Laura Matthews takes the clutch purse out of the ballroom and into the clubs with this modern 3-Ring Resin Purse.

The name comes from the neat three-ring resin accent which sits against the purse's slick patent leather body. I would have preferred to see the rings in a shade with greater contrast, ...

At first glance this Stella tote from Ellington looks like so many other patent leather tote's on the market, but there's more to this carryall than means the eye.

That's not to say the exterior is boring. There's a classic appeal to the rich red patent leather body offset as it is ...

When done right, few things look as chic as a glossy patent leather purse. But I'm not sure Elaine Turner has done this sophisticated fabric any favors with the Tammy tote.

I always think patent leather works better for a more structured purse. It's not soft enough to slouch, so any folds ...

I have mostly been liking Juicy Couture's bags lately. The label seems to be making its accessories line a little more sophisticated and streamlined. This hobo, however, is not a particularly good example of that change.

While this hobo is more elegant than many of the bags in Juicy's brightly colored, overdecorated past, ...

This isn't the first Calvin Klein Liquid Leather purse we have seen on the market, but it is definitely the most interestingly shaped one.

The traditional envelope design of this enigmatically named date bag is updated thanks to the the cut out corners of the glossy front flap. This adds a little ...

We may be used to seeing larger bags from luxury handbag design house, Badgley Mischka. However, if the Nikki clutch is anything to go by the label is just as much of a force to be reckoned with in the evening bag domain.

OK, so what is so impressive about this bag? The ...

Wow, what a bag. You certainly won't miss this one if you walk past it!

Subtlety really isn't the aim of this funky Hobo International satchel. Instead, its bright color and bold retro design hark back to the brave and bold era that encompassed the 60s and 70s. Can you see the similarities ...

Have you ever seen a handbag that you love, but not known how to style it? If so, then you could probably use a few styling ideas to set you off on the right foot. These 'How to Wear' posts will aim to do just that: to give you a few fashion ideas to inspire you with the bags ...

Moonsus offers a fun and feminine alternative to traditional laptop totes with the Glamour.

The polished patent leather finish is accented with Moonsus' signature floral print and a smattering of tiny silver studs. It's a bold design for a work bag, but by embossing the pattern rather than using different colors it ...

After seeing one too many glitzy patent leather purses, I'm digging the simplicity of this Moonsus Elixir Satchel.

This is the kind of bag which many could accuse of being boring, but the restraint shown here is refreshing. While patent leather can often appear gaudy, this unadorned surface has the timeless elegance ...

Given its name you might imagine this Serpui Marie Anaconda clutch is made from the exotic skin of snake, but instead we find glossy woven patent leather.

It's not really serpentine, but there is something vaguely reptilian about the polished black leather. It's accented by thin stripes of contrasting metallic leather, which ...

Serpui Marie delivers a pint sized dose of personality with this Clementine Bag.

There's something so striking about the combination of deep green suede and glossy black patent stripes. It's not a color combination we often see, and I'm glad Serpui Marie took a risk.

It's built like a satchel, but this is ...

The Reflection from Donald J Pliner takes the hobo out of the hippie era and into the 21st century.

With only a hint of slouch, this is a much more structured looking bag than most hobos. While that may disappoint hobo purists, I think it makes it a more versatile choice. Most ...

I do like an unusual color and this elongated clutch from Hobo International definitely ticks that box.

Many people don't like lime and I can see where they are coming from. You do have to have a certain complexion in order to pull it off, and coordinating it with a full outfit can ...

More retro than boho, there's no ignoring this bright Duval hobo from Donald J Pliner.

The Duval gets its vintage vibe from its colorful patent leather finish and distinct carabiner clasp. The colors – tangerine and this sun yellow – won't wow everyone but I love their energy. Just imagine how they'd ...

An intriguing mix of woven straw and patent leather makes the Ana from Badgley Mischka a real head-turner.

Straw bags tend to be casual beachside affairs, but the wide patent leather stripe which runs down the center of the Ana gives it a more modern, urban feel. The matching patent leather handles ...

Rafe delivers a traditional shoulder bag in the Penelope. No fashion rebel, this sensible Rafe bag is right in line with the current taste for practical purses.

It all starts with the fabric. While ivory tends to show stains easily, in patent leather we know we can simply wipe it clean. Also ...

The goal with this D&G handbag certainly isn't to blend into a crowd. With this designer tote, you're bound to attract some attention, but I'm guessing that most women who love this look would be completely fine with that.

Though not as much of a circus tent as some bright, multi-colored handbags, the ...

As a vintage junky, I love Lucite. I have to admit, however, that this Laura Matthews Designs purse uses Lucite to produce a bag unlike any I have seen before!

I think whilst the shape is relatively normal, it is the fabric that makes this stand out. It may be patent leather, but ...

This Cheer clutch from J. Renee uses the contrast between raffia and patent leather to produce something suprisingly similar to a Dior bag!

I love the shape of this relatively affordable purse, simple and elegant. Square designs, especially fold-over ones, tend to have a shape that works well for years and years, traditional ...

This cute Mirror Reflection wristlet from Lovcat is the ideal way to make any outfit pop.

The glossy patent leather surface gives this purse a real retro feel. The shiny finish is accented with black contrast stitching and a black heart-detailed buckle. Some girls may long for some more color choices, but ...

Most often these days patent leather is flashy and flamboyant, designed to draw the eye and daring us to look away. But the Palermo tote from Elliott Lucca has a much more sophisticated air. In fact, it's the handbag equivalent of a pair of Mary Janes!

The high-gloss surface is emphasized by ...

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 ...