It's officially called a clutch, but this Laura Matthews Designs bag appears much more like a mini tote to me!

Names aside, this lambskin purse is a nice alternative to those ridiculously tiny clutches we're used to carrying. It comes with space for party essentials and then some, and the leather handle ...

Whiting and Davis are taking a break from its traditional tiny timeless accessories to create something much more contemporary. But don't think this Python Print Handbag sees the fashion house abandoning its heritage altogether!

Whiting & Davis' trademark mesh is still a force, but the bold colors and python print pattern give ...

Have you ever wished that you knew just where in the world you stood? How you wondered how far it is between continents? Well, this sophisticated bowler from Alviero Martini is possibly the only handbag out there that can help you answer these questions!

This spacious yet traditionally shaped purse is in that ...

While many clutch purses are strictly after five affairs, the contemporary good looks of Treesje's Metro make it just as appropriate for daytime toting.

Complementary stitching around the borders of the purse and its flap add definition to the buttery soft lambskin. The sexy angular pleating in the centre adds even more ...

If you're planning on braving the malls for a spot of Christmas bargain hunting, you'll need a good shopper in tow. While your best gal pal fits the bill, I'm thinking of a leather variety. Meet the Tignanello Touchables Belting Shopper.

This is one of those special beauties which combines style and ...

I love the sassy spirit of this Tano French Nanny bag. It's got that European refinement, but there's a cheekiness which sets it apart.

Tano's clever signature style is seen again in the French Nanny. This isn’t a brand which embraces bells or bling. The front and back have a clean design, ...

This Martini wristlet from Alexis Hudson is quite the opposite of the similarly named Martini Glass zippered bag from SR Squared by Sondra Roberts. Whereas the Sondra Roberts version opts for a literal take on the name, Alexis Hudson's styling is much more abstract.

The Martini wristlet has a unique sculptural quality to ...

I've seen many designers attempt to reinvent the popular hobo handbag, but none have done it quite like Sondra Roberts.

The slouchy, relaxed profile we've come to expect is gone, replaced by a structured curved body. But the bohemian vibe isn't abandoned entirely, with natural canvas and twine fabrics woven together for ...

Plaid is one of those classic prints which is rarely on-trend, yet never goes out of style. If your budget won't accommodate Burberry, you can get a similar look with the Nine West Rory.

This plaid is a lot softer than Burberry's famous tartan, thanks to the use of muted, complementary tones. ...

The roaring success of Mulberry's Roxanne satchel only goes to show that a bag doesn’t have to look good to become a hit.

I don't mind the elements of this leather looker, but Mulberry simply takes them too far. Buckled pockets are classics, both sophisticated and practical. Belted accents too can add ...

As its somewhat sensible name suggests, the Harrison isn't interested in following fads. It features none of the design features of the latest on-trend bags, but what it lacks in head-turning style it makes up for with substance.

Not that the Harrison is an ugly duckling by any means. It's just that ...

Whilst designer handbags are great, their luxurious materials and pricey tags sometimes aren't exactly what we need. Sometimes, particularly when we want to relax, a cheap and cheerful boho tote is the only thing that will do the job.

Great for flinging with chunky knits, tassels and funky clothes, this patchwork tote will ...

Warm dark colors are perfect for the coming winter season, designed to stay out the rain and keep your belongings cosy. This patent purse from Sondra Roberts is available in chocolaty brown and rich burgundy, to help you through the encroaching winter nights.

The patent may actually be a little too glossy for ...

If a hobo handbag and a messenger had a torrid affair, the Stash Bag from Lucky Brand could easily result.

It's got the soft slouch of a hobo, the foldover flap of a messenger, and the relaxed attitude of both! The casual slouch profile comes from the buttery Italian leather, which falls ...

Carlos Falchi might be getting ready to see the release of an affordable line of faux snakeskin handbags at Target, but that doesn't mean that the designer isn't still churning out other designs made from the real deal.

For genuine anaconda snakeskin leather from a designer label, I'm actually not completely aghast ...

It seems like every handbag brand has its take on the woven trend. But they don't all have to cost the prices of a Bottega Venetta. At $430, Linea Pelle's Juliana represents great value.

The price might not be exactly cheap and cheerful, but it's entirely reasonable for a woven purse crafted ...

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. label shows it knows how to have fun with this Williamsfield Tote.

The front of the tote sports the image of a very regal looking lamb. The crowned cutie only adorns the front, but the chain link design wraps around the back. There's also another tiny gold sheep. It's ...

Every gal needs a good basic, stylish tote bag. It's an essential wardrobe piece and an addition that's ideal for those days when you've just got to grab-and-go while getting ready. We all have them, right?

There are also times when entirely practical has to accompany basic and stylish. That's where B. Makowsky got it right with ...

Kathy Van Zeeland fans are sure to feel their heart race when they clamp eyes on the Heartbeat satchel. But for the rest of us, it probably won't be love at first sight.

Kathy Van Zeeland knows her market, and she gives them what they want. The shiny synthetic looks a little ...

It's got a little name, but the Mia tote from Hype is big, bright, and bold!

This larger than life handbag has enough space inside to hold everything you need, and enough style to impress. The finish is billed as crocodile-embossed leather, but nobody is going to believe this is a genuine ...

Hobo International accessories tend to be smart, but just a little boring. This Solano breaks the mold, combining sophistication and style.

Tiny pleats at the top of the bag create diamond shapes, providing a unique alternative to traditional quilting. There's texture here, but it's not predictable. These tight pleats give way to ...

This Giuseppe Zannotti shoulder bag is a contemporary, and luxurious, take on the traditional saddle purse.

The traditional saddle shape is skewed slightly, with tiers of pickstitch accented leather emphasizing the contemporary asymmetry. Its looks are undeniably modern, yet not so far left of centre that it will quickly go out of ...

Rampage is a typically affordable handbag brand but one that sometimes doesn't quite hit the mark for my personal taste. The pretty Michelle clutch is one of their styles that I can applaud, whereas the Amber tote is a bit too much like a circus tent for me.

That's why I ...

The Lady Knot tote is something a little different from Foley + Corinna. Gone is the basic body with its front zipper pocket. There's no signature handle with its knotted ends. It doesn't even convert to a clutch. In fact, if you hadn't told me this was a Foley + Corinna ...

Sometimes I think that Matt & Nat handbags are more impressive when you them in person rather than in photos, but this is one case where the purse stands out nicely in a photograph as well.

The Werner Japanese Paper Tote features Matt & Nat's signature crinkled manmade leather texture. Although some people might say ...

Canvas handbags might be on their way out for the new season, but tribal details aren't going anywhere. This Steven by Steve Madden Uptown Tribal Bucket Hobo has both features, which might not be the best option for the fall but is still a cute option for a wardrobe.

There's nothing overtly summery about this bucket ...

If you're shopping for handbags in the under-$50 price range, chances are that you're not expecting real leather. When we're talking about exotic skins like python and crocodile, it's a guarantee that the texture will be embossed or created.

That's why it will probably be no surprise to anyone that this $42 clutch ...

Marc Jacobs is known for dipping into yesteryear to find inspiration, but he always seems to make it look current.

This Cat bag has a distinctly throwback 1970s quality to it, but also resonates with the current craft-style fashion movement. The deep brown leather and patchwork-style cat applique are both crafty and cute, ...

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 ...

Just in time for the back-to-school rush comes Bulga's originally named Messenger Bag. Messengers are nothing new, but this one has few details sure to please style-conscious students.

The first thing you'll notice is the fabric. Buttery soft leather is nothing new for Bulga, but it's something a bit different for a ...

Bottega Veneta is a brand which tends to take fashion seriously. But here with this ladybug shaped coin purse, the Italian label shows it has a lighter side.

The brand's signature intrecciato woven leather is passed over in favor of soft brown deerskin. It may not be instantly recognizable, but this hide ...

Big Buddha gives the hobo a contemporary makeover with the Soho.

It features two of fall's biggest trends: fringe and pyramid studs. Yet by keeping the accents in check, the look is timeless rather than faddish. The fringing is short, ensuring the purse never looks like it's just stepped from the South. ...

The Eternity line from Alexis Hudson might not be new for the brand this season, but I think it's still worth mentioning because of its versatile look and clever mechanics.

With its snakeskin texture and unusual color palette this Eternity Combo clutch is both interesting to look at but not too over ...

This Alexis Hudson clutch is an antidote to all those purses playing it safe. The Bloom is a clutch that believes that too much isn't enough.

The shape is simple enough, with its rectangular design and recessed zipper. But that's about the only part of the Bloom which is low key. Curved ...

Woven bags seem to be everywhere, and as the cooler weather takes hold this trend shows no signs of slowing down. While lattice bags are almost common these days, a basket weave purse like this Wisteria satchel dares to be different.

This is one of those synthetic bags which looks like a ...

There are some things that are OK in modern society, and some things that aren't. Leather, for the majority of the market, is OK. In a similar vein, eel skin shoes and handbags are acceptable to modern values, whereas fur ... fur is not. With so many alternatives for real fur, many of ...

Patchwork isn't always a handbag design feature that I love, but the look can be stunning when it's done well. Without a doubt, some of my favorite patchwork leather bags come from designer brand Miu Miu.

The price range of Prada's younger sister company isn't for everyone, though. Although Steve Madden's line ...

I'm not sure if this Maxx New York Hepburn handbag is supposed to be channeling Audrey or Katharine. There's not really anything about it that reminds me of either beloved actress and style icon, but I happen to like this satchel either way.

Maybe I'm just in the mood for the upcoming season ...

Why should snake and crocodile get all the accolades? Elaine Turner serves up a different kind of exotic with its Madison Pouchette.

Of course, Elaine Turner doesn't dabble in genuine exotics. Instead it's merely embossed the leather with a tortoise-shell finish. The scales are large and irregular, giving the purse a contemporary ...

Victorinox Swiss Army is a name more associated with boy scouts than bagistas, but with its 125th anniversary the label is proving is knows about much more than knives. As part of the milestone, the brand has released a swag of new products including this lush limited edition ...

I was on the fence about putting my seal of approval on B. Makowsky's haircalf and leather combo Canterbury Tote, which puts this Stuart Weitzman ZipCalico handbag in a shaky place as far as my recommendation goes.

One thing is for sure about the ZipCalico. You can't accuse it of being inauthentic. If the Canterbury's animal print ...

This Hobo International Rendita tote is all business with tons of practical features. Don't count it among the practical but plain work bags, though. The Rendita has plenty of style going for it.

Even though the shape is fairly normal and even a little plain as far as these types of bags go, ...

At first glance, this Buxton Heiress organizer clutch looks like a simple wallet style clutch in a range of pretty colors. Look inside and on the back, however, and you can see just where this "organizer" clutch gets its name.

Everything about this purse aims to make you organized. Your coins are held ...

I'm all about handbags with interesting details, and Botkier sure loves to produce them. This brand seems to enjoy including as many buckles, zippers, studs, and other features as possible without taking its styles to a tacky, overdesigned place.

Some might consider this Uma satchel a little overdone, but I happen to ...

Jessica Simpson is sometimes hit or miss with me. There aren't many of the brand's styles that I absolutely detest, but I'm not always in love with them either. This Jimmy satchel takes a turn for the better as far as my opinion goes.

Yet again, you can't expect anything even remotely close ...

I'm a sucker for Treesje handbags and tend to love nearly anything from the label. Although I'm used to seeing more of a contemporary edge to its styles, this Mason Cross-Body surprised me with its stylish ruggedness.

The washed Italian lambskin material gives the appearance of being worn-in through use. However, it manages to avoid ...

Stuart Weitzman gives the hobo style a girly makeover with this pleated leather bag. The Ruche Hobo brings sophistication to this traditionally casual style.

The classic crescent shape and relaxed slouch is maintained, but it's given a little more structure than usual thanks to the striking pleats. This vertical ruching is the ...

Jessica Jensen takes the hobo back to basics with its Artisan bag.

The style is simple and chic, without all the accents we tend to see. Forget fringing and studs: this is minimalism at its most pure. That might not suit the season's taste for embellishments, but the Artisan isn't about catering ...

Kathy Van Zeeland cracks me up with her never-ending list of quirky handbag names. There's the Delicious, the Sexy Back, and now the Hot Stud.

I'm not usually quite sure what it is about each bag that inspires the offbeat names, but this Hot Stud satchel is a little more obvious than ...

Since real python leather bags can easily run a couple thousand dollards, many women choose a snakeskin embossed or stamped version instead. Honestly, unless it's a Carlos Falchi creation or something of the same caliber, it's not really worth it to me.

I suppose the next best thing would be an option like this Fontanelli Stamped ...