I haven’t heard all that much of her work, but I do know that she’s a solo female artist doing her own thing, which is incredibly difficult in the male-dominated music industry where female solo artists are expected to look, act and sound a certain way in order to be viable artists. And not only does Santigold march to the beat of her own drummer stylistically, so does Matt & Nat.

As many of you probably already know, Matt & Nat’s handbags are made entirely of environmentally friendly materials that contain absolutely no animal products. This particular bag is made of distressed PVC with an interior of recycled pink faux suede. The subtle zipper details are on-trend and hip, and it also comes with an extended gold chain handle that I’d use instead of the one pictured. Buy through ShopBop for $185.

This is my first holiday season doing the ol’ full-time PurseBlogger gig, so I don’t have a previous party season with which to compare it, but it certainly seems like there are so many shiny, glam, wonderful little clutches surfacing for our holiday enjoyment lately.

I’d imagine that at least part of the uptick is based on the season and part of it is just me paying increased attention to them because I love the holidays, but either way, you’ve got to admit that the Franchi Feather Frame Clutch is kind of adorable.

The problem with sequin clutches can be that they often look so buttoned-up and rigid, and while sometimes that’s what you want, other times something fun and flirty would be more appropriate. And that’s exactly what this clutch is – it’s a bit disheveled (but in a glam way) and much more textural than your average ball-o-sequins. It also comes in purple and a host of neutrals, and the price is super reasonable – overall, another solid party clutch contender. Buy through Nordstrom for $148.

It is always great coming home. Living out in California is fabulous, but it is so refreshing to be back in Florida with the rest of the family for a couple weeks. This morning Megs came over to the house and she carried a gorgeous studded bag. Recently I’ve become a little bored with studs, but seeing a fabulously executed studded bag made me want to find others out there.

So as I embarked on my studded mission, I was really happy to come across the Treesje London Clutch. The soft brown leather and goldtone hardware studding contrast so well against one another. Of course, in the midst of the Fall season, I love this clutch even more. The dark hue of the leather is rich and clutch-worthy. Add the studded front flap and you’ve got just enough shine to have your bag stand out. Buy through Bluefly for $165.99.

That said, this UGG Australia Shearling Medium Pouchette is quite cute. And given the current fascination (thanks, Chanel Spring 2010) with all that’s barnyard and farm-related, this bag might do quite well. But here’s my secret thought: I think I’d rather see this worn in the spring and summer than in the winter.

It’s because we see so many of the same textures in summer. People wear denim, flouncy dresses, linen and sometimes a hint of suede. But shearling has sort of been banished to the realm of the cold, and I’d love to see it paired with an innocent white embroidered dress. Can you imagine it? More importantly, would you rock this UGG Australia bag, and in what temperature? Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $148.

And when I look back at the previous owl bag, I like it way more than I did when I originally wrote about it. Its personality and inventiveness have grown on me exponentially, and as such, I intend to drool praise on this smaller iteration quite a bit. Be prepared. Maybe wear a poncho.

My one and only complaint is that it doesn’t have the feet. The tiny gold feet! They were so adorable! But when things are miniaturized, some detail has to be lost, and I guess that was it. But the little bag still features three types of suede, patent leather, a metal beak and glass eyes, which is basically a thousand times more creativity than you’re going to find in an average bag. I wonder if I could shove my Blackberry into it – if so, I’d definitely consider it as a cell phone case. Buy through Nordstrom for $125.

If it is, I’ve got to say that I’m simultaneously both excited and a little disappointed. Let’s take a closer look at why, after the jump.

Ok, so, let’s be honest here: the logo embossing is not particularly cute. In fact, it’s pretty cheap-looking. Luckily it’s tonal, which means that it isn’t as noticeable as it could be if it was done in a different color. Memo to L.A.M.B. – obvious logos went out of style in 2005.

Other than that, I’m totally digging it. This little shoulder bag is a perfect day-to-night size, and the electric green trim looks great against the larger expanse of black leather. The zippers work really well as a fairly subtle trim, and this is absolutely a bag I would want to own. I can’t wait to see the rest of this collection – it very well may be the brand’s best yet. Buy through ShopBop for $195.

Now, this is just absolutely clever. In fact, coming across the Kate Spade Par Avion Airline Cosmetic Case today was perfect timing because I really need a new cosmetic case. I’ve had the same one for a few years now and it has held up really well. As it gets dirty, I clean it, but I am thinking it is just time to pitch the one I have and replace it with a new one. When it comes to cosmetic cases, I don’t like to go too fancy because, let’s be honest, it is just going to get super dirty super quickly.

This Kate Spade cosmetic case is perfect. First of all, I am not going to drop a bunch of cash on this thus making me wait longer for a new handbag I’ve been drooling over and saving up for. This clear cosmetic bag is designed after an old fashioned mail envelope. You can use this for travel or simply at home to hold some of your make-up. Very cute idea, excellent execution and not a bad price. I might have to replace my current cosmetic case with this one. Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $50.

I first thought this bag would be perfect for the beach or pool, but the model shown carrying it is wearing the usual New Yorker outfit of black boots and parka. Surprisingly, the burst of color works very well with the outfit; perhaps Tory is suggesting that we infuse more color into our winter wardrobes? Whatever the case, it’s a playful mix of sophisticated and fun.

But the tote is certainly not for those who’d rather stick to their black and tan leather basics. No, this needs a brave toter, one who’s not afraid of rocking a teal leopard-print in the shape of a heart. And it’s for those of you looking to incorporate animal prints in a bold fashion, or those who really want a taste of the 80s with modern sleekness and bubbly color. So have fun, pair it with your work suit, and see what that plum does for you. Buy through Net-A-Porter for $195.

If there’s something that I consistently love, it’s a big metallic clutch. Clutches are reasonably priced and therefore less guilt-inducing to buy, and a metallic clutch in particular is glamorous and versatile in a way that precious few other fashion items are – I would equate them to a really great pair of sexy black patent heels. Mix ‘em, match ‘em, they’re always in style as long as you wear them with confidence. And with a clutch as cute as the MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Clutch, there’s no reason not own your look.

The clutch itself is pretty standard, but the texturized leather, combined with the metallic finish, makes it a bit special. If you’re looking for a great holiday clutch that can match with a variety of colors, something like this would be a great bet. It also comes in a brassy gold color, if that’s more your style, but I prefer the versatility of silver for holiday and New Year’s Eve parties. Buy through Nordstrom for $198.

Could it be true? Has Marc Jacobs heeded by advice? A few weeks ago, I wrote about the excessively plain and utterly un-Marc Marc by Marc Jacobs Computer Sleeve. And now, my friends and (perhaps) fellow laptop owners, we have a new case from Marc, this vibrant Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Laptop Case.

All right, so it’s not the cat’s pajamas of laptop cases, but the color and quintessential nylon Marc style make it quite worth it. Plus it’s padded on the inside- so it looks like Marc, but with all the protection your delicate laptop requires. Sorry, that kind of sounded like an ad… ah well. You see, while bright blue isn’t my all-time favorite color, I still harbor a slight obsession with the shade. So while this case doesn’t have super-fun doodles dancing on the sides, the blue does make up for it.

And though I don’t own one of those oh-so-useful nylon totes, image how fun it would be to have a laptop case match your bag. Call me geeky, but I find that matching accessories are a source of glee. Maybe soon this laptop case will come with a matching tote in a contrasting color or print… Marc? Are you listening? Buy through Bloomingdale’s for $68.