Take one look at this handbag and you know it’s high fashion; you won’t be seeing this one at your local Target. Although I wish I would, but only if it were cheaper. This Buffalo Handle Bag by Valentino sells for $1,650!

Measuring 15″ l x 9″ h x 5″ d, it has a pieced body, gold hardware and corded top handles that together create a sophisticated silhouette. Wooden/metal rings with blue rhinestone accents connect the handles to the body. The rings are a nice addition—I love how they give the eye a visual break from the white and gold.

Popularity: 3% [?]

So, can a purse be made from natural cork and still be stylish? After looking at this Metallic Cork Clutch, I say yes!

I have to admit that when I first saw this clutch was made from cork, I was a bit skeptical—when I think of cork, I picture a corkboard with photos and notes posted on it, certainly not a fabric I want to carry around with me. Of course, the cork used for this purse looks much softer and more flexible than what we usually think of, plus metallic gold cotton is woven throughout the purse, giving it a bit of sparkle and punch.

Designed by Lauren Merkin, it measures 9.5″ l x 4.5″ h x .5″ d and has a full fabric lining. It sells for $165, which seems a bit expensive for cork, doesn’t it?

Popularity: 3% [?]

The color of this leather hobo by Kenneth Cole is such a nice change from the handbags I’m usually looking at; they tend to either be bold, bright colors or neutrals. This color is so soft and it reminds me of mint chocolate chip ice cream, only without the chocolate chips!

Measuring 9.5″ l x 5″ h x 5.5″ d, it’s made from washed nappa leather, features brass hardware and is lined with cotton twill. The lining seems the perfect complement to the color—light, cool and refreshing, which is a natural choice for a new spring handbag, don’t you think?! Of course, it is $258.

Popularity: 3% [?]

When I was a little girl, I had a metallic silver embossed faux leather wallet. Oh, how I loved that wallet! I carried fake i.d. cards in it, along with a Barbie club membership card and other assorted ephemera. It wasn’t anything special to anyone else, but to me, it was one of my favorite things in the world.

When I saw this snake embossed metallic silver leather clutch by Stuart Weitzman, I immediately remembered my faux leather wallet because the color and texture of the clutch is so reminiscent of it. Of course, at $278.95 and measuring 10.5″ l x 7″ h x 2″ d, it’s a lot more expensive and larger than my wallet was—my wallet was probably puchased at a drugstore for less than $5, but regardless, seeing the clutch brought back good memories.

It’s funny how something like a purse can hold such a vivid memory in your mind; in fact, this clutch probably would have never even caught my eye had it not been for that cheap, little wallet I carried years ago. Which, all of this reminds me I really need to post about some of my other favorite childhood bags!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Before I came across this sneaky surprise on Coach.com, I was doubtful Coach could surprise me this much—after our “incident.” But now I’m looking forward to a life of loving Coach non-signature bags, on occasion, and continuing a collection, when bags are sized to price right.

There really are plenty of lovely new bags by Coach, including two additional varieties of the Daphne Satchel (metallic and suede!).

But there is one bag in the new collection that really stands out, it’s the Hamptons Vintage Carryall. Named “Vintage” for its period-reminiscent details, it really is all about the details. Where Coach now fails on logo alignment, they make up for in strides with braided straps, fine materials, and new touches.

The carryall features an extra detail on every aspect, including stitched handles, two-tone tassels, unique thick stitching mixed with smaller stitches, et cetera, et cetera! This lightweight leather, 15″ length tote comes in a variety of all-wonderful colors, for $598.

If only these divine details came in a smaller bag, and price.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Unusual closures always draw me towards a purse, which is why this Clip-Lock Satchel caught my eye, plus the fact it’s on sale for $86.43. It was originally $129. Made from smooth leather, it features a fold-over band at the top of the bag which closes with a large, gold lobster-claw clasp. Measuring 14″ l x 6″ h x 4.5″ d, it features three interior pockets and a lime green signature jacquard lining.

The lining is my one problem with this purse—in my opinion, lime green does not go with the light almond color of the leather. It’s a classic-looking handbag on the outside and it deserved a classy lining, not such a bold color like lime green. I love pops of color in my purses, just not this combination. But, I do really, really love that clasp!

Popularity: 5% [?]

My mom and I attended a concert last night in a large arena-type building. We sat on the floor level in folding chairs that were padded, which helped with the comfort factor. I was carrying my much-loved Elliott Lucca Arianna Mini Satchel and was forced to deal with the dilemma of where to set it. I certainly didn’t want to put it on the floor (which I was forced to do a couple times), and it was in the way sitting on my lap, considering I was trying to take photos which required standing up several times.

After dealing with that all evening and doing some thinking, I came up with a solution—little hooks on the backs of folding chairs, especially the kind used in concert-like settings. That way, you just hang your purse strap on the hook and your purse is there in front of you when you need it, it’s out of your way and most importantly, you don’t have to set it on a stadium floor. Now, I just need to find someone to manufacture this idea for me!

Popularity: 3% [?]

After recently posting about the fashion disaster known as fanny packs, comments by Fanny Pack Woman prompted Ella and me to do some searching for a possible solution to rid FPW from her five-year battle with the dreaded fanny pack. Now, I don’t know what Ella has found yet, but I stumbled upon this beautiful, soft leather Tag-Along Bag, measuring 13″ l x 9.5″ h x .75″ d.

The strap has slightly rolled edges, which when viewing the zoomed image, looks like they will provide a “gripping” action, which will help the strap stay on the shoulder, where it belongs. The strap drop measures 10.5″. By the way, I think the photo is making the strap look slightly longer than it actually is; remember, we don’t want long straps, either. Another plus to this bag is the outside pocket with a magnetic snap closure; this is perfect for keeping items that you need easy access to. Of course, this bag is $140, but if it’s taken care of, it will last for years and if it works for you, you don’t have to worry about going out and searching for another one. That alone is worth the price if shopping for a suitable handbag is frustrating.

But, don’t worry, I did find another bag that might work that is much more affordable. The Modern Classics Leather Small Hobo by The Sak is only $59! It is also a single-strap bag with a strap drop of 10″. Plus, the strap is adjustable which will help you get the fit you desire. It doesn’t have an outside pocket, but it does feature several compartments inside. Measuring 11″ l x 6.5″ h x 4″ d, it’s available in four solid colors.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Banana Republic has really been pushing their Premium Handbag Collections, even going so far as having “The Daily Bag Grab,” a giveaway contest where you have three chances to try to match up purses. I have yet to win, which by the way, does anyone ever really win at these sorts of games or are they just always set up so no one can win? Hmm…

Anyway, it seems everyone has been talking about the Tangiers collection, and while I do enjoy those purses, I really like the Kempton collection, including the Printed Harness Tote, which measures 21.75″ l x 18″ h x 8″ d. Of course, with a name including “Harness”, it’s no surprise that the design is equestrian-inspired with metal ring details and hand-braided straps. But, I also think that with its color palette, graphic print and linen fabric, it also fits right in with the current crop of new spring handbags inspired by natural materials and textures. Priced at $198, it’s much more affordable than many of the spring handbags we’ve probably all been looking at lately.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Burberry has a new “signature” line out: The Shadow Check is made of dark grey fabric with a fading plaid. Interesting. Also on the design is their “Equestrian Knight” logo. The Burberry Shadow Check Hobo is accented with bronze-metallic leather and a single silver buckle on its shoulder strap.

The style is interesting, although on a plain shape, and steps up Barberry’s design palette, a bit. But they really can’t compare with Burberry Prorsum.

The hobo will set you back $550.

Popularity: 19% [?]