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 luxurious and beautiful. I love the coal grey leather in combination with the weathered central patch in varying shades of rust. The foldover design makes the generous size of the clutch, 15″ x 10″, a little more practical. Available for $140 from Heir Apparel.

Photo Credit: Heir Apparel

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

I loved the red clutch purse that actress Taraji P. Henson carried on the Oscars red carpet.

In fact - I loved it so much that I wanted to share some of my favorite red clutch purse picks, for almost any budget!

Let’s start with the high-end splurge:

Image: Neiman Marcus

That is a Christian Louboutin “Petal” satin evening bag.  Yes, it costs almost $1500, but it’s a Louboutin - you’re paying for quality here ladies!

My mid-range pick rings in at a more moderate $225:

Image: Neiman Marcus

That’s the “Caroline” clutch purse by designer Lauren Merkin, also in red satin.

My next pick isn’t made out of red satin, but at only $58, I can work with red faux croc:

Image: Rimistyle

Check out this charming “Big Heart” clutch purse from Marc Jacobs:

I know I’m a sucker for hearts right around Valentine’s Day, but it’s still an adorable clutch that will work for more than just February 14th.

The heart appliques have been cut out of different styles of fuschia leather - and accented with a little gold “Marc Jacobs” logo of course!

image: eLuxury

 Auto is one of my favorite websites for unique accessories and jewelry (that may be why I write about them so much

I perked up when I heard about this sale:

That’s right - 20% off their entire selection of handbags - but only for the next week, so get in there and shop if you want to get something!

What bags are they showing here?  The top row, from left to right: Rachel Nasvik Tabitha Bag, Ananas Coco Clutch, Lucia Nenickova Lucia Shopper Tote.

The second row, again from left to right: Rachel Nasvik Bianca Bag, Pollux Handmade Hannah Bag, Rachel Nasvik Ava.

image: Auto

StefaniBags.com is a new online site for hot & trendy purses, handbags, totes and clutches.   They specialize in what’s new and fabulous - and they have a great mix of upcoming indie designers as well as well-known fashion designers.

Here are some of my picks:

Purple patent “Bean” convertible tote/clutch purse by Jalda:

Abas full frame clutch (in “Sassy Croco” - an embossed Italian calfskin leather):

And last, but not least - the elegant and understated “Jorga Large Feutre” by Matt & Nat:

images:  StefaniBags.com

I was one of those kids who loved getting a new package of markers - I’d spend hours coloring and imaging my own little worlds.

So what’s a girl to do when she grows up?

Color on her purse of course!

Fendi has created a white canvas “Artist Baguette” clutch and packaged it with ten Pantone markers:

And what does it look like out of the pretty package?

images: Neiman Marcus