If you want a fancy Matthew Williamson handbag to go with your not-so-fancy (at least, price-wise) Matthew Williamson for H&M clothes, consider this Bright Escape Printed Tote. Now, I know this funky bag won’t be to everyone’s tastes - it is admittedly over the top. But, hey, it’s summer, and this bold explosion of color could be just the beach bag you’ve been yearning for. The pink, purple, yellow, and orange optical print would fit right in at the beach, and the leather plaited handles give it a nice upscale finesse. Available for $900 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Woo hoo…time to whip out those credit cards, gals. Eluxury.com is hosting a major designer sale right now, with handbags and apparel from big-name designers marked up to 40% off. I spied steep discounts on purses from L.A.M.B., Rag & Bone, Tod’s, Juicy Couture, Loeffler Randall, Dolce & Gabbana and more. So why are you still reading this?

Yes, the weather is just warming up.  However, I know that you like to be ahead of the game when it comes to luxury design.  Fellow Purse Page author Yvonne and I had the privilege of previewing the Louis Vuitton collection for Fall 2009 Monday evening.  What is in store for you this September?  The luxe went to glam for handbags.  Jewel-toned metallic leathers, shimmery monogram brocade, prominent shiny hardware and glittery textured fabrics were all stars in the collection.  The signature monogram pattern was re-embroidered in petite sequins for added elegance on one bag.  On another the legendary design was imprinted onto fur for a demure clutch.

The clothing collection showed a rich palette of violet, saffron, burnt orange, browns and jewel tones.  Highly elaborate seaming and complex embroidery embellished sculpted sihouette garments.  On a tiny pair of shorts, I think I counted multiple shaped and pieced seams, pick-stitching, contrast thread pintucks, beaded faggotting, all in addition to the chunky jeweled details on the front.  I don’t think you can get more designer details per square inch than that.

The collection for men was not quite as flamboyant.  A subdued, sophisticated range of charcoal grey, dark brown and black was dominant.  For soccer fans, there was the small collection of pieced monogram bags resembling the pattern found on soccer balls.

The gorgeous Yvonne is jet-setting off to France tomorrow to shop, dine and perhaps report back on her adventures at the designer ateliers.  Bon Voyage!

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.

Those starlets just can’t get enough of designer fringed purses this season, and Taylor Swift is no exception. But instead of opting for the standard Roberto Cavalli or JJ Winters, Taylor is carrying a frigned leather handbag from the lesser-known Texas label SL McFadin. I love the bag and its dark chocolate leather, but I’m not crazy about Taylor’s outfit. A floral dress, striped cardi, blue flats, and a boho bag = way too much. Still, I could definitely see myself getting lots of mileage out of a trendy but surprisingly versatile purse like this.

Photo from People.com.

Are you tired of taking yourself too seriously? Have I found the bag for you. Behold Stella McCartney’s new Cloud Print Shopper, a daffy but decidedly charming beach tote that boasts a cloud print from Sir Peter Blake. Made of canvas, the tote has a whimsical childish charm, but could work for us big girls provided we pair it with the right outfit. I’m thinking a white or pale blue cami, jean shorts or skinny cropped white jeans, and espadrilles. Available for $185 at Net-a-Porter.com.

When’s the last time you treated yourself to flowers? But instead of hitting up the florist, might you consider this daring Fendi Floral Box Clutch? Cetainly thinking outside of the box (clutch), Fendi has created this blooming bag featuring pink-painted cotton flowers against a creamy satin background, with a cube Fendi clasp on top. You may not get a lot of mileage from a funky find like this, but for a special event, it could be just the thing to make a major sartorial splash. Available at Net-a-Porter for $2,140.

Selma Blair is certainly showing the love for pal Marc Jacobs in this snap. Not only is she toting Louis Vuitton luggage at the airport, but she’s also chosen the new Marc Jacobs Robert Lexie bag as her carry-on. I love the pop of red against her tough black outfit, and the handbag is one of my new favorites - so unique yet still wearable. Plus, the drawstring feature is handy if you’re traveling and need more space. Smart thinking, Selma!

Photo from People.com.

Those Brit babes sure do love their Sofia Coppola-conceived Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt Bag. First we saw Kate Moss trot out the lovely black handbag…now Kate Jr., Sienna Miller, is working it. I have to say that Sienna’s yellow jazz shoes, boxy tee, and gray pants get a big’s thumbs down from me, but I really love, love, love this purse. Keep the bag, but work on the outfit, Sienna.

Photo from PopSugar.com.

Have a wedding, reunion, elegant ladies luncheon coming up?  Is it an event where you HAVE to look fabulous (to impress your peeps or make your ex cry…)  You can’t go wrong with the  luxury clothing from Escada.  Cut to sculpt you to your most gorgeous, feminine self.   My mother purchased a stunning, sexy gown from this sale the year before and made my male friends do a double-take (much to my embarassment).  The last thing I need is a cougar in the family…  My parental issues are your gain:

ESCADA
May 15-17
Fri 10-8 Sat 10-6 Sun 10-5
The Altman Building
135 West 18 Street
(6-7 Avenues) Ground Floor
212.852.5446 

Mastercard, Visa, American Express and cash accepted. No checks.