Mallory: After Ella posted about the longevity of straw purses, I came across this Mirrored Python Straw Tote by Nancy Gonzalez. An interesting take on the traditional straw purse, I think, with sparkling mirror accents, python trim and a burst of lime green fabric underlay. But, yes, along with those twinkling details comes an increased price—$2,915!

Ella: The price is definitely raised by python, just like the new Fendi B. bag (although B.Fendi’s don’t need extras to set a price). Although, this python is done wonderfully and quite differently, the green fabric and straw mixture is lovely, so this bag has serious longevity (in warmer months or climates)—the problem becomes being when and where to carry such a special purse? Oh, my, I still wish I could have it! What’s better this season than green, straw and luxe python? I’ve quite talked myself into desiring this tote!

Popularity: 4% [?]

There’s a new Fendi B. bag, and it’s quite pretty; the B. Fendi Python Woven Large Bag, made of natural woven wicker with embroidery, beading and snakeskin trim.

It looks like a stroll through a blooming, green park, em-bag-bodied, but I don’t think it’s worth the pricey detail of python, when the skin used doesn’t have that python look, just general snake. (The handles) in the other hand, the wicker material looks soft and the embroidery makes me think of a Grecian garden. It’s lovely …

But I’m still waiting for the next B. Fendi to arrive on e-shelves, I recently caught a peek at a decidedly different clutch!

Popularity: 5% [?]

It’s not just the bold, bright pattern that attracts attention and is special about this Pucci handbag, it’s all in the unique details.

For one, it’s a different kind of shape—the demi-lune satin is ruched, rounded and reminiscent of a bracelet, itself, which brings us to our party-ready details. This is a snazzy occasion bag, with a pink-crystal-encrusted closure and chain mail (very ritzy) handles. Finally, it’s tiny-tiny (10″ x 6″, but short on space) which makes it all cute, not overdone.

All that prices this bag at $570.

Popularity: 4% [?]

If you’re searching for a cute beach bag for summer, look no further than the Nicolette Perspex Beach Bag ($337.21) from Melissa Odabash. The main body of the bag is made from Perspex, which is the trade name for a clear, lightweight, tough plastic, but also features white leather trim, silver hardware and a white leather detachable mini purse inside. It’s also available in yellow and has a fun tiger-striped lining.

Popularity: 4% [?]

I was greeted this morning by an e-mail announcing “Hot-right-now shoes and handbags that offer a glimpse at fall”—I don’t want to think about fall right now, considering the midwest has had only a few days that have been above 65 degrees this year. I need some sunshiny, warm days! But, that’s another topic—back to the Dolce & Gabbana bags featured in the e-mail.

I’m not completely sold yet on the size of this Leather Frame Bag ($1,975)—it seems so large, but I love, love, love the framed pocket on the front with the kiss-lock closure, so I was quite pleased to see this Mini Chain Bag ($695) with the same feature. I know, I know—I can’t afford it, but I still think it’s adorable with that pocket and leather bow! Plus, it’s currently available, while the leather frame bag is on pre-order, expected to ship no later than July 24.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I suddenly feel like discussing the longevity, throughout a single year, of straw handbags.

They first pop into style right before Spring begins, and as soon as we see a sign of the season, we rush out to buy a straw bag or start feverishly using a straw bag we already have.

It’s novelty, and this original fever wears off.

But the straw bag trend picks up in the heat of summer. On vacations, at the beach, in country club luncheons and upscale sea food shacks — whatever—the straw bag is again hot.

Then in late August, we use (or hunt for) our straw bags with a passion–like they’re going out of style—because they are.

The straw bag is a novelty, but as I see it, it will come back every year. And a few times every year says “worth it” to me, but I wanted to warn you ladies about the practicality before the breezes turn to scorchers!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Girls and guitars—with a shoulder strap reminiscent of a guitar strap, this Leather Crawford Hobo by Be & D personifies a rocker chic look in a classy way. I’m never usually a fan of “rocker chic” fashion, but I really like this bag; the Italian leather body has a slouchy, relaxed feel which would make it a great purse to carry on the weekends or even better, a concert. Selling for $1,180, it measures 19.5″ l x 14″ h x 4″ d and features an adjustable strap. It’s also available in four color choices (black, brown, tan and white)—I love it when there’re options!

Popularity: 2% [?]

I just realized - despite aspirations toward the contrary - that I haven’t actually posted about a single laptop bag! Well, that simply must change!

It’s so hard to find a fashionable laptop tote, and even the “feminine” ones simply have a splash of pink and that’s all. Well, this Case Logic - “Fashion Tote” / Laptop Case may not be haute couture, but it’s pretty snazzy and trendy for a laptop case!

Featuring neat side decos and a horizontal belt, this brown or black tote is sized at 18″ x 13″. Excuse me while I say, “yowzas!” That’s a bit large for my frame and therefore gives more space than needed for any laptop I’d buy (I am currently in the market). But the style, itself, looks like a fashion handbag, and not just a *machine transportation case*. That is always much-appreciated.

The possible catch: It’s made of a synthetic: microfiber, but it should be sturdy enough (boy, though, would I overuse it).

The best parts: check out the inside pockets, including one for an umbrella!

And then the price: only $79 from eBags.com!

Popularity: 5% [?]

Hmm, do I love Target enough to tote around handbags featuring their classic bullseye logo? No, I don’t think so—sure, I like to shop at Target and find good bargains, especially since they’ve upped their design sensibility, but I just don’t have a desire to carry around that bullseye. Of course, if you truly and dearly love Target, then this line was made for you.

Jaye Hersh, founder of Intuition, one of the hottest, celebrity-spotted boutiques in Hollywood, recently worked with several designers to create a line of products appropriately named “Targét Couture.” The line includes handbags, jewelry, T-shirts, jeans and accessories, all featuring that famous bullseye in some form or fashion. These pieces will only be available for a limited time and only at Intuition and shopintuition.com, so don’t even try looking for them at your local Target store.

Popularity: 2% [?]

As much as we all love designer purses, the fact remains that very few of us can actually afford them, unless we pinch and save our money for months upon months. That’s why it pays to keep an eye on the SALE sections of web sites. This white leather / silver raffia accordion-style Gramercy Small Wynn Handbag by Kate Spade was regularly priced at $495, but is on sale for $198—more than half off! I couldn’t afford it at the regular price, but could work the sale price into my budget as a treat, which everyone should do for themselves every so often. And, did I mention that it’s lined with polka dots?!

Popularity: 3% [?]