The structured satchel really enjoyed serious prominence during 2011. One glance at the Zatchels Color Block Leather Satchel and it’s easy to see why. It’s a light-looking bag that boasts a sublime sky blue and blush pink palette – fresh, feminine and so perfect for warm weather. While we aren’t quite there yet, there’s no harm in planning ahead. This will look fabulous at the first sign of spring! Available for $221.80 at ASOS.

posted: January 6th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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This Ted Baker ‘Namaar’ Patent Tote satisfies my almost constant craving for bright red things. Shiny? Even better. Black and white floral print lining? Pinch me! Add in an eyecatching channel-quilted texture and a front pocket for my lip balm, and I’m a happy lady. It’s also available in black, brown, and natural. Available at Nordstrom for $225.

posted: January 6th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Sometimes fashion is just ridiculous. If you haven’t seen an example of such in a while, take a peek at the Muze Pyramid Clutch. I’m not “amuzed,” folks. What can one actually do with an angular bag that features a point for a base? Not much. It does make an interesting conversation piece, but I’d rather spend $98 on something I can actually use regularly, ya know? Available at Nordstrom.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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This Blugirl Bronze Eco-Leather Tote is a great balance of modern and boho. It has down-to-earth fleecy accents and an easy shape, but it’s also metallic, and the combination is cozy and festive. It’s made of earth-friendly eco-leather, proving that you really can have style and substance in one! Available at Forzieri for $209.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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My eyes tend to glaze over when I look at men’s bags – they all sort of look the same, despite their varying shapes and sizes. No matter, though, because this Hex Wool Messenger Bag managed to capture my attention at first glance. Now, I know that it basically looks like a gray rectangle, but really? It’s all cozy, plush wool coating a practical messenger silhouette, and it even features an exterior compartment for an iPad. In addition to its Velcro flap, it has a top-zip closure for extra security. It may be marketed to men, but anyone can carry this. Available for $79.95 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Upon first glance at this Marni Beaded Tulle and Leather Clutch, I was slightly torn. Is it ugly and weird? Or awesome and creative? I finally settled on the latter, although I’d only cautiously describe it as “awesome” even now. It is, however, quite creative. The black and silver bugle beads create an unusual matchstick-like effect. Thanks to the demure size and wristlet style, it works – any bigger and it would have been overkill. Available for $600 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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I love black and white things. I love black and white stripes, graphic patterns, polka dots, and any other meeting of these two opposite colors on any item of clothing or accessory I can find. (Except for pants. I’m not that brave.) This Leifsdottir Piebald Satchel has a fun black spatter design on white pony hair, plus a chain strap and zip closure for extra security – so it obviously needs to be added to my collection. On sale at Anthropologie for $200.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Oh, how cute is this? I love bags that manage to incorporate variations of pink, peach and orange without clashing. The Danielle Nicole Carmen Tote is a great example: it works a little orange into its primarily coral design and just looks so fresh, cute and feminine. I’d pair it with a light, airy dress in the spring to really amplify its fun, laid-back design and color scheme. Available for $128 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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More good stuff from the house of Brahmin, which continues to churn out striking handbags that meet the demands of timeless elegance. The Bryn Large Clutch certainly doesn’t disappoint, thanks to its beautiful, glossy red, croc-embossed leather and its lean silhouette. I absolutely love how this goes from day to night without a hitch; it’s perfect for adding a pop of color to a conservative daytime suit and instantly livens up an LBD at night. Just tuck the strap in to make it an instant clutch. Available for $225 at Nordstrom.

posted: January 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Perfection! Though an authentic ostrich bag would probably turn me off, a fake one is A-OK with me. This Liebeskind Ostrich Esther Satchel is a chic everyday bag made of slightly slouchy, ostrich-imprinted leather. It looks fairly authentic, especially from afar, and the rich taupe color is especially elegant. It’s also available in beige and snow. Available for $298 at Bloomingdale’s.

posted: January 4th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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