2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac – I have the regular Mac size clutch, but I recently saw the mini mac while I was out shopping and adored the slightly smaller size. It also comes in tons of beautiful colors!

3. Cleobella Cantina Crossbody – I don’t wear green at all but, for some reason, I really love green accessories. I think it’s a great color to wear casually with jeans, and it really stands out. Plus, I love the size and the cute details of this bag.

4. Marc By Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag – I feel like I rarely see people with blue leather bags; I like this one because you can really stand out from the crowd with it. The whole design is very classy and would look great for work paired with a v-neck sweater and black trousers.

5. Co-Lab by Christopher Kon Jaden-1029 Satchel – This bag actually looks more roomier than the other ones I chose which is kind of why I like it. I mean, I like the compact size of the others, but sometimes you do need to carry just a bit more in your handbag, and this one fits the bill. You can carry it like a satchel but the additional shoulder strap will help a ton if your bag starts weighing you down.

How do you feel about small crossbody bags? Are you able to part with some of the stuff that you usually carry in your larger size bags? It was hard for me to let go at first, but I’ve learned to only carry the things that I actually need, and not the things I used to carry for “just in case”.

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(If you want to see my entire look and details about the outfit, please visit my blog.)

A favorite of mine that I recently picked up is the Rebecca Minkoff MAC clutch.  I have it in pink and a gorgeous blue and have managed to pair them with almost every outfit.  The best part about this clutch is that it comes with a shoulder strap so if you want the option to go hands-free, which I think is probably the worst part of a clutch – having to hold it in your hands the entire time, you can put the shoulder strap on and wear it over your shoulder or cross-body.

It’s nice that many more designers are now making oversize clutches so that those of us who like the look of the clutch, but don’t want to feel confined to just one tiny square of a bag, now have more options.  Something like this YSL Belle du Jour clutch would add just the right amount of color for someone who might be afraid to incorporate bright colors into her clothing wardrobe.

The BCBG Sequin clutch is SO perfect for a night out on the town.  I love the shimmer of the sequins; it would be adorable paired with a little black dress and gold sandals!

A clutch for work?  Why, yes you can! This Marc Jacobs quilted clutch is beyond chic with just the right amount of detailing. The quilted leather and the gold chains look professional, yet trendy – but not too over the top trendy.  If you’re used to walking into a client meeting with your big bulky laptop bag, you can swap it out with the clutch (which you can wear over the shoulder) and a sleek laptop case which can carry your laptop and any additional papers you may otherwise just shove into your big bags.

The best thing that I’ve found with clutches?  I am so used to sharing my chair with my large handbags – because I refuse to put them on the floor – but the bulk of the bag often took up most of the chair!  With the clutch, they take up  just a small amount of space and now I can actually sit in my chair properly! 

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You tell yourself to keep walking. The last thing you need is another bag. You almost have yourself convinced that this new life of frugality is possible, invigorating even. You’re feeling pretty empowered. You’ve just overcome the lure of an animal print bag. Is there a more difficult challenge known to women worldwide? It’s about on the level of world peace or universal health care or something. In your opinion, anyway.

But then something shifts. You stop. There’s this tingle. The Itch.

Suddenly, you’ve burst through the double doors. You’re holding the purse in one hand and credit card in the other, as if you didn’t just purchase a studded clutch and cross-shoulder bag last week. Who can survive The Itch?

Not me. I’ve tried. I can’t walk away from a perfect carryall, and to be rather blunt, I don’t want to. That’s why I’ve come to realize that if The Itch is truly happening, I just go with it. Unless you are truly endangering your well-being or sanity, sometimes you can splurge a little in one area of your fashion life. I save on lots of pieces when I can — mostly trendy items, non-essentials and shoes (because I go through “shoe phases” all the time). But bring up bags and, well…

I’m a little bit addicted, and sometimes I just NEED that perfect sleek, black tote that catches my eye at the store. That’s why I’ve decided to employ this style and shopping philosophy: If I am working like crazy to fight off The Itch, then it’s best to just give in. Buy the bag. Or blouse. Or perfect jacket. Or fabulous pair of shoes. Then just tell yourself you will save on something else (and actually do it). I mean, you could torture yourself and then freak out when you change your mind and the item is no longer in stock… Oh, no. The horror!

So, just forget it. Don’t make yourself crazy. I can’t resist buying fabulous bags. So I will allow myself the occasional extra out of sheer necessity and to avoid the nasty repercussions of The Itch. Just make sure to save on other items. That’s my philosophy. I guess I should simply be thanking my lucky stars that I don’t purchase totes in every gorgeous shade. Hmm… that’s an idea…

Just kidding! Do you ever suffer from The Itch? Let me know what your weakness is in the comments.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/novecentino/604779490

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1. What do you need the bag to do? For example, if you’re going out to a party or to a bar, you probably want a smaller clutch style bag that just holds your essentials like your cellphone, credit card, and car keys. For the day, however, you probably want a bigger bag that can hold everything in your life. Make sure you pick a big enough bag so that whenever you go somewhere with it, you don’t have to sacrifice bringing anything. My most-used purse, for example, is big enough that I can even carry a book or a magazine in it, which makes it perfect to take everywhere.

2. How do you want to carry the purse? You have a variety of choices: clutches with or without a small wrist-strap, shoulder purses, cross-body bags, or tote bag style (just to name a few). For example, I personally love to wear my cross-body bag when I go somewhere really crowded, like a concert, but I hate to use it on a casual basis as I think it hands around too much. I also like a shoulder-strap bag that has slightly longer straps so that I can carry the bag on my forearm from time to time without problem.

3. Decide on the perfect fabric. I think it’s totally worth it to invest in a high quality daily leather purse that you will have for years to come (just make sure you take care of the leather). But for smaller clutches or bags to be used for going out, I think it’s okay to buy something cheaper that you do not care too much about. Also by buying cheaper bags, you can purchase them in more fun colors or styles without worrying too much about the trendy investment.

What style of purse do you prefer?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/yourdon/2987968518

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In addition to these unique craft qualities, these origami bags are attempting to create a new style of handbag that are inspired by traditional Japanese paper folding and leather structuring.

So, these bags are created out of a single piece of fabric or leather that is then folded like origami to create structure for each bag.

Because of the variety of materials that can be used, these origami handbags retail from around $36 up to $359.

I personally have mixed feelings about these bags. Although I admire the attempt to create an avant-gard style, I’m not sure these bags are entirely successful. The first bag, made out of patterned pink and green silk, I actually find quite pretty. I think the silk works with the delicate nature of the folded structure of the handbag. I also think the small metal details add to the look of the purse. However, I’m not really convinced of this type of bag’s functionality. It seems to me as though you couldn’t keep anything inside this origami handbag: it looks small and so you could only put in small, thin items that didn’t destroy the shape of the bag. Though it is pretty, I can’t think of any use for this bag aside from using it as a coin purse. And even at its cheapest, $35 is way too expensive for me for a coin purse.

The second handbag pictured, made out of leather with a full handle, seems slightly more practical. It appears as though you could actually use it as a purse to store things. I like the way the bag remains origami inspired with the folded top, but overall I find the leather material to be rather unappealing. I think the leather looks “used” already, as though you can already see the scratches on it.

In total, I like the design idea behind these handbags, but I’m unsure about their execution, practicality and their price point.  What do you think?  Would you use these handbags?

Image Source: Sylka

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For a night on the town, go with something that attracts attention and makes a bold statement. Since you are only carrying minimal personal items such as your money, ID, lipstick, and phone, you can opt for something smaller. It’s not fun to lug around a big knapsack while you’re in a confined space (less space to eat or dance the night away). Choose a clutch that has extra embellishing like beading or studs. The focus on the purse will help attract the right attention your way, and is perfect for a nighttime look.

If your plans include a visit to a museum or  park, choose a bag you feel comfortable holding throughout the day. Choose a purse that is lightweight and can hold the necessities to aid yourself in times of need (i.e. gum, bottle water, personal items, and makeup bag). It is ideal to choose a bag that has many compartments for easy organization. Try a bag style that has a fun print or pattern. Take out that distinct bag style that has decorative features, and let it add character to your day’s outfit.

During the week, I have been carrying around my gray leather Marc Jacobs handbag for work and business meetings. The leather material and silver hardware are nicely constructed, but add an extra 10 pounds on my shoulder – ouch! It does the job of holding all my belongings, but during the weekend I do not require so many items. It is definitely time to give my poor shoulders a break…I will surely be switching out my purse for the free days that I have for something a little more comfortable, and easy to carry along with me. The weekend is here for relaxation and time to enjoy our lives, so give yourself a break and leave your baggage at home. Pack light, and opt for something to keep you carefree: just don’t forget to do it in style.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/9433075@N08/4338653899

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This fringe trend has been introduced for quite some time by high end designers. Designers like Louis Vuitton have placed fringe tassel ornaments on small wristlets and pouches since last fall. More and more shoulders are sporting this tasseled beauty style on the streets. More affordable handbags are now available with this bohemian style look.

I checked out out Fashion Week’s Spring 2010 Marc Jacobs handbags. They all incorporated the fringe look with basket weave styles. Although the bags were shown in more subtle color combos and muted variations, this look stayed as stylishly native as they could be. With the exposed shoulder look, flowy dresses, and turquoise shades for spring and summer trends; this raw edged look will surely complement the fashion tones for the warm weather.

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My picks:

Marcasite teardrop earrings $49.95

These mother-of-pearl mosaics, inlaid by hand, bring coastline shimmer to these ornate earrings. Framed in sterling silver that`s studded in marcasite. French wires; about 1 3/8 inches overall.

Essential pebbled leather hobo $89.95

One look at its simple, slouchy lines, and you just want to touch this bag`s luxuriously supple leather. With classic good looks of contrast top stitching, and short shoulder straps that turn into strappy accents along the sides. Magnetic snap closure; inside pockets and light-colored lining.

Box pleat knit shirt $59.95

This is shirt full of unexpected surprises. The fabulous combination of drapey knit and woven dotted swiss collar, cuffs and front creates a perfect melding of textures, along with smooth, comfortable flattery. Darted seaming and box pleats with tuxedo-shirt flair add shape and definition for an exceptionally beautiful fit. Cotton/spandex body; dotted swiss of cotton/silk.

Find more clothing & accessories store coupons at CouponMountain.com.

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Bottega Veneta Structured Woven Tote: $2,300

Luxe, woven leather design with two compartments and a tie closure across the opening.

So, since that bag will never be owned by me, I have found some alternatives at more reasonable prices and you know….they’re just as handsome!

SR SQUARED by Sondra Roberts Woven Tote $120.00

There’s no place you wouldn’t be proud to sport this classic-chic tote from SR Squared by Sondra Roberts. Its sleek lines, tasteful details, and woven body show just the right combination of sophistication and fashionable impact.

ECHO Woven Shopper $29.95

Headed for the beach or pool–or even out for a fun day of shopping? Make sure this tote from ECHO tags along. Thick, woven straw gives it breezy, casual style and the size is just right to carry all your good-time gear.

Find more affordable handbags at Smarter.com.

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