This is a fabulous handbag in many ways. First, the color. I love the creamy look of the off white leather. It makes the bag look soft before even touching it. Second, I love the puckered Napa leather, which also makes the bag look soft and squishy, definitely something comfortable to rest the arm on. Third, I like the braided leather shoulder strap with the over sized clasp attachment at the one end. And lastly, the single tassel adds a chic flair without overdoing it. This is a great overall handbag that I would love to have in my collection, but it's a bit out of my price range. $3,440 at eLuxury.

This gorgeous Balenciaga handbag crocodile with leather trim. I absolutely love the colors and the gold hardware. This handbag exudes class, sophistication and money. It's on sale for over 50% off and still way out of my price range. $6,087. Available at http://www.brownsfashion.com/.

 

 

Celestina black shell clutch

Celestina Abalone box clutch

These beautiful little shell clutch bags are from Celestina, and are a fabulous way to carry your tiny necessities. They do not have straps, so they are hand held only, but they are so pretty it's worth the extra trouble. The black shell clutch is $880, and the Abalone clutch is $770. Available at Net a Porter.

 

 

Lately, it has been harder and harder to tell if you are being sold a fake designer handbag, especially from on-line stores. You'll go to a website that looks professional and does lots of business, but are selling high end designer handbags at 1/3 or 1/4 of it's cost in stores. Beware, you are probably being sold a fake. And some of the fakes look very good on the outside, but when you open it up, the truth is evident. And at some point you will be embarrassed because of that fake. Every woman who carries an authentic Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Prada will be able to spot a fake from afar, no matter how 'good' they are.

Here are a few things to look for to make sure you are being sold the real thing from an on-line store.

Prices! Unless the handbag is on sale, it will be the same cost at every store. If it is on sale, it will be an older design (at least a few months).

Product images. A store that is selling high end designer handbags will have close up images of the bags from many angles.

Look for this on their site: AUTHORIZED RETAILER - XXXX is an authorized e-commerce retailer for all brands presented on the XXXXX Web site and guarantees the authenticity of all products.

Lastly, stick to what we know. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

I only buy high end luxury brands (Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Tod's, Dior, and Coach) from these on-line stores - Net -a-Poter and eLuxury. I am not an affiliate of either of these stores (but I would like to be), but I have ordered from them and they are both Authorized retailers. Also the large luxury department stores are always safe - Neimans, Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, etc... The only sites I trust for discounted designer handbags are Bluefly and Overstock.

Now I know there may be other legit designer sources out there, but be sure you read their fine print in the Privacy Policy or About sections of their website.

Many other great handbag labels, like L.A.M.B. , Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Kate Spade, Rafe, Ed Hardy, Furla, Elliott Lucca, Stewart Weitzman etc... can be found at lots of legitimate on-line stores, because they aren't as strict as to which companies represent them. Also, they can be found on sale more often.

Happy New Year everyone! What better way to start the new year off on the right foot by showing your sense of style with a new handbag. This handbag is a great example, it's the Miu Miu Patent square tote and it exudes class and sophistication. I love the shiny white patent leather with gold tone hardware. Miu Miu is always a good choice when selecting a handbag. This one is available at Net a Porter, $1,995.

You don't have to go as high priced as this bag to show your good taste, there are lots of great bags at lower price points.

 

This is a gorgeous Elliott Lucca Addison Tote and everything from the color, the braided handle and the drawstring accents are fantastic. This handbag is on sale for $260 at Piperlime..

This is the Furla Carmen XL Shopper and it is croc embossed leather and can carry everything, even a laptop. This is a great handbag for the business woman, it's classy and slightly conservative. $585 at Piperlime.

This is the Steven Colette North/South Hobo and it comes in this milk chocolate color as well as dark brown. I love the knotted detail throughout the bag. It's a soft leather bag. $258 at zappos.com .

 

This is the BIG BUDDAH Audrina clutch and it comes with a detachable chain strap so you can wear it over your shoulder or use it as a clutch. I think it's very chic. Only $85 at Endless.com

I'm so glad Juicy Couture is branching out beyond the velour and terry handbags to include the classic leather bag. They are so much more practical. This handbag is the Juicy Couture Natalie Quilted Bag and it's made from soft navy blue leather, quilted throughout for extra soft puffiness.( I love quilted leather.) The leather is gathered at the top for even more texture. The leather handles with contrast top stitching and leather buckle add extra detail to spaces that are often overlooked in this price range. Juicy Couture is still bringing quality and great brand recognition with their latest designs, all while maintaining reasonable price points. $395 at eLuxury.

I love this brightly colored exotic handbag by Jimmy Choo. It's his Celeste Rainbow Clutch and it's multi colored snakeskin with gold hardware and a gold chain. This totally looks like something you would see in the French Riviera or some other exotic locale. It reeks of in- your- face opulence, reminds me a bit of Donatello Versace, but I still love it. It is a definite eye catcher and sure to make you the center of attention. Available at Net a Porter, $2,250.

Coach Penelope Signature Lurex Shopper

Coach Penelope Signature Lurex Tote

These beautiful handbags are more evidence as to why Coach is my favorite mid-priced luxury handbag label. These are from the Coach Penelope Signature Lurex Handbag line, and I think both are classy and chic. The gold and white color combination looks fresh and perfect for the upcoming warmer weather. Both handbags are $698 at Coach.com.

Ummm...a cartoon handbag? Seriously, I don't understand why top label designers like Lanvin, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton are stooping to using cartoons, graffiti, and tattoo images on their handbags. This bag, the Lanvin Gourmet 22 Faubourg tote looks like something you would find at Disney World. I wouldn't even carry this as a gym bag. To add insult to injury, Lanvin is asking $680 for this multi color wax on canvas bag. These high end brands should stick with what works - sophisticated, classic designs. Available at Net a Porter.

While part of me is getting tired of the Fendi baguettes, because they are much too small, this brightly colored one is fabulous. This is the Fendi Rainbow Logo Baguette and its made from brightly colored silk and is absolutely beautiful in person.  This would be a fantastic evening bag, when you only need to carry a few small things. Available at eLuxury, $1,400.