I love Resort season because all of the bags have such an airy, breezy feel. Even if you can’t go on vacation right now, getting a resort bag makes you feel like summer is just a little bit closer. Also, the bags are light, easy to pack, perfect for toting to the beach traipsing around sunny locales. Cork was the big resort material of last year but wicker also made a brief entrance. For the ...

Roadkill and fashion should never mix. This shocking creature-covered creation is from the collection of Pontine Paus, a London-based handbag designer who designs some incredibly unique bags, with strange shapes, textures, materials, along with unusual names. The ‘Chinchilla Evening Bag’ is a sweet croc-embossed leather clutch made unsightly with a fur skin draped around it, like a fox ...

This is quite an interesting creation from Fendi, whose bags are always hit or miss. The shape is no doubt adorably unique, and I like the easy transition from clutch, to shoulder bag, and back again. However, the mismatched color palette of taupe and dark brown canvas mixed with vachetta and lavender leather is a messy melange of colors. At $1,170, it’s a tad pricey for a vanity purchase, which ...

You’ve found the perfect holiday party dress. But your rugged Kooba hobo, Dior saddle bag, and Marc Jacobs’ satchel just won’t do. E.D.E. Studio has the perfect solution: The Leather Clutch in Navy It’s deep enough to pass as black at night. The pouch-y body is cleanly gathered by a top band, detailed with a mini leather contrasting ‘belt’, and gold doorknocker ...

Femme Sud knows how to do tongue-in-cheek. Their debut, limited release, Ex-Libris collection consisted solely of book bags, not bookbags (like backpacks), but bags shaped like books. The clutches, titled ‘Fame & Fortune’, ‘The Birds and the Bees’, and ‘Yearbook’, to name a few, are made of embroidered lambskin, lined with satin ‘pages’ and accessorized ...

Devi Kroell rose to fame several years back with her then innovative oversized python hobos, sprayed on the undersides with metallics silvers, pinks and golds. Kroell’s refined sense of style is apparent in the rest of her handbag and accessories collection as well. Most of her line incorporates an unusual list of materials, including karung, astrakhan, bull’s belly, and Nile perch. ...

Fellow fashion blogger Kristopher Dukes and I have a shared love for the petite purse, commonly called the ‘clutch’. I adore this one that she found: the Miss Sixty Chainmail Bag, where Disney world meets the bright lights of Broadway. I call it Minnie Mouse Couture, as it conjures up images of the ever popular character, but all glammed up. I believe Mickey would approve.  Read More →

In a sea of oversized bags, the clutch is starting to make a comeback. I like nothing better than petite purses, and of course I love anything that pays homage to my Haute Girl moniker. This Tanner Krolle bag combines my two loves: a cutesy clutch in all my favorite colors, and a ‘Hot Chick’ logo plate emblazoned on the front. It’s a cool alternative to the name belts of yesteryear, ...

Malini Murjani lives a luxurious life, and her handbags evoke feelings of luxury as well. Her collection includes a wide array of precious stones, embossed leathers, and exotic skins. I live this petite python clutch. The sculpted, hump–shaped top is impeccably detailed with whip stitching, and the subtle ruching adds a classy appeal. The tassel lends a perfect complement to this utterly opulent ...

Juicy Couture’s ubiquitous popularity began with the launch of their terry–cloth tracksuits and totes. While it put them on the map, I am glad that they finally graduated from terry cloth totes to leather handbags. Their leather bags are much more sophisticated and definitely more versatile, but still have the spirit of the Juicy brand. I love the Juicy Couture Charmed Clutch. It almost looks ...

As you may have heard, 80’s pop star Boy George has been ordered to do community service in NYC. While the rest of us are sitting comfortably in our air conditioned offices, BG will be out in the sweltering heat, sweeping the streets. So, as a tribute to him, I have selected a few fashion items that that reference him or his music. Do your own community service and get one of these items now. (And ...

Forget the prom dresses and hair clips from the 80’s. The bow is back and it’s on your handbag. Designers have jumped on the bandwagon and the bow is making a splash all over the handbag world. Available in a variety of styles and prices, you can carry a cute, versatile handbag of your own. All wrapped up in a neat little bow. Amici Accessories, Bow Bag, $25 Flavio Olivera, Clutch Bag, $364.32 Franchi, ...

Snakes in the wild scare me, slithering up slowly to move in for the kill. But this is one snake I wouldn’t be scared to clutch. So simple and chic is the Lucia Ivory Python Purse from Lorelei. Kristopher Dukes said it best – the sleek lines and white color make this clutch purely elegant.  Read More →

Wood paneling generally conjures up memories of tacky 70’s home décor and Chrysler minivans. Tivi puts wood paneling to better use, in this attractive and sleek clutch. Named a finalist in Gen Art’s Styles 2006 Competition, Tivi’s clutches are available in zebrawood and ebony (pictured), with ivory, aloe, and black goatskin leather accents. Priced at $280.  Read More →

What’s not to love about World According to Jess? Especially her bags from the Arthack collection. Jessica Alpert-Goldman consistently designs wonderfully wacky bags, and these two in my opinion are the chicest. The Arthack bags are a throwback to the paint–by–number books from childhood, except a lot more fashionable. And they’re affordable: $120 for the Clutch, $190 for the Everyday.  Read More →