What is brewing in this slick python embossed luxury microfiber?  The rounded pouch of this handbag is a fitting cauldron for the most sophisticated of sorceresses.  The dark glossy exterior hides the magical potion of a bright colorful print inside. Rare snakeskin bags run a pretty high price tag, out of reach for most of us.  However, this Carlos Falchi bag gives you the same amount of style for a much more reasonable (and reptile-friendly) price of $370.

The chic animal print is understated and low-key on this Bottega Veneta Zebra-Stripe Woven Hobo. The perfect choice for anyone who loves a touch of wildlife in their attire but doesn’t want to make big, loud statements, this slouchy bag is made with woven nappa leather and adorned with zebra stripes. In my world, animal prints need to be loud and obnoxious to really work as an accent with otherwise understated ensembles, but someone in search of the opposite will find it in this well-constructed purse. Available for $2380 at Neiman Marcus.

You could let this dismal economy get you down…or you could drown your sorrows in a discounted designer purse. And where would you find such a purse? Why, at ShopBop, where prices on fresh fall styles are being slashed by 30%. We spied a Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Jacquard Zip Clutch for $94-$131.60, a gorgeous Juicy Couture JC Medallion Estate Tote for $416.50 (originally $595), and Alexander Wang’s edgy Oversized Leather Clutch for $455 (originally $650), plus goodies from Tory Burch, Beau Soleil, and more. Start shopping now at ShopBop.com.

Current Fall/Winter merchandise is up to 80% off retail prices for these hot Italian labels. If you’re downtown in NYC the next few days, stock up on some sexy Eurochic for the season. Everything from evening gowns, leather outerwear, jeans, shoes and handbags are up for grabs for the savvy shopper until Sunday.

Event Ends:

10/26/2008

Mon-Sat 11am-8pmSun 11am-6pm
Location:

17 Battery Place South(btwn. West Side Hwy & Washington St)

5th Floor

New York, NY 10004

(212) 636-0865

Payment Type:

VISA/AMEX/MC -No CASH, No CHECKS

Oh, boy. Love Kate Bosworth, don’t love the outfit. Sure it’s got plenty of indie quirkiness to it, but…NO. I could go on about those red boots and ’80s jeans, but let’s dish about the Chloe bag, shall we? Though I know Chloe’s springtime parade of multicolored patchwork wasn’t a big hit for everyone, I think it just might be the best thing about this ensemble. The wide-buckled strap is utilitarian, and gives a little weight to the eccentric gray, white, and lime croc body. What do you think?

Photo from PopSugar.com.

Rich pebble leather and just a touch of Gold plated hardware give the Nikki hobo an edge.  The shoulder strap is tapered to hang on your arm comfortably without slipping.  And the top of this bag folds nicely to secure your contents inside.  This purse is a key silhouette for Rebecca Minkoff and will soon be available in new spring colors.  In the mean time, this season’s dark brown color is a great shade for now and tomorrow.  I do love the pairing of dark brown with gold hardware.  It is an unexpected mix that works quite nicely.

Available at shopbop.com for $595.00

Sometimes I wonder if designers smoke a bit too much of the funny stuff and then take a great idea and try to make it look as awful as possible.  In fact, the designers at Gucci took this medium hobo a few steps to far and literally give it a crazy name, Hysteria Medium Hobo.   And the purse just happens to be priced in an odd retail amount of $1360.00.  It all adds up to a strange bag experience.  Gucci’s team must have thought this bag, in tortoise print patent leather, was absolutely the funniest handbag they have ever made.  They hope customers might just be too overwhelmed to see that this bag was made as a joke and buy it anyway.   Well, I can not wait to see this bag on the street, it sure will stand out.  And if you hear someone cackling in the background it is most likely a member of the Gucci team. Available at saksfifthavenue.com for $1360.00

Here are two alternatives you might like better

For me, juicy bags are either hit or miss. The ones made out of velour and sweatpants, I wouldn’t touch those with a 10 foot pole. On the other hand, Juicy’s leather collection usually has me reaching for my credit card. That being said, I adore this Juicy Couture Flap Lock Fluffy Bag. Made of textured cowhide, this bag has an urban safari look; a great fall bag that will transition well into the winter. Shown here in brown, this bag is also available in black, but I think the design and golden hardware look much better with the brown. If juicy continues to make purses like this one, I will gladly overlook the unfortunate velour catastrophes. Available at Saks for $375

Guess this brand? The name of the bag is Kylie. If your first thought was Marc Jacobs, you would be wrong. How about Kate Spade or Anya Hindmarch. Nope, none of those. This fabulous little top zip has two front pockets, secured under the turn lock flap and some great contrast top stitch that packs a punch. This bag is a great medium size, 13 1/2” wide by 9” tall and quite wide to fit loads of stuff. Fifty- Four is the new sub brand of a well known mid price handbag maker trying to capture the higher end market. Do you have it yet? The companies home base is in Texas and they are extremely well known for their watch business.
If you were thinking Fossil you are right. Fossil Fifty-Four is right on track.

available at macys.com for $285.00

Shop for more at Macy’s. Free Shipping!

I am pleasantly surprised by the Burberry Shimmer Check Hobo. By now you may have realized that I am sucker for a great hobo style bag. The relaxed shape allows for tons of space to fit anything I may need for the day. Usually Burberry doesn’t do it for me, but I adore this bag. The metallic trim takes the traditional Burberry print to a whole other level of fun and flirty. I am also in love with the gunmetal grey hardware; its color and shine adds a little subtle edge to the bag. I am loving this preppy, with a touch of sass, hobo bag.  Available at Saks for $695.

Style Alternatives:

Burberry Tote in Copper

Burberry Tote in Silver