Start the holiday season on the right foot with this resplendent treat: the Marc Jacobs Quilted Bruna Satchel. Bruna is a chic, practical purse on most occasions - it’s spacious and elegant, classic and a bit edgy at the same time. This version boasts enticing silver leather accented by gold hardware. This color is exclusive to Bloomingdale’s, so die-hards are advised to get their fix before the limited edition number disappears for good. Of course, silver isn’t always the most practical hue in the world, so you may find yourself carrying this only for sterling-special occasions. Available for $1350 at Bloomingdale’s.

If you’re already thinking Resort 2009, you’re in luck - here come next year’s fabulously colorful, brilliant bags. First up is this Jimmy Choo Monna Medium Tote, a rich suede carryall washed in the most glorious of neon pinks. The design, complete with a center gusset and zipped pockets, veers on the edgy side and makes such a brilliant statement. If you’re saying yes, please to this bag, you’ll want to take a peek at the rest of Choo’s collection of purses and shoes for Resort. Besides the obvious appreciation for color, there’s also a resoundingly playful spirit. It’s a powerhouse group that includes everything from strappy yellow sandals to another version of the Monna in neon green. Available to pre-order for $1735 at Nordstrom.

Suede adds an instant shot of luxury to nearly anything. Example? This Coach Suede Kristin Bag, an otherwise fairly simple purse that’s coated in the rich material and accented with light leather trim. It’s only available in brown, so keep that in mind if you’re considering it. It’s practical and attractive, but it’s also a tad bit boring despite the fact that it’s impeccably made and boasts such touchable fabric. I’d love to see it in a berry or evergreen shade, instead of the season’s most basic neutral. Available for $598 at Coach.

Jessica Alba shocked the entertainment world when she smiled for the cameras this weekend. Ok, perhaps not for the cameras exactly, but a camera did happen to catch the usually sour-faced Alba with a rare happy grin. And why shouldn’t she be smiling? She’s got hot hubby Cash Warren on one arm, adorable baby Honor looking like a little style maven herself, a cup of joe in her hand and a Fendi Zucca Woven Crossword Bag on the other arm. Granted, I’m not a huge fan of the bag, but it looks suitably large enough for mommies to carry all the necessities. You can grab one for yourself for $1176 at Bluefly.

Image courtesy of celebrity-gossip.net

Nope. This purse does not look like it is worth $300. Quilted nylon with plastic bead snowflakes belong in the mark down barrel at Big Lots. I am sure this Secret Pon Pon Medium Fabric Bag would look cute with your ice skating outfit you may wear one time this season, but chances are this handbag will end up at the back of your closet sharing space with your straw bag with a giant pineapple embroidered on it. And just like the straw bag, this off white number won’t see the light of a winter’s day ever. It will just deplete your savings account, when you should be saving up for spring sandals.

Available at yoox.com $ 324

Sophisticated and chic contemporary sportswear and dresses are up to 75% off this week at the Vivienne Tam Sample Sale. If you need some hot party clothes with some Eastern flair, this is the place to be…

Sale Dates: 11.05.08 -11.07.08
Shopping Times: Wed 9am - 8pm / Thurs: 10am - 7pm / Fri: 10am-6pm
Location: 260 W. 39th Street [between 7th & 8th avenues] - 11th Floor
Accepted Payment Type: Cash/VISA/AMEX/MC - PLEASE NO CHECKS!!!

Well, you can’t win them all. After a decent dressing streak, Britney has hit a flat note with this mismatched apricot tee, camel coat, and black velour pants en route to the dance studio. But - what’s this? The Louis Vuitton Monogram Shimmer Comete? Now that’s what I call a silver lining. The elegant - but not stuffy - purse is just the kind of style influence Brit Brit needs. Now if only the rest of her clothes will follow suit. You can do it, girl!

Photo from UsMagazine.com.

Just made to bring out your edgy side, the Coach Soho Large Patent Hobo will have no trouble standing out in a crowd. A vivid purple like this can often be difficult to pull off, but as a sharp accessory it’s just perfect. The intense shine adds some oomph to your look, too. Keep everything else pared down for maximum impact - you don’t want to miss out on letting the purse enjoy the spotlight. Also in brown. Available for $398 at Coach.

Color me impressed! Tory Burch has always kind of bored me, but here she strikes gold (or would that be fuchsia?) with her fabulous Anne Dégradé Satchel. The structured shape is so classic and unassuming, but the color - appropriately called “Party Fuchsia” - might just put people in a trance with its brilliance. The downside is that the trendy dégradé effect may not seem so enticing in the near future. Many have called it the tie-dye of today - and look where that is now. Right now, though, Anne is one striking bag. Also in black. Available for $425 at Nordstrom.

It’s interesting how completely unexpected this Burberry Lowry Tote is. Would you even know it’s Burberry by looking at it? Made with some seriously ruched leather, this roomy tote has a bit of a croc-like appearance thanks to the color (an “English racing green”). I’m not loving it, actually, and think totes so practically designed should be a bit more sensible for everyday use. This wouldn’t work with half of the things in my wardrobe! Available for $2560 at MyTheresa.