Alexis Hudson understands what makes an evening bag sing. She has done it before, namely with the Champagne and Tango clutches, and now she has really raised the bar with the spangly Ciara clutch.

Whilst sequins can look overdone, this evening purse avoids the issue through using tiny and really classy ones. ...

There's certainly something regal about this elegant Elizabeth clutch from Carlo Fellini.

The soft satin body is swept up into a rhinestone flower, which adds just the right amount of bling to the purse. The white and golden petal stones are a tad ostentatious, but that only adds ...

Just when all the hard case clutches were beginning to look the same, along comes the very quirky and cool Brandy purse from Nicole Miller.

Ordinarily evening purses get their bling from gems and jewels, but not here. Its gems are actually made from material, shaped ...

Yves Saint Laurent gives its signature looks a casual makeover with this Easy Bag.

This carryall gets its name from the gentle slouch of its buttery calfskin body. The soft surface has a relaxed feel which in some ways seems at odds with its glitzy bronze ...

We looked at crocheted version of The SAK's Indio tote last year, but I've only recently discovered the label's luxury leather alternative.

This is a great option if you adored the Indio's silhouette, but just couldn't come at the rustic knitted crochet body. This leather alternative ...

The Marc Jacobs line is one of those rare beasts that manages to appeal to both sides of the preppie/hipster divide almost equally. This Parachute bag, however, is far from preppy, is is definitely not for women with a more reserved style sensibility.

Marc Jacobs calls the shiny glaze ...

Looking something like Cousin It's more stylish sister comes Inge Christopher's Caviar Bag.

That might sound like a criticism, but I like the quirkiness that Inge Christopher has employed here. The fringe is shaggy and somewhat animalistic, yet the beaded loops give it just enough class to work. At least, I think ...

The handcrafting and meticulous design of Nancy Gonzalez's line ensures that every piece is a unique piece of art. Her focus is always on the materials, and her accessories are never fussy, over-designed, or trendy. This small crocodile clutch is a fabulous addition to the collection.

The bronze treatment on the crocodile skin ...

Diesel combines superior quality with practical design in this Into the Fold Upright Backpack.

Initially it seems like the kind of bag you'd sling on your back for a long hike or camping vacation, but the material causes me to reconsider. The lush leather, with its gorgeous weathered texture, deserves to be ...

Savanna shows us that individual style doesn't have to cost a fortune with this unique Satin Beaded Clutch.

Rather than use a traditional box or oval shape, Savanna has instead opted for a half-moon shaped design. Honestly it reminds me a little bit of a taco, but the soft champagne satin helps ...

Carlo Fellini channels vintage style with this delicate Jessica clutch.

Rows of tiny beads are stitched together over the satin body in soft waves. These remind me of the thick red curtains of an old-fashioned theater, although when you take in the clutch from a distance it looks much closer to a ...

Lanvin is one of those lines that is usually of impeccably high taste. So impeccable, in fact, that its pieces have multi-generational and pan-stylistio  appeal. Which makes this taffeta bowling bag a pretty major disappointment in my book, as it doesn't live up to the quality of design that I've come to ...

Carlo Fellini knows how to give women million dollar looks on a shoestring budget. I'm not quite sure how the designer does it, but purses like this Prudence look so chic and cost so much less than their competitors. Who would imagine such a clutch would cost just $60?

Beaded purses are ...

Ah, yet another pretty summer straw clutch. Big Buddha is an expert in the area, and I think this is one of its classiest creations yet.

When something becomes fashionable it inevitably means that there are lots of different options available. This means that to stand out from the crowd you have to ...

Minaudiere style clutches have recently come back into vogue. Lines like Celestina and Judith Leiber offer their own quirky and exotic takes on the small, hard-bodied bags, often at a very dear price. This Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton minaudiere brings the style to a wider audience at a more reasonable ...

With this zipper accented diaper bag, Rebecca Minkoff reminds us that our style shouldn't be forgotten once the babies arrive. You might have spit up on your shirt and dried cereal in your hair, but carrying this diaper bag will help you add that much needed glamour.

This is one diaper bag ...

Prezzo gives us fringe, and plenty of it, in this eye-catching purse.

Rather than using the fringe as an accent, Prezzo makes this boho embellishment the main act. If you like fringe, you're going to love this, and if you don't this purse probably won't change your mind.

It's easy to criticize a ...

Jessica McClintock offers restrained elegance, and just a hint of bling, with this gorgeous flap clutch.

This purse is a curious mix, and one that I think really works. Most clutches so simply designed do away with frills and frippery altogether, but that's not the case here. It's feminine, but subtly so ...

Balenciaga has teamed up with Neiman Marcus to release a limited edition handbag collection to celebrate the French brand's 10th anniversary.

Neiman Marcus will sell six exclusive versions of the iconic motorcycle bag: three Firsts and three Cities. Each bag is available in three colored cracquele-finish calfskins; choose from classic ...

With the wedding season approaching, this J. Renee Delora clutch may be just the thing to go with that pretty floral dress you are planning on wearing.

In fact, this satin purse couldn't get more wedding appropriate if it tried. The dusky pink shade means you won't be giving the bride a run ...

The humble wristlet gets a glam makeover with this metallic bow bag from J. Furmani.

The satin body and soft bow accent make this wristlet the ideal accompaniment for little black dresses and cocktail frocks. And once those flutes of champagne appear, you can just slip your hand through the bow. That ...

This Reyna purse from Carlo Fellini is a vision of vintage charm.

Everything about this dainty clutch screams old world glamour, from the feminine beaded flowers to the delicate kiss lock clasp. The soft satin body is perfect for after five wear in a range of six classic metallic and matte shades.

Vintage ...

With all the glitz and glamour of old-time Hollywood comes this Marilyn clutch from J. Tiras.

This is exactly the kind of purse I can imagine Ms Munroe carrying; the red satin body is bold yet elegant, and the tiny rhinestones covering the handle deliver a healthy dose of bling. Marilyn may ...

With its dressed up beachside vibe, this glamorous Tallulah clutch has the staying power to work all year round.

The tightly woven body takes us to the tropics, but in metallic leather it's much more stylish than any straw creation could be. The Tallulah gets another shot of style with hundreds of ...

Carlo Fellini has tweaked the classic satin clutch purse to create the Monica. The style is traditional to be sure, but it's those individual touches that make all the difference.

The beautiful satiny body is tightly pleated to create dramatic waves and texture. These tiny pleats take the traditional satin body to ...

I thought I'd seen exotic purses mimicking every animal imaginable, but it seems I was wrong. Meet the Armadillo Flap Clutch from Inge Christopher.

Now before you animal activists get up in arms, note that I said this clutch was merely mimicking armadillo. It's actually made from leather stamped with an exotic ...

It's called a grocery bag, but something tells me this Cynthia Vincent shopper would be more at home in a disco than the local supermarket!

The slouchy, simple shape resembles a typical shopper, but that's where the similarities end. Never before have I seen such an ostentatious grocery bag. Instead of dull ...

Echo takes the backpack out of the schoolyard and into the disco with the glitzy Tamworth bag.

OK, it may look a little out of place on the dance floor, but the metallic crinkle fabric is definitely eye-catching! Honestly, this slouchy fabric is too loud for me no matter what the shade. ...

Elliott Lucca go all-out luxe with this gorgeous demi clutch.

Quite of few of Elliott Lucca's bags feature woven leather, and it is easy to see why; the designer is quite clearly an expert at working with soft pliable leather. This particular example is incredibly classy thanks to a clever interweaving of three ...

We look at quite a few Big Buddha handbags around here, but there's a good reason ... or really a couple of them. There seem to be endless trendy styles offered by the brand, and the prices continue to be reasonably attainable for the average gal.

Those are good enough reasons for me to consider the label's ...

Laurel and Sunset helps you enjoy the studded handbag trend for less with the Samira tote. While high-end designers can often charge more than a thousand dollars for a luxury studded purse, this one costs less than $40.

The secret is using synthetic imitation lambskin rather than the real deal. It doesn't ...

Kathy Van Zeeland isn't exactly known for producing understated handbags with subtle details, but this One Night Stand shopper bag definitely throws out any possible misconceptions of that out of the window.

There isn't one single aspect of this purse that I can classify as simple or basic. Everything about it is bold ...

The name, Erromenh, may be odd but this Aldo clutch is anything but peculiar.

Where many designers aim for the unusual, Aldo sticks with what it knows best: pretty evening bags with fun funky touches. This surprisingly elegant baguette has some great little extras all for the incredible price of $9.98!

Those features make this ...

Exotic animal skins or materials that have been embossed to give that appearance are quite the rage right now, but I'm not sure that many women would put this particular animal's hide at the top of their wish list for handbag texture.

In fact, I had to do a double take when I saw ...

This classic vintage evening bag looks a million dollars, but it definitely doesn't cost it!

Like all the Coloriffics purses, this is one affordable number which doesn't look like a budget bag. Satin is always an elegant choice, and the rhinestones near the silver frame make it look positively regal. These glittering ...

Here's another installment from B. Makowsky's collection of handbags named after famous cities around the world. There must be something about Havana and hobos, however, since both 7 For All Mankind and Hayden-Harnett have hobos by the same name.

There's aren't too many features that the other brands' versions share with this ...

Burberry is known for its preppy outerwear and iconic plaid scarves. Its Prorsum line is a little bit less traditional, and tends to be hipper and more fashion forward. Unfortunately, this little Avelene clutch doesn't really show what Prorsum is made of.

Is it my imagination, or does this clutch just look like ...

This eye-catching Espasol clutch could only come from Celestina. While its finish is markedly different from the mosaics we're used to, no other brand is creating clutches with quite this level of luxury.

Metallics always make a bold evening statement. The copper finish here is compelling but the delicate filigree design softens ...

I must be in the mood for weathered leather handbags. The Betsey Johnson Made In The Fade satchel recently caught my eye, and now this leather-like Steve Madden Rock Wash bag has me even more interested.

The Rock Wash's finish might not be quite as laid-back, rocker-esque as some handbags out there, but it offers a ...

From Ralph Lauren’s luxurious Purple Label comes this ultra opulent alligator bag.

Drawstring bags tend to be a relaxed affair, but there's nothing casual about this exotic purse. As if genuine alligator doesn't have enough oomph, this skin is given a metallic bronze makeover. Personally, I feel this glitzy coat cheapens the ...

I'm more familiar with Stuart Weitzman as a designer of gorgeous shoes for special occasions, but the brand is quite established as a producer of desirable handbags as well.

This Shopaholic bag is a great example of the kind of classy style that the label puts into all of their creations. Though it is not red-carpet ...

Messenger bags often get a raw deal in the style stakes, as designers look to functionality over frills. While this Peacock Messenger Bag isn't exactly red-carpet ready, it's likely to turn a few heads in the classroom or office.

Signature prints often look a little obnoxious covering accessories, but I don't mind ...

If you're hoping to get in on the colorblocked trend without spending a whole lot of cash, let me introduce you to the Vando City Baby bag from Gustto.

The style is eye-catching, but also a little overworked. A large round metal accent draws you in, but is also a little ...

Whiting & Davis is a favorite choice for budget-conscious fashionistas looking for the glamor of vintage evening bags without the four-figure price tag. With the leather flowers hobo, the label abandons its usual after five focus to create a cute everyday accessory.

At least, that was the intention. This hobo might ...

Whiting & Davis gives a modern twist to vintage mesh purses with this stunning leather knot clutch.

The pleated leather knot gives this mesh flap purse a contemporary, yet elegant, look. The soft lambskin detail helps to tone down the glimmering metal mesh, while adding interest to the traditional design.

The slender ...

If you put functionality first, the Michael Kors Ranger satchel may be right up your alley. It's not Michael Kors' prettiest purse, but it comes in an ultra practical package.

That's not to say the Ranger is a dog. It just lacks the feminine features so many of us crave. The ...

Those woven handbags we've been coveting needn't cost the earth. Forget about Bottega Veneta and their exorbitantly priced purses for a second and feast your eyes on the Marrakesh Hobo from Elliott Lucca.

The Marrakesh' intricate woven exterior is every bit as impressive as the big name designer purses. The hobo ...

Bottega Veneta has, for the past few seasons, created the handbags and accessories that fashionistas die for. In fact, the label produces garments so covetable that some might even be willing to kill for them.

And with clutches like this one, it's easy to see why. In a perfect world, where I am ...

Few materials say warm weather quite like linen. The light, breezy fabric is ideal for sunny spring and summer days. However, I have my doubts when the texture is bogged down with too much color or other details.
For instance, this SR Squared by Sondra Roberts Patchwork Linen Satchel is a tad overdone, in ...

This sexy metal mesh purse from Felix Rey is bound to look familiar. Modern style icons Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan have carried it, and it's graced the pages of InStyle and US Weekly.

It's no wonder that glitzy gals like Paris and Lindsey have fallen for this beautiful bag. The mesh ...