Apparently gray is the new black this fall, so I figure your handbag collection might need a little spice from Arturo so that you don’t blend in with the carpet. I like the color burgundy for business bags because it can be worn with brown or black shoes, whichever you prefer. Also, it makes an impression in interviews and/or meetings with clients. The shade is memorable, and shows that you aren’t afraid to take risks. But if you aren’t too keen on color, the bag also comes in black and brown.

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For those of you who love handbags but can’t afford to go all out, try something more middle of the road. Spending an extra hundred may save you in the end. Quality bags last longer and are less likely to go out of style.

1. LaCroix Handbags Elita ($465)
2. Abro Catena Large ($495)
3. Kate Spade Brookline Small Coal ($495)
4. Via Pendio Forza ($485)

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Versatility is valuable in my eyes. I like to have options. Claire Sanchez makes what I like to call a “cag” (a.k.a. - clutch/bag). Equipped with an interchangeable leather strap, this beauty converts from clutch to bag in a matter of seconds. Not-to-mention, it’s simply beautiful.

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I was in San Francisco for the weekend and received a fall preview for the chill that will soon outwit summer’s sizzling heat. There’s nothing like a coffee colored tote to ease the transition from caramel frappuccino’s to steaming latte’s. I like this bag by Francesco Biasia because it’s light-weight and can be carried in a number of ways.

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Unbeknownst to me, it is proper etiquette and good luck to place money in a bag or wallet that you give as a gift. Don’t worry, Mint Handbags has you covered. Each design has a signature penny sewn into the lining. They even name their bags after people who have been featured on American currency, such as the Chase Bag inspired by Salmon Chase’s appearance on the $10,000 bill. Clever concept, pleasant prints and a great gift.

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If you can’t quite let go of your leather handbag fixation, I suggest baby steps. Start with Tommy Hilfiger’s large shopper featuring 100% cotton canvas straps and accent stitching. It may not scream eco-chic, but at least it’s a quality bag for under $40. Donate your additional savings to treehugger.com and counteract your carbon footprint.

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Are you spunky? Free-spirited? Fearless? One-of-a-kind? If so, the Betseyville handbag line from Betsey Johnson may ring your bell. I admire Betsey as both a designer and a person. She is known for her whimsical style and contagious personality. As a survivor of breast cancer, she seizes every opportunity to enjoy life (she has even done cartwheels at the end of her runway shows). Betsey continues to create her own rules in the fashion industry and remind her followers that fashion is supposed to be fun.

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Just when I thought I’d seen it all, Andrea Valentini made my jaw drop. With a patented process that fuses two materials together, she created an entirely new fabric for handbags! Exclamation point! Valentini’s background in architecture and fine art enables her to create innovative designs with high tech performance. Not only are they lightweight and easy to clean, but highly durable and unfazed by the elements. I haven’t seen anything this ground-breaking in a long time, and I look at bags all day long!

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