Trust Jimmy Choo to tap into your wild side. This Zulu Snake-Embossed Canvas Clutch offers undeniable sex appeal without being tasteless or over the top. I love the sort of lacy/leopard effect combined with the brown and beige embossed snakeskin - it’s definitely not your average python. Throw in that little patch of zebra print on the top and you’ve got a handbag that caters to your animal instincts. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $495.

I rarely meet a Chloe purse I don’t adore, so why start now? This Chloe Kira Zip Satchel charms with its running gold chainlink detail along the bottom half of the smooth black leather handbag, which is also adorned with bold gold screw details near the straps. Plenty of trendy edge here, but you’ll get lots of wear out of it too. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,875.

Need some retail therapy?  Didn’t get to Europe this summer?  Maybe some Italian leather goods can be your consolation prize.  Salvatore Ferragamo has a nice collection of handbags, wallets and accessories online with prices discounted significantly until Monday.   The black Ottavia bag above is now $999, down from over $2000.  A large range of wallets start in the $90 range. Register and shop online here.

Sometimes straightforward chic is just what we need, and in the case of Fendi it’s almost always what we desperately want. I’m no fan of the label’s more adventurous designs, but this staid Marshmallow Flap Leather Shoulder Bag suits me nicely. Made of extra soft leather and bearing the signature logo on the sculptured flap, it’s fashion-forward without being overly ambitious. Its red hue is such a great alternative to everyday neutrals that it easily works well in any situation, and it’s just the thing to add a little polish to a dressed down ensemble. Also in black. Available for $1450 at Nordstrom.

Dripping with glossy, look-at-me shine that literally exudes from its every square inch, the Roquette Leopard Print Patent Leather Bag is a Jimmy Choo creation destined to turn a few heads. The bold emerald green anticipates fall, and it’s an unusual base for a leopard print that works surprisingly well. And lest you feel you can’t carry this around until the temperatures drop, think again: With a liquid-shine tank, skinny jeans and killer heels, it’s the emblem of downtown-chic for a hot summer night out with friends. Available for $1195 at Nordstrom.

If you’re on the prowl for a hot handbag that can transition from summer to autumn, consider this Gucci Galaxy Medium Shoulder Bag. The purse’s slick metallic magenta leather provides some color for summer, but is rich enough to work for fall. And check out that bad-ass chain strap- very modern and hip. I like that this bag has Gucci’s signature sex appeal, but isn’t so logo-obsessed that you feel like a walking billboard. Available for $1,050 at Bergdorf Goodman.

“Gossip Girl” actress Jessica Szohr ditched boyfriend Chuck Bass (yes, I know that’s not his real name, but that’s what he’ll always be known as to me) for a night out on the town. Accompanying her on her nightlife adventures was a sexy black studded Rebecca Minkoff purse, which worked well with Jessica’s gray tank, black skinny jeans, and black peep-toe heels. Simple, sexy, and perfect for a night of bar-hopping.

Photo from JustJared.buzznet.com.

Color me smitten. This Yves Saint Laurent Zip Tote takes a familiar YSL design and infuses it with a modern, on-trend edge. The black handbag sports a zipped top, but it’s the metal teeth details outlining the central Y shape that I really dig. A sexy tote with plenty of mileage and downtown cool. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,795.

Kara Ross founded her luxury accessories company in 2003.  As a certified GIA gemologist, she has used her in depth knowledge of precious materials to create the luxe handbags and jewelry that have become a favorite of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Ellen Pompeo and Reese Witherspoon.

When you pick up a Kara Ross handbag, you can expect to find everything from rare exotic skins to polished gems as a feature.  Ms. Ross took some time out of her busy schedule this week to answer the Purse Page’s five questions…

Mariana Leung:  Which handbag from your collection is your personal favorite this season?

Kara Ross:  I love our new Nero clutch in black velvet with gold hardware. It dresses up my outfit whether I’m going to a downtown dinner to a fancy gala. The Nero is the perfect bag for a fashionable woman on the go who needs to look modern & chic yet still have room for necessities!

ML:  I have read that you have a love vintage fashion? Is there a particular era or designer whose work you would call a favorite?

KR:  I love vintage clothing. I think the word “vintage” is thrown around casually; to me good vintage is from quite a few years back! A few designers I love are Bonnie Cashin, vintage Pucci, Schiaparelli, Courreges, Halston, Zandra Rhodes, Mary McFadden and Geoffrey Beene.

ML:  Your collection has always been about luxury and superior quality. You have a reputation for choosing the best exotic skins, gems and artisans to make your product. With the current economy, have you had to work or design differently to adjust for the changing market?

KR:  Originally I had planned on making bags in Italy. I flew to Florence for a day and a half to interview different manufactures for hardware and bags. However in 2006 the value of the dollar went down as the price of oil (shipping) went up. It became unfeasible to produce abroad so we began to seek out local New York manufacturers who winded up being as good, if not better than the Italians.  Producing the bags in New York versus overseas gives us complete quality control. Since they are made here we are able to be involved in the whole process. We see every skin, every piece of hardware. Also, since there is no time lapse it gives us the flexibility to keep our designs current. We also launched the boutique line in 2006. Offering the same aesthetic as our fine jewelry line but, the boutique line has captured both press and praise for its affordable yet high fashion style.

ML:  You cited a trip to Africa as the inspiration of one your first jewelry designs. Do you get a lot of creative influence from your travels? What culture or locale has been a recent muse?

KR:  This year I was on a boat trip to Corsica. I was widely inspired by the abundant vegetation of the island and the surrounding Mediterranean, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea. While scuba diving I came across the most beautiful starfish. Immediately I knew I wanted to design one for the Spring Summer 2009 Collection.

ML:  As a certified gemologist used to demanding the best of the best from your vendors, were romantic suitors ever intimidated when it came time to buy you a gift?

KR:  It was always assumed I would make my own engagement ring because
I started out making tons of diamond engagement rings for clients. When my husband asked me to marry him he knew that I would find the best diamonds! We then went together to pick out the stone (a cushion shaped diamond) and then I made the setting. Its a few strands of very thin platinum wire twisted together. I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world! Thankfully he loves it too!

ML:  Thank you Kara!

She’s a big fan of Chanel, Gucci, Chloe, and Hermes handbags, so why not Treesje too? Lindsay Lohan rolled up to Kitson to celebrate Treesje’s Magnolia collection, showing off her blonde locks and a bright blue tank. Say what you want about Lindsay, but at least she keeps things interesting - you rarely see her with the same purse twice!

Photo from People.com.