Santa Claus probably already has a gift for Mrs. Claus, but if he doesn’t, I believe I have found the perfect present. Red, of course, is Mrs. Claus’s favorite color so the Charlotte Clutch by Lauren Merkin, number 11 in the “12 Handbags of Christmas,” would certainly be something Mrs. Claus would love to unwrap Christmas morning. Oh, I’d love to unwrap it any morning!

Made from wine-colored suede, it has thin stripes of metallic gold and is lined with pink striped satin lining; this color combo kind of reminds me of candy canes. It sells for $220 and since it’s 11.5″l x 6″ h, it’s the perfect size to tuck under your arm. The pleated detail adds just enough punch. There’s also a small interior pocket, just right for you to carry lipgloss or for Mrs. Claus to tuck away some candy canes!

By the way, be sure to mark your calendars to check back on Christmas Eve Day for the final installment of the “12 Handbags of Christmas” series—you won’t want to miss it!

Popularity: 3% [?]

I have a small fancy bag with a removable strap. I carried it recently as a clutch for the first time. It feels and looks good—upscale. Clutches are known for their appeal as party, high fashion or event bags. They’re often metallic, or otherwise glitzy, but there’s more to them than that. They’re the ultimate in feminine; old-time feminine. They’re a bother to tote and they’re dainty. Ahh, aren’t those the pursuits of the modern woman? Clutches must be held in the hand or tucked under the arm. Somehow, this extra effort gives the impression of higher class. It’s deeply psychological, but undeniable. Every femme should own one clutch, but I suggest it be one with a strap to add if the bag truly becomes a bother. And be careful not to lose the precious possession in activities like shopping, when many other items are also in the hands.

Pictured is the Violette Nozieres Handbags - Chloe w/ Stone.

Enjoyed this feature? Want me to dig into more deep thoughts on the insides of bag styles? Let me know!

Popularity: 1% [?]

Sometimes, I simply like a purse because it’s pretty and sweet, like the Floral Zippered Clutch, available only from Gap.com (By Style: Clutch). Number 10 in my “12 Handbags of Christmas” series, it’s currently on sale for $19.99. Shipping Tip: If you want it by Dec. 24th, you need to place your order by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Dec. 20 and choose Express Shipping. So hurry!

It comes in your choice of antique gold or brown. For Christmas, I prefer the antique gold. Doesn’t it look more festive, especially when paired with that velvety blazer? Unfortunately, size information is not given for this purse, but it’s evident by the photo that the size will work just fine for holiday gatherings. Plus, I really love that ribbon zipper pull!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hunting for stocking stuffers? Check out Purse Pal Purse Lights. Every handbag-loving gal has had it happen—it’s dark and you’re searching for something in your purse and you’re getting more and more frustrated because you can’t find that all-important necessity! If you had the Purse Pal Purse Light, you’d just push a button and the interior of your handbag would light up, and amazingly, you’d find what you were looking for!

For $20, you get a set of three Purse Lights in black, pink and blue—perfect to give a couple away as gifts and keep one for yourself! They measure approximately 1.5″ inches square and are less than .5″ inch thick, allowing them to fit inside even small purses. Simply slide the light onto one of your handbag’s interior pockets and it’s ready to use.

This is really a brilliant idea. I once owned a purse that had a tiny light inside it, but once the battery died, there was no way to replace the light! Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that with these because they come with extra batteries—always a good thing!

Popularity: 3% [?]

With almost everyone leading extremely busy lives,—sometimes, it seems a bit too busy—we all need a handbag that’s versatile and can literally transform from a carry-all to a chic mini bag. Of course, we as handbag lovers know that to cover the different aspects of life, you just buy new purses, but sometimes we’re running from here to there to down the block to up the street and a little bit all over in the span of one day with no time to switch bags.

Designer Liz Mole has created a line of handbags that literally are two bags in one. They’re called Detachables. Available in several different styles, they consist of one large bag with a mini bag that can be removed and carried by itself. You fill the large purse with all the daily essentials and the small purse with the absolute necessities that you might carry to dinner. This way you’re ready to go out with friends after work without having to lug around a big handbag!

My favorite style is the Rivet_It. It’s a medium-size bag (14.5″ l x 8.5″ h x 4.5″ d) with pearlized leather details and leather tassels. It sells for $349.

If you happen to like Liz’s style, but don’t care for the detachable idea, check out some of her other handbags, such as the adorable Squash_It, a pumpkin-shaped bag.

Popularity: 1% [?]

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me this Franchi Handbags New Orleans Framed Pouch! Well, that actually might be a problem considering I haven’t found my true love yet, but oh well, I can still buy it myself! This satin beaded beauty (7.5″ l x 5″ h x .75″d) is number nine in my “12 Handbags of Christmas” series.

Available in either silver or gold, it has a very adorable shape—check out the rounded handle! It’s also only $138.95, which I’m a little surprised about considering the intricate beading. It has a brushed silvertone top frame, along with a kiss-lock closure—better get out the mistletoe!

Popularity: 1% [?]

A great company that caters to holiday wishes—if not givers checkbooks—is COACH. This is the second edition of my By Designer Stocking Stuffers.

First of all, Coach has great key fobs that could adorn another present, be tucked in a stocking, or be presented tied on a gift wrap’s ribbon or string! What better than the Present Keyfob (only $48), itself? They also have the seasonal-appropriate, Snowflake Keyfob ($52), each flake is unique! For the handbag lover, there is something inexpensive, yet still designer, the Gallery Tote Keyfob ($48), in purple and red (unavailable in red online).

Also: Charms! ($28)

I’d die over the pink trimmed, Mini Signature iPod Case (for the regular iPod) ($88). Best for the mini is the shiny, Multi-Striped iPod Mini Case ($78) (I love it in Pink, natch). They have so many more to check out, too. On a similar tune, Coach finally has a cell phone case! The Signature Universal Case ($88)

The perfect general gift for big COACH Signature fans is the combination of the Merino Signature Skinny Scarf ($98) and Merino Signature Hat ($68), both come in soft merino wool of various color choices.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Who says diamonds are a girl’s best friend—we know handbags are! But, they do make quite the sophisticated duo when paired in the Links of London Diamond Handbag Charm.

Whether you have a handbag lover on your Christmas list or you just want to put a little something in your own stocking, this is the perfect gift when you’re not quite sure what handbag she might want. Attach it to a charm bracelet, wear it on an elegant gold chain or even hang it from a favorite purse as a handbag charm—endless possibilities! It’s 18K gold with a diamond accent (0.01 total carat weight) and it sells for $440.

If you’re more a fan of sterling silver, check out this charm for $70.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Okay, so you’re going to a holiday lunch with some friends—cozy sweater, favorite jeans, gorgeous pair of boots, but you don’t know what purse you’re going to carry. Your regular evening bag seems a tad too glitzy for daytime and your other choices seem far too casual, since it is the Christmas season. What’s a girl to do?! Buy a new purse, of course! The criteria—it has to be cute and very affordable, because you’ve been buying a lot of Christmas gifts!

Your purchase=The Sparkle Flap Clutch (8″ l x 4″ h x 1″ d) by The Sak, number eight in the “12 Handbags of Christmas.” On sale for only $22.50, there’s really no excuse not to buy it. The jeweled buckle and pearlized trim add just enough sparkle for the Christmas season, yet the knit keeps it casual. It’s available in several colors, even a multicolored stripe, but I think the gray keeps it chic. Added plus=it also comes with a detachable wrist strap!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hayden-Harnett (handbag designer), partnering with Irit Baniel (apparel designer), both from NYC, are holding a Sample Sale!

Here are the specs:

When: Thursday, 12/8 – Friday 12/9
Time: 11AM- 8PM
Where: 330 W.38th Street, suite 503
(between 8th and 9th avenue)

Samples and One-Offs
$20 - $200

**CASH ONLY**

HH handbags are high quality and gorgeous, so if you get a good deal, you’ll truly be an envy. The bag pictured is the Large Tweed Hobo (with reverse double-flap) against their hometown backdrop. With its 20″ length and organizational pockets, it’s the “go everywhere bag.” But with designer pricetag of $335, it’s the “go to this Sample Sale bag” and be in designer-discovery heaven!

I apologize for not notifying you New Yawkers sooner, but two days ago, I had a computer problem all evening, and yesterday, I was stuck out in the city while my car was broken down!! Boy, was it a cold one! Make up for it by rushing on over there!

Popularity: 2% [?]