First of all, it is pretty clear that this is the kind of bag that will appeal to only a select group of handbag lovers. I saw the white version before I saw the black and the white is a huge turn off. The black option is a bit better, but not much. If you like it, I say go for it, but it looks a bit sloppy to me. In fact, it kind of reminds me of a shaggy dog. The studded flaps almost look like leather swatches simply thrown together. The asymmetrical aspect of the bag is admirable, but again, misses the mark. Double shoulder straps make perfect sense for this large tote, but that is about all that makes sense. Anyone else think differently? Buy through Bloomie’s for $625.

However, it appears that that didn’t stop the folks at Jerome Dreyfuss when they designed the Jerome Dreyfuss Luciene Suede Fringe Bag. Suede, leopard print, detachable fringe, zip-off pockets, magenta for contrast? It’s all here!

I don’t hate it, but I also don’t think it’s particularly successful. Instead of focusing on a few ideas and combining them in a sophisticated way, the brand just went whole hog in the direction of ridiculousness and threw in everything but the kitchen sink. I happen to think that tan and magenta look great next to one and other, but the stuck-on nature of the fringe and pocket is a little weird. It doesn’t jibe with the design of the bag and instead of being an inventive way to deconstruct a bag, it looks like some extra stuff was just thrown on a purse that was already done. With a bit more time spent, it could possibly be made into something more successful, but right now it just looks like an afterthought. Buy through ShopBop for $795.

So, that’s the love part. What I hate is how they feel to carry for an extended period of time, and I can’t help but think that the Rebecca Minkoff Resin-Handled Nikki Hobo is going to fall into that trap.

Maybe I’m the only one that feels this way; I do have big linebacker shoulders, after all. But for me, these shoulder straps are usually molded a bit too narrowly and they never end up sitting comfortably on my shoulder. If I have anything of any weight in my bag, they dig in and make the bag impossible to carry on my shoulder. I haven’t tried on this particular bag in person, but based on the pictures, I think it probably works better in theory than it will in practice. Buy through ShopBop for $635.

There are few things I love more. Using lambskin to make a big, black bag with some small, well-edited industrial details is one of the fastest ways to my heart.

And at a reasonable price? For a bag I’d carry every day? Just show me where I sign up.

Lambskin warms the cockles of my little Grinch heart. If everything I own could be made out of lambskin, I would be a happy girl. The world would be a better place. Or at least it would be softer and more supple – and isn’t that always better?

For now, at least, that dream is going to wait. At least until I become an eccentric, Howard Hughesian billionaire and am capable of commissioning things in the materials of my choosing. But I’ll settle for a beautiful and functional handbag from a brand I love if I have to. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $675.

Now, I’ve left the winter climate and find myself again in a city which will probably never require the use of a gorgeous white winter coat. However, I can still get after that look with this fabulous MCM Boston Crocodile-Embossed Calfskin Satchel. This is a bag that exudes class and sophistication. The double rolled handles will look as good being held in your hand as it would hanging from half way up your arm. I would also love to tie a bright scarf around one of the handles to spruce up a neutral inspired outfit. Furthermore, this bag is timeless and will certainly add a lovely touch to so many of your outfits. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $730.

My latest Treesje obsession? The Treesje Divino Grande Satchel.

My favorite thing about this particular bag is the color variation in the dark blue leather. It’s more of a medium navy in some parts and in others is almost a blue/black, and the effect gives the bag a lot of character without making it overly complicated.

Plus, the bag is on-trend without being over-the-top. It’s got some small ruffles at the front seams, but not so much that it looks ridiculous or make its owner look like a fashion victim. Perfect! Buy through Luna Boston for $685.

The gold hardware looks fabulously chic against the dark grey croc-embossed leather. I am not always a fan of resin handles because they sometimes seem out of place. In this case, it works perfectly. In true Rebecca Minkoff fashion, the lining of the bag is as amazing as the outside of the bag. I was so happy to see the cute birds that were on the lining. I am beyond thrilled with this bag. Imagine everything you could pair with it! Buy through Shopbop for $615.

I know, I know. That’s a lot to ask of a brand when they’ve got so many other folks against which to compete. But really, leather as show-stopping and finely tanned as that on the Gryson Ariel Satchel is something more people should be using. It’d be unfair for them to keep it to themselves.

Because really, how gorgeous is this leather? It looks like it’s a material that wants to tell you something about what it’s seen in life, rather than just sit there and look innocuous and pretty. And who doesn’t love a bag with something to say? But the texture doesn’t distract from the overall design, it adds to it, and the mark of a good designer is being able to deal with a raw material that has lots of personality. Buy through Luna Boston for $795.

As it turns out, what it was missing was zippers. Behold: the Rebecca Minkoff Zip Devote Tote.

The original tote looks a little bit blah after you see the one with studs – there’s just not enough visual interest. But not everyone wants studs, and they’re not what you want to be carrying all the time. That’s why the zippers are so genius – they’re not big enough or blingy enough to be disruptive, and the follow the bag’s lines in a clean yet interesting way. Their edition is very well-edited and understated, yet it’s just enough. Buy through Saks for $630.

But I can’t quite figure out why the Gryson Painted Violet Bag is advertised as such – does it look painted to you? I’m having a hard time seeing any special effect at all. If I’m missing something, please enlighten me.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the bag. Quite a bit. But if we’re going to talk about painting, I’d like to see a bit more of a dramatic effect, particularly since I have questions about how well a painted finish, as opposed to a dyed one, will wear over time. If it might not last as long, you might as well get the visual bang for your buck, right? This looks exactly the same as distressed dyed leather, and most handbag enthusiasts are used to doing what’s necessary to care for that kind of color process.

But other than that, I kind of adore it. The lines are modern and not too finished, giving it a young, edgy vibe that probably appeals to exactly the kinds of girls that Gryson wants carrying her bags. And whether it’s painted, dyed, or color with voodoo, the bag’s leather looks phenomenal – soft but textured, tough but not too tough. Regardless of the specious nature of the painted effect, sign me up for this bag. Buy through ShopBop for $755.