When summer rolls around, the first thing on my shopping list is a new bikini. The second? A great designer beach tote that strikes a nice balance between functionality and fabulousness. It’s got to be roomy and somewhat durable to put up with the elements, but it’s also got to be drop-dead gorgeous too. A few contenders:

Marni Printed Canvas Tote: This fab floral boasts a striking print plus canvas material that can stand up to the sand. Sophisticated, yet eclectic. Available for $600 at Net-a-Porter.com.

3.1 Phillip Lim Kanvas Leather Trim: There’s just something about this bright, effortlessly simple tote that I love. It also comes in tomato red and a bold lemon-lime green, both great summer brights. Available for $525 at Eluxury.com.

Barneys New York Classic Canvas Tote: I could see myself carrying this classic tote year after year. The tote comes in a slew of colors, including lime and demure gray, but I think this cobalt blue is so hot for this season. Available for $450 at Barneys.

Rachel Pally Print Beach Bag: What better way to jazz up a basic bikini than this on-trend watercolor-print tote? Monet for the modern gal. Available for $140 at Shopbop.com.

Those trend-spotters weren’t kidding when they said that yellow (specifically, marigold yellow) would be the major hue of 2009. Everywhere I turn there’s a bright, sunny handbag in my line of vision. Yellow’s not exactly the most versatile color, but if you’re a fan of its bold power, snagging a designer purse in this cheerful hue could make your summer wardrobe even hotter. A few examples:

Proenza Schouler Medium Suede PS1 Bag: Spring’s must-have satchel goes from basic neutrals to in-your-face mustard. I like the punky kick. Available for $1,995 at Barneys.

Lanvin Papillote Bowling Bag: Yellow faux python with navy ribbon trim sounds a little odd, but the right style adventurer can totally pull this daring purse off. Available for $1,990 at Barneys.

Prada Naplak Medium Tote: This classic bag gets a jolt of personality thanks to its shocking yellow hue. Available for $1,695 at Barneys.

Givenchy Couture Padded Nightingale: An avant garde texture and acid yellow hue? This ain’t your mama’s Nightingale. Available for $1,975 at Barneys.

Close your eyes, shy ones, because this edition of Style Picks is totally nude. Nude handbags, that is. With the sun coming out and bronzed, tanned skin making its return, nude fashions and accessories are enjoying a little renaissance. Sadly, I’m much too pale to pull off a sexy nude jersey dress, which means I’ll be sticking to flesh-toned purses to get my fix. Some favorites:

Roberto Cavalli Serpent Bracelet Clutch: Ooh, ssssexy. This sleek evening bag is the perfect champagne-beige, and I love the dash of gold serpent bling. Available for $965 at Net-a-Porter.

Christian Louboutin Zip-Detail Hobo: Pleats and diagonal zippers converge in this creamy pink bag. Available for $1,995 at Bergdorf Goodman.

Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Suede Satchel: This taupe satchel is a fabulous and functional neutral bag for everyday. Time to retire those heavy black and dark brown totes! Available for $1,995 at Net-a-Porter.

Marc Jacobs BE.V Patchwork Wristlet: The pink cast of this petite clutch is just right for my complexion. So soft and pretty with a white sundress. Available for $395 at Eluxury.

Kooba Kristie Shoulder Bag: Another great basic-but-beautiful everyday handbag, this baby sports a host of fashion-forward details - zips, pleating, belts. Available for $645 at Neiman Marcus.

To be honest, I’m a little on the fence when it comes to the tie-dye trend that’s all the rage right now. I love me some tie dye, but I don’t want to look like I just escaped from some Deadhead’s van. Still, there’s no denying the eye-catching power of these vibrantly swirled handbags:

Foley + Corinna Mid-City Tote: I love the worn, distressed look of this ombre-style cowhide leather tote. The colors are soft, not saturated, which is perfect for a sleepy boho look. Available for $444 at Neiman Marcus.

Rebecca Minkoff Malibu Mini Morning After Bag: This ultra-trendy purse has a youthful appeal thanks to its bright green leather trim and intense sunset-esque tie-dye effect - like melted ice cream on a hot summer day. Available for $450 at Neiman Marcus.

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Graffiti Wallet: Leave it to this visionary designer to make airbrush-style effects cool again. This hot pink wallet is a fun way to reference this season’s ’80s trend. Available for $335 at Eluxury.

Want to get on this season’s nautical trend bandwagon? Check out these nautical-by-nature designer handbags.

Miu Miu Studded Shoulder Bag: Navy + sailor-esque large button detailing = smooth sailing. Available for $1,295 at Net-a-Porter.

Y-3 Striped Beach Bag: This navy and white striped canvas carry-all is perfect for a day at the beach. Leather trim ups the luxe value. Available for $330 at Eluxury.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote-ally Miss Marc Tote: Miss Marc dons a sailor hat for this fun summer tote - check out the bargain sale price. Available for $98.90 at Nordstrom.

L.A.M.B. Darjeeling Bangalor Purse: Despite its Indian name, this red, white and blue combo feels totally American. Available for $345 at Eluxury.

Kate Spade Fort Lauderdale Small Coal: With its clean navy and white color palette and “Port” logo, this easy tote screams “ahoy, matie!” Available at KateSpade.com for $155.

Charlotte Russe Anchor Tote: Okay, so it’s not designer. But how can you resist this cute anchor print at that bargain price? Available for $16.99 at Charlotte Russe.

Shoulder bags, Cosby sweaters, neon galore…we’ve officially returned to the 1980s. And though I’ll seriously move to an underground bomb shelter if ye olde stirrup pants and parachute pants of yore make a comeback, these retro looks aren’t all bad. Check out these fab picks.

Marc Jacobs O.O.C. Glitter Studs Mini: Tell me this doesn’t have “Jem!” written all over it. I love the feisty fuchsia hue, and the metallic is pure party. Available for $995 at Eluxury.com.

Louis Vuitton Stephen Sprouse Shawl: Is there anything more ’80s than a Sprouse reference? Of course, a Sprouse-inspired handbag is divine, but I’ve also taken a cotton (er, make that cashmere) to this leopard-print shawl. Available for $725 at Eluxury.com.

Jimmy Choo Zulu Soft Clutch: Net-a-Porter has singled this studded clutch as a sign of the New ’80s, and I couldn’t agree more. Very “White Wedding.” Available for $625 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Alexander Wang Denim Leather Hobo Bag: A little Dexy’s Midnight Runners, a little Erin Wasson, a lot downtown girl cool. The “it” designer has created a funky little purse for aspiring blue jean baby queens, all with cleverly distressed leather. Available for $825 at Shopbop.com.

Rebecca Minkoff Neon Rendezvous Clutch: This Day-Glo clutch was made for hitting the clubs…or a Wham! concert. Available for $275 at Shopbop.com.

Generally, when I hear the word “eyelet,” I think sweet, pretty white Easter dresses. I think…Charlotte York. But that’s not the case with the latest batch of eyelet fashions. These black pieces prove that eyelet has a naughty side too - and for one love it.

Jimmy Choo Dessy Calf Leather Eyelet Tote: Gold-trimmed perforations punctuate this too-cool-for-school black handbag. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,375.

Tutu Blu Black Eyelet Dress: How sexy is this form-fitting dress? Eyelets make for a fierce accent. Available at Pixie Market for $179.

Hera Cotton Gradual Dot Eyelet Dress: This punky-meets-Pop-Art frock would look amazing with studded black heels. Available at Tobi for $131.

Hale Bob Black Studded Dress: The party dress gets an eyelet-studded neckline and hem. Available at eDressMe for $199.

Ugh - Valentine’s Day AGAIN? We really need Obama to Guantanamo Bay this sappy mess. But until then, we might as well flaunt our love for love (ick) with a heart-adorned purse. A few favorites below:

Forever 21 Croc Heart Clutch: It’s cute, it’s cheap, and it comes in your choice of red or black. Any questions? Available at Forever 21 for $19.80.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Heart Coin Purse: Because you know Louis Vuitton will always be your No. 1 Main Man. Available at Eluxury for $450.

Marc Jacobs Zip Heart Clutch: We couldn’t not include this heart-smothered purse, could we? Love the purple hue. Available at Eluxury for $795.

Dahl & Dane Custom I Heart Tote: Send your sweetie a shoutout with a custom-printed tote. Available at Dahl & Dane for $34.

ASOS Quilted Heart Bag: go monochromatic in this Chanel-esque valentine. Available at ASOS for $29.31.

Somebody hand me a Sprite…spring’s latest handbags are giving me a craving for something sparkling and citrusy. I’m loving the the punchy lemons and limes of this new batch of designer purses - so cheerful and suitable for spring. Below, some favorites…

3.1 Phillip Lim Kanvas Leather Shopper: This smooth square tote comes in citronella and mint…take your pick! Available for $525 at Eluxury.com.

Alexander McQueen Elvie Patent Leather Tote: Lime goes luxe in this slick and sophisticated handbag. Available for $2,160 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Hobo: This lemony hue would look great against a white or dove gray summer dress. Available for $428 at Eluxury.com.

Roberto Cavalli Oversized Leather Shopper: Cavalli goes sporty with this yellow weekend-perfect bag. Available for $1,1,75 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Fendi Doctor Buckle Tote: The softest touch of green looks oh so sweet. Available for $1,460 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Marlene Dietrich, Victor/Victoria, Jennifer Beals in Flashdance…for years women have been proving that they can rock a tuxedo just as well as any man. The design community seems to be agreeing, because everywhere I look I see tux-inspired cuts for the ladies. Step aside, boys.

Grey Ant Double Breast Mini Dress: This roomy tux-styled vest sports an exposed back and a satin-lined collar. Available for $596 at Oak NYC.

Motel Dianna Dress: Pinstripes and double button detailing give this double-breasted dress a sharp look. Available for $72 at Pixie Market.

Kiki de Montparnasse Tux Shirt with Kiki Bow: So, so hot with a black pencil skirt or short-shorts and heels. Available for $225 at Shopbop.

Victoria’s Secret Silk Chiffon Tux Top: Keep that feminine influence with this romantic ivory blouse. Available for $39.99 at Victoria’s Secret.

Silence & Noise Tuxedo Halter Dress: This party dress sports a tux-style bib and a sheer lace overlay. Available for $88 at Urban Outfitters.

Mayle Samira Leather and Lace Clutch: Keep the monochromatic theme intact with this sexy patterned clutch. Available for $250 at Barneys Co-op.