This is a beautiful python handbag. It's Jimmy Choo's Ring Bucket Tote, and it has double banded accents and suede trim. When I think of exotic, luxury handbags, this is what I conjure in my minds eye. $3,095 at Saks.  

On the other hand, there is this Gucci Python Tribeca Shoulder Bag. Why would they dumb down a sophisticated, classic python bag with a leather heart. There is no metal hardware accents, no trim, no special touches that should be on an exotic luxury bag. $2,695 at Saks.

With only a $400 difference, the stark contrast in detail between these two handbags should be evidence enough that Gucci needs to find another handbag designer.

While I usually only like to carry a woven straw handbag during warmer months, the sequins on this Rafe bag look quite festive and holiday-ish. This is their Phi-Phi Eugene straw handbag. The tassels, chain-link strap, and sequins up the style factor on this great handbag. I love how the top is so open and you could easily get anything out quickly (very important for a busy and overloaded mommy). It's on sale! Available at NORDSTROM, $164

I was browsing through the December issue of Elle magazine that just arrived when I saw the Coach ad featuring a shiny gold handbag. I thought the bag was very cute and decided to check out Coach's website to see what it cost. Much to my surprise I found a whole array of absolutely fabulous new release handbags! I've always liked the Coach label because of top quality materials and fair prices, but now...now I'm loving them. Love this Madison Fringe Tote. it's made from leather, patent leather and suede in a variety of purplish hues. $1000 This one is the same price, but it's textured leather, metallic leather and suede. They both come with a cute little matching coin purse. Both are absolutely fabulous and are a great day bag as well as evening tote.

These handbags are the latest release for Louis Vuitton and are the focus of their December ad campaign. It it the Monogram Scuba Collection and all three bags come in both the orange and pink colors. The material is monogram embossed neoprene ( a synthetic rubber) with leather trim, which makes the bags really lightweight. I like these bags quite a bit, but I don't understand why, with such cheap materials, the bags are priced so high. Cost goes down, prices goes down, right? Not for the luxury brands, I know, but I have a hard time spending over fifty times what something costs to make. The Monogram Scuba GM (top pic) is $2,580. The Monogram Scuba MM (middle pic) is $1,940, and the clutch is $725.

I'm not sure I like this special edition Louis Vuitton Galliera Riviera handbag. It's cotton canvas and they want almost $2k for it. I'm not spending that kind of money on anything but the finest leather or exotics. Also, I don't like pictures or scenes on my handbags, it looks childish and cheap. This is a 'limited edition' bag, so that drives up the price, but I'm betting there probably aren't alot of people who will want to buy this bag.

Coach is one of my all time favorite brands for handbags. They deliver top quality, beautiful handbags at more reasonable prices, and when you don't have the cash for the big boys (LV, Fendi, Gucci, Prada), a Coach will still give you that new handbag rush. This beautiful bag is their Amanda Satin Mini satchel and it comes in lots of fabulous, bright colors.

 

The Amanda mini is satin with leather trim. Available at Nordstrom, $268

 

I love the classic Burberry handbags for fall and winter. There's something about the plaid that seems fitting for cold weather. This handbag is the Burberry Pleated Check Hobo and a great everyday bag. Wouldn't it look great with a Burberry trench coat?! Available at Nordstrom, $795.

Saks is having a great sale right now, so if you're one of the few with extra money, check it out.  They have lots of great designer shoes and handbags on sale. Today is the last day for the online sale. Happy shopping! Saks sale

The way I have railed against Gucci lately, you would think I don't like the label at all, but that's not the case. It's my favorite in fact, but this season has been a complete and total disappointment for me. I only like one bag from this collection. One out of, what, at least twenty. Take this Hysteria Hobo for example, the tortoise coloring is way too much. If it was accented with the color that would be great, but in shiny patent leather it just looks cheap. And why did Gucci change their hardware logo? Stick with the classic GG, please. $1,360 at Saks for those of you who care.

This is a beautiful little clutch from Rafe. I love the sequin handags for the upcoming holidays or any evening. sequins are everywhere this season - dresses, shoes, and handbags! This handbag is the Rafe Morgan Frame Clutch and it has beautiful, intricate detail. it is hand beaded mini sequins on satin fabric with patent leather trim. Rafe handbags are always great, because they are not only top quality, but more affordable than other luxury brands. This clutch is $554 at zappos.com