Lauren Merkin has gone much more over-the-top than normal with the Astrid tote.

The multi-colored snakeskin will be a bit too "out there" for some people. The bold and obviously exotic pattern, you see, is just made all the more outrageous thanks to the array of colors weaving ...

Lanvin's Amalia bags are modern classics. The line is refreshingly simple and elegant. This gorgeous snakeskin version adds luxe glamour to the sophisticated style in a heavy dose.

The extraordinary turquoise and black python skin has a soft metallic finish that, in combination with the eye-catching color combination, makes ...

Smart yet affordable clutches that easily make the transition from day to night; these are Prezzo's specialty!

For the daytime, this patent clutch is a smart and simple purse, jazzed up with a little touch of metallic snakeskin. It will fit demurely in with a smart business outfit, although ...

We all need a few wardrobe essentials, and Serpui Marie hopes its Essential Minaudiere will be one of them.

I'd love to add it to my collection. Its snakeskin finish is so delicate, a welcome alternative to the bold mottled skins we so typically see. This ...

Bottega Veneta's use of materials is almost always extraordinary. Its designers just have an unparalleled eye for texture. This extraordinary clutch combines snakeskin and woven metallic paper in an ingenious and beautiful way.

This bag has a unique look that I have never seen before. It ...

Opening this elegant envelope clutch will be like winning an award every day, thanks to the glossy luxury design and the cute package shape.

The Prunella purse should look luxurious, because Kara Ross is charging you a painful $975 to own it. The last thing you want when talking about that ...

I have a confession to make. I hate patchwork. Okay, I don't always hate it, but as a rule, I don't think that an artsy-craftsy approach to design usually makes for sophisticated accessories. Bottega Veneta is here to prove me dramatically, irrevocably, wrong. This patchwork clutch ...

This is, hands down, one of the wackiest handbag designs that I have seen in a long while!

Dan W's bags  are usually reasonably sensible, but clearly he was having a wild day when he designed this Archway minaudiere. I'm not complaining, however, because ...

Clutches like the Jensen have made Kotur a favorite amongst Hollywood starlets. But you don't have to have the bulging bank balances of these celebs to own one of these exotic purses for yourself.

Karung is a more delicate snakeskin than the pythons and anacondas favored by so many designers. Fans ...

Here we have another luxurious handbag from designer Serpui Marie, and it is a cracker!

I am mentally building potential outfits for this clutch as we speak. After all, just image how sexy this quilted camel colored snakeskin would look when teamed with those Chloé long camel trousers, or with some beige lace ...

Metallic bags have come and gone over the past few seasons. Very few have caught and held my eye. But Bottega Veneta's combination of metallic and snakeskin is really winning me over here.

Honestly, I think it's the color that's doing it more than anything else. Anthracite, which is just a fancy ...

When it comes to exotic and rather fabulous skins, Jalda makes some of the most luxurious options on the handbag market.

Take, for example, the Jane tote. This simply designed handbag is made from a genuine snakeskin, hence the incredibly beautiful and authentic texture and exotic pattern. Thanks to the addition of a real ...

Despite all of its flamboyant elements, Bourne manages to create quite a refined evening purse in the Cassandra.

This is a purse covered in sequins. Its front flap is trimmed with a wide band of mottled snakeskin printed leather, then dotted with rosettes made from the same serpentine hide. Take every element ...

There is a certain touch of Alexander Wang styling to this over-the-top box clutch from Inge Christopher, just without a price tag into the thousands of dollars.

Of course, this edgy St Petersburg minaudiere isn't quite as a stylish as some of the Wang styles on the market. The difference, I think, ...

You won't get one for anywhere near a bargain price - but if you want a snakeskin bag with real luxury credentials then the exotic Bally Mae satchel will be one of the most impressive choices.

This is one of the first handbags I have seen in a while that actually uses snakeskin, ...

Contemporary style meets classic good looks with this Molly Pearl clutch from Sara Berman.

This elegant evening purse pairs lush black snakeskin with a dazzling band of mother of pearl. The natural faceted tones of the pearl are a delicious contrast to the dark reptilian scales. I could probably have done without ...

Stella McCartney is known for making animal-friendly and environmentally-friendly fashions. Unfortunately, that doesn't always translate into stylish accessories, but her past season has been remarkably on-point. This fabulous python-print tote is a great example of eco-conscious design done well.

The python print on this tote is remarkably natural looking. Nothing compares to the ...

Alexander McQueen was the undisputed bad boy king of fashion during his lifetime, and even now the line's designs retain his sophisticated DIY aesthetic. McQueen's line of skull clutches are legendary, but they each have their  own quirks and particularities that make them unique.

This snakeskin clutch uses the extraordinary patten ...

Inge Christopher claims to take its inspiration from the Far East for this Mumbai minaudiere. But this luxe purse with its chic styling seems like it'd be much more at home in an urban environment.

Rather than deliver a traditional beaded minaudiere, Inge Christopher takes a pared back approach. Its finish is ...

Jimmy Choo's past few seasons have totally converted me from an absolute naysayer to a woman who fawns and drools over every new thing he comes up with. Why? Because his style is evolving into a more street smart elegance that appeals to downtown types like me. This Adele fringed bag is ...

J. Renee shows us that a dramatic purse need not cost the earth with the Fleur clutch.

For less than $100 you can enjoy this striking clutch. It's not surprising that this price doesn't buy genuine leather, but the manmade material makes a pretty convincing patent alternative. The glossy black body is ...

Whilst some handbag designers can expect you to pay hundreds for a pretty metallic box. Thankfully, Aldo only charge you a grand total of $11.98!

OK, so you don't get the exquisite materials that you get in the designer version. Gone is the beautiful silver leather, and in its place Aldo have used ...

Quirky British designer Lulu Guinness is offering her handbags to fans across the pond with the launch of her new American website. To celebrate this week's launch, Lulu Guinness has released a limited edition Stars and Stripes Lips clutch.

The snakeskin purse, featuring Lulu's favorite lips motif, is an online exclusive ...

I never thought that I'd been the kind of girl who routinely gushed about Jimmy Choo, but if you've been paying attention, you'll understand how I got converted. His latest collection of handbags is so spot on and perfect, I just can't help myself.

The Chandra, which means "moon" by the way, is ...

Jimmy Choo's latest line of handbags might be my favorite of the season. I'm not a huge Choo fan, generally, but he's really killing it right now. The Tita shoulder bag is a perfect example.

Snakeskin and suede fringe are two great flavors that taste great together. And the taupe snakeskin on this ...

Fendi's signature flashy Italian aesthetic isn't always my cup of tea, but sometimes the label comes up with something bright and sleek that really blows me away. This Peekaboo python tote is one of those things.

The white python leather is truly exquisite and unique. The material is rich and refined and still ...

A combination of different colored reptile skin generally spells out design chaos for a handbag, but this Dan W Random clutch doesn't look as bad as it should.

In fact, especially from a distance, the patchwork layout of this bright patterned handbag looks more textured than over-the-top. The metallic red section of lizard print ...

Christian Louboutin's name is synonymous with sophisticated accessories. His red-soled stilettos basically brought the ultra-high heel back into fashion and created an onslaught of knockoffs that will inevitably continue well after the trend dissipates. But his beautifully-crafted, timeless designs will stand the test of time.

The Lolita shoulder bag is a great example ...

Inject some high class bling into your outfit with this gold patent clutch.

Lodis has created something that manages to combine two hard-to-manage materials, bright gold and snakeskin, into a very classy purse. Perhaps the simple shape and frame design tone down what could be dramatically over the top? Even the risky combination ...

Lanvin epitomizes French chic. Its designs are both classic and cutting edge, beautifully crafted, and a little bizarre, sometimes. The Happy Snakeskin bag is the perfect example of how well all of these things can be brought together.

First of all, who doesn't love snakeskin? No one that I know of except the ...

Affordable handbag brand Prezzo has gone all out to try and create a handbag that channels a vintage vibe for less than $50.

I can see what Prezzo has tried to do with this multicolor shoulder bag. The label attempts to use retro snakeskin patterns, vintage style tapestry panels, and lines of detailed ...

Bourne delivers an alternative to fussy and frothy evening purses with the refreshingly minimalist Secile.

The Secile features a classic envelope style, rendered in snake print leather for a touch of the exotic. I say a touch, because this snake stamping is more subtle than many. It relies on texture rather than ...

I feel like I need to be honest here. Jimmy Choo has never been one of my favorite lines. He makes super sexy high quality accessories for uptown sophisticates, but I'm just not that kind of girl. I'm a little more downtown, and a whole lot edgier.

The Lolha seems to be aiming ...

I have to admit, when I first saw this snakeskin clutch my educated response went something along the lines of "Ooooooooh, shiny!"

OK, so it may not be the best critical evaluation of a handbag, but I have to say that this is the feature that really stands out with the J. Renee ...

Wristlets are often quite similar to wallets, and the best examples on the market are the ones that are happy to try and do both.

The Jessica Simpson Taylor wristlet is a case in point. On one hand the central compartment and little wrist strap make a useful miniature handbag, but on the ...

Clean and design-led, this Sondra Roberts 2-tone purse channels a very art deco vibe.

The color blocked front of this clutch remind me of beaches and old-fashioned British deckchairs; there is something unexpectedly nautical about the combination. Adding complexity to what is essentially a very simple design is the subtle snakeskin texture, which ...

This little frame clutch from Hobo International brings a spring vibe to smart patent evening bags.

The Belinda uses an interesting selection of decorative features. Rather that just choosing one focal point, this purse combines a patent sheen, over-sized floral print, and an unusual snakeskin pattern. I am a little hesitant about the use of ...

This Carlos Falchi Doctor Bag doesn't have nearly the same structured silhouette that I'm used to seeing from other bags in the same style category. However, this large version of Falchi's signature doctor bag design is luxury at its best.

Although it has a nearly identical shape to the patent leather version of ...

Rafe uses its love of all clutches cute and glamorous to create this sun patterned Freida clutch.

What looks at first glance like a smooth metal mesh exterior is actually a simple glossy snakeskin. The beige-gold color just continues this effect, and I think this is a great and good looking twist on ...

How appropriate it seems to feature a bag from Hobo International's Holiday 2009 collection on this Christmas day. The Cassandra might not be the most festive holiday bag available right now, but it's definitely a step outside the expected for this typically understated brand.

The slightly oversized Cassandra clutch is a great accessory ...

Ed Hardy sure knows how to make a mom feel like a rockstar. Like any other bag from the label, this Luella diaper tote is anything but frumpy and mom-ish with its tattoo-inspired prints and details.

This is the sort of diaper bag that can work double duty as both practical baby gear and ...

Funky snakeskin goes all mature in this clever shaded purse from J. Renee.

This tote is clearly aiming to be a smart and useful bag, more suitable for work than for fancy black tie dos or nights out clubbing. Whereas colored snakeskin once would have been gaudy and decidedly immature, J. Renee has decided ...

Sondra Roberts makes things a little bit 22nd Century with this glitzy metallic snakeskin tote.

This purse is quite a beast, and in this spangly silver shade that means that you will catch eyes, especially in a room with bright lights to reflect off the fabric. Thankfully the tin-foil effect is avoided by the ...

Unlike so many snakeskin patterned purses out there, the Orione from Furla is a purse that knows the beauty of simplicity.

It's a fairly sizable purse, but Furla doesn't want all that space to become cluttered. The coffee-colored leather is embellished with a snakeskin pattern that is more convincing that most. The ...

Bulga delivers a glitzy glamourpuss of a purse in the Misa hobo.

While it's called a hobo, it doesn't have the crescent shape or boho feel we associate with these type of bags. Sure it's slouchy, but so are a lot of purses. In fact, the Misa bears a striking resemblance to ...

I am always on the lookout for a brilliant little piece of handbag art, and this synthetic leather and straw clutch is one of my favorite recent finds.

A cute straw basket bag always goes down well in vintage and retro inspired circles. The effect is especially strong when you have a piece ...

This is a Bally bag that Bally can be proud of. As some of the most expensive and desirable purses on the market, Bally bags always ooze glamor and luxury, and this huge spacious tote is no exception.

This soft leather hold-all is designed to last forever, from the quality leather to the ...

If you're looking to add an animal print accessory to your wardrobe this season, look no further than snakeskin. Whether the genuine article or a more affordable embossed alternative, fashion experts say snake now trumps leopard and cheetah spots.

Andrea Linett, the creative directory of Lucky magazine, says snakeskin's popularity ...

Rampage shows us what happens when a designer follows the trends, and decides to use all of them on the one handbag, with this confused Cadence cross-body tote.

Snakeskin printed fabric. Check. Ruching. Check. Eyecatching metal hardware. Check and check. It's just simply too much. Honestly, the ruching would have been too ...

Carlos Falchi might be getting ready to see the release of an affordable line of faux snakeskin handbags at Target, but that doesn't mean that the designer isn't still churning out other designs made from the real deal.

For genuine anaconda snakeskin leather from a designer label, I'm actually not completely aghast ...