It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in July! Yes Virginia, Christmas is just five months away and now is the best time to take advantage of end of season sales and stash away a few goodies. Every year we make a promise that we are going to start shopping earlier – so let’s do it! There are always items that everyone needs but why not buy gifts that the people on your list wouldn’t normally buy themselves? And why not get them at a great deal? Here are a few to get you started (these are so good I may do a Christmas in August sequel).

6pm.com is a great place for designer shoes, bags and accessories. They have incredible deals all the time and change them every week. While at this site I found a beautiful black patent leather crossbody from J. Renee (shown above). It retails for $75 and is currently on sale for $14.95. At this price you can get one for yourself too!

Betsey Johnson is known for her unique style so now is a great time to pick up one of her bags at 54% off. You can get the Betseyville Blingin’ Lips N/S Tote for just $50.60 (originally $110) at 6pm.com.

If you have someone on your holiday list that loves leopard prints (maybe it’s you) the Jimmy Tote by Jessica Simpson has a different look that makes it more than just a regular animal print bag. Regularly $118 you can pick it up for just $59.80.

Looking for something unusual?  Take a look at the Prezzo Acrylic Photo Box Satchel at eBags. This acrylic box tote comes in three different colors but the most charming are the ones that have a pattern of high heels and purses. The uses for this bag are endless and the best part is it’s currently on sale for $26.99 (reg. $40).

Okay, if you are looking for a great gift for the handbag lover on your list you can pick up a basic black Kate Spade bag for under $100! Brooklyn Heights Tina normally goes for $195 but is now on sale for just $97. Perfect for any occasion, get there before they sell out. Go to KateSpade.com for this and other great bags on sale.

posted: July 30th, 2010
category: Sales Events
comments: No Comments

This French Connection Fanfair Clutch is an absolute cutie-pa-tutti! O.k. so maybe it’s slightly more sophisticated than “cutie-pa-tutti,” but seriously it’s a doll! It just doesn’t get any better than a bag with a concealed press stud fastening, an internal pocket with zip closure, and scalloped edges! Oh, and how fun is the name of the color; Bitter Blue? Charming right? This little looker is also available in Pewter Metallic, for the less adventurous among us. Snag yours at French Connection US for $78.

posted: July 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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Who needs an expensive designer purse when you can get something cool, functional, and well made for less than $200? That’s what the makers of Saltbox believe, and their sassy-yet-affordable bags, like this Saltbox Plaid Carryall in Spencer, are just what the doctor ordered when your money tree is experiencing a dry spell. Made from high-quality weighted canvas, this Saltbox tote has been treated to prevent stains and water damage. Available at Saltbox for $140.

posted: July 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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Summer isn’t the best time to lug around a bag roughly the size of your upper body, but some of us just can’t help it. It doesn’t help that there aren’t half as many stylish bags of smaller stature available. That all changes now, with the release of this chic Marc Jacobs Debbie Quilted Nylon Crossbody Bag. Small? Cute? Functional? Check, check and check. It meets the “everyday essentials” requirement, which means it can hold your basics with ease. If you’re an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type, though, it could pose some issues. Otherwise, prepare to pack a punch with this vibrant purple bag. Anything that makes nylon look glamorous has got to be a winner! Available for $495 at Nordstrom.

posted: July 30th, 2010
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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With its khaki canvas and chocolaty brown leather this J.W. Hulme Co. Carry On Weekender clearly says “I know how to party”. It’s classic but rugged and the perfect size for a quick getaway. A travel bag this size keeps your packing in check – when you only have so much space, you have to pack smart. You can lug around by the top handles or sling it over you shoulders so you can dash to catch the 1:20 train to Prague. Pick it up at Shopbop.com for $506.

posted: July 30th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
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I’m not certain that I would actually wear this Wendy Nichol Pony Bullet Bag, I tend to lean toward bold, gaudy, bulky delights, but I am absolutely mesmerized by it! It’s a remarkable piece of art, if you ask me. It has such intricate detailing and fine quality that I don’t know if it belongs on your arm or if it should be in an enclosed case somewhere. This leopard print bucket bag with tassels and braided straps can be worn on one shoulder, across the body, or as a backpack, making it as versatile as it is detailed! I particularly love the over-sized leather tassel that hangs from the drawstring along with the subtle gold plated cone charm. So, what do you think? Posh purse or picturesque piece of art? Available at La Garconne for $587.

posted: July 29th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

No matter how many different fabrics, styles and colors of handbags there are out on the market, when you catch a glimpse of a classic design, you just have to stop and give it the respect that it is due. Such is the case with the Chyc Large Patent Flap Shoulder Bag by Yves Saint Laurent. Made in Italy, this simple little black bag will complement just about any LBD without taking away too much attention. You just look at it and you know. And anyone who recognizes a quality YSL bag will know too. It is actually so chic YSL had to come up with a whole new spelling of the word to define it. Word must be getting out because there seems to be a high demand for this bag – Saks is limiting customer purchases to just three bags every thirty days. At $1875 that is pretty impressive! If you would like to add this beautiful piece of work to your handbag collection you can order it from Saks Fifth Avenue.

posted: July 29th, 2010
category: Yves Saint Laurent Handbags
comments: No Comments

Infusing your look with a jolt of color is the easiest way to change the entire game. You could be wearing something as simple as jeans and a t-shirt, but grab this French Connection Paradise Clutch and you’ll instantly brighten up your palette. As for the bag, it’s pretty fitting that they evoke paradise! With a hue this tropical and fun, you’ll wish you were lapping up all the attention on the beach instead of just traipsing through your town. At least you’ll look fabulous! Available for $47.99 (was $118) at French Connection.

posted: July 29th, 2010
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

What’s that peeking out from behind Katie Holmes’ back as she picks strawberries with little Suri? Why, it’s a Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2010 Aviator bag! This lovely purse has been seen on many a celeb in recent weeks, from Katie to Rachel Bilson and Gwen Stefani. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of this functional tote. The bag isn’t currently up on the Louis Vuitton site, but if you have an extra $3,270 around, call 1-866-Vuitton to track one down at a boutique.

Photo: People.com

posted: July 29th, 2010
category: Celebrity Purses, Celebrity Style
comments: 1 Comment

The Jypsiere Shoulder Bag – it’s Hermes, it’s classic, elegant, and timeless. Aliens could visit this planet 34,000 years from now and find this purse in the rubble of our civilization and they’d be all like “jmis ok g brext tibstibble reuwix^fibbi” (which loosely translates to “damn, this is one hell of a bag“). The clemence leather holds its shape and color for eons so if you prefer a satchel with definition you won’t find a better material. The medium Jypsiere comes in a great array of colors so you can choose to go standard or unexpected. This little French leather pastry is available at Hermes for an astronomical $7,600.

posted: July 29th, 2010
category: Hermes Handbags
comments: No Comments