I think the goldtoned hardware makes the bag look both distinguished and chic. The shoulder straps are rather wide which is a nice change and actually adds personality. All of the Bulga bags I’ve written about so far have all had studding in some way shape or form. And as much as I like studding, it is great to see a Bulga bag without it. The only thing I am not a total fan of is the price. I kind of think it is a little pricey for what you get, but you can buy through Zappos for $767.

When it comes to clutches, you pretty much know what to expect. Well, you might not completely know what to expect, but when you think of a clutch, at least the same shape comes to mind. So, I was definitely excited to see that the Giuseppe Zanotti White Canvas Jeweled Clutch offered something a little bit different than your typical clutch. When you open the top flap, there are two zip compartments! I know, it isn’t anything major, but to me, this difference is noteworthy. Sometimes with clutches, there just isn’t enough room. But with this one, you are sure to have enough room for the clutch worthy basics as well as your full set of keys AND cell phone! Getting past the double zip compartments, this is a perfect bag for the Fall. The white, orange, and brown color combination is both clean and rich at the same time. Now, add the jeweled ornament detailing along the front flap and the clutch completely comes together. Just make sure you keep this bag out of the reach of a small child, I could see little hands reaching towards the jeweling as if it was candy! Ok, I’m probably being a bit dramatic, but you can see where I am coming from. Buy through Bluefly for $724.

Botkier Jackie Large Hobo

I had the pleasure of interviewing Monica Botkier last spring. She was gracious and had a great story about her bags. Botkier has launched a line of shoes and continues to please us with her handbags. My new favorite from Monica is the Botkier Jackie Large Hobo which is done in soft pebbled leather in the perfect sunshine yellow color. The zippers and pleating give an edgy appeal as well as the tassel at the side. There is not much for me to say about this bag other than when I loaded Shop Bop page it jumped out and grabbed my attention. The look of the hobo is simplistic, the design is not life-altering, but somehow this bag just has it together. The lined interior features zipper pocket, 2 patch pockets, pen slot, and key hook. My only worry is the strap drop, which is 5″. I am tall and not super petite, and if I were to wear this bag with a coat, I am afraid it will not go over my arm. Nonetheless, a great bag! Buy through ShopBop for $675.