When you think of leather handbags, do you picture the simple white, black or brown bag? If you said “yes” you’re just like me. There’s something to be said for the sophistication in the simplicity of these bags - the clean lines, quality stitching and material, subtle color, and soft feel. Afterall, leather bags are extremely versatile in how they can match many different outfits - from casual to formal. Perhaps that’s why they continue to be some of the most sought-after styles by women of all ages and walks of life.

However, there are also some beautiful and unique leather handbags that offer a little something extra you might not expect - whether it’s an eye-catching accent or unique design. Check out some of my interesting picks below that’ll have you thinking about leather handbags in a whole new way:

Manus Tote Patterned Leather	Lovcat Quilted Leather	Wabags Handpainted Leather
Debbie Rott Tooled Leather	JL Lane Uniquely Shaped Suede	Charm & Luck Leather With Accents

For women who are into vintage looks especially 1920’s and 1930’s dresses, a fringe handbag is the perfect complement. Why? Perhaps it’s the way fringe is reminiscent of a flapper dress. Whatever the reason, if you love vintage dresses or simply have an outfit that can be called ” 1920’s retro”, consider a handbag with fringe to finish off your look.

Zoe Adams

Inge Christopher

Whiting and Davis

Inge Christopher

A wristlet is a total fashion must, especially when you are traveling. Not only are wristlets an elegant, fun and sexy way to make a statement, they are also one of the safest types of handbags. These bags have a strap that allows you to comfortably wrap them around your wrist, keeping the bag close to your body and constantly within your grasp. In addition, wristlets are also incredibly convenient because they are lightweight, small and easy to carry anywhere. Here are six bags that you’ll certainly want to get a hold of.

Bea Valdes Wristlets - These wristlets are truly pieces of art. These bags manifest their beauty in intricate and detailed beading with an array of beads and crystals. You can score your own Bea Valdes Wristlet at stores like Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue. Expect to pay designer prices.

Want something similar? Check out the Mary Frances Tea Garden Wristlet available at a fraction of the price of the Bea Valdes bags - only $150!

Lovcat Mirror Reflection Wristlet - This wristlet is designed for anyone who wants a sexy, practical bag. The silver heart shape hardware and heart shaped zipper add a distinctly feminine element. This bag also features the signature Lovcat heart print lining. Get yours for $129.

Coach Signature Wristlet - Another must have for any fashion lover is the Coach Signature Wristlet. This mini bag is made from a bunch of fun and funky materials including Signature jean fabric and patent leather. The best part about this Coach bag is its price tag! Get yours today for only $58.

eenamaria Girlfriend’s Bestfriend Wristlet - This bag is absolutely gorgeous! It’s perfect for the beach or a night out dancing. It’s fun, down to earth and bold all at the same time! This bag will cost you only $19.

Article by Tori from AssociatedContent.com

Fabrics are always Hot! Check out this Brand: Donna Sharp Handbags and Accessories!

Donna Sharp has translated a highly successful line of home décor into a phenomenal division of handbags and gift items, creating a company that is nationally-recognized for its distinctive, quality-oriented products that are offered at an exceptional value. A fifth-generation quilter and an accomplished designer, Donna Sharp in known around the world for her unique combinations of color and fabric. Her handbag selections include quilted and un-quilted products, using patented fabrics, styles and designs that create a one-of-a-kind opportunity for each customer.

Bright handbags are TOTALLY in right now. Whether it’s a bold red or a cheery purple, the fashion forward are going for maximum color. Check out some bags I found that remind me of colorful jewels.

The Big Buddha Olivia comes in many colors, but the red is rich like a ruby. This cute J. Furmani Bow Wristlet is blue as a sapphire. For a deep purple bag, go with the Calla Lynette Satchel in Amethyst. If green is your color, the Big Buddha Brooklyn Bag comes in a lovely shade of emerald. The Dolcita Clutch From Antoinette Lee Designs is mellow like a yellow topaz. This Claire V Mimi Handbag also comes in a variety of colors, but this shade of blue is similar to an aquamarine.

Up and coming Chinese designer Katherine Kwei is all the buzz among fashion insiders. Her unique line of lamb and water-snake skin knotted handbags are not to be overlooked.

Kwei’s designs incorporate ancient Chinese tradition with the delicate weaving of pliable strips of lambskin and water-snake skin in the pattern of the Chinese “eternity” knot. Kwei’s high-end collection is unlike any other. Her sleek lines are unadorned with this year’s most spoken word in handbags: hardware. You won’t be finding any of that unnecessary frou-frou on Kwei’s bags — no brass, gold or silver beads or buckles; only the essentials: clean, beautiful lines.

Her collections for Autumn/Winter 08 are: the Donna, Alicia May, Edna, Isabel, and Teresa. I particularly like the bright reds used in the Alicia May Collection, especially in the Tote Hair Calf and the Mini Patent. The Mini Hair Calf clutch combines the bright red with cow print for a totally unique look.

For maximum knots, check out the Isabel collection. The Shopper showcases the Katherine Kwei’s distinct knot weave.

Author Alexa Pecore from AssociatedContent.com contributed to this article.

From abstract designs to animal and floral motifs, Anuschka (pronounced an-ush-ka) makes products that are truly works of art. Their handbags and wallets are crafted from soft cow leather and handpainted with unique designs. And when I say handpainted, I mean truly painted by hand. Each piece is painted without the use of any modern tools like spray guns.

Check out some of the best selling handbags and accessories from Anuschka.

Double Entry Shopper $373	V-Top Hobo $173	Checkbook Wallet $113
Hanging French Purse $93	Large Shopper $523	Medium Satchel $338

The smart and savvy bargain hunter knows how to scope out the latest fashionable accessory-and when to hold on buying a fake or counterfeit product. As today’s top fashion designers continue to present their best pieces in handbags, purses, and wallets, dozens of companies are producing spin-offs and replicas of the coveted goods. Many handbag sellers on the internet can feature a popular item, selling it at a discount or auctioning it on sites like eBay. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a replica; and you might have paid a ridiculous price for that unauthentic find.

So what’s a smart shopper to do? You can be confident you’re making the best decision on that handbag purchase with a few shopping techniques; with just a little practice, you’ll learn how to separate the authentic and the fake!

Replica Alert #1:
Make sure the bag is not wrapped in any tissue or plastic. The top handbag designers will only do this for special bag orders, and you won’t find these online. If bags have extra materials or tags, it’s likely they are a replica. Leading designers who offer their bags at Macy’s or Saks online might wrap their items in tissue paper or light plastic; but, these stores will include a certificate of authenticity with the purchase.

Replica Alert #2:
Look closely at the logo designs. These are very difficult to imitate or copy completely, and many replica bags simply use a variation of the original design. This can involve a slight color change, inconsistent printing, or upside down letters. Whatever the case may be, make sure you learn as much as possible about the original before you end up buying a copy or lookalike.

Replica Alert #3:
No authenticity card? It’s likely this one’s a knockoff. Leading designer bags will all have some form of identification or authenticity card that shows where the bag was manufactured, and even might include a receipt of production. Be sure to check with the vendor or seller on where this is-or why it’s not included with your purchase.

Replica Alert #4:
No emblem tag means it’s a knockoff. Emblem tags can be attached to the corner of the bag, just inside the straps, or attached to a zipper. Depending on the style of the bag, the emblem tag may or may not be a focal point of the bag itself. Authentic bags will have an extra piece of leather attached somewhere, with the stamp of the brand imprinted on it. The emblem tag includes the ‘Creed,’ a code of letters and numbers. ANY spaces will mean the bag is a fake.

Replica Alert #5:
It’s the inside that counts. Authentic bags are usually lined with a satin fabric or plain cotton. These are a fine quality material that are rarely used in a fake bag, and may even have the company signature stamped over it. Any thicker cotton material or inconsistent lines on the inside are signs of a replica.

As you stake out your next bag purchase, keep a steady eye on the prize with the right skills and techniques. You need to shop smart for the authentic work of today’s top handbag designers, so you can show off that new bag in style and class!

Article by Sabah Karimi from AssociatedContent.com

I found this article and had to share it with you. In the midst of craziness that comes during this time of year in the fashion industry, I found this article to be refreshing. Of course, like always, I share all of my handbag insights with all of you. There is a handbag exhibit that is called, “Pocketbook Anthropology: A Treasure of Handbags,” and examines the significance of purses. Now, I’m sure you all know by now that being a “handbag expert” Erin and I like to use the word handbag, but we’ll put that aside for now. What was so interesting to me about this exhibit was the vast amount of handbags that were brought in and the differences in them. Everything from homemade handbags to art pieces. To so many people handbags are just seen as material objects, but you also have to remember that there are just as many that actually have a connection with their handbag. Women carry them everyday, take them everywhere and put their most personal pocessions in them. Handbags help to describe who a person is and what kind of style they have. Not everyone may see that in a handbag, but there are many that do. The next time you are sitting at a coffee shop people watching take a look at the handbags that come into that store and the people carrying them. You just may turn into handbag fanatics like us!

and of course, thanks to (www.journalnow.com; August 14th, 2008) for my inspiration!

Handbags come in all colors to suit any style, but why not consider a bag that features no color.

Clear handbags arguably do have some color. Many have color in their handles and accents. However, the majority of a clear bag is see-through.

what’s the advantage of a clear handbag? Well, besides being unique, you can show off what you’re carrying to the rest of the world. Why not pair a clear designer handbag with your latest designer wallet?

Big Buddha

Michael Kors

Charm & Luck

Michael Kors

When people think of what makes a handbag stylish and unique, they usually think of the materials, patterns, colors and embellishments on the bag itself. Features like unusual fabrics, beads, metallic colors, buckles and buttons, eco-friendly materials, and fabulous prints like those of Vera Bradley come to mind. However, a handbag’s style can be more than the bag…it can also come from the handle. A braided handle, beaded handle, or a chain can add to the wow factor of any bag. Check out some handbags below that make a statement with their handles.

Just Cavalli Braided Handle Bag	La Regale Chain Handle Bag	Mad By Design Horn Handle Bag
J. Furmani Satin Covered Bead Handle	Charm & Luck Maltese cross and Fleur-de-lis Accents	Zoe Adams Stone Handle Bag

I love Handbags that re-use vintage materials! These are HOT HOT HOT! And who doesn’t love a Kimono.

$65	$60	$65

 Shop IRO Handbags! Hot, Recycled, Vintage Material…Just helping the World, carrying a handbag!