Unless you told me that this was a La Regale handbag, I'd never have known. The brand normally favors minimalist, classic designs, but this vintage purse offers something else!

Traditional embroidery works with glitzy colored beads and sequins to create this tapestry design. The floral motif reminds me of the kind of ...

This is the first in a series of articles introducing you to the vintages styles of different eras, and showing you some of the best vintage inspired handbags on the market. To begin with, the brilliant era of life-changing politics and dramatic prohibition that produced flapper girls - the fabulous 1920s.

The 1920's, especially from 1925 onwards, were known as the "roaring 20s", and as such is characterized by the Charleston, evenings spent dancing despite the alcohol prohibition, and women rebelling against repression. There probably were day bags, but the real prized possessions to accompany complex flapper dresses and elegant feather boas were the delicate beaded art deco evening bags.

Jessica Jensen has given a lift to the traditional tote with the Patience.

The geometric, flared shape is classic tote, designed for sophistication and everyday elegance. But Jessica Jensen couldn't let this bag blend into the background, so she's added rows and rows of tiny wooden beads to the front panel. From ...

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. ...

If you're traveling light, there are few options as convenient as a wristlet. They keep your hands free, and won't weigh you down like a regular handbag can.

This beaded purse from Global Elements is a fun option. The exterior is covered in thousands of teeny-tiny beads. The basic black backdrop helps ...

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 ...

I always feel a sense of pride when I come across a lovely design in a handbag that doesn't cost the earth. With this delicate purse from Miracle, you can get unusual retro looks for the bargain basement price of $26.

As with most cheap and cheerful clutches, the beading and sequins on ...

Some handbags are just too casual to ever be really versatile in a wardrobe. However, these laid-back totes are sometimes the most fun when compared to many practical options.

This Roxy Freely Hobo is a perfect example of those quirky, casual bags that you'll probably only wear when you've got flip-flops or sandals ...

Inge Christopher is renowned for creating evening purses that put femininity first. The Crystal Wallpaper is no exception, so if you're not a girly girl you might want to give this one a miss.

That's not to suggest that this is another frou-frou feminine purse covered in sequins and lace. In fact, ...

It's more than a little kitsch. In fact, some might even accuse it of being tacky. But if you don't take yourself too seriously, this Coco Treasures bag from Sun N' Sand could be just what you’re looking for. After all, it doesn't take itself too seriously either!

This bag is styled ...

Here we have the perfect bag for those of us who are still feeling the summer vibe. The shops may be seeing in the midyear sales, but at least clutches like this can help us keep that sunny floral vibe going into the winter months.

In a selection of vibrant jeweled colors, the ...

Timmy Woods hits handbag gold again, with this artistically crafted wooden clutch.

Spot on for the tribal trend cited by Vogue as one of this season's hottest looks, this solid wooden clutch features a delicate beaded charm on the highly polished front. The charm features a rose and gray-toned center section, with tassels of ...

As with all Santi clutches, this little beaded number stands out from a crowd. Thee is no overall theme in the Santi brand (unless you count individuality), but this slouchy clutch hits tribal and beaded trends right on their pretty little heads.

So what makes this bag worth buying? For me, I adore ...

I like cheap brands that do it well. It's a personal thing; I just find it so rare that labels release a mass-produced bag that looks darn good. I find I don't care if everyone I see is using it, I just care that it didn't, for once, break the bank.

This is ...

This beautiful mesh bag from Giorgio Armani embraces the magical side of life.

The soft gauzy fabric is embellished with a stunning beaded and sequined dragon. The combination of intricate embroidery and dragon motif give this purse a distinctly Asian flavor, despite its European origins.

It's a thing of beauty, but not so ...

With its ornately beaded body and matching fringe, the Seville clutch from Inge Christopher looks like it's stepped straight out of the 1920s!

But don't think that means the Seville is stuck in the past. Like many modern clutches it comes with a handy strap. This intricately beaded handle is beautiful, ...

The Santi Ava Clutch is heavy on the glitz and glamour.

The kisslock closure and traditional frame give this purse a vintage feel, but that flashy finish is unashamedly modern. The slouchy satin fabric is covered in beaded stripes and ribbons of contrasting sequins.

The Ava is available in four different color combinations ...

With a burst of beaded sunshine comes the Rafe Camilla tote bag, a purse that has us longing for warmer weather.

Just try to take your eyes off that playful beaded starbust. The combination of large white beads and smaller round silver ones is headturning without being too fussy. The pattern sits ...

This breathtaking St. Barts bag from Inge Christopher can effortlessly pull together any evening look.

A feminine ruffled silk body is the perfect complement for the beaded flower accent and delicate silver chain strap. A polished silver frame gives the purse a refined appearance while helping it keep its shape.

A polished silver ...

Have you been lusting after Judith Leiber bags while contemplating the bills piling up? Look no further than this La Regale evening purse to satisfy your cravings. It delivers all the pizzazz of a high-end designer handbag, and costs less than $100.

The satin exterior is encrusted with colorful glass beads ...

When you need to add a little glamour to your ensemble, this La Regale Antique Beaded purse makes it easy.

The satin exterior is completed covered in beautiful glass beads. The effect is stunning without being overpowering. The finishing touch is the shiny silver kiss lock. The intricate filigree design and round ...

An evening bag should be dramatic, delicate, and dazzling. Fendi delivers just that with this breathtaking baguette.

Forget those mass-produced handbags. This stunning purse is handmade, so the quality is first rate. The body is made from super soft black cashmere. Colorful beads create a feminine floral pattern on this sumptuous fabric.

A spring green python ...

Tod's is known for creating classic and elegant bags to take you from day to night. But every now and then this amazing designer tries something new, and creates a contemporary masterpiece. This beautiful beaded bag is one of those Tod’s designs that is truly something special.

The deep red silk is exterior is ...