Even the simplest of handbag styles from Betsey Johnson is bound to have a quirky design feature somewhere on its exterior. I'd actually be shocked to see one without some sort of unexpected twist.

Enter the heart padlock detail on the front of the Locked In hobo. This otherwise relatively normal-looking purse is ...

Edgy metal studs are one of the biggest trends of the season. But it seems Chocolate took the style writers at their word when it created the City Flap Clutch.

Whether it's right on trend or overdosing, you'll have to decide yourself. There is an awful lot of metal there, but it ...

Finding a clutch that is individual and big enough to house all your belongings can be a bit of a task, but this Laura Matthews Designs patent handbag can go some of the distance to filling the gap.

Looks wise, this large clutch is interesting and eye-catching. From the large abstract contrasting clasp ...

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, ...

Rebecca Minkoff shows she knows how to do more than boxy bags with the new Darling.

This unexpected purse is more hobo than shoulder bag with its crescent shape and soft, slouchy silhouette. For a designer who favors structure, this bohemian look is a real surprise. But she embraces it, with tasseled ...

Nine West's recently released Vintage America collection is all about classic American style and timeless fashion combined with a little of today's trends. That's exactly how I'd describe this Cindy hobo bag from the line.

Its traditional hobo silhouette is both classic and predictable, yet some interesting details take the Cindy to a different ...

Lauren Merkin purses are red carpet favorites, but with the Tatum she's created a clutch that's more rock and roll than Hollywood glamor.

The secret is the patent leather finish, which is given an extra dose of attitude with bold mock croc embossing. The finish isn't likely to fool anybody into thinking ...

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 ...

Ruffled detail isn't something I'm accustomed to seeing on a design from the typically edgy and trendy brand Treesje. So this Divino shoulder bag with its use of the feminine accent definitely caught my eye.

The way that the tiny ruffles are added to the edges of the front and back zippered pockets as well ...

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 ...

No one expects genuine exotics for under $100. But if you hope to enjoy the look at a budget friendly price, this python-like hobo from Chinese Laundry is a decent option.

The traditional slouchy hobo shape is jazzed up by the snakeskin print, which is embossed on the polyurethane body. This blue ...

The Marina Bowler from Charles David combines chic styling with undeniable luxury.

Calf leather is all well and good, but if you want that totally touchable, buttery soft surface, it needs to be lambskin. A framed panel with contemporary diagonal pleats jazzes up this classic dome shaped bowler. What a shame we ...

Calvin Klein shows you don't have to spend a lot of money to look a million dollars. This Rain clutch has movie star style, and it costs just $78.

The secret is the fabric: a high quality synthetic which has all the gloss of genuine patent leather. The fabricated texture adds to ...

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 ...

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 ...

Does Yves Saint Laurent ever go wrong? It's a good question. I don't have an answer, but I can tell you that this line has been putting out must-haves since way before we had a way to say that.

The Le Sixieme is named after a district in Paris on the Left Bank ...

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 ...

The Treesje Jovi Cross-Body bag is a blend of trendy and practical all wrapped up in one soft leather package. It has just the kind of design personality I'd expect from the designer label that has produced equally distinct handbags like the Geneva clutch and the Kingsley hobo.

Although in the same bag ...

While Marc Jacobs is definitely one of my favorite designers, lately the Marc by Marc Jacobs line has left me feeling a little cold. Most of the bag designs are good, but they keep crudding them up with a bunch of logos. I know that some people like that sort of thing, ...

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 ...

A simple and understatedly elegant clutch, this Inge Christopher purse is a great option to look good for many seasons to come.

This cool gray color has been springing up all over the place. Not bold enough to fit in fully with this season's vibrant purple handbags or bright acid green tones, the gray instead ...

Anya Hindmarch is a relative newcomer on the design front, but she has quickly developed an A-list following. Her fashion-forward contemporary classics are the kind of accessories that look fabulous long after the season passes.

This Three Pocket clutch is one of the most fabulous finds of the fall season. The combination of ...

On a cold dark day, everyone could use a little dose of Hello Kitty style sunshine. You either love the Hello Kitty brand or you hate it, but no-one can deny how happy, carefree and downright cheerful the little cartoons are.

This cheap and cute purse by Hello Kitty is just the thing ...

Bulga is a brand that I mentally place in a category with labels like Treesje and Linea Pelle. Its designs are almost always appealing, high quality, and classic with some unexpected twists that take them to just a little contemporary.

Although I'd probably consider Bulga the most conservative of the three brands ...

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 ...

My deciding factor for considering the purchase of an expensive designer handbag is to find something one-of-a-kind or one that I simply can't live without. Personally, I can't imagine spending $875 on a gray leather messenger bag. However, if you find yourself shopping for bags in that price range and you'd get quite a bit of use out of ...

Marni is one of those young, hip labels that is known for having its finger on the pulse of cutting edge fashion. Which is why I was surprised when I saw this tote. I thought to myself, "Isn't that whole furry, Uggs-y thing kind of over?" Apparently not.

I have to admit that ...

Yves Saint Laurent is basically royalty among fashion design houses. The sleek elegance of his designs combined with impeccable materials results in accessories that really sing to modern women.

I don't want to go around saying things like "gray is the new black," but it is everywhere this fall, from nail polish to ...

Like the beloved children's book that shares its name, this Velveteen Rabbit from The Jesse B. Collection is destined to become a favorite for years to come.

The name comes from the clutch's soft velveteen finish. It feels gorgeous, but it's also a recession busting choice, helping the purse stay under that ...

The Laura from Elaine Turner marries the contemporary attitude of snakeskin with a gentle femininity.

While many snake purses are dramatically dark, the Laura takes a much softer approach. Some might accuse the pastel color palette of being a little washed out, but there's something so pretty about the muted shades. This ...

Travel in style. This Diane von Furstenberg Sexy Metal Carry On Satchel is first class all the way. The soft gray color will complement lots of different colors of luggage and when unzipped the unique zipper details add a really interesting look. Or, keep them zipped up for something more classic.

This bag ...

With the temperatures around the globe beginning the depressing nosedive into winter, the time has come to look for a classy and elegant bag with a hint of the cool and icy about it. This surprisingly spacious cool gray tote from the G by Guess range is just the cool-as-a-cucumber hobo that I ...

If you're not a regular at your local vintage shops but love the look anyway, it's good news that some brands offer vintage-inspired styles along with the popular trendy items.

Nine West is one of those companies, like Jessica Simspon's line, providing such a wide variety of affordable designs that they're bound to ...

Jessica Jensen shows us that a small purse can show plenty of personality with her classic barrel clutches. They don't just come in a range of colors. They also feature a range of unique finishes.

This sophisticated taupe purse has a stylish geometric pleated design. Pleating is more regular and vertical on ...

Up-and-coming label Chinese Laundry has delivered a tote which satisfies our need for practicality and style.

The styling's so striking, it's easy to forget about our other desires. A zippered front pocket becomes more than a practical feature, with tight pleats adding some real pizzazz. It's suitably slouchy for everyday use, and ...

Origami has been one of the most enjoyable trends sweeping fashion circles this year. From beautifully executed folded dresses through to paper jewellery, this Japanese paper art has hit all aspects of fashion face on. New technology means that origami style doesn't have to be made from paper, as this wonderfully structured ...

Matt & Nat have a knack for creating environmentally-friendly handbags that don't skimp on style. The Zed tote is the label's answer to the oversized trend. It's a purse that's as big on looks as it is on practicality.

It's made from the brand's iconic Japanese Paper vegan leather, a cruelty-free alternative ...

Lauren Merkin shows us that style and practicality can come at an affordable price with the Stella tote.

The traditional boxy tote shape is jazzed up with two long zips running down the front. They give the Stella two distinct looks: sophisticated and refined while zipped up, and casual rocker chic when ...

Dolce & Gabbana's young, hip line of the business D&G is usually ahead of the curve when it comes to trends. This contemporary Katri hobo is no exception to that.

With its modern-looking styling and one-of-a-kind details, the Katri has an undeniable urban feel to it. Of course, if brands like Kate Spade ...

Hobos aren't a handbag you traditionally associate with private schools and Ivy Leaguers, but that's exactly what I'm reminded of when I look at the Vanessa Bryn Mawr from Kate Spade.

That's not to say the purse oozes the sort of luxury most of us could only dream of. The leather and ...

I've come to learn not to expect any certain style from Big Buddha. They've got everything from snakeskin to straw purses, but I have to admit that this Rosy shoulder bag took me by surprise a bit.

Floral is one look I haven't seen from them, though I know I'm not familiar with ...

Diesel claims you'll never want to let its Lock In Embrace door satchel go. While that level of love may be a little excessive, this is one of the better bags we've seen from the brand.

Diesel is known for its contemporary accessories which tap into modern trends. Yet often the brand ...

"Envelope clutch" has been a buzzword on every handbag guru's lips this spring, and the trend of simple fold-over purses doesn't look like running out of steam any time soon.

This Jessica Jensen purse takes the envelope concept and endeavors to make the idea even more literal. If you were just glancing at this minimalist ...

Baggallini has made its name by putting functionality first. Their purses may never attract celebrity fans or longing gazes, but they're some of the most practical around.

The design is simple, without buckles or bows to add any aesthetic appeal. The only real individuality comes from the color you choose, and there ...

I'm fairly certain that Joe's Jeans is not one of those top popular brands for handbag-obsessing women. However, when the label's creator expanded into the wide world of accessories a couple of years ago, he carried over the brand's stylish and sexy look.

In the same fashion spirit of contemporary jeans, this Dianna ...

This has to be one of the prettiest Whiting & Davis bags I've seen. I always expect classy styles and sometimes a vintage vibe from the brand, but I'm really liking how this Ribbon hobo captures those elements yet has a contemporary feel as well.

The gray mesh fabric is screenprinted with ...

Rampage seems to lean toward creating or mimicking contemporary styles for women who prefer fashion with a bit of an edge. I can't say they always succeed in offering the most original options, but occasionally they are able to take a trend and make an unexpected handbag.

This Michelle clutch is very unique with its ...

I do love Steve Madden. His footwear is iconic, and it is delightful to see that talent transfer directly over into the world of handbags.

This delicate little clutch is a particularly nice example. Available in four shades to match all styles, this pleated snakeskin handbag is delightfully subtle, whilst still boasting big features ...

I do love a good wallet. It is no good to have a beautiful handbag, and pull out of it a tattered, tired looking specimen holding your cash. It completely spoils the effect! To prevent moments like this happening, I suggest a top-end ladies wallet like this functional gray one from designer ...