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eLUXURY is offering an exclusive deal of a free Marc Jacobs Soft Calf Cosmetic Pouch, with purchase of select Marc Jacobs Collection handbags. Fitting the deal, and just in for the holidays, are the Metallic Leather handbags, such as this Metallic Multi Pocket Bag and the Metallic Blake. Both sport classic Marc Jacobs styling and signature push-lock pockets. They’re so luxurious, the lining is even in suede!

I can’t help, though, but to be more in love, so tremendously in love, in fact, with the Marc Jacobs Satin Mia Three tones of lush purples, black and tan leather OR … omgosh … 5 shades of cascading tonal browns and black. Either choice is as delicious to look at—and touch the satin and smooth leather—as those pies we ate for Thanksgiving dessert! Mmm. On top of that, there are antiqued brass rings, studs and hardware! And I thought I was full Thursday! Unfortunately, the bag’s $725, so I couldn’t possibly buy 2!

Also, the Mia style doesn’t come with a free gift. On the bright side, eLUXURY is offering free shipping!

Popularity: 3% [?]

It is said that the human eye naturally is drawn to the lightest object in view, which is why girls sometimes wear black to hide unwanted imperfections. It is also why it’s good to wear something lighter colored on the top portion of your body, thus bringing attention toward your face, unless of course, you want to draw attention to the bottom half. Anyway, this certainly is true of the Casadei Dali Bow Handbag, available from Zappos.com, which makes it my sixth choice for the “12 Handbags of Christmas.” I can’t believe we’re already halfway through!

When I saw this purse, my eyes were drawn immediately to the light green velvet bow perched on the flap. Bows are such a girly-girl detail, which I love. Priced at $826.95, it’s a flap-style shoulder bag with a double silver chain that has a velvet rest at top so the chain won’t dig into your shoulder—definitely a plus! A shoulder bag that isn’t too big (10.5″ l x 6″ h x 4.5″ d) is perfect for holiday gatherings because you can still carry your purse with you, but have your hands free. This bag also has feet on the bottom to help protect your purse when you just have to set it down, although with this bag, you won’t want to!

Popularity: 3% [?]

This is merely an observation, but why do companies send out e-mails with merchandise that are so limited in quantity that by the time most people get the chance to order an item, it’s sold out?! I received an e-mail this morning regarding the Mini Lunch Tote from Cole Haan —it’s a fab little version of the hard-to-improve Lunch Tote. And incredibly, it’s only $175, so I checked it out, of course! But It’s currently unavailable, which just makes no sense to me. If there weren’t many in stock, why bother including it in the e-mail?

Popularity: 3% [?]

It’s been a while since Bath & Body Works has stepped up their gift sets to be wrapped up in fashionable handbags … yes, handbags … yes, fashionable. Not only do scentfully delicious goodies come in these packages, but the bags themselves are usable every day! For this holiday season, they sell many varieties, which include nice weekender travel bags. How appropriate.

I like the medium shoulder straps of this $150 set’s mock-croc brown Ultimate Weekender, but there are more reasonably priced versions—even in red! The Must-Have Carryall bags are online exclusives, so be sure to check the link out!

They also have a sweet “Sueded” Metallic Flap Bag and a store-only sueded tote that is fabulous, especially for its maker and faux leather status.

If you’re in the spirit for something gift-time only, they do have holiday themed bags.

With this store, good things come in pretty packages … and the packages are good, themselves! Who can beat that for easy holiday gifting?

Popularity: 6% [?]

Velvet is perhaps the fabric most closely associated with the holidays, so naturally, I needed to include a velvet selection in the “12 Handbags of Christmas.” The Velvet Frame Bag, which can be purchased at Target, is currently on sale for $14.44 on their web site (regular price is $16.99). Measuring 5″ x 11.5″ x 2.75″, it has a matching braided cord handle, an interior pocket and is also available in black.

Ever since Target began signing deals with people such as Cynthia Rowley, Ilene Rosenzweig, Isaac Mizrahi, Thomas O’Brien, etc., they have grown greatly in their selection of merchandise that is not only affordable, but also high design. This handbag is a perfect little example of how it pays to take a look at some of the national chain stores!

Popularity: 3% [?]

The holiday season brings up family parties and evening events. A small, flashy bag is called for, and metallics are perfectly festive. Also perfect? The prices of - even designer - wristlets. You may be a queen of the night, but if not, you will need your occasion bags to not outcost their wearability.

COACH carries wristlets for all upcoming festivities: Family gatherings, New Years Eve Galas, evening the Thanksgiving Weekend Reunion!

Check out these styles:

Clockwise: Metallic Pleated Wristlet ($118), Optic Signature Lurex Pleated Wristlet ($98), Signature Beaded Wristlet ($88), Hamptons Signature Python Stripe Wristlet ($148).

These are so lovely, you’ll be torn between carrying yours and hanging it on your holiday tree!

Popularity: 8% [?]

After the too-expensive-even-in-my-dreams handbag I featured last week in the “12 Handbags of Christmas,” I made it my goal this week to feature more affordable picks. We can dream, but unfortunately, sometimes, we need to think about our budgets. So, my fourth pick is the Vegas Long Wallet by Bebe for only $54!

Available in silver or gold, it has gathers and a sequin panel down the center. Now, you need to be careful when purchasing a handbag with sequins as this is an embellishment that if done incorrectly can go too far and end up looking like one of Elvis’s overdone jumpsuits. Fortunately, Bebe has done sequins justice on this wallet. It has quite a few features too, which include 12 card slots, inner and outer zippered pockets, snap closure and a checkbook slot and the size (3.5″ x 7.5″) is perfect for a party.

Also, be sure to check out the matching coin purse for only $29!

Popularity: 8% [?]

A secret (known to mailing list customers) giveaway is happening at Express stores this Black Friday, Nov. 25th. Their doorbuster incentive is to get people to come in sharply at 7 a.m. (’til 11 a.m., unless merchendise runs out) to recieve a free evening clutch! The styles, are quite nice, especially the velvet in assorted colors with embellishment (pictured). ($29.50 regularly) Also available are beaded and silver metallic. (NO purchase requird.)

Along with this gem, Express has a lot of great new bags in for the season. I especially like the Velvet Hobo (black). Roomy, with an interior zippered pocket, it’s classic hobo — but it’s velvet! It’s a great deal at $39.50, but I know mine would get “lint” all over the black fabric. Shame. If yours is a pet-free home, perhaps you should consider getting this perfectly trendy, yet classically beautiful bag.

Popularity: 3% [?]

The Soft Calf Large East/West Hobo bag by Marc Jacobs (15″ x 10″ x 4.75″) is full of details, details, details, which I love! I really dislike boring bags—you know the kind, solid front and back, simple sides, zippered top, plain handle and nothing else. I need uniqueness or really beautiful colored fabrics—this bag has both.


Made from leather and available in classic black and a GORGEOUS blue, it has gathered corners that instantly add a chic factor and very cool teardrop-shaped sides that appropriately go well with the blue color choice. It has a top strap that comes down and clicks in a classy press-lock closure. The interior is a yummy suede. I really would like to purchase this bag, but it has that silly price tag of $925. I know—it’s a lot of leather, but why is it I always have to gravitate towards the out-of-my-budget bags?

(If the affiliate product link doesn’t work, use this product link.)

Popularity: 3% [?]

Mallory Road:

I think the new line of “Doodle” handbags from Dooney & Bourke are named quite appropriately. My problem with the design is that it looks like you purchased a purse and used it as a writing board. If I’m spending between $100 to $300 for a handbag, I do not want it to look scribbled on! Actually, it doesn’t matter what I spend on the purse, I don’t like the look. In fact, I specifically try to protect my purses so they don’t get scuffed or marked. The shapes of some of these bags are great, but, in my opinion, the pattern does nothing for them. So, Designer Ella, what’s your opinion?

DesignerElla:

I think they they took all of their recent logo prints, mixed them in a blender, fed that to a dog, and it was so disgusting, she vomited on these nicely shaped bags. One step forward, two steps back!

Popularity: 17% [?]