I love when a brand decides that perhaps the time has come to pay homage to the iconic designs of yesteryear. This time it is Fossil who has decided to recreate some of the handbags of the past in a shiny new format.

The advantage of this, of course, ...

Prada keeps it simple with this elegant black leather crystal kisslock clutch.

There's a fine line between boring and simply chic, and sadly I think Prada has come down on the wrong side of things. The large faceted crystals on the kisslock clasp do their best ...

Pink Studio has packed all the vintage style of the hit advertising drama Mad Men into this stylish Larissa clutch.

Some might call it drab, but after seeing so many colorful Pink Studio designs I'm happy for something a little more conservative. The look of black houndstooth checks ...

Nina Ricci helps you add a little luxury to your everyday with this elegant Ondine Gator shoulder bag.

As you might have guessed from the name, that exotic finish comes not from an embossed leather or even the more commonly used crocodile but alligator. At first ...

You don't have to be a big shot lawyer to appreciate the elegant craftsmanship of this Litigator briefcase from McKlein.

The design is classic and sophisticated. The brown and black colors aren't very cutting edge, but the fine grained leather will only look better with age. The design is simple, ...

I associate Lanvin with whimsical, feminine accessories accented with feathers and fluff. So I was surprised to see the French brand playing it so straight with the Legion PM Bag.

This has none of the stuff of regular Lanvin bags; there's no flash or frippery at all. That sensible approach might ...

Every girl needs a spacious leather tote. It is a wardrobe essential, and this vintage purse from Frye ticks all of my boxes.

The quality of the leather is important in a bag like this. Of course it is. After all, this tote will almost certainly be carted around for years and years ...

Etienne Aigner might not create the It bags that send us all drooling, but the brand is always a reliable choice for classic accessories that doesn't cost the earth.

The Colby is in keeping with the brand's traditions, from its tried and true signature brown leather to its clean trapezoidal line. It ...

Downsize your accessories while maintaining your sense of style with this quilted patent wristlet from Chanel.

It may be small, but this Chanel purse has most of the hallmarks of the iconic French brand. There's the chic flap, the engraved turn-lock, and that glossy diamond quilted patent leather. All that is omitted ...

Every girl knows that every girl needs a basic black tote. Its style should be timeless, not too big or too small and free of faddish hardware or embellishments. In short, it should be a bag like this To Dye For tote by Anne Klein.

This tote strikes the right balance between ...

London Fog gives us the patent shine of a new pair of Mary Janes, along with all the polished poise, with this Audrey Tote bag.

That lovely sheen doesn't come from real patent leather though, and it probably should for the $150 price tag. But what London Fog misses out on in ...

I doubt anyone would disagree with me if I wrote that this tote was a simple and classic example of a spacious bag. However, I might get a few disbelieving raised eyebrows were I to mention that this bag costs just $29.98!

And yet, it is true. This bag costs less that I ...

Are you looking for a general everyday bag that will last you for life? If so then this Robert Clergerie tote is one of the classiest options on the market.

Of course, a truly timeless design will always set you back a fair few bob. In this case this elegant and extraordinarily simple ...

Donna Sharp toes the line with this traditional doctor bag.

If I hadn't known better, I'd have sworn this was a Vera Bradley creation. The print may not be as vibrant, but the quilted fabric body and classic looks are so reminiscent of that designer. We're used to seeing Donna Sharp breaking ...

With the Brooke, Ellington brings us a classic bowler bag with a healthy dose of modern style.

This is a bowler bag made with the traditionalist in mind. Its playful dome shape works well with the bright red Italian leather finish to create a look that seems as if it's stepped right ...

If you are looking for something smart and affordable, this work-friendly Trokey tote from Aldo should meet the requirements.

Firstly, the price. This has to go first, because it is rare to find anything with even a semblance of style for just $29.98. Let alone a bag that has cute handles and a ...

Etienne Aigner doesn't create the trendiest accessories around, but its timeless looks shouldn't be overlooked.

A tote like this Velden Core bag doesn't scream so loudly, but there's something so appealing about its clean and refined lines. Its shape is just a little out of the ordinary, and its deep seams add ...

When I think Juicy Couture I think of velour fabrics and plenty of pink. I definitely don't picture the kind of conservatism that we find in this Cape Mini Satchel.

If I hadn't seen the tag myself, I never would have known that this was a Juicy Couture creation. It's just so ...

Ananas tends to be a bit of a fashion rule breaker, so I was surprised to see the label release something as traditional as the Nadia. But as we all know, traditional doesn't have to mean tired.

In fact, with so many designers trying to reinvent the hobo bag one which follows ...

Tepper Jackson gets back to basics with this stylish messenger bag. While many of the brand's designs feature wild psychedelic prints and playful stenciled animals, this handbag instead relies on a bold shot of color and clean lines for its style.

Available in wine red, moss green, or teal, this is a ...

If you're after a classic briefcase with a side order of luxury, this Revival bag from Salvatore Ferragamo should fit the bill.

To the uninitiated this looks like so many other office bags. But to the discerning eye, the Revival is a thing of real beauty. Its body is made from classic ...

With a name like the Wembley, it's no surprise that this plaid satchel is a thoroughly proper British lass.

This isn't a satchel that takes a lot of risks, but that makes it an elegant choice for those who prefer a more classic fashion look. There's a definite British air about its ...

Nothing beats a really good quality black leather bag for versatility and effortless timeless style. However, would you willing to pay $375 for one as simple as this Kate Spade version?

Don't get me wrong. The Quinn tote is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. The leather is thick and sturdy, with just ...

If you're planning a great escape this summer, you'll need a great handbag by your side. Jessica Simpson delivers one with this Escape hobo.

At first glance this appears like so many other hobos. It has all the trademarks of this classic boho bag: the eye-catching crescent shape, and the gentle slouch. ...

Briefcases are rarely the bags to send our hearts fluttering, but for any woman climbing the corporate ladder they're a necessary evil. While a case like the Belting Briefbag might not work for after office cosmos, it's the perfect bag for the boardroom.

This Jack Georges briefcase is traditionally styled, but its ...

What with Sex And The City 2 being released, it wouldn't surprise me if these Coach Hampton bags experience a sudden surge in popularity.

Of course, their popularity probably isn't just because the SATC girls have a penchant for this New Yorker's holiday destination. It probably also has something to do with the ...

You can have your Marilyns and your Madonnas; when I think style icons I think Audrey Hepburn. While other starlets were teetering on their stilettos, she made a comfy statement in ballet flats. And when everyone else suffered in fashionable clothing, she set the trend in capri pants. That blend of ...

Classic and traditional handbags aren't just the domain of the expensive and well-established brands of the world. With this croc-embossed clutch, La Regale sets out to prove that affordable can be glam.

I think it has achieved this aim. In fact, it may have even surpassed it through the simplicity of the design. ...

This Bally tote is a rare bag indeed. It is one of those handbags that costs more than my car did, yet which I can totally understand people buying. It is an everything bag, the one bag a woman should own, the creation that will see you from work to parties and ...

Be & D plays it safe with the Genesis bag, but that's no reason to dismiss this classic purse.

This isn't what we expect from the label; there are no studs, no ruffles, and no bows. Be & D's trademark sense of whimsy seems to have been forgotten altogether. While that may ...

Jesselli Couture offers us a classic croc purse for less with this Croc-Embossed clutch.

That's right, this Jesselli Couture purse isn't authentic crocodile at all, but a rather convincing imitation. Personally I feel when the embossing is this good, a stamped leather purse is just as eye-catching, although exotic lovers may disagree.

Jesselli ...

If you want classic good looks and flawless timeless design, then this pricey Guess satchel will take your breath away.

Simply put, this crocodile embossed leather handbag is stunning. It could easily be a meticulously crafted piece of leather work from the vintage days of yore, were it not for the fact that ...

The Rebecca Minkoff Heartthrob shoulder bag is a modern take on a classic satchel design.

The classic design of this funky bag is apparent in the shape. From the spacious front pocket to the simple square body and long strap, this is all about functional carrying and a traditional design. However, this basic shape ...

When I spotted this Mario briefcase I could barely believe it was made by Bally. Where is the personality and pizzazz? While this office bag may not be what we expect from the brand, it definitely does the job.

While its lack of flair may disappoint Bally fans at first, we must ...

Roxy often gets a bad review from serious fashion fans who believe the brand is just for name-brand conscious teens or surfer girls. But if you're on a budget, the label's latest bags shouldn't be overlooked.

Gone are the days where Roxy bags were simply beach-worthy creations covered in colored logos. Instead ...

From one vintage bag, to another. This one, unlike the bag I wrote about earlier, is just the sort of thing that I would buy for work and play!

The Tuscan tote looks like it is worth more than the utterly reasonable $69.99 Etienne Aigner is charging. The classic vintage styling, with a ...

Few hobos play it as straight as Badgley Mischka's Beth. And that's precisely why on the modern fashion landscape, it's a standout.

Lately I've been feeling like designers are doing too much with hobos. They're playing around with the shape and the structure, adding embellishments of every kind. Here Badgley Mischka gets ...

Soapbox's signature accessory is the 5th Avenue Classic Case, a New York inspired makeup bag that combines fun and functionality.

The classic case name comes from the traditional trapezium shape. This simple design is jazzed up with colorful patterns. There's a great range of prints to choose from, including the Chinese inspired ...

Ellington offers a stylish alternative to stuffy briefcases with the Madison Working Tote.

From the outside, it appears like a traditional handbag. The buttery leather finish comes in a range of classic shades: black, brown, and red. Curved corners soften the boxy shape, adding modern style to the conventional design. The finish ...

Badgley Mischka puts functionality first with the Delia Flat Cross Body bag.

The styling is simple, but sophisticated. That's refreshing to see in a cross-body bag. While most are very casual, this one wouldn't look out of place in the boardroom. The chocolate brown leather is conservative but more interesting than black ...

Conservative types will swoon for the sensible styling of Frye's Christine bag.

There's a unisex appeal about the classic combination of neutral toned leather and antique brass hardware. Leather trim stripes flank the practical front pocket, which is a great place for storing your car keys, cell phone, or other items you ...

With the snowpocalypse still blanketing much of America and Europe, it looks like winter isn't leaving any time soon. While it might not be the height of fashion, this cute Ugg Australia could be the ideal accessory for celebrating the icy weather.

The bag has the same styling we've seen on Ugg's ...

This incredibly sophisticated croc-embossed briefcase from Jack Georges may well be the perfect present for any workaholics in your family.

Of course, such a good-looking briefcase never ever comes cheap, especially when it is constructed out of real quality Italian leather. As such, the traditional looks of this case will cost you a ...

When you consider designer names, there's Hermes and then there's everyone else. No other brand can command such exorbitant prices or inspire such envy as the French fashion house. And that's precisely why a simple bag like this Paris-Bombay costs a whopping $5800.

I figured I'd get that shocking fact out of ...

Etienne Aigner always manages to produce elegant and timeless designs despite the fact that the costs hover around the reasonable $100 mark.

This satchel isn't at all cutting edge. Instead, the purse looks back towards a more traditional time, with stylish art deco buckles and classic leather lines. From the cut to the ...

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 ...

Magid is famous for its cheap and cheerful casual handbags, but with this Classic Satin Evening Bag the brand shows it can scrub up nicely. The most refreshing part is that even when glammed up, Magid still won't hurt your hip pocket.

I would never have guessed this polished purse was from ...

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 ...

Ah, Prada. It is a brand name that inspires lust and dreamy sighs in nearly all budding fashionistas. Without fail, its designs are crisp, clean and classic; simple enough to last not only for seasons, but for generations.

This large leather tote is no exception. They had no need to overdress the sumptuous leather and simple ...

In these uncertain financial times, it bags are out and classic purses are in. But it can be challenging to work out which handbags will stand the test of time, and which will fade from fashion before the next season comes.

The Examiner has taken the mystery out of the great accessories search with their guide to the five handbags ...