Polka dots don’t get much classier than on this Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Polka-Dot Clutch. It retains just enough spunk to keep your most formal gown from being too stuffy, especially with the surprising reversed color scheme on the opposite side. It’s enough to make me wish I had a grand gala affair to attend, but perhaps it would even work dressed down with a warm grey business suit and simple nude heels. Get one for $325 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: September 20th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Clutches are definitely in this fall, and they’re not just delegated to proms and weddings anymore. Who wouldn’t want to take the Vivian clutch from Tiffany & Co. out to dinner and a movie? Add on  the chain shoulder strap that’s tucked inside and you can easily wear this out when you go shopping at the mall or even for groceries. I love the way the tiny studs set against the gentle navy nappa leather look like stars in the evening sky. The large kiss closure globes keep this bag from taking itself too seriously. You can order Vivian directly from Tiffany & Co. for $1295.

posted: September 20th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: 1 Comment

If you love purses but don’t have the budget to invest in all the new trends every season, you don’t need to give up hope. Melie Bianco is your source for style that won’t sink your finances! The Jasmine Color Blocked Top Handle Bag is a perfect example of what’s hot right now, at a trim little price tag of just $92. The saddle color panels create a simple pattern against the black faux leather and bring all eyes front and center to the flower cross lock. Navy/tan and brown/pumpkin colorways are also available, if you want something a little livelier than black. You can pre-order this bag from Melie Bianco for delivery by 11/15.

posted: September 20th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Attention, loyal readers! Last week’s Shopping List Poll has concluded with a tie between the Versace Leather Hobo Bag and the Tiffany Ellis Hobo! Since it’s pretty clear our readers are craving hobo bags, we’ve decided to feature lookalikes for both of the victors above. The Versace Leather Hobo Bag was first spotted for a whopping $1,795 at Net-a-Porter and the Tiffany Ellis Hobo rang in at $895 from Tiffany & Co. – but have no fear: we’ve found three affordable lookalikes (NOT fakes) of each of these beauties for you to choose from. Be sure to let us know which is your favorite hobo by leaving a comment at the bottom!

1. Lucky Brand Classic Rider Flap Hobo $125.30

2. Claudio Orciani Large Leather Bag $325

3. DKNY Vintage Leather Classics Hobo $295

4. Pietro Alessandro Madison Hobo $258

5. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Newbury Zip Hobo Bag $178

6. J. P. Ourse & Cie. Bank Large Hobo $120

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags, Shopping List Roundups
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Can you believe the month of September is already half over? Fall fashion is just flying by! Don’t waste any more time – vote in the poll below to weigh in on some of the fabulous fall bags we’ve been digging up here at The Purse Page. The winner will be the subject of next week’s lookalike shopping spree, in time for the chilly autumn days! So tell us, which of these would you like to see as our focus next time?

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags, Shopping List Polls
comments: No Comments

The second that I come across an extra $1,700 in my pocket is the second I’ll buy this lovely Derek Lam Anthea Shoulder Bag! Unfortunately, that probably means I’ll never get the chance to own one. Italian-made, it boasts signature brushed golden hardware, soft leathers, a satin lining, a top handle, a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, and a top zip closure. All the bells and whistles of a great designer purse – including the price tag. (Excuse me while I sigh with longing…) Pick this bag up for $1,690 from Saks Fifth Avenue.

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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The rich autumn colors of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Chevron Clutch are exactly what I’m craving for my date nights. The velvet is stunning in its gold and wine stripes. This clutch has a vintage feel and it would look great with skinny jeans, sumptuous cashmere sweaters, and knee-high boots. Get yours for $280 at Net-A-Porter.

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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This bag has fall written all over it. The Top Handle Suede Clutch by Pierre Hardy uses the buttery soft cocoa suede as a nice contrast to the crisp and shiny patent leather. Since I’m not a big fan of clutches, other than blinged-out evening bags, I would take advantage of the adjustable shoulder strap here.  I do like the way the flap folds through the front panel to close the bag – it’s a nice change of pace. Get your fall wardrobe off to a good start at Barney’s, where this clutch is available for $1050.

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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Wearing warm, spice-toned leather is an immediate “yay” if you’re planning ways to update your fall wardrobe. It may sound tricky, but I dare any woman to turn her back on this lovely Cole Haan Village Eden Small Tote. The color is deep, but it doesn’t scream “Halloween!” The boxy silhouette, while quite structured, isn’t too austere or uptight; on the contrary, the fun orange shade brings it down to earth, and the relatively demure size makes it a good choice for everyday use. Find it for $278 at Nordstrom.

posted: September 19th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
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The many faces of Miche Bags

It is a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, and in fashion in particular, that’s a given. Keeping up with current styles could make your head spin and your budget burst. Enter Miche Bags (pronounced Mee Chee), the brainchild of a young woman who spilled something on her purse one day and wished she could just throw on a new cover instead of having to transfer the contents to a new bag.

The company has grown since its inception in 2004, but the concept remains the same: buy a base (Demi, Classic, Prima, or Petite) and then change the covers to fit your outfit, your mood, or the season. You can buy Miche bags three different ways – online, in a retail store, or through a  representative. With a rep, you can actually have a purse party at your home and shop with your friends.

Oh, the prices? $19.95 for the Petite, $37.95 for the Classic, and $44.95 for the Demi or Prima. The covers are magnetic and go on in seconds. It’s easy and fun, especially if you like to change your look on a whim. Here are a few samples – check out the others at michebag.com.

Maddy is one of the shells for the Petite Bag, featuring a  charcoal floral-embossed panel against a fuchsia background.  A simple half chain shoulder strap adds another  point of interest. At $17.95 it would be a sweet addition to any young girl’s wardrobe.

Do you like Burberry?  Then you might enjoy Alyssa, a pretty plaid cover that fits the Classic. This tote is shown here with black handles, but you can switch out to cream-colored ones (purchased separately) to give it a lighter look.  Alyssa can be picked up for a fraction of the cost of a Burberry – $32.95.

Ah, the Prima – “for the woman who carries her life in a purse”. That would be me! The pairing of the giraffe print with touches of red makes Lexi a fun everyday look.  There’s plenty of room inside this large bag and at $44.95 it’s worth having around for a chic change of pace.

posted: September 16th, 2011
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments