In the tradition of Valentino's Rose handbags comes this more affordable, yet far less luxurious, Big Buddha Mia bag.

If your budget can stretch, I'd pass this one over for the Valentino alternative. While the rose is just as flirty and feminine, the stiff synthetic doesn't fall as softly as an ...

The Chinese Laundry Addison Tote is a little confusing at first glance. The shape is both structured, yet gathered and slouchy at the same time. There's quite a bit going on with this handbag, but the blend of details is unique and interesting.

The Addison's relatively square silhouette, though a common feature of ...

Every girl needs a little dose of bling in her life, and if you like gold metallic purses then this little leather wristlet may be just your cup of tea.

Subtle is probably not the buzzword for this golden clutch. The metallic decorative print stands out dramatically against the gray background, and even ...

When you're shopping for a decently sized handbag around the $100 mark, finding one made from genuine leather is beginning to be a rarity. There are a few exceptions to that, of course, but brands are mostly sticking to synthetics for that price range.

Though a little disappointing, I suppose it's not entirely ...

Jessica Simpson is not, by any means, the only one that's churning out the faux exotic skin purses, but the brand definitely has quite a few styles in this very of-the-moment trend. Animal activists and budget shoppers can celebrate together about the plethora of fake crocodile and snakeskin flushing the market right now.

This ...

The Aldo Greveinchianti may not be high-end fashion, but it's still a real showstopper.

This frothy concoction features a host of frilly ruffles embellished with tiny perforated holes. Yes it's over the top, but that's the whole point. That's why I prefer the purse is this lusty red shade rather than the ...

The hobo has definitely undergone some changes in recent years. Once a crescent-shaped slouchy symbol of bohemian bliss, now it seems that anything goes!

The Charleze calls itself a hobo, but it's definitely not hippie-chic. There's a slightly relaxed feel, but this structured synthetic bag with its platform base has none of ...

Its name might suggest a bright red and white purse ready for the holidays, but the Laurel and Sunset Candy Stripe Tote is a much more vampish bag.

Instead of the traditional red and white candy combo you might expect, this tote features wide burgundy and black stripes. It might not be ...

Edgy metal studs are one of the biggest trends of the season. But it seems Chocolate took the style writers at their word when it created the City Flap Clutch.

Whether it's right on trend or overdosing, you'll have to decide yourself. There is an awful lot of metal there, but it ...

Plaid is one of those classic prints which is rarely on-trend, yet never goes out of style. If your budget won't accommodate Burberry, you can get a similar look with the Nine West Rory.

This plaid is a lot softer than Burberry's famous tartan, thanks to the use of muted, complementary tones. ...

They say you should fake it until you make it. If your salary won't stretch to accommodate authentic snakeskin or crocodile, this embossed Necessary Objects clutch is a charming substitute.

Synthetic isn't the most opulent material, but I love the way it's been used here. I've seen embossed leather look far less ...

This All Over Studs Flap Over handbag from Melie Bianco has a bit of an equestrian vibe about it, which is a fashion trend I'm currently rather excited.

Although not a traditional saddle bag in its truest definition, this casual hobo's double buckled detail on the bottom of the front flap definitely reminds ...

The Mari Hobo bag is part of Big Buddha's fall 2009 collection, but I have to admit that I'm a bit confused by its placement there. It's not that I dislike the design. I'm just not sure it's totally fall-worthy with its fabric body.

That being said, the style of the Mari Hobo ...

Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. label shows it knows how to have fun with this Williamsfield Tote.

The front of the tote sports the image of a very regal looking lamb. The crowned cutie only adorns the front, but the chain link design wraps around the back. There's also another tiny gold sheep. It's ...

Roxy is known for casual, carefree styles. That's exactly what you get with this Staying Alive Cross-Body tote bag.

Although not denim, it definitely has the appearance of a wonderfully broken-in, relaxed pair of jeans. In fact, it's not even leather but rather synthetic material that gives the impression of washed leather. Roxy gave us ...

Kathy Van Zeeland fans are sure to feel their heart race when they clamp eyes on the Heartbeat satchel. But for the rest of us, it probably won't be love at first sight.

Kathy Van Zeeland knows her market, and she gives them what they want. The shiny synthetic looks a little ...

This SR Squared by Sondra Roberts pocketbook is for gals who like a little whimsy with their accessories. It's hard not to take notice of this quirky little bag.

If you're not looking closely, it might be easy to miss the martini glass on the front of this credit card holder, but really ...

Rampage is a typically affordable handbag brand but one that sometimes doesn't quite hit the mark for my personal taste. The pretty Michelle clutch is one of their styles that I can applaud, whereas the Amber tote is a bit too much like a circus tent for me.

That's why I ...

I'm a little thrown off by the name of this Melie Bianco handbag. In a list of other style choices like the Franny, Ramona, and the descriptive Croco Envelope Bag, this technical sounding S9-96 Shoulder Bag seems a little out of place. However, the design is synonymous with the brand's classic ...

Some say that chocolate is a girl's best friend, so it's no surprise that the accessories brand which shares the name of the sweet treat has made a bag so girly! The Sophia Shoulder Bag is fun, feminine, and frilly!

A traditional shoulder bag shape is dressed up with a ruffled appliqué ...

If you're shopping for handbags in the under-$50 price range, chances are that you're not expecting real leather. When we're talking about exotic skins like python and crocodile, it's a guarantee that the texture will be embossed or created.

That's why it will probably be no surprise to anyone that this $42 clutch ...

This Jessica Simpson handbag design is a simple but interesting change of pace from a brand that can sometimes includes a few too many trends on one purse, in my opinion.

Granted, I have appreciated a few of Simpson's recent releases, such as the Jimmy Satchel and the Runway Tote. Now ...

Calvin Klein shows you don't have to spend a lot of money to look a million dollars. This Rain clutch has movie star style, and it costs just $78.

The secret is the fabric: a high quality synthetic which has all the gloss of genuine patent leather. The fabricated texture adds to ...

Big Buddha is always a brand that comes to mind when I'm looking for an affordable but trendy handbag. There are, of course, many other fashion labels that serve one or both of those needs, but I know I can count on Big Buddha for a cute purse that costs less than $100.

You can't ...

Woven bags seem to be everywhere, and as the cooler weather takes hold this trend shows no signs of slowing down. While lattice bags are almost common these days, a basket weave purse like this Wisteria satchel dares to be different.

This is one of those synthetic bags which looks like a ...

This Brianna bag from Chocolate is an affordable way to embrace this season's taste for textures.

Diamond quilting has a way of making any bag seem richer. So while the Brianna is made from affordable synthetic, it doesn't look cheap. The diamonds are crafted from tiny pleats, which give the bag volume ...

Chinese Laundry has brought a modern attitude to the shoulder bag with the Olivia, part of its fun new fall collection.

The front is adorned with layered flaps, which are cut diagonally to add edgy interest. Layers can look feminine and fussy, but the surprising angles give the bag more of an ...

Kathy Van Zeeland cracks me up with her never-ending list of quirky handbag names. There's the Delicious, the Sexy Back, and now the Hot Stud.

I'm not usually quite sure what it is about each bag that inspires the offbeat names, but this Hot Stud satchel is a little more obvious than ...

There's absolutely nothing subtle about this leopard bag from Evans.

Leopard print rarely fades into the background, but for some reason Evans thought it wasn't loud enough. So the label has covered this handbag is sequins for that extra bit of sparkle. The glitz doesn't stop there, with shiny metal studs and ...

If you're not a regular at your local vintage shops but love the look anyway, it's good news that some brands offer vintage-inspired styles along with the popular trendy items.

Nine West is one of those companies, like Jessica Simspon's line, providing such a wide variety of affordable designs that they're bound to ...

Melie Bianco has a special knack for creating on-trend handbags that don't cost the earth. While the label has been known to "borrow" inspiration from Jimmy Choo and Valentino, it's just as capable of coming up with must-have fashion items all its own. The Franny is this season's head-turner.

The ...

The Ava comes to us from Maxx New York's vintage collection which pays tribute to the stars of cinema’s golden age. Being named after Ava Gardner gives this satchel a lot to live up to, and I'm not quite sure it delivers.

I'd never imagine Ava settling for embossed PVC when she ...

There's nothing like plaid to kick off the fall season. The Scottish patterned fabric can never be a spring or summer print, in my opinion; but it's absolutely wonderful for the cooler seasons.

With the first day of fall only weeks away now, it's definitely time to start thinking about upcoming wardrobe additions. ...

SR Squared by Sondra Roberts doesn't have any particular signature style but is one of those brands that merely mimics big trends like ruffles and patchwork. It was just a matter of time that they came out with a studded handbag since the trend has been making the rounds with designers ...

Rampage seems to lean toward creating or mimicking contemporary styles for women who prefer fashion with a bit of an edge. I can't say they always succeed in offering the most original options, but occasionally they are able to take a trend and make an unexpected handbag.

This Michelle clutch is very unique with its ...

Many of us can't afford a real crocodile leather handbag since exotics are going for quite a high price these days. Hermes might be farming their own crocs now to cut down on their in-house costs, but that doesn't mean that the retail prices we see will go down one bit.

That's why tons ...

There's a special place in my heart for bright yellow handbags. Something about the way they brighten up a wardrobe but somehow go with almost anything just makes me smile. It's the perfect way to add a little pop to what you're wearing.

This Roxy Over the Rainbow satchel isn't the brightest of ...

Sometimes I have to wonder if Kathy Van Zeeland can ever produce a handbag that's not at least slightly over-the-top. I suppose there are a few exceptions, like the High Five purse; however, this designer's signature look is definitely more saucy than simple on most days of the week.

The Stripe Five ...

I hate to sound too negative, but this kind of handbag is exactly why Kathy Van Zeeland isn't at the top of my favorite designers list. Though there are several exceptions like the Stud Muffin Tote, I tend to view the brand's designs as flashy and a little overworked with ...

This handbag by Jessica Simpson is practically oozing with casual, bohemian style. Though I'm sure it's not intended to inspire hippie-like behavior, it certainly puts me in a laid-back mood.

A fringed bag is nothing new to fashion, but it doesn't always give out a boho-chic vibe. Sometimes the effect is more Pomeranian ...

This just might be the best-looking Kathy Van Zeeland handbag I've seen. Her usual style is sometimes a tad too fussy and overdone for my taste, but I really like the easy style of this High Five Top Zip bag.

It still has the designer's signature details like bold hardware, a large ...

At first glance, this Big Buddha Uptown bag's shape reminds me of the Jessica Simpson Gotham Satchel. However, while the Gotham has a structured appearance, the Uptown looks a little more laid-back.   

It's not a slouchy, boho-style handbag that you'd carry with very casual outfits. Instead, the style results in a combination ...

It's not hard to get accustomed to the oversized handbag trend. Whereas they were previously confined to airports and overnight trips, large satchels like this Big Buddha Groupie have quickly made their way into everyday outfits as gals tote around a monstrous amount of necessities and extras.

Although I suppose doctors are not ...

Leave it to Sondra Roberts to come up with yet another affordable but striking bag. In some ways, SR Squared by Sondra Roberts reminds me of Jessica Simpson's handbag line because of the stylish styles offered at easily attainable price tags. Both brands also use a lot of synthetic leather material ...

This roomy shopper does more than just provide ample space for toting things around. The Nine West Justine bag combines faux leather and just a hint of cotton webbing for a contemporary casual look.

I find the result of the combination appealing. The addition of cotton material on the front pocket and double ...

My first thought when seeing the Roxy Oh Yeah tote was that it looks similar to Roxy's Sabrosa bag. The quilted effect on the two are indeed similar, but the Oh Yeah handbag has a much more casual vibe than the Sabrosa making it more suitable for shopping trips, informal lunches, and hanging ...

When February is right around the corner, red and white accessories seem to pop up everywhere just in time for Valentine's Day. I can't think of another handbag designer more appropriate to create the ultimate sugary sweet bag than Jessica Simpson. The pop princess turned designer is known for her ultra-girly ...