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 ...

Gustto combines the party-appeal of patent leather with the relaxed charms of nylon to create the Picia. Under the hands of a lesser designer the combination could seem confused, but I think Gustto may have just pulled it off.

Without the patent leather, this nylon carryall would be shapeless, and frankly, a ...

If ever there was a must-have accessory, it's a black leather tote. Like the little black dress, this versatile wardrobe staple never goes out of style. Giuseppe Zanotti's answer is this Naplak Nero handbag.

The traditional boxy tote shape is glammed up with polished patent leather and modern ruching. Giuseppe Zanotti lets ...

Indulge your inner Cleopatra with this sexy Isis clutch from Kenneth Jay Lane.

This evening purse is crafted from party-ready black patent leather. The glossy fabric is embossed with a snakeskin-like finish for an extra dose of sass. The snake theme continues with a slithering serpent detail. The snake commands attention with ...

Anya Hindmarch's signature style is show with the Chapman Tote. It's all urban and contemporary, with naplak patent leather and a splash of hardware delivering just the right amount of gloss.

It might be a shiny gem, but the Chapman is no show pony. The traditional tote shape is uncluttered, allowing the ...

As the financial crisis forces us all to tighten our belts, lesser known labels like Rafe are becoming hot commodities. I wouldn't exactly call the fashion house cheap and cheerful, but their stylish accessories won't break the bank either.

The wonderful thing about Rafe is that their lower prices don't come with ...

A fling is brief romance, an illicit relationship that's incredibly hot, sexy, and over almost before it begins. But your love affair with Rebecca Minkoff's Fling is likely to last a whole lot longer.

The purse with the naughty name manages to combine timeless style with sex appeal. The finish is glossy ...

Toss out that boring black nylon work bag. The Fendi Zucca Tote is about to blow it out of the water.

With a traditional shape, three interior compartments and long shoulder straps this bag is everything you could want for carrying files to and from meetings and the office. But instead of the ...

Elie Tahari takes patent leather from the dance floor to the shopping mall with the Rory Shopper.

The glossy black fabric is usually a glammed up affair, but I'm not sure it really works here. The shiny patent body doesn't look too difference at a glance from a common garbage bag. The ...

I am glad this bag is so simple. It is nice to know what you are getting and to have no high expectations that are disappointed once the bag is in your possession.

Here you have a simple and attractive clutch that does what it says on the bottle: Bright sexy colors, suitable ...

Does this look familiar to you? Perhaps because it seems inspired by the baskets piled up by the door of every drug and grocery store in America?

While it would be great for shopping at the grocery store or farmer's market, and possibly for taking to the beach, this bag takes whimsy to ...

This Maddalena Marconi box clutch can effortlessly add some retro glamour to any outfit.

The black patent leather finish features diagonal quilting, evoking vintage Chanel. But the embellishments are what make this purse no mere designer homage. The front features a blooming camellia flower carefully crafted from white Swarovski crystals. We ...

I'm not always a fan of shiny patent handbags during the warmer seasons since, to me, the material just looks more appropriate on a deep, rich tone for fall or winter. However, sometimes a spring or summer bag can look fabulous in patent when paired with the right color and details.

That's what ...

I'm not one of those girls that just goes totally nuts when they see the Fendi logo. In fact, I have been known to disregard the line entirely because it tends to be a little too flashy for my personal taste. But sometimes they come up with something that really intrigues me, ...

Anyone for tennis? As summer approaches it's not just the pros heading courtside. Why struggle with your racket and sneakers when you could carry them all in this cute Bally Arkel Tennis Tote?

The tote is made from vibrant red patent calfskin trimmed with white leather. This bold combination may not work ...

There's no need to leave your favorite stilettos behind when Bally's Annita is your travel companion. This spacious bag has enough space to carry four pairs of shoes with room to spare!

The cleverly designed interior is divided into eight separate shoe compartments, so you don't need to stress about scuffing your ...

It may seem a little presumptuous to call a bag the Iconic Luxe Gretta, but perhaps Zac Posen has reason to be cocky. This adorable purse may just prove itself to be a classic.

The frame design gives this handbag structure and a little vintage appeal. But its patent leather finish is ...

With a dash of retro styling and some luscious leather, Elie Tahari has created the sort of satchel I can imagine carrying for years to come. Meet the Zoe.

Named after Eli's daughter, the Zoe is created from luxurious patent leather. Patent can tend to appear overly glossy and a little ...

At first glance, I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted to review this bag for two reasons. Mostly I was hesitant because it's been out for a little while but also because I think the croc-embossed texture has been overdone. However, after looking a little more at this Kate Spade clutch, ...

Laury is one of those names that makes me think of men in their sixties wearing plaid. It may have vintage looks, but there's nothing dated about Cole Haan's Laury satchel.

The angular shape and patent leather is a little bit retro, but that's offset by the Laury's fun striped texture. This ...

A finely crafted vintage purse never goes out of vogue. This sexy Nina Ricci silk clutch is an example of just how gorgeous a little old-fashioned style can be.

The traditional envelope clutch design is amped up with the combination of red ribbed silk and glossy black patent leather. The small ...

Christian Louboutin has a knack for creating ultra glamorous, and ultra girly accessories. In lesser hands this clutch purse could have looked childish and cheap. But instead this bow clutch has just enough girly charm to be fabulous. No wonder current It girl Kim Kardashian adores hers!

Kim's clutch is ...

Any shopping trip can be a glamorous occasion when you're carrying the Andelys Tote from Celine.

Black patent leather is effortlessly chic, and it's used to excellent effect here. The features are kept simple, with just a splash of polished silver hardware to amp up the style. Matching black patent corner details ...

Fabulous! This Lanvin Jaismal handbag (pictured right) is utterly, unconditionally and indisputably brilliant! Lanvin keeps on busting out inspired, elegant designer purses with just the right amount of modern edge.

Plus what a difference a strap can make! The other version of this chic bag had a not so desirable chain ...

I often find myself wondering who actually photographs handbags for the web. Quite frankly I think I could do a much better job of it.

The photos just do not do justice to the remarkable style and sophistication of the majority of designer handbags.

For instance, the Valentino Histoire Belted Tote (pictured right) ...

Michelle Trachtenberg photo via Celebutopia

Buffy's younger sister is all grown up and becoming quite the fashion icon. It's refreshing to see her dressed up in a chic and age-appropriate manner.

Her choice of purse suits her youthful looks too. I love the modern lines and intriguing shape ...

Stop sniggering. I know what you're thinking. No luxury handbag ever deserves to have such an undignified name as the Pise Sac. Who knows what Lanvin was thinking when they saddled this shoulder bag with such an unfortunate moniker. The title might not inspire you with confidence, but its fun and ...

Canvas totes make me want to grab a swimsuit and head toward the water. The casual and incredibly practical material is a must-have for the spring and summer months. Its durability makes it perfect for a low maintenance handbag, and the rough texture exudes a laid-back, going-nowhere-quickly kind of vibe.

Paired with patent ...

Marc Jacobs hit gold with his Turnlock series of bags. The popular collection ranges from satchels to clutches and offers just about every color you can possibly think of for a purse. If you can imagine it, it's probably available in Turnlock. 

That's why it was no surprise to me to run across ...

The Goldenbleu Parker was released in 2007 but still remains an stylish choice if you're looking for a roomy, multi-functional yet elegant handbag. The Parker comes in a smaller tote version as well as the larger Weekender bag. The style is simple and traditional, but the result is tres chic.

I love ...

The Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote has been available for a while now, and many a bag reviewer has penned their thoughts about it. However, the popularity of the handbag hasn't seemed to wane one bit. Celebrity fans of the bag include Cameron Diaz, Ashlee Simpson, and Halle Berry. Though these ...

Most hobo bags tend to be casual affairs, lacking structure and in many cases, lacking style. The Goldenbleu Dallas turns our expectations on their head, with a hobo offering more polish and poise than we're used to.

The leather exterior is soft, but it's more sleek than slouchy thanks to the ...

The thing about people who take fashion risks is that sometimes they come up with extraordinary things, and sometimes they come up with things that are terrifying. The same goes for designers. Alexander McQueen, in his reign as fashion's leading bad boy, has done both. Say what you like about him, but ...

The Goldenbleu Carson tote has a polished look and individual sense of style to take you from day to night.

The shiny patent leather finish instantly draws the eye. The front flap features a flirty double tassel, which gives the Carson a playful feel. The basic black variety tones this down a ...

Leave it to Fendi to make orangish-red look classic. Though it isn't one of the warm colors we've been seeing this season, the bright Mini Mama is sure to make any outfit pop.

The patent leather that seems to be a recurring trend right now looks stunning on this little Fendi ...

You'll find twice the storage and twice the charms from the Audra, a unique double clutch from Goldenbleu.

The dual design puts a unique contemporary spin on the classic frame-styled purse. And it all makes so much sense. Gone are the days where women only need carry a handkerchief on a night ...

Much more than simply a shopping bag, this Charles David Desiree is likely to inspire series purse envy when you head to the mall.

Slick natural patent leather panels are offset by head-turning woven ones. This delicate weave reminds me of high-class designer Bottega Veneta, which is a very good thing. ...

The classic doctor bag gets a slick style makeover with this glossy patent leather purse from Carlos Falchi.

The shiny patent leather finish is accented with contrast stitching and serpentine braided handles. I can't imagine the white purse looking this pristine for very long, so if you hope to use this bag ...

Michael Kors might not be the most cutting-edge designer, in my opinion, but he does have impeccable taste. His handbags in particular are usually so simple and sleek much like his own choice of wardrobe. Even if his bags aren't the most avant-garde in fashion, they are always elegant.

Following the recent ...

The Charles David Maura Tote has the spacious size and rich colors we're craving this season. But its timeless style means this is one purse you'll want to carry long after the snow melts.

The traditional rectangular tote shape is given a modern makeover with a geometric overlay pattern. Diagonal stripes of ...

The glossy looks and retro charms of the Goldenbleu Rebecca ensure its one bag that won't shrink into the background.

White accents contrast with the bold patent leather finish, whether you choose basic black, blossom red, or this vibrant sunshine yellow. Round rolled handles and the domed body complete this fun vintage ...

With Christmas just around the corner, finding the perfect shopper is a must. If your style is sexy and sophisticated, the Charles David Wynn Shopper could be just what you’re looking for.

This glossy patent leather purse is a rich red tone near the handles, but as you look down the bag ...

From America's fashion capital New York comes Anne Klein, a designer who knows how to put a contemporary twist on some old favorites. With the Paramount satchel she's brought the classic doctor bag into the 21st century.

You'll recognize that timeless domed shape, but no doctor I know would dare to carry ...

If you've read any recent fashion magazines, you're probably familiar with the Dooney & Bourke ads featuring Hayden Panetierre. The actress exudes class and style much like the designer handbags she models. The Chiara bag is one of the fashionable, beautifully-crafted bags that has been photographed with the celebrity.

The elegant shopper ...

The timeless appeal of glossy patent leather ensures you'll look fashionable carrying this basic black Marino Orlandi tote all year round.

The slick fabric is accented with an embossed signature logo, which proudly bears the Marino Orlandi "M." This stamped design is subtle, allowing you to focus on the gorgeous patent Italian ...

We all know that a tote bag is a busy girl's best friend. It's doubly true for this Anya Hindmarch Nevis Tote, which offers even more space and style than we're used to.

The most exciting feature for organization lovers is all those pockets. We're used to totes only offering one main compartment, but Anya ...

This Valentino Histoire handbag is the purse of choice for Hollywood's yummy mommies Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Garner. And it's not hard to see why. This elegant purse makes it easy to add a touch of class to any wardrobe.

The Histoire is one of Valentino's most popular handbag lines, so it's available in a bigger ...

Glitzy, glamorous, and utterly gorgeous: that's the Tod’s mirrored Bangor bag!

The Bangor has been one of Tod's most popular handbags thanks to its sturdy design and classic domed appearance. But why settle for boring mattes when you can have this head-turning mirrored finish? Choose from luxurious gold or silver patent leathers, accented by gleaming ...

You'll turn heads toting this glamorous Genevieve handbag from Elliott Lucca. Its smooth patent leather finish will add some glitz to any wardrobe.

The quilted fabric and shiny silver-tone buckles and studs are so luxurious, and so is the bag's interior. The silky soft lining is an opulent touch which is sure to please.

But ...

You'll be pretty in pink with this adorable perforated purse from Chanel.

The fashion house's trademark double C and number 5 logos are perforated into the bag's glossy patent leather fabric. This dazzling effect is offset with classic silver-toned hardware and a cute black signature charm.

The open top design means this flirty tote can hold ...