Like most handbag-loving girls, I really love having small bags like wristlets to put inside my larger bags and this Python Print Small Wristlet (7″ l x 4.5″ h x 1.5″ d) by Calvin Klein would be a great one for summer. With its soft pearlescent glow, the Pearl color on this embossed-leather bag reminds me of the soft shimmer that some seashells can have. It’s also available in Patina and River Rock, if you prefer a slightly different look.

Available for $95, it features interior zip, slip and credit card pockets along with a mirror inside—you’ve got to love a bag that comes with a mirror! I’m also really liking the asymmetrical feel of the frame lock closure.

Popularity: 4% [?]

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: 3% [?]

After seeing this silver satin evening bag by Anya Hindmarch, I’ve decided even though I don’t have a guy sweeping me off my feet taking me places where I can wear fancy evening attire, I can still feel like a princess carrying this purse. Of course, I don’t have the money to buy it since it’s $760, but, hey, let me dream!

By the way, I love the pleated twists on this!

Popularity: 3% [?]

I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with small purses. I once bought a purse from Anthropologie that literally could only fit lip balm, a couple dollars, a key and my driver’s license, only if I positioned it inside the purse correctly. That’s a bit too small for my liking now, but I’ve been noticing a lot of smaller-sized purses lately that have resparked my interest in petite handbags.

Tod’s Decoupage Pochette is one of those purses that is small in stature (9.5″ l x 3.75″ h x 1.75″ d), but carries with it a large amount of ladylike elegance. Carry it by the double handles or if you’d rather, use the detachable gold-link shoulder strap. Made from metallic pebbled leather, it’s on trend for the current season, but I think this is a handbag that could be carried for years, regardless of what’s in or out.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Oscar de la Renta, among other, even better descriptions, is chic and girly. Here are my two favorite notable purses from his preview of the Fall 2006 collection at the Fashion Week show.

Trend, trends, yes, trends! More croc, and like Marc Jacobs, tortoise shell closures! This clutch is lovely, with its bulging, gathered shape and those details.

The bags followed such themes of exotics and other things, like some chain straps. It’s a lovely collection, leaving me wondering why Oscar’s bags aren’t a little more prevalent (besides the in-the-thousands prices). Bring more of the eye-pleasures to the public, I say!

Popularity: 2% [?]

The Spring bags are on the shelves, loudly luring us with evil wiles, while we still reel in holiday debt. Even straw materials are offered now from high-end designers, with prices to match. I do enjoy an appropriately suitable straw bag come the heat of Summer, while I vacation and stroll cozy boutiques on a lazy Cape main street, but … it is just too early to truly want to invest so much money in such a thing, even though we know we’ll “need” it come August, at the point that will be too late! Also, I can’t fathom how steep the prices can be for simple raffia bags, such as this $1,200 Celine.

I wouldn’t even spend eBay Coach cash for such a limited and themed bag. Leave straw summer bags to the mid-range brands.

Now let’s talk real design raffia: The Felix Rey Beaded Clutch (above) has allover wooden beads on a rounded oval shaped clutch with kiss-lock closure. At the top and peeking through is golden woven raffia. Le divine! It’s only $120, but do we still have many places to wear it?

Popularity: 2% [?]

Okay, give me a drumroll and start to get really, really excited. The number 12 and final handbag in the “12 Handbags of Christmas” is … the Crystal Clutch by Larisa Barrera! Breathtaking—isn’t it? Words simply cannot do this purse justice—it’s gorgeous! Metallic silver snakeskin, faceted crystal accents, beaded shoulder strap and trim; all eyes will certainly be on the lucky lady who walks through any holiday party with this on her arm.

I know I’m definitely buying it—oh wait, that’s not going to happen because it’s $1,675. Who knows, maybe Santa will surprise me! Hey, it’s Christmas Eve—I can do some Christmas dreaming.

Special thanks to Ella for bringing this purse to my attention; it made a beautiful finale to the series.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas!!

Popularity: 2% [?]

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: 2% [?]

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% [?]

What’s your favorite color? Blue is my all-time fav., but if you ask me that on any given day, I might respond differently because I have what I call “favorite color phases.” Right now, I’m actually very into the color purple. I think it may have something to do with that Marc Jacobs Satin Mia purse Ella posted about a couple weeks ago.

The royal purple color of the Coco clutch by Lorelei naturally drew me in and I had to choose it as my seventh choice for the “12 Handbags of Christmas.” Plus, I loved that the color was “royal purple” instead of just “purple.” As you know, purple has always been associated with royalty and I’ve always had a bit of an interest in that. I even wrote Princess Diana a letter when I was younger and I’m not one to write fan letters, but oh well, that’s another story.

If you’re not into the royal purple, but love the unusual and adorable shape of the purse, it’s also available in fuschia, acid green and black and the size (10″ l x 6″ h x 2″ d) is once again, perfect for parties. It sells for $212 and besides being made from satin, it’s also topped with metallic snake trim. Now, all you need is a tiara and you’re set!

Oh, if you’re wondering, I did receive a nice letter back from Princess Diana’s lady-in-waiting—I was quite excited!

Popularity: 3% [?]