If ever a purse screamed expensive, this one does—as it should at $1,440! This Valentino Flap Bag, made from leather, features exquisite embroidery in shades of blue, which I truly adore. And while some people would reserve such a purse for special grand occasions, I say if you’re lucky enough to have a piece like this, have some fun and wear it with a chic top and jeans! A little touch of elegance, especially on the weekends, can’t hurt!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Indiana isn’t exactly a hot spot for buying purses,—I can say that because I live there—but May 4-6, Vera Bradley (an Indiana-based handbag company) will be hosting their annual outlet sale at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. Details can be found here. This is an event where thousands of women (and often their kicking-and-screaming husbands) flock to get incredible deals on signature Vera Bradley handbags.


I’ll admit I’ve never been a fan of these quilted cotton purses, mostly because they’ve always looked so handcrafted to me and that’s not my taste, but recently the company has started to expand, branching off into handbags made from microfiber and silk. They’re even starting to manufacture stationery, gifts and home décor.

The silk bags caught my eye specifically—in fact, I think this piece may be the first Vera Bradley item I’ve actually considered buying, and it’s only $28! I also like this microfiber wristlet, but wish it came in other colors besides black. It’ll be interesting to see what else this company produces as they expand into other ventures.

Popularity: 5% [?]

St. Luca Linen Sangria Handbag—doesn’t that just sound like a purse destined to accompany you on an exotic vacation?!? Italian waxed linen, leather trim and seashell and wood bead-embellished handles—just a few of the worth-mentioning details about this handbag, which sells for $278.95. Measuring 15.5″ l x 8″ h x 3.5″ d, it’s available in cream or a very cute denim blue. Both are lined with colorful island-themed printed fabrics. Definitely a purse to keep in mind for the upcoming summer months!

Popularity: 2% [?]

I sneaked a tiny peek at J. Crew’s Plaid City Tote in my Nan’s catalog. Just my luck! I love the idea of plaid bags and this style is so sweet with allover-outer pockets. Personally, I’d wait out for a more school-girl Fall plaid to buy. And at $98, it’s got to be me, and I’ve got to love it. But for a whimsical, summery look that actually doesn’t have straw, this may be you!

11 1/2 length, cotton/vachetta trim. (Wedges not included.)

Popularity: 4% [?]

So smart! a cute makeup case with so many more uses; I use my Bath and Body Works cases for: a camera case, an iPod case, and yes—makeup. In pink and green, these Goldie argyle cases (with bows!) are the perfect mix of prep and girly pep. Perfect for beauteous you. At 8 1/4″L x 3 1/4″W x 2 1/4″H, these makeup cases cost $14 at Bath and Body Works.

(Psst. The more rounded case (available only in stores) has an inside pocket!)

Popularity: 4% [?]

Last week, I posted a bag with funky woven material, luxe but with a nice pricetag from Banana Republic. But I found my own sensible treasure in the clearance table of Talbot’s Accessories and Shoes. It’s this woven leather hobo. Selling for under $50, if you can still catch it in stores, it’s marked down from a Banana-rivaling luxury-brand price–and quality–of over $100. (Like I said, the Banana bag is sure to sell out before markdowns.) The allover weaves and nice details make it the suitable choice for the average fashionista. Plus, it’s classic. If you can catch it at your mall, it’s sold in tan, blue and rose.

What I especially love is its beautiful slouching from my belongings when held in my hand—perfection (not bulky or tacky, like most slouching). It’s the best hobo I’ve tried, and I’m so glad I made it mine.

Whoo! I have a hobo! Whoo! I have woven leather! Whoo!

Popularity: 2% [?]

It’s no secret Dooney & Bourke has many questionable fabric prints, such as “Doodle” and “Tattoo.” But, I have to say, I’m liking their “Bubble” print. Of course, I am a sucker for polka dots, so that has a lot to do with it.

Available on a wide array of purse shapes in a wide variety of color combos, my personal favorite is the Small Circle Hobo in ivory and navy. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get a photo of that one, so you’ll just have to get on their site and check it out.

Popularity: 9% [?]

How delicious this new crescent shape of the “Tortilla” is from Coach. And new it is, it’s something unique to my eyes; actually a hobo with pockets. These aren’t stocked in many stores, but are available to ship throughout the country. The problem with that is that I can’t get an exact picture of the bag shape, but I believe these aren’t typical hobos; but wrap around the back just enough to fit to a body if worn over the shoulder, thus creating the newly named shape. (Examine the store photo, yourself.)

This exciting new creation looks so luxe on its own, but they added genuine snake trim to the canvas fabric to up its worth. If you ask me, this original style is worth a lot without fancy leather (and I’d prefer to be able to buy one). But no, it’s a top-priced item at Coach, at $798.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Embellished purses are everywhere these days, yet embellishment can be a trend that designers can sometimes miss the mark on, especially with beads. If you’re going to embellish with beads, you need to be careful not to overdo it, or your purse can quickly end up as a “what not to wear” item!

While this mosaic tote by Oscar de la Renta isn’t normally my style (well, okay, I couldn’t buy it anyway because it’s $1,875), I think it’s a beautiful example of bead embellishment done right. Look how the center placement of the stone and wooden beads at the bottom mirrors the rounded shape of the top handle and I love how the top handle flows into the body of the bag.

Made from green suede with brown leather trim, this bag is on pre-order, expected to ship no later than May 12, so if you’ve got the cash, go ahead and place your order.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Following in the much-overdone trend, is Louis Vuitton with these new styles that feature little padlocks (with no purpose and without key). Le Sigh.

Find these two bags, and hundreds more, for sale at eLUXURY.

*Update* While of course Louis Vuitton started as a luggage company and used locks on handbags long before these trendy It companies, this bag is different for using the lock as decoration only with no purpose. Also, LV is largely classic, and this is obviously trendy. Le sigh, anyone?

Popularity: 2% [?]