The Isabella Fiore Penelope Tote reminds me of the Spy bag. It has a rounded shape that is similar to the Hobo Spy, and it has circle-embellished detail that reminds me of the Wisteria Spy. Of course, it’s very different, especially with its buckle (which detracts very much for me), and stands on its own at $690.

For Isabella fans, it has enough details to be just right. For Isabella antis, it doesn’t go overboard. The details are delish, too: “snake-embossed leather laces and discs.”

Another interesting aspect to the bag is its size, at 15 1/2″ w x 12″ h x 7 1/2″ d. Nordstrom’s description says it could hold a sweater … and much more!

That’s a lot of design and a lot of bag for under $700.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Marc by Marc Jacobs now has a signature-like print all over new bags?

The bags are all different and were given women’s names. The great thing is that they’re all made of soft leather that has been embossed with the scrambled letters that make up “Marc Jacobs.” No canvas, no jacquard, actually leather!

Subtle, sophisticated, and worth the few-hundred dollars pricetags. No more because we can’t see the full name (and the bags of course don’t have Jacobs’ styling), no less because this is quality.

The bag featured is the Luxy Hobo, Michelle. The supple grained leather bag, tonal in camel or mauve, is sized large at 16″ wide and costs $438. Buy this collection by Marc at eLUXURY.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Anthropologie has started highlighting some of their upcoming bags available for the fall, including the Alistair Hobo by Rafe, selling for $448. Measuring 16″ l x 10″ h x 3.5″ d, it’s made from plaid wool with leather trim and has a jacquard lining with three pockets.

I really like the look of this bag with the plaid, brass rings and the fold-over top strap—it definitely looks like it’s made for autumn.

The interesting thing about this bag is it’s expandable—if you’re running out of room, simply unzip the wraparound zipper and the bag expands. Of course, unfortunately, there’s no measurement for the expanded width mentioned in the description.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Ah, a summer day with nothing planned except shopping—sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Of course, you’ll need a cute purse to carry and the Pipa Wicker Tote by Jamin Puech would be perfect. Selling for $563.11, the natural wicker with dusty blue leather trim provide the right foundation for a carefree summer purse and the small size (9.5″ l x 6″ h x 7″ d) will hold just the essentials. The bag is also conveniently lined with a multicolored cotton print so you won’t have to worry about the open holes of the wicker.

Popularity: 1% [?]

On my original browse-spree when I found this bag, I got very excited. The Buti Horsebit Pebbled Leather Satchel is a great medium between side belts and a full horizontal strap bag, which are both things I love and was once desperate to find.

I love the orange-tan color and slouching shape. Plus this bag is made of soft Italian calf leather. Sized medium at 13″ wide, this handheld bag is $482. Also check out the similar styles on Forzieri.com.

Popularity: 1% [?]

To answer the issue of “everyone has a fake LV, so everyone will think my authentic Louis Vuitton is fake” (referenced in my post on the Monogram Speedy 25), how about Epi Leather or the Damier Canvas Speedy? True purse connoisseurs will still recognize LV material and styling, many won’t know any better, and hardly anyone will think you’ve given in to a knockoff non-monogram.

Nice, but I’m not so sure these have the same oomph, what do you think?

Buy Louis Vuitton at eLUXURY.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’ve heard and seen enough of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy. I’m in! The classic, classy shape of the Speedy 25 oozes love for me right now. And I’ve always adored the angular V on the bottom of the straps. Then there’s the ever-favored LV monogram, and the fact that I would own the real deal—and would people know or assume I can’t afford it? Please, this is a piece of It that’s totally reasonable: $565 on eLUXURY. At 10″ x 7″ x 6″, I think it’s even roomy enough for me to wonder why the great deal. Oh well, when I save up a little more money, I could definitely buy it, and that thought makes me squeal.

Popularity: 5% [?]

I never desperately wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl, but I do remember there was a part of me that always wished I could have a pair of ballet shoes—there was something magical to me whenever I saw a ballerina dance across the stage with her princesslike tutu and those shoes that laced around her ankles.

Designer Sherry Wolf has created a purse, appropriately named the Ballerina Bag, that has that lacing effect on the side panels. Measuring 16.5″ l x 8″ h x 3.5″ d, it’s available for $540 and you have a choice of a multitude of colors. Made of Italian leathers, it features many pockets and is detailed on the outside with whipstitching. There’s also a Ballerina Tote available for $590.

Popularity: 1% [?]

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: 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: 2% [?]