This week marks a new feature for What’s Haute readers, “Haute or Not”. I decided to start this week’s Haute or Not with a handbag by celebrity glamour gal, Beyonce. Her (and mom Tina’s) clothing line, House of Dereon, was launched during Fashion Week ’06, and the handbags were just released on the website last week. This “Wild Child” shoulder bag is one of three styles on the site. ...

They say people go crazy when there’s a full moon, and it may be true because I’m going crazy over this bag. The Full Moon by Luba J combines a topstitched half moon leather trim, quilted leather sides, and chunky braided leather handles, which all put a new twist on the classic hobo shape. Created by two former models, Luba J handbags are the new ones to watch. Priced at $540.  Read More →

A visit to the doctor has never been so stylish. Carlos Falchi delivers this incredibly luxurious doctor’s bag, constructed of black and white haircalf with crocodile and python trim. A visit to the doctor is usually pricey, but this one will only set you back $696.99 (marked down from $1,395). Forget an apple a day, just carry this bag!  Read More →

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 →

Don’t you wish you had a flat in London? Well, if you can’t afford one, you can at least carry one of these adorable bags from My Flat in London. The Mini Snap Tote is the ultimate in preppy chic, with Chanel–like quilting and an oversized metal bee nameplate. Even cuter is the Jack Russell, a quilted doggy bag – literally! Both are only $245, so you can have European style, but at affordable ...

With “The Pirates of the Caribbean” now in theaters, it’s inevitable that designers pick up on the trend. Tylie Malibu offers a remarkable leather bag in the spirit of pirates, the Handstitched Benatar. The Handstitched Benatar is detailed with studs depicting a skull and an anchor, but is also available in solid colors (Black, White, Teal, and Bronze). Check it out at http://www.tyliemalibu.com/.  Read More →

Linda Ly has designed one of the most desirable new “It” bags of the season. The Moorea Tote by Begeren (Dutch for “desire”) is one of the most blogged about new bags and it’s easy to see why. Large, colorful, roomy and uniquely designed, this tote is what handbag dreams are made of. Also, it’s available in 5 delicious colors, and priced at $286, so get yours now because everyone else ...

Looking for a great summer beach tote? Well count your blessings because you’ve just found one. Attn NY offers this large summery tote appropriately titled “Happy Lottery”. This bag is simple and streamlined in shape, but covered in a jazzy colorful print. Even better, the tote is fully lined in canvas and reversible, and at $48, the price is unbeatable.  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 →

I love this trend of equestrian inspired bags. Kenneth Cole has this gorgeous, roomy, Hudson Hobo available in leather, linen, lace and washed croc. This one, in brown washed metallic leather is detailed with just enough studs so that it’s not too overwhelming or busy. The shape is dynamic and it fits just perfectly beneath your arm. At $239.99, the price isn’t too shabby either.  Read More →

This Stylesse Lightning Strikes Tote is one of the most unique bags ever. The strap is in the shape of a lightning bolt, and slides easily over your arm. The rest of the bag is made up of robin’s egg blue leather, and is roomy enough to hold your umbrella. Pray for rain.  Read More →

Monica Botkier has done it again. She’s designed another large and luxurious leather bag–the “Fan Hobo”, which has the same fabulous styling of the original “Trigger,” but this time, in the form of a hobo. The bag brings to mind thoughts of horseback riding, with the cool riding boots and jodhpurs, (and without the uncomfortable saddle and stable stench). Own it for $695 at eLuxury.com.  Read More →

I hated geometry but I love fashionable geometric shapes. That’s why I’m a fan of the Tria ($199) from Poesis and the Risk Taker ($100) from The House of Muses. Created by a former research scientist, and former model, respectively, the triangular shapes of these bags are symbols of high–fashion. The clean, sharp lines give the bags an edge while maintaining that haute couture look, but on a ...

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 →

Why didn’t anyone think of this before? Instructions: take an alligator skin, wrap it around itself a few times, let the tail hang over the front, and voila! You’ve got yourself a clutch! This bag is amazing-so simple yet so chic. The price is a bit steep, but there has been a shortage of alligators. $1695-$2495, B. Romanek.  Read More →