Got a thing for snake skin? You’re not alone. And if you, also like many other women, have no interest in dropping major bucks on the real thing (or just don’t want to carry actual snake), consider the next best thing. This Vintage Reign Mini Fold Over Clutch offers quite a chic alternative to snakeskin – AND to ostrich skin! Combining two textures in one, this sleek leather clutch features a snake-embossed panel surrounded by ostrich-studded side panels, all in a sort of dusty-green hue. I love the addition of the whipstitched handle, which adds just enough contrast to make this little bag even more interesting. Available for $275 at Nordstrom.

posted: May 25th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Nothing rebellious here, folks – unless, just because something has a few studs, you consider it hardcore. Otherwise, this R&Em Rebel Clutch is inaptly named. I won’t fault it, though, because it’s still a pretty cool little bag. I love the spearmint color, the perforated flap, and the chic crossbody style. It’s definitely on the small side, but if you happen to require something light for lazy days, this could be a great choice just for the price alone. Available for $75 at Nordstrom.

posted: May 18th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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After a monsoon of florals, neons, and floral neons, we are surprised and grateful for the monochromatic, print-free Comme Des Garcons Emboss Metallic Long Wallet. Bright and full of character, this wallet possesses all the attitude of spring’s bold accessories. But it also possesses class and maturity. The zip-around wallet is covered in embossed metallic leather. Available from Forward by Elyse Walker for $400.

posted: May 17th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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All hail colorblocking! By now, the trend is more a way of life than a passing interest. The Roberta di Camerino Bagonghi Special Leather Top Handle demonstrates just how much fun it can be – surprising for a label that I normally associate with more severe and polished bags. This is all play and good times, from its cool palette to its jovial silhouette (love the softly curved handle!). It’s really the perfect spring handbag! Available for $1741 at LUISAVIAROMA.

posted: May 10th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Hmmm. I can’t decide if I like this Matthew Williamson Peacock Feather Clutch Bag or not. At worst, I’m indifferent to it, despite the fairly clever concoction of peacock-like feathers and multicolored sequins. I’m not anti-feather at all, especially since it’s a feature we so rarely see on handbags. However, this particular style is kind of bland, which is too bad given how unique it could have been. Ah, well. That’s $1495 saved! Find it at Matthew Williamson.

posted: May 10th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Another day, another mint bag to covet. Once again, I’m forced to go gaga over a chic accessory in this fresh, airy hue. This time it’s the Diego Dolcini Metallic Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag, which shows the color in an icier light than usual. The combination of gleaming leather with a stripe of smooth, tonal suede is perfect – and so, too, is the thick chain strap. This is a petite bag, but the extra detailing doesn’t feel overwhelming. Available for $878 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: May 9th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Are you ready for May flowers?

April showers bring May flowers, and when I think of floral purses, the first name that comes to mind is Vera Bradley. You can spot a Vera Bradley bag a mile away. The base style is the same – quilted cotton in a wide variety of floral patterns. But the shapes and colors are what make these handbags really stand out. Here’s what’s new for summer.

The Grand Tote is one of Vera’s mainstays. It’s a spacious tote, and the soft Priscilla Pink pattern lets the flowers take center stage. You can pick this pretty purse up for $65.

There’s no reason for new moms to get stuck with dull old diaper bags. The Crossbody Baby Bag in Blue Medley is not only pretty as a picture, it has its own changing pad, and everything – bag and pad – is washable. Get one as a Mother’s Day gift for any new mom you know – just $110.

With its convenient outside center pocket, the Clare Shoulder Bag, seen here in Lime’s Up, is a great May flowers option, and the black floral design on lime green, blue, and yellow will easily, breezily take you through the summer months as well. For $59 it can be yours.

posted: May 4th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Is the Kate Spade design team having some sort of competition for the quirkiest purse possible? The Kate Spade Hold Court Quinn is probably their silliest bag to date. I’m not going to humor you with a laundry list of places you can carry this AstroTurf-inspired accessory, but I’m not going to knock it either. It’s a delightfully kitschy and memorable purse that puts a smile on your face, and in a world of often pretentious handbags, sometimes that’s all you need. It’s $298 at Kate Spade.

posted: May 4th, 2012
category: Kate Spade Handbags
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Don’t let the “bag” part of this Botkier Turner Novelty Bag fool you — this is all wallet. It’s a great little addition to your purse that will provide a little ray of sunshine when you take it out at the cash register. Best of all, it zips up, which means you won’t have to do the mad hunt through your oversized bag to find those two pennies when your total is $50.02. Grab one for $245 at Endless.com.

posted: May 3rd, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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If you’re a sucker for all of those Olympia Le Tan book clutches but can’t quite stomach the hefty price tags, you’ll find the next best thing in the ASOS Book Clutch. It’s quite obviously not the same by any stretch – no cute title or artwork here, folks – but it does still offer a hint of similar vintage charm thanks to its soft mint and gold palette, hard case design, and tassel detail. I may have liked this in a bolder color, like red or fuchsia, but for this price it’s really a moot point. Available for $45.45 at ASOS.

posted: May 2nd, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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