Recently in Cheap Thrills Category

I first saw this clutch at Fred Segal and was going to buy it until I saw a pair of Prada shoes and got sidetracked. Just looking at the picture, you might not think too much of it but let me just tell you up front why this is so appealing, this alligator clutch is only $800. The reason for the low price is that it is not entirely alligator, the back and side panels, as you can see, is actually leather. But for effect, the clutch is seemingly an alligator clutch. I think it's brilliant. Everyone is doing exotic trim and that supposedly makes things exciting but this is way more than just a trim, the most important and focal point of the bag is alligator. The other interesting thing is that all the skins used are taken from old bags, thus the "vintage". So not only is this a fabulous classic envelope clutch in alligator for way cheap, it is also eco-conscious! Reuse, recycle, rejoice!!! =) This is a great size, too, it is 8" x 13.5" and has a 1" gusset so you can definitely use this during the day. The exciting thing for those who don't live in LA is that it is now available at Luxcouture! I told Sari at Luxcouture that this will sell out once I put this up so you better get moving!! Did I mention, it is only $800!!! You can thank me later for this scoop! =)

We just can't get enough of this adorable Gossip Girl! Carrying an age appropriate bag from Bryna Nicole-- Blake Lively looks youthful and carefree. Bryna Nicole hails from San Francisco and is an up and coming designer to watch for. Her brightly hued bags add color and fun to any outfit, even a boring school uniform. The Loyola Satchel in Violet is a cheap thrill at $539- At Bryna Nicole.com

A girl needs her clutches but a girl must have a day to night clutch to get her from luncheon to cocktails without skipping a beat. Not that that necessarily has to happen on the same day, but you never know! I'm on vacation mode so for me, it is an absolute possibility! I'm back in Boston visiting old friends so I understand the no car situation more than I normally do, which means day to night with just a clutch is like Tina going on a week long trip with just a carry on =) I'm totally losing focus here. My point is, this Botkier Gemma clutch is a Cheap Thrill that goes a long way because it covers you from morning til night. I love the simplicity and easiness of the basic shape and the jewel adornment is fun and spices things up a bit. It is much more carefree than a Kara Ross with the semi-precious stones, but sometimes you don't want to spend your jewelry budget on your bag! This clutch has great organization, there are 2 interior compartments, a thinner slot for thin paper items like valet tickets, receipts and notes and a main section with the zipper compartment on the back. At Shopbop for $395.

We first introduced you to the delicious foldover clutches from Poppie Couture in January of 2007 and have watched it grow from a small brand (Poppie Harris herself was packing clutches in boxes for shipping when we first spoke!) to a major player in the industry.  Apparently Neiman Marcus has noticed as well and just picked up the line.  Congratulations Poppie!  Here are a few fabulous new additions to her well priced and tres chic line of clutches.  The oversized version of the original foldover in grey patent above is incredible!  A major statement piece -- also done in grigio patent, plum patent and black patent. 14" size is $615, original 10" size is $450. The gold quilted in distressed metallic ($550) below is beyond, I am definitely getting one of these disco diva clutches!   At Poppiecouture.com and Neiman Marcus.  (Jump for complete list!)

Unlike with men, when I see fashion I like, I won't go all the way on the first date. I like to look, feel it against my skin, and see if I'm still in lust the day after tomorrow. As I was leaving a Hollywood boutique, I stopped for Bodhi's envelope clutch (tagged around $500). The leather was baby soft, the patent part sticky, the piping polished it perfect. I told the saleslady I'd think about it. I have. Shop Bodhi at Lord & Taylor, or call 212-888-6288 for the retailer closest to you.
Guest blog by Kristopher Dukes

Left: Up Close and Personal; Right: Boogie Bucket

This is a rare moment on Bag Snob when we feature a bag EVERYONE can afford. I do apologize for not being considerate enough to offer affordable options in my Back To School story but you must now forgive me because I do aim to please =) I have seen Tano bags at Fred Segals and it always catches my eye for its styles, they are hip, friendly, young and have great colors, but it's the quality that gets me. They are extremely well priced, like I mean, couple hundred bucks cheap, so you have to figure that something's gotta give. The leather is thin-ish which is fine because it makes it lighter but the interior is unfinished, which I cannot stand. The slight gloss on some of the leather looks good from far but is far from good, you know the type. The hardware is unpolished, I don't mean they aren't shiny (which they aren't) - hardware is crucial, it should look almost like jewelry but this looks so far from that that it looks like actual hardware from the hardware store. And the standard on anything sewn, no sloppy seams, which this does not meet but it is mostly on the inside, so for the price I guess it might be acceptable to some. You can see why this would normally not make it on to our site but as far as super cheap bags go, this one at least gets major points for design. And for college students, affordable and hip might be all you're looking for. You can find a local retailer on the Tano site or get them at Must Have Bag which is the only web retailer for them. The Up Close and Personal with the handy outer pockets is $199, and the Boogie Bucket (which I like more) is $249. All their bags come in a rainbow variety of colors.

I like this bag for its sloppy charm. You know, its like that guy with the messed up hair, friendly, cuddly, a bit quirky and wears t-shirts (by the way, I just described my husband). It is comfortable with just a touch of weirdness for interest. It is also my Cheap Thrills pick of the week, which also describes my husband, it doesn't take much to make him happy and he enjoys the things money can't buy (friends, laughs, good company, free time to play guitar). I know this bag is not the smashingly awesome, drooling, panting "must have", but obviously my affinity for it is sentimental. It is just easy and casual but the washed leather and the knots do add a touch of flair. The softness if great, that is, until you put it down. These type of bags are so floppy they don't sit, it must be hung (that's why you need a Bag Snob bag hook, which we are now selling. Yes, I am blatantly shilling.). Another huge plus - the lilac gray! You don't have to be dreary but then again you don't want to be the neon light in the gloom with a bright bag, either. This is the perfect happy shade for Fall. Because this is Sissi Rossi, you know it's going to be big at 10" x 17". At Barneys for $965.

Guest Blog by Jackie Bolin
When a fashion designer moves into handbags it can go either way; but much like everything he does, Alexander Wang’s foray into accessories is a smash hit. The San Francisco born, New York based kid wonder has debuted his first collection of bags for fall 2008 and the cool, functional styles are exactly what we’ve all been searching for! That perfect leather tote, sturdy enough for a laptop but chic enough to carry forever, an oversized fold over clutch with zip up compartments so you can actually fit things in it and petite slouchy bags with chain straps to carry at night. Each piece is constructed from 100% leather (that perfect kind that beats up beautifully) in Wang's typical palette of black and grey with an occasional surprise here and there: the clutch in vivid purple or a chain strap bag completely covered in long goat hair. The collection, which starts at around $500 for small styles and goes up to $750 for a tote or backpack, is making its debut in the best boutiques and department stores NOW. And we suspect A-list model, Maybelline girl and Wang muse Erin Wasson weighed in on the collection – she was spotted carrying one way back in January and the look is the perfect mix of street and sweet. At V.O.D Boutique. Call 214-754-0644. Alexander Wang also at Net-a-porter.com.

I have to admit, it's the color that pulled me in. And it is called "ultra-violet"! How fab and apropos is that? It is not merely violet, this screaming bright color is ultra violet! And the bag itself is quite fab as well. The young and trendy bowler is a hit by itself but add those textured lines and the subdued black hardware, it is one hot babe! The bag is gathered at the bottom to give extra girth so you get to stuff it silly without adding bulk (except for the extra bulk you are adding, of course). Before you say yay or nay, consider that this is only $475, making this our extra cheap Cheap Thrill of the week. I have to be honest though, I have seen pretty badly worn Philip Lim bags on the street and I know they haven't had it since childhood because the bag has only been out for one season. People beat up their bags pretty badly, but even so, a quality bag should last at least one season. But then again, I am really hard on my lesser bags - they don't stay pristine like my precious ones do. Anyway, something to consider if you fall in love with this ultra hip, ultra cute, ultra violet sweetie. 3.1 Phillip Lim Fall Collection at eluxury.

Haven't you heard? Boho chic is back even though the dwarf twins are no longer in the news (as much). Maybe that's the reason, it's way less tiring this way. OK, so this may not be so bohemian but I am appreciating a good practical hobo, so why not add some fun and interesting details, like the ruching, patent cording swirls on the sides and knotted strap - and they do not get in the way of function but give the bag style and personality. It is also my Cheap Thrill of the week so if you are not totally convinced, at least you won't be needing to take the bus to afford it. And that brings me to the thing that makes "Cheap" the operative word here, the interior's got some funky printed lining that I do not like. Yes, it's bright and colorful but so are clowns, let's just say it is not a sign of refined style. It probably is not so bothersome if you have to just glance at it quickly but you'd be surprised how much you pay attention to the interior of a bag. That is the thing I look at first and is usually a deal breaker for me if I am not fully satisfied with its quality. Hmmm, maybe I should not have featured this bag. Oh well, too late now. Take it for what it is. Besides, there is no science to bag obsession, someone might really be digging the print.
Dautore Slouchy Hobo at Shopbop for $656.