Carlos Falchi has captured his signature style for less with this satchel, part of his capsule collection for department store Target.

Of course, to make this purse so affordable there are compromises made. There's not a hint of genuine python in the snakeskin collage body. The glossy finish probably gives that away, ...

When you can get $4k off a bag in a sale, and it can still cost over $3k, you know that you have a really expensive bag. No surprise then that this sophisticated, yet understated, patent purse is from handbag icon, Moschino.

If you are a designer handbag addict who loves having a ...

It is lovely to see an origami style bag that isn't just a tiny clutch. Here that beautiful structural design style is expanded to fit within a tote sized purse, and the result is fun to look at.

I feel that this tote is somewhat disproportionate. The long body and relatively short handles ...

Embossed leather is the way to go when you want the look of exotic material without the price tag. Whether using the technique on real leather or manmade material, brands have caught on to the popular trend, and embossed bags of crocodile, ostrich, snakeskin, and more are flooding in.

There are two things about ...

In the tradition of Valentino's Rose handbags comes this more affordable, yet far less luxurious, Big Buddha Mia bag.

If your budget can stretch, I'd pass this one over for the Valentino alternative. While the rose is just as flirty and feminine, the stiff synthetic doesn't fall as softly as an ...

The Chinese Laundry Addison Tote is a little confusing at first glance. The shape is both structured, yet gathered and slouchy at the same time. There's quite a bit going on with this handbag, but the blend of details is unique and interesting.

The Addison's relatively square silhouette, though a common feature of ...

I am always on the lookout for a brilliant little piece of handbag art, and this synthetic leather and straw clutch is one of my favorite recent finds.

A cute straw basket bag always goes down well in vintage and retro inspired circles. The effect is especially strong when you have a piece ...

Charles David has an impressive selection of stylish shoes, but the brand's handbags make equally dramatic statements and are worth considering if you're looking for shopping for quality in a mid-price range.

The label is no stranger to animal print material, so this Zelda handbag with a leopard-printed haircalf inset doesn't surprise me ...

This Giuseppe Zanotti brown leather purse proves that you can have a bit of glitz and glamour in a purse without having to go over the top. Balancing the incredibly luxurious leather with a touch of crystal glamour requires some serious design expertise, as you don't want that incredibly supple leather to go ...

It is nice to come across a smart and attractive briefcase that doesn't cost the earth. At $138, this Latico Bettina handbag effectively combines style and functionality at a cost that many people can afford.

Designed to work as a handbag as well as a briefcase, Latico has made this a slim and ...

Baggallini may not be trend setters, but you can always rely on the brand for practical purses.

Baggallini don't create flashy bags, leaving the style to its exhaustive color range. You'll find traditional options like mushroom and black, more daring choices like leaf green and tomato red, and even a few wild ...

There's just nothing subtle about a Baby Phat bag. The label divides opinion more than most with its busy and brash designs. From any other brand I'd gasp in horror at the Royal Status 4 Ring Satchel, but it's just what I'd expect from Baby Phat.

The brown synthetic leather was probably ...

B. Makowsky is one of those rare designers who always seems to hit the mark. While his bags are never right for the red carpet or a glamorous night out, it’s hard to resist them when you're looking for a casual everyday purse. With Christmas just around the corner, it seems ...

I'll admit that I sometimes get a little mixed up about all of the different lines underneath luxury label Moschino. Not only is there the main brand but also Moschino Cheap & Chic and Love Moschino.

Sometimes it can get a little confusing, but one thing I know for sure. I might love ...

With a smattering of modern studs, Anne Klein converts this rather plain tote into a contemporary fashion statement.

Unlike many designers who seem to OD on the metal accents, Anne Klein keeps things subtle by placing the studs only at the top of the purse. She keeps us guessing with the mixture ...

Alexis Hudson plays it straight with the Bohem hobo. This is a return to the roots of the style, with its characteristic slouch and easy breezy spirit.

This is every inch the classic hobo, which is just what I like about it. Contemporary hobos have turned the design on its head, so ...

Jessica Simpson's latest purse brings a touch of the natural to an everyday tote.

Huge fancy decorations are one thing, but those bags aren't always suitable for casual functional everyday-wear. What you really need for carrying your bits and pieces is a neutral purse with some sexy characteristics: pretty, yet useful all the ...

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 ...