CHANEL HANDBAG

Combining blue and purple and mixing materials can certainly veer dangerously into pimp territory but if anyone can pull off midnight suede with quiet refinement, it’s Versace. This Versace Nadege Suede Flap Bag is glorious in our eyes. The gentle contrast of the deep blue suede with the iris of the smooth leather is exquisite. Simple silver buckles sport the Versace logo and are fitting embellishments for the purse – they add a little shine and dimension but don’t diminish the strength of the opulent colors.Pre-order this fall 2010

Neutral: boring or elegant? In the case of this pretty gorgeous Miu Miu quilted shoulder bag, I’d say it’s the latter. Despite being on the small side, this is one of those purses that has classy written all over it. Whether as a companion for an impromptu business lunch or summer dinner date, this luxe, soft purse won’t let you down. The studded details and notable gold hardware add a touch of radiance, but a touch is really all it needs to stay within neutral territory. Available for $1450

Sometimes feeling blue can be a good thing. With this chic Miu Miushoulder bag slung over arm, how could you feel anything but fabulous? From the luxurious feel of the heavily quilted leather to the fresh color, this roomy bag has everything going for it. It features a long, detachable strap that can be worn as you’re navigating heavy holiday crowds or just don’t want to shoulder your likely heavy load on a daily basis. Available for $1350 at Net-a-Porter.

Tan and silver and gold…oh my. These colors may seem fairly incongruous on paper, but they match up surprisingly well on the new Miu Miu Studded Shoulder Bag. Less rocker and more downtown-chic, it’s roomy enough to see you through a day in the city. It features a detachable shoulder strap, which is a good thing because it appears to look much cuter as a handheld bag.Available for $1495 at Net-a-Porter.

Don’t you just love something that offers a little more bang for your buck – and I mean really does, not just claims to? That’s the case with the new Miu Miu Matelasse Leather Shoulder Bag, an ultra chic purse that is beautifully textured and embellished with an outstanding chain strap. Best of all, you can detach that strap and wear it as a necklace (shown here) or as a belt! It’s so glam, you could easily use this one piece to dress up a simple LBD, grab your bag and look like a million bucks – but only for $1450. A fair exchange, right? 

Springtime showers, flowers blooming, warmer days ahead. I finally get to break out my colorful dresses and (gasp!) leave the black behind.  I am looking forward to my first garden party with the Jimmy Choo butterfly clutch.  The white leather handbag holds the essentials and features a snake skin butterfly appliqué.$795 on Net-a-porter.

So Madonna, Jesus and Lourdes walk into a room… er, is it just me or is this sounding like a joke? But there’s no punchline here, just a fabulous purse in the form of Madge’s foxy black Jimmy Choo Blythe bag. I love the sexy texture and wraparound buckles. It almost distracts me from that disturbing blouse Madonna’s wearing. Almost.

Jimmy Choo usually has a sexy, sophisticated look to each of his pieces.  This Conti purse? It seems to be a mashup of ‘wild’ details.  Leopard, zebra, bejeweled…on printed pony skin and watersnake skin.   It looks like a cougar convention in a handbag.  While I often covet Mr. Choo’s bags, I can’t honestly say this one is one of them.  Sorry Jimmy, this isn’t the handbag I’m going to spend my $2000 on… Available for $1,940 

Snake skin and straw may not sound all that stunning, but somehow, someway, Jimmy Choo makes it work and not just work, but sizzle! This Diego Straw Tote had me at the double shoulder fuschia snake straps, but toss in the embellished snake head and tail detail and I’m going all sorts of crazy over this stunner! The cotton lining, inside open pocket and belt closure make this bag not only gorgeous but functional, in my book that is always a plus (not always a priority of course). Get this purse at Saks Fifth Avenue for $975.

This Jimmy Choo Embossed Clutch is entirely more subtle than I’d ever expect to see from Jimmy Choo, but man, oh, man do I love it! Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about the bold, gaudy, flashiness that is oftentimes par for the Jimmy Choo course, but this little stunner has really captured my heart! There is just something utterly elegant about the ornate textured quality of the lizard-embossed leather and the chic simplicity of the fold over front flap with the modest logo plaque. I feel as though I could just keep hold of this pretty purse for hours, or days, or weeks even! Pre-order yours from the limited quantity that will be available in the Fall 2010 collection for $595 at Nordstrom.