Now this is what I call a show-stopping purse. This Valentino Ricamo Macro Paillettes Tote is a hefty handbag completely covered with black and white paillettes. The purse has a sort of circus-meets-art deco appeal about it, though I might worry that those beautiful paillettes might easily get torn off. Still, if shimmying handbags are your thing, this might be right up your alley. Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $2,395.

Tony Romo may be a distant memory, but Jessica Simpson will always have her main men Papa Joe Simpson and hairstylist Ken Paves to count on. The singer traveled in style recently with a sequined Valentino 360 purse in tow, which looks fabulous and extravagant, even if it is an unusual choice for a) daytime and b) a plaid shirt. Oh, and don’t mind the henna detailing on Jessica’s hands - it’s all for her upcoming show exploring beauty. It’s a hard-knock life.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Nobody does the bow-adorned purse as immaculately as Valentino, so I look to the new Satin Bow Front Clutch with that in mind. Sidestepping the usual floppy bow, this one boasts a decidedly more architectural shape that is just gorgeous. Combine that with a striking emerald green color that just pops instantly, and you’ve got yourself a winner on all counts. Available for $895 at Net-a-Porter.

Did you catch the fashion flu and miss out on Milan’s Fashion Week?  No worries, you can still get your manicured hands on Italian chic at this week’s sale of luxury handbags, eveningwear and accessories.  Look for goodies from Valentino, Anna Molinari and Missoni to give your wardrobe some European flair.  Merchandise is current Fall/winter 2009.

Event Begins: 10/13/2009

Location: 49 W. 38th St
(btwn 5th & 6th Ave.)
4th Fl.
New York, NY 10018
(212) 575-2171

It’s not easy being green…unless you know, you’re a Valentino clutch. This gorgeous emerald green Valentino Satin Bow-Front Clutch may be a bit quirky-looking, but I think it would be a stunning evening bag, whether paired with a black or green cocktail dress. The bow’s multiple pleats add a striking detail, and the bold satin is just as luxe as it gets. Available at Net-a-Porter for $895.

Wow. There are purses, and then there are PURSES. Guess which kind this uber-extravagant Valentino Kaleido Tote is? Looking like a glammed-up version of a disco ball, the tote is made of dar gray satin adorned with flashy gradient stones for a subtle and beyond luxurious ombre effect. Now, of course all those gems make the tote a wee bit impractical - this baby belongs in a museum, not on my arm as I flip through Us Weekly in the checkout line! - but you can’t argue with its grandeur. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $2,995.

They may be a bit ambitiously over-decorated, but I’m still loving some of these new Valentino purses for fall ‘09. Check out the Kaleido Gem-Embellished Tote, an indulgent accessory if ever there was one. Splayed with a drastic and generous amount of clear and brown gems over black leather, it’s guaranteed to serve as the focal point of your most dramatic fall and winter ensembles. Prepare to turn some heads! Available for $2995 at Net-a-Porter.

Until you get a feel for just how large the Valentino Primavere Floral Leather Clutch actually is, you might not even take much notice of it. It’s yet another Valentino bearing a gorgeous floral motif - this time richly textured, black floral embroidery that completely covers one side, with sleek black leather on the other. Peek inside the fairly slim interior and you’ll find a lengthy zip pocket and just enough space to stash those evening essentials. Keep it light though, or you’ll risk frumping it all up with a heavy load. This is all about the glamour. Available for $1395 at Net-a-Porter.

The first word out of my mouth upon laying eyes on the Valentino Paillette-Embellished Tote: Wow. Talk about over the top! This glitzy, spangled purse is a feast for the senses, a raucous explosion of emerald that manifests itself in intricate jewels, beads and shiny paillettes. What I love: The bejeweled central crest that runs its way down the front - it has an almost ethnic appearance and would be the most eye-catching detail if it weren’t for what I love less: The almost confetti-like paillettes drip with intense shine, and from a distance they almost look a bit scaly. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t carry this at the right time and place, though. Who’d turn down Valentino? Available for $4695 at Net-a-Porter.

Hmmm. I don’t know if this Valentino Leopard-Print Hobo is overflowing with fabulousness or just over the top. Let’s face facts here - this wild animal-print goat hair, topped off with a giant brown leather bow, no less, is certainly making a strong statement. I could see a Jennifer Lopez type pulling this off, but I don’t think it’s for me. What do you think? Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $2,695.