It may be small, but this Miu Miu Stamped Leather Clutch still makes quite a powerful statement thanks to its exotic glaze and gorgeous color. It’s so versatile that it makes that tricky day-to-play transition simple. During business hours, it’s a smart, simple complement to a no-nonsense outfit; in the evening, it’s a sensible alternative to a hand held clutch and flatters a host of dressy ensembles beautifully. It’s also the perfect winter-to-spring bag. How can you go wrong? Available for $420 at Net-a-Porter.

Banana Republic is giving away a bag a day until early February. The company has really stepped up their game in the past few years and now offer delicious leathers, nice hardware and functional designs that work for the working girl. One of my favorite things they include on many of their bags is a spot for you to stash your Metro pass! So convenient and necessary for city life.

To find out more on Banana Republic’s Daily Bag Grab Giveaway check out bananarepublic.com.

The best way to punctuate an otherwise simple ensemble? With a fabulous purse, of course. Eva Longoria illustrated how to do it right, negotiate the major crowds and even deal with the paps in her usual cool manner as she did some shopping in Beverly Hills. Her Gustto Brescia Bag adds a shot of decadent, rich purple to her chic-but-simple sweater, scarf and jeans combo. Made of ultra-soft suede, the handbag is accented by brilliant gold hardware and a diminutive zigzag pattern across the bottom. The effect is fabulous from head to toe. Available in several colors at Gustto for $605.

I’m definitely not one for studded purses, but every once in a while I’ll spot something that just grabs my attention. This Sonia Rykiel Suede Top Handle Bag is absolutely smothered in silver studs, but it’s just one of the best fun-night-out accessories I’ve seen in a while. Not only does it gleam appropriately, it’s made with fabulous magenta suede to give it a luxe touch. It’s a strong pairing, but the two elements - overdone hardware and vibrant color - work well together. Available for $1059 at FarFetch.

Available at barneys.com for $2695

The city bag has died out in most department stores. However Barney’s has kept this bag alive. Each season, since it’s inception, Barney’s has hung this bag on its walls. Most bag divas bought one early on. But if you didn’t hop on the Nicolas Ghesquiere bandwagon yet, this seasons Giant Lattice City in white/ black is the way to go. It reads instant Balenciaga but offers a bold graphic look that is good for both spring and fall. Black and white as a theme seems to appear as the “spectator” look for spring and the “tuxedo” look for holiday each year. Black and White pared with an “IT” bag is a smash hit any day of the year.

If you had your eye on the Marc Jacobs Daydream Bag this past fall, you can scoop it up now at a decently marked down price. The chunky chain links on this piece correspond well with the double flap style. I also love the dual dusty pink and pale mocha color combo - how can you go wrong with that? Unlike most of MJ’s other bags, this one isn’t very heavy despite the glorious leather. Available for $550 (regularly $1195) at Plaza Too.

Click here to see more

It seems like my Bottega Veneta wish list grows by the bag each month. While I’m not wild about the color palette of this Leather Intrecciato Bucket Bag, I love the weaving’s intricacy - it’s impressive in person and really stands out. It’s ideal if you’re going for that beach-chic look that will garner you more than your fair share of envious stares, but you’d have to make peace with the fact that it’s $4200 first. Considering it’s versatile enough to carry all through spring and summer, the bag be worth it for a select few. Available at Net-a-Porter.

Dior is pretty much the gold standard of luxurious evening bags. The Rendezvous Cannage Envelope Bag is a prime example. The metallic suede goatskin boasts a subtle shine, all the silver is just dazzling and it bears the instantly recognizable cannage pattern, always an enviable thing if you don’t own it for yourself! This particular bag is great if your agenda is chalk full of fancy events. Imagine it on your arm against a long evening gown, with a short, dressy frock, even with sleek trousers and a glamorous blouse…you get the picture. It’ll get plenty of use. Available for $1450 at eLuxury.

It’s simple…so do we think it’s worth the $1,595 price tag? Not for me! The bag is nice, I’m not arguing that, but it also looks like something you might find at Banana Republic or Club Monaco. And not that there’s anything wrong with handbags from either of those places, but the price point of their bags are a little more in tune with reality at the moment. I’m betting we find a comparable bag from either store or another chain retailer. The YSL Zippy Hobo is lined in suede and has the luxury of unzipping the bottom to create extra space.

Photo: saks.com

I’m usually tempted by anything a bit unusual - not always the wacky sort, but something that makes intelligent use of an unexpected element. This Celestina Abalone Box Clutch falls right into that category thanks to the way it cleverly employs the shell to create the bulk of its body. Framed by macassar ebony wood, this clutch is beautifully exotic, and not in that typical way that usually involves animal skins. It makes a case for natural materials and proves that even the most luxe evening bags don’t need to be made with leather to really shine - and this definitely shines. Available for $770 at Net-a-Porter.