Now is the time to get some great deals on bags that are perfect for the holidays – why not do some planning ahead and get a great evening bag for a great price?
Bows are a charming accent that have shown up on evening bags and clutch purses from lots of different designers.  And right now, Bluefly has a great selection of evening bags on sale from 20% to as much as 62% off!
Here are a few of the designer goodies you can pick up for the big party:

Go for bright and bold with Valentino’s magenta satin bow evening bag.  …read more

Nest is a combination of a great accessories, jewelry and clothing site and a charitable organization that provides micro-loans to women in developing countries.
Nest offers the interest-free loans to women who have an idea for a business, but no way to get it off the ground.  They pair up established designers with the women to guide them in creating their own business and products.
The result?
Women who are able to help their families, send their kids to school, empower themselves… and make gorgeous things to sell.
If you’re looking for a cute little clutch for a dressy event, I’d like to suggest …read more

Spring and Summer 2010 are so bright that they’re sparkling – at least on the runways of Milan Fashion Week!
Some designers are stepping away from the bright colors and tribal themes into something a little more glittery and feminine.
Clear rhinestones and crystals have shown up on several runways, including Anteprima:

Their models carried delicate clutch purses, encrusted with tiny crystals, and finished off with faceted crystal clasps.
Mila Schon joined the embellished tights crowd with her glittering hosiery:

And what’s better than glittery tights?  Finishing your outfit off with sparkling silver platform heels, of course.
There are some crafty fashionistas who are making their …read more

I know that buying a purse for your wedding day is probably the last thing on your mind, but with completely fabulous clutches like this one on the market, it really shouldn’t be. It’s not really that brides-y, but I think it would be perfect with a really minimal gown, or for a girl who may not be that brides-y anyways.
This gold Pucci clutch is a little bit avant garde, a little bit retro-futuristic, and a lot totally amazing. To be honest, I might be a little obsessed with it. But just imagine it fitting neatly in the palm of …read more

I don’t normally post my Weekend Etsy Picks from the front page of Etsy, but I opened it up this morning and was so taken by this handmade clutch purse that I just had to share.
I’m a sucker for unusual floral purses, and this leather clutch purse is right up my alley!  It’s handmade in Estonia by indie designer EightSeaons:

The “Lavish Summer Blossoms” clutch purse is handmade using cream-colored leather, link with silk.  The blossoms are created with the same leather as the body of the purse, but they’ve been formed and rolled to make soft flowers.  To top it …read more

Do you like your handbags on the unique side of style?  With a side of eco-friendliness?
I think I’ve got the bag for you…
The “Um” bag is made from leftover industrial wool (that would normally end up in the landfill) and finished off with a bold orange zipper.  It’s designed by Josh Jakus and manufactured in the USA.

It’s unique shape means that it can be zipped into a large clutch, or unzipped and left totally flat for ease of storage or packing.
image: Uncommon Goods

Independent handbag designers are hard to come by. Well, that’s not exactly true, there’s plenty out there making screenprinted canvas totebags, and whatnot, but there aren’t that many making high quality, high design leather goods that rival the big dogs. I recently found out about this amazing indie label, Heir Apparel, though. All their goods are made in small batches, assuring that you won’t be seeing a lot of your bag walking around.
This Enfold Clutch is, quite honestly, one of the best accessories I’ve seen by an indie designer. The styling is oversized and super chic, and the materials are …read more

Feminine flowers are showing up on accessories everywhere these days!
Soft and pretty or bold and graphic, flowers can add a touch of fresh, spring style to almost any accessory.
Valentino created this leather tote with metallic leather and accented it with lush flowers, made in the same leather:

The leather flowers on Carlos Falchi’s purse add a fun 3-D accent and the colors keep it fresh and perfect for springtime style:

Or you could go for drop-dead gorgeous with Judith Leiber’s “Morning Dew” hand-finished clutch purse:

images: Neiman Marcus

My Etsy pick for today is… well, pretty much anything from Red Ruby Rose’s shop!
Red Ruby Rose makes lovely, high quality clutch purses in a dazzling array of fabrics, colors and patterns.  If you want it, they probably have it!
One of my favorite purses is their lovely Peacock Feathers clutch purse, made from embroidered silk fabric:

The peacock feather isn’t printed on the fabric, it’s actually embroidered onto it, which makes the design standout more.  It’s also available in a silver version as well.
image: Red Ruby Rose

Monday Minis is a new series focusing on accessories under $25.  Let’s face it – we’re all trying to be a little more thrifty these days, but why not have some fun with it!
Yellow is such a hot color right now, but if you’re not sure you want to invest in a pricey handbag, why not try out an inexpensive clutch purse first?

This faux-lizard clutch purse from Xhilaration rings in at just $11.69!  You can try out the color and add a dash of spice to your accessory wardrobe – without breaking the bank.
image: Amazon.com