Women who love simple silhouettes, take note. The Loewe pre-fall 2012 collection is replete with clean lines and simple, classic shapes. That’s kind of the boring news. The good news, though, is that they’re all available in a multitude of colors and skins, so some feel rich and upscale while others have a more youthful, playful quality.

The Amazona bag is the key player of the whole range. Whether you’re more of a feisty sort or consider yourself queen of the conservative, you’ll find one that suits your needs. The Color Block Amazona is easily the most trendy of the bunch, so it’s ideal for the avid runway junkie. It makes clever use of the colorblock trend in a neat, uncomplicated way, and even incorporates a coral-tinged variation of the year’s beloved tangerine hue into its palette.

Plain, simple, no frills, yet still gorgeous! The Oxblood Amazona shows off plenty of smooth, flawless calfskin in a rich, burgundy-brown color that is both work- and weekend-appropriate. The solid Amazona is also available in mink, navy and forest green for those who prefer a little extra color in their wardrobes.

If exotic, beyond expensive handbags are your guilty pleasure, the Crocodile Amazona is probably your best bet. While it’s ultimately more understated taupe than glitzy gold, it still manages to make a statement with its stunning, heavily textured skin. Like the other Amazona bags, it features a cavernous interior and an engraved padlock for that finishing touch.

While Amazona is primarily austere and rather safe in design, the Magenta Flamenco is the exact opposite. This little shoulder bag packs a punch in more ways than one. The vibrant colors make it the perfect choice for adding a spontaneous pop to, say, that boring weekend jeans-and-tee outfit. At the same time, it’s perfectly suitable (and highly recommended) for a cute spring floral dress. The label tells us that the lean strap can even be tripled and worn as a single handle over the arm. Otherwise, it’s a chic and roomy shoulder carryall.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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It wouldn’t be an Acne creation without some kind of crazy-cool finishing touch. Though the Stella Washed-Leather Shoulder Bag seems kind of basic at first, closer inspection reveals just how much it epitomizes the downtown-chic woman’s style sensibilities. Its clean lines, with a practical, highly streamlined silhouette, set the tone for its no-fuss versatility, but the whole look is amplified by the chain-embellished shoulder strap. The metallic effect really steals the show – and is right in line with Acne’s penchant for minimal, high-fashion designs. Available for $390 at NET-A-PORTER.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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The Botkier Valentina Satchel may well be the best value of the season. It’s a forever bag without the paying-it-off-forever price tag, and it is Absolutely Stunning. Words and pictures alone don’t capture its beauty! Valentina is gracefully slouchy, with a shapely silhouette that keeps it looking polished instead of sloppy. It’s obviously sophisticated, but not so dressy that it’s inappropriate for everyday use. This is the kind of bag that ensures you’ll always be taken seriously, no matter what you happen to be wearing. It’s available in several colors, but this mint hue is the one to pick if you’re a runway watcher – it’s one of spring’s hottest shades and will wear well for a lifetime. Available for $395 at Nordstrom.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Leopard print in actual leopard colors can be a little too much with some outfits, so it’s nice to see this Lauren Merkin Lucy Clutch in demure shades of grey and olive velvet. It has a great shape, and a look that’s soft, yet fierce and powerful. Carry it this spring to set off your pastel jeans and neon accessories. Available at Shoebox for $125, on sale!

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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A pop of radiant yellow is all it takes to transform the Lanvin Happicolo Leather Shoulder Bag from a beloved classic into an on-trend companion worthy of the daily grind. Already one of the most timeless bags in the world, Happicolo adopts a fresh look this season by incorporating a touch of neon and partnering it with a simple tan. Despite its loud hue, this bag has the potential to be a lifetime favorite. Available for $1790 at NET-A-PORTER.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Add another one to the ever-growing list of coveted bags by Jérôme Dreyfuss. The Leon Leather Clutch is on the plain side, yet what it lacks in ornamentation it more than makes up for with its chic, no-nonsense style. It’s the kind of sleek and reliable accessory that goes with you everywhere, whether you’re at the movies with friends, meeting a blind date, or attending a boring meeting. With its cool interior flashlight and mirror, it’s an especially great companion for late-night outings. Available for $600 at NET-A-PORTER.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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With his Kate Python Embossed Calfskin Clutch, Jason Wu takes an incredibly dainty approach to ladylike style for spring 2012. The sleek silhouette is only part of its charm; the cotton candy pink leather, gently etched with strokes of ivory for a python-like finish, looks almost hand painted in parts. That’s all the detail this beautiful clutch needs. Available to pre-order for $895 at Nordstrom.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Backpacks remind us of when we were in high school and could eat anything we wanted and still retain our high-school-girlish figures. This Alexander Wang Marti Leopard Print Backpack is nothing like the black JanSport with patches sewn on that you toted around your senior year, but it will still give you that same youthful glow. Promise. It’s in a big bold leopard print, and features zipper details and plenty of pockets for your keys, phone, and that juicy gossip note your friend passed you under the desk at work. Available at Ssense for $870.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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We’ve all had that “oh, to be a princess!” moment at some point in our lives. While it doesn’t typically involve kissing a bunch of frogs – it’s a lot more fun when the fantasy starts with a built-in Perfect Prince – that doesn’t mean we can’t see the good in our little green friends every now and then. The amphibian perched atop the Kate Spade Bridal Emanuelle Clutch is the kind of frog we’d be happy to smooch. He sparkles and protects a gorgeous, multi-glittered box clutch and exudes the perfect royal finishing touch. Bonus: Carry this and you will indeed be a princess for the night. Available for $328 at Nordstrom.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Kate Spade Handbags
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Her pregnancy wardrobe has left much to be desired, but Jessica Simpson definitely knows her way around a chic handbag. The Morgan Clutch is a fierce little bag that pairs an edgy leopard print with a sexy chain strap. While not my favorite animal-print bag in the universe, it does feature a uniquely-shaped flap that makes it memorable. Also available in black studs. Available for $58 at Nordstrom.

posted: February 8th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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