Balenciaga breaks with tradition with this Whistle Handbag. The label's typical bold hardware and long tassels are gone, replaced with luxury leathers and a slouchy barrel shape.

The name comes from the shiny engraved whistle which hangs from the bag. Unlike so many gimmicks, this small whistle is endearing rather than obnoxious. ...

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 ...

Although I'm a big proponent of the eco-friendly movement and am all for the practice of using unexpected recycled products in fashion, I've never been a huge fan of the Harveys seatbelt bags. I can appreciate the product for a clever use of the material. However, like the Nahui Ollin candy wrapper bags, I can't ...

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 ...

There's no excuse for running late for your appointments when you carry this Ashley M Plaid Clock Bag.

We expect quirky novelty bags from Ashley M, but this one is a little more stylish than many of the brand's creations. Red plaid reminds us of Burberry and other preppy, more luxurious labels. ...

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 ...

Sometimes little known handbag designers can produce a great looking purse. The quality may not be the same as legendary fashion-houses, but this reasonably priced bag can bring a dose of bold 60s goodness to your look.

In my humble opinion 60s fashion, with its funky geometric prints and bright colors, never really ...

The Aldo Greveinchianti may not be high-end fashion, but it's still a real showstopper.

This frothy concoction features a host of frilly ruffles embellished with tiny perforated holes. Yes it's over the top, but that's the whole point. That's why I prefer the purse is this lusty red shade rather than the ...

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 ...

The hobo has definitely undergone some changes in recent years. Once a crescent-shaped slouchy symbol of bohemian bliss, now it seems that anything goes!

The Charleze calls itself a hobo, but it's definitely not hippie-chic. There's a slightly relaxed feel, but this structured synthetic bag with its platform base has none of ...

Nahui Ollin adds a new twist to the old woven bag look with this contrasting bold color closure.

Using a Mayan technique, we are all familiar with Nahui Ollin's style, weaving pretty contrasting patterns with everyday materials. This particular purse is best in the black and white chequered pattern, where the bold red flap ...

Ahoy me hearties! The time has come to walk the plank! Shiver me timbers!

*Ahem* Apologies everyone, but there is something strangely entertaining about this simple pirate bag, and I simply couldn't help myself!

The funky skull and crossbones transfer brings a hint of individuality to a simple canvas shopper. The symbol never goes ...

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 ...

A bright colorblock pattern is nothing new for a L.A.M.B. handbag, but I wouldn't call it the brand's signature style. However, the bold look fits right in with Gwen Stefani's strong fashion sensibility so easily seen in L.A.M.B.'s products.

Although the Darjeeling collection of handbags is by far my favorite colorful geometric ...

With its cute moniker and even cuter looks, the Tic Tac Tote could only be a Vera Bradley bag.

The name comes from the subtle cross-hatch design with sits over Vera Bradley's signature vibrant prints. This pattern takes us back to childhood with its Tic Tac Toe board appearance. It's playful, but ...

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. ...

Lodis is a brand that knows its niche. It’s not one to take risks, but the label always delivers chic and sophisticated accessories.

That might make the Arno Runway seem like a bit of a misnomer. When I think catwalk I think of cutting edge styles and fashion-forward looks. There's none of ...

If you want to inject a bit of class into your everyday hold-all then think about opting for a colorful beauty, such as this Maxx New York cherry red tote.

Having a bag that wows people is brilliant and is even more so when it is a chunky spacious holdall. Generally you pay ...

High-end department store Neiman Marcus has teamed up with comeback kid Carlos Falchi to create a limited edition tote bag collection for Christmas.

Each tote is crafted from microfiber, embossed with python-print for a little extra festive glitz. The shoulder straps have a long 10-inch drop, perfect for ...

A good wallet isn't necessarily difficult to find, but finding one that will last for years and will switch easily from purse to purse is not always the easiest task. For that kind of wallet, Hobo International is a great place to start.

It seems ironic that a company with the word "hobo" ...

This SR Squared by Sondra Roberts pocketbook is for gals who like a little whimsy with their accessories. It's hard not to take notice of this quirky little bag.

If you're not looking closely, it might be easy to miss the martini glass on the front of this credit card holder, but really ...

The Nausicaa shows a shopper doesn't have to carry your every purchase. Instead, this extra small Furla bag gives you a place for stashing your cash and credit cards.

In a world of oversized shopping bags, this one's dimensions are closer to a petite clutch. The tiny space is lined with suede ...

Cross-body bags tend to be big and bulky affairs. There's convenience in that oversized approach, but not a lot of style. Elliott Lucca delivers a daintier option with the Trieste.

This is one smooth operator, with its inverted pleat design and chic braided strap. The textured leather is incredibly soft, and surprisingly ...

The Lady Dior line may grab all the headlines, but for something a little different I'd opt for this Karenina Tote.

The lush aged lambskin falls in intricate pleats down the length of the bag. The leather is lovely, but that super-ruched appearance is sure to divide fashion fans. I suppose ...

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 ...

Ghibli brings its luxury leather styling to an altogether cuter plane, with this kitsch and sexy purse.

Much simpler than the designer's normal python leather bags, this little patent evening bag is a great party purse with a funky 50s vibe. That said, the over-sized red patent bow also has something of an ...

Bold bagistas and girls preferring to play it safe have something to smile about with B. Makowsky's Phoenix tote. You can get it loud in lipstick red or maize yellow, or opt for a more conservative look with subtle stone or sage green.

Colors aside, this tote strikes the balance between contemporary ...

This is one Whiting & Davis handbag that doesn't make me automatically think of a bygone era. Well, that's not entirely true, I suppose, since it does have a certain '70s disco vibe going on with it. However, in comparison to some of the brand's truly vintage-inspired designs, this Cross-Body Dance Bag ...

Cole Haan's line of hand-woven handbags in the Genevieve weave must be one of the brand's biggest sellers since they seem to have a countless number of bag styles with the design. From satchels to wallets, the Genevieve pops up in almost any search for Cole Haan bags.

Although the collection is nothing ...

Perfect for girls who like functional clutches but without the chunky elements of this season's 80s catwalks, this Guess Mademoiselle wallet combines functionality with pretty colors.

Equally attractive in the red, black or white shades, Guess have gone all out on the silver monogrammed "G" logo emblazoned on the front. It makes the ...

There are few bags which embrace the winter weather ahead like this snowflake purse from Ralph Lauren.

This knitted handbag is crafted from a blend of wool, mohair, and a touch of nylon. This wintery finish is paired with high quality leather trim on the sides and base. A leather strap is ...

The design of the Treesje Kingsley hobo shares quite a few similarities with the trendy features of the Botkier Uma satchel with its slouchy ruched body and zippered detail. Actually, the two designer brands really aren't that far apart in their overall styles.

The main difference between the Uma and this Treesje handbag is ...

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 ...

Coin purses have always been popular with those who like cute bags that come in tiny sizes. The traditional kiss-lock closure and slouchy thus spacious shape make them an attractive design with a healthy dose of functionality. This over-sized version from Goldenbleu acts as a clutch, yet with all the sweet features of ...

When it comes to Global Elements, you never know quite what you're going to get. The label loves to frock up, but it can just as easily keep things casual with bags like this cute Beaded Flower Tote.

While its name suggests springtime blooms, there's just one beaded flower on the bag. ...

Green fashionistas are spoiled for choice these days, with cotton canvas, bamboo, straw, and vegan leather giving us plenty of alternatives to animal skins. Grasscloth may not have the profile of many other eco-friendly fabrics, but that makes bags like the Nicole so attractive.

The tightly woven cloth is crafted from several ...

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 ...

Well, I'm back to grommets again. The classy Bulga Cava Tote must have gotten me on a kick for them. There's something so interesting yet casual about the detail that makes it a great addition to a handbag.

This is not the first time that Cole Haan has used grommets on a ...

This reversible handbag from The Jesse B. Collection gives you two looks in one!

Five white buttons secure the reversible cover to the frame-style bag. One side features this chic red and white houndstooth print. The other is bright red wool, perfect for the cooler weather to come this year!

The removable cover ...

Marc by Marc Jacobs makes young, edgy clothes that are fashion forward and mostly affordable. He's attracted a loyal, nay, worshipful following among downtown types that is quickly spreading across the world. And, let's be honest, he deserves it, because bags like this are a recessionista's dream come true.

The lipstick red leather ...

The Mademoiselle collection from Guess has the kind of easy bags you can wear on a regular basis knowing that they'll go with most casual, everyday outfits.

I wouldn't carry the Mademoiselle N/S Shopper to a night at the theatre, but this handbag has plenty of other practical uses. It's significantly sized interior is ...

It's difficult to resist the retro charms of this patent leather Leah purse from Elaine Turner.

It's called a minaudiere, but it's a lot sleeker than the other purses that share its name. While Judith Leiber and Kathrine Baumann cover theirs in jewels, this one is all polish and poise. ...

Crocheted handbags usually remind me of my grandmother, but Stuart Weitzman shows it is possible to inject youthful energy into the style. Meet the Knit Wit satchel.

While it may look like yarn from a distance the Knit Wit actually features luxurious nappa leather, crocheted to resemble modern blooms. The floral finish ...

Cole Haan is known for its leathers, so it makes sense that the brand would create a Soft Collection designed to showcase its "supple leather fabrication." And, as I always find it silly to make super soft bags too structured, a drawstring hobo like this one seems like the perfect shape for ...

Tartan might not be a look that suits everyone's taste, but I happen to love this checkered fabric when it is done well. It's not a fabric pattern that you want to include in every outfit you wear, unless you're part of a Scottish clan; however, it's a fun addition to a ...

In my humble opinion, there is nothing that makes a handbag seem more luxurious than some comfy luxurious padded quilting. With an elegant and classy diamond quilting exterior, this pretty clutch from Hobo international is ready for every party you can throw at it.

Whilst the burgundy cushioning is sexy and reminiscent of ...

Whilst autumn/winter trends may be here for the foreseeable future, I thought one last homage to good old summer was due. This vintage picnic basket is just the sort of fun yet functional summer item that makes those sunny days as fun as possible.

Built in typical retro straw bag style, this Goodhope tote ...

The whimsical sense of humor of Italian brand Fontanelli is on show with this cute Ladybug bag.

There's certainly no mistaking the brand's inspiration here. The bag's black leather finish contrasts with a bold red spotted wing-like flap. It's quite a convincing attempt to recreate the form of the beloved beetle! But ...

In true Santi style, this elegant evening purse is a riotous affair of classy beading, detailed embroidery and slouchy refined quality. Following in the footsteps of this bright and cheery Santi purse, this is yet another 20's style beaded beauty to keep you company through winter.

I particularly like the sophisticated and ...