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 this croc-embossed Brasilia satchel from B. Makowsky that set it apart from some other embossed bag candidates. First, the leather is real and soft, which is a signature of the label but not always the case with other brands. Second, the crocodile texture is somewhat subtle and spread out instead of compact and busy like some embossing.

These two factors, when combined with the Brasilia's other attractive qualities, make for a very decent handbag style. I wouldn't call it a simple design due to the other design features, such as the top corner panels, buckled details, and half-moon front zippered pocket. However, the details together somehow don't overwhelm the style but rather come together in a very appealing way.

The Brasilia is available in this E/W satchel shape as well as a smaller satchel and N/S shopper. This light "vachetta" brown is a nice, neutral choice as are the dark brown and black options, but the deep blue "pacific" color is both pretty and unexpected. This B. Makowsky satchel retails for $278.

More Features of the Brasilia E/W Satchel

• Measures 16.5 x 10 x 4.5 inches
• Double handles with 10 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Coin pocket on back
• Signature leopard-print lining

Get this B. Makowsky Brasilia Bag:

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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 many people. but the woven textured leather design adds a third dimension that pulls this baguette back from the brink of tacky. The over-sized matching buckles and fasteners complete this rescue, producing quite a sophisticated design!

Whilst there is no long handle to make this shoulder bag all the more functional, there are actually a few added bonuses that make this so much easier to use. The reinforced base is a great addition, as is the durable gray lining.

Thought has been put into this, even if the number of pockets added is a little sparse!

More Features of this Sondra Roberts New York Woven Purse

• Grosgrain lining
• Single interior pocket
• U-shaped zipper opening for easy access
• Metal feet for durability

Get this Patent Leather Shoulder Bag:

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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 this Lites Greenwich E/W tote. In my opinion, this handbag fits all three categories with a little edge on top of everything else.

It's a rather enormous size ringing in at over eighteen inches wide, but I don't know many women who couldn't fill it up on a busy day in less than five minutes. The superb interior organizational features make it a great option for work or play. There's even a zippered center divider inside and side slip pockets on the exterior for storing particulars.

Beyond the convenience of pockets, however, the Lites Greenwich tote bag has a pretty crinkled leather texture that looks fabulous in this toffee brown. The effect reminds me of the swishy broomstick skirts that were so popular in past years, but frankly I'm much more content to carry the texture around on a leather purse than wear it. The Greenwich E/W tote also comes in an equally basic black color as well as a not-so-basic orange.

More Features of the Lites Greenwich E/W Tote

• Measures 18.5 x 12 x 5 inches
• Twisted double handles with 9 inch drop
• Magnetic closure
• Crinkled leather material

Get this B. Makowsky Lites Greenwich Bag:

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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 as the top of the purse give the Divino just a hint of subtle femininity. I'm not sure anyone would categorize this design as a ruffled handbag since the detail is so understated, as opposed to the much more obvious use of the accent we saw on the Jessica Simpson Runway satchel.

It's certainly not enough to scare off gals who tend to go for edgy styles since the Divino also has plenty of trendy stitching and zippered details to satisfy that population of shoppers. However, I can also see it appealing to women who prefer a little girliness to their handbags as well. Treesje managed to touch on just the right amount of both styles without going overboard. Of course, that won't appeal to the extremes of each personal taste, but it's a nice medium of the two looks.

This version of the Divino shoulder bag is a decent size with comfortable, thick straps ideal for everyday use. If you like bigger dimensions when it comes to purses, there's actually a Divino Grande design that offers the same overall look in a slightly larger size.

More Features of the Divino Shoulder Bag 

• Measures 13 x 11.5 x 4 inches
• Double handles with 7.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure with flap detail

Get this Treesje Divino Bag:

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
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Treesje Divino Gold Handbag US $539.49   Auction Ends: 9d 23h 12m Make it yours...

TREESJE DIVINO IN SILVER US $61.09   8 Bids Auction Ends: 15h 8m Make it yours...

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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 it's quite in plain sight when you know it's there. The dead giveaway is the green and red olive on the tip of the envelope flap, or rather the "bottom of the glass."

Although a patent sheen on synthetic leather isn't always the best choice since it can sometimes make a bag's manmade appearance stand out even more, it somehow seems appropriate on this SR Squared design given the topic. My only hesitation is the matching stitching that runs around the shape of the martini glass and olive. I would've preferred a solid shape instead to keep everything simple.

Classified as a credit card holder, this wallet-like bag is certainly not substantial in size and is meant to sit in a purse or handbag rather than function as a clutch. However, it would be great for a night on the town when you need your cards and cash close by. It's nicely priced, too, at only $25.

More Features of the Martini Glass Credit Card Holder

• Measures 4.5 x 3 x 1 inch
• Zipper and snap closure
• Synthetic patent leather

Get this SR Squared Credit Card Holder:

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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 that the brown is basic, it really brings out the nuances of the handbag's texture where it might otherwise be lost with a bolder or brighter color. Plus, the cognac color is not exactly what I'd call a run-of-the-mill brown. It's a rich, vibrant hue that catches the eye but wouldn't clash with much.

The tote has a nice a-line silhouette that typically provides a decent amount of storage space inside. The Werner is no exception to that. Its slightly flared sides and significant depth allow for tons of the kinds of things that women tend to stuff in their handbags. The size and shape of the bag isn't exactly user-friendly for the petite, but it's just fine for the average fashionista.

With its spacious interior, I would've liked to see a tad more organizational pockets inside or outside, but there's an acceptable amount present with one large zippered pocket on the outside and one on the inside. The interior is lined in Matt & Nat's famous faux suede made from recycled plastic bottles. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on the Werner is impeccable and what I'd expect from the brand. This is definitely one case where a faux leather tote is worth its price of $225.

More Features of the Werner Japanese Paper Tote

• Measures 18 x 13.5 x 6 inches
• Double straps with 8 inch drop
• Magnetic snap closure
• Signature logo plate

Get this Matt & Nat Werner Bag:

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Matt Nat Queen Brazen Vintage Bowler Bag Vegan US $82.99   Auction Ends: 28d 14h 49m Make it yours...

NEW Matt Nat Pewter Julia Hand Bag Purse NWOT US $79.99   Auction Ends: 28d 14h 49m Make it yours...

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 shade is a lovely evergreen option, ideal for pairing with denims at any time of the year. It's interesting that there are none of the blacks, whites, and browns we've come to expect, but gray and mustard should be tame enough to please conservative tastes.

This generously-sized purse is fitted out with a zippered pocket and a couple of multifunctional slips. One can take care of your cell phone, while another is large enough to suit an MP3 player or small digital camera.

The handle is quite long, so I'm not sure why we'd need the removable shoulder strap. It's especially confusing since the fabric finish clashes with the snakeskin body. I'd simply unclip it for a more unified look.

More Features of This Chinese Laundry Snake Embossed Hobo

• Zip top closure
• Fabric lined interior
• A single shoulder strap with an 11 inch drop
• Measures 20 x 12 x 6 inches
• Retails for $83

Get this Chinese Laundry Python-Like Handbag:

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Chinese Laundry has brought a modern attitude to the shoulder bag with the Olivia, part of its fun new fall collection.

The front is adorned with layered flaps, which are cut diagonally to add edgy interest. Layers can look feminine and fussy, but the surprising angles give the bag more of an uptown vibe. I just wish we saw them on the back of the bag as well. Without these accents, the plain back looks boring and unfinished.

Chinese Laundry keeps the price to a recession-friendly $99 by sacrificing real leather for a synthetic. This manmade material is stylish with its mottled design and subtle gloss, but I don't expect it to last as long as its more luxurious counterpart.

The interior space is simple and slim: perfect for hugging close to your body but not ideal for carrying bulky goods. The manmade material may stretch to accommodate a bulky novel or two, but then you risk shortening the synthetic's life even more. The zippered pocket is a real drawcard though. It extends across the length of the bag, so it affords more space than the average compartment.

This pretty purple is my pick, but if you're more of a traditionalist you may prefer the olive green. This darker shade is so close to black, it could easily pass as a neutral.

More Features of This Chinese Laundry Layered Shoulder Bag

• Nylon lined interior
• Zip top closure
• A rolled knotted strap with a 9.5 inch drop
• Measures 12 x 17 x 4 inches
• Made in China

Get this Chinese Laundry Olivia Handbag:

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This Steven by Steve Madden satchel jumped out at me as soon as I saw it. It wasn't just the bold amethyst purple color either. This spunky Lady Killers handbag has a great combination of edgy and feminine details for an everyday accessory with more than your average bag's personality.

For $248, I would expect real leather for this satchel, and the Lady Killers doesn't disappoint. The ever so slightly slouchiness to the leather blends well with the handbag's side ruched trim. Although the ruching isn't anything like the ruffled detail on the Jessica Simpson Runway Satchel or Rampage's Raegan Tote, there is still an undeniable feminine appearance to the feature.

In the Lady Killer's other two color options, black and ivory, this Steven by Steve Madden purse is equally pretty in shape and overall style. However, the trendy purple shade makes it oh-so-ideal for this fall's fashion. The color is set off beautifully by the satchel's bright gold-toned hardware. In particular, the round closure on the front pocket's flap is an eye-catcher.

Because of the handbag's depth, I think the Lady Killer could have used a longer detachable strap for those times when the bag might feel bulky under your arm. However, the double handles are rolled and seem comfortable enough for regular use.

More Features of the Lady Killers Satchel

• Measures 12.5 x 10 x 5.5 inches
• Double handles with 4.5 inch drop
• Zip top closure
• Exterior pocket
• Printed satin lining

Get this Steven by Steve Madden Lady Killers Bag

• Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock in ivory)
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I might be a little biased when it comes to reviewing Tignanello styles because I think they have some fabulous handbags, but I'm sure I'm not alone in liking the look and design of this Soft Touch Ball Shopper.

One of my favorite features of this moderately affordable purse is its real leather material. That's one of the great things about Tignanello; other than monogrammed fabric bags, they stick with a very decent quality of the real thing without marking up the price. Even brands like Jessica Simpson, which has a fairly similar price range and target market as Tignanello, tends to favor manmade and leather-like in lieu of the real deal.

The Soft Touch collection from this label is exactly what is described. The soft, buttery leather is perfectly relaxed and slouchy without looking overly sloppy or too casual.

Although it's not a particularly large handbag, you might be surprised by what you can carry inside the Ball Shopper. The slightly unstructured shape lends itself to filling the inside up and outward. It isn't very tall, so you won't be able to store things like paperwork or magazines, but there are tons of pockets for smaller items. There is even a zippered divider for keeping everything extra-organized inside. The bag's exterior pockets on the front and back make for even more storage.

The interior is lined with a cute, modern polka dot satin fabric. While the hidden magnetic snap is extremely convenient, it's certainly not the most secure form of closure. It does make it easy to access your stuff, though. The Soft Touch Ball Shopper's long, rolled leather handles are a comfortable way to carry this stylish leather bag.

More Features of the Soft Touch Ball Shopper

• Measures 12 x 8 x 5 inches
• Double handles with 9.5 inch drop
• Also available in black, white, and ivory
• Retails for $169

Get this Tignanello Ball Shopper Bag

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