I've been waxing on about rock star worthy embellished clutches but have yet to really take the dive into one. Mainly because I know that most of them are way too trendy and I have way too much sense to indulge senselessly in a 4 figure bag covered in studs! But Bottega Veneta's studded clutch is subtle and classic, the sprinkling of studs gives just enough attitude without appearing as if it's trying too hard. My kinda bag! Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Clutch $1,250 here.
This Barney's private label bag, "The Discreet" indeed is discreet in it's subtle design but what isn't so discreet is the blatant rip off the the Valextra Boston. Yes the Boston is a doctor style and the Discreet is more of a square tote but you cannot deny the design similarities. Barneys has done an exceptionally good job with their private label bag line, tasteful styles with incredible quality. I just find it ironic that they would call this The Discreet. At least it's not a knockoff so if you want the look without paying $3170 for it (price of the Valextra Boston), this is a perfectly good option for $750 at Barneys New York.
Red is back and better than ever, in everything from a distressed YSL Red Hobo ($1,395) to a timeless chic Valextra Boston bag ($2,190), this is one color you can not do without this season! I am also in love with Ungaro's red studded clutch (900 euro/$1,273 USD) -- totally '80s and so fabulous with the multi shaded and sized studs! And of course you can not go wrong with the Balenciaga Arena Giant envelope clutch, it's become a cult classic and the dark red shade is not as bright as some of the other styles. I am especially craving Sang A's fiery red python Elsworth with delicate brushed gold chain ($1,160)-- the color is amazing and will be fabulous through the holidays! 
Balmain who??? For me, it's all about Ungaro lately. Was relieved to read that Esteban Cortazar is going to continue with the brand... maybe. Back in June it was reported he left the House of Ungaro due to the involvement of Lindsay Hohan with the brand. Then we heard he was suing Ungaro but later dropped the charges and came to an agreement. Whatever is going on, I hope he doesn't let some cracked up young actress get in his way. Look at the fabulous clutch above, an understated rocker chic clutch that is both timeless and trendy. The push lock is especially interesting, just look closely :) But all of it is merely decorative, the flap is actually magnetic and the bag is lined in hot pink satin and has two compartments in addition to hidden zippered pouch. Sized at 13" x 7" for $1,150-- Emanuel Ungaro Stamped leather shoulder clutch here.
Don't you just love the drop on this hobo? It sits just below your arm but the drop is 10 1/2" so it will definitely fit most. It is easy, hip and sassy - the perfect throw around bag for the gruel of everyday. It is actually more of a tote in that it has a big wide opening and a short body, which is great for finding things but you gotta be careful of stuff spilling out. The nice thing is that it sits neatly and tightly on your body so you won't have to worry about sneaky hands in the subway or on the streets, if you're a city girl. The price is amazing for so much goodness, it is $398. You get a leather bag with the oomph of a silver metallic to brighten your wardrobe. And by the way, I would only get this in the silver metallic, the black is dreary and the red is garish. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $398.
I know I'm sounding like I'm waffling between Celine being too obnoxiously ornate and it being so boring. But I definitely prefer the more boring variety. And this isn't even all that boring, it is a super pragmatic bag which might be mistaken for ordinary but unless you have a hundred bags, let's face it, a bag is utilitarian. Even with a hundred bags it is still utilitarian but what I mean is, you can get super specific on the usefulness (or lack thereof) of each bag you get. I see this Dimitri as a work bag, a work horse if you will. The soft thick leather strap is so easy on the shoulder and stays put. The length is a bit old fashioned, it hits you right at the hips. Black and average size, it's all pretty basic. I wish this bag was a tad bigger, with shorter straps and believe it or not, a bigger embellished hardware closure. That would definitely hip it up a notch or two. At Net-a-Porter for $1600.
One of the standout bags from Tod's for fall is the "Upper" bag in black leather and brushed gold hardware. I'm obsessing over this bag, and how cute does it look on Julia Roberts!?!? The piccole size is $1395 and the larger is $1545 in leather. There is one in an ultra soft and rich Bison leather for $1950. My entire family is devoted to Tod's, my husband loves Tod's shoes as does our four year old boy, the shoe snob-- he demanded a pair of the toddler calf hair loafers in the spring but I refused to buy them for him (too expensive!). He actually cried and said he wouldn't walk into a Tod's again unless I bought them for him. Uh okay, I dragged him out wailing, "I want the cheetah shoes". We were in LA last week and I got a call about the 65% off Family and Friends private sale and of course headed straight to the Rodeo Dr. boutique to scope out the goodies. My shoe snob toddler lit up the minute we walked in and said "are we getting the cheetah shoes?" At 65% off I thought they were justifiable. But I knew the hubby would disown both of us if we went home with leopard skin shoes so we compromised and got the calf hair camouflage pair (so cute!). Call our girl Carla at Tod's on Rodeo Drive for more info 310.285.0591! This was in limited quantities so you better jump on it!
I've never met Issac Mizrahi but from seeing him on TV I feel like he is a super fun guy who loves life and is inspired by everything he experiences. That's exactly what this bag is, it is big and fun and has a bit of everything that is good. It has a taupe texture panel on one side, bright orange leather with just one strap on the other side, cotton canvas sides, the dangly fob is bright cobalt lizard and the trims are crocodile. Whew!! That sounds like a buffet of a bag but it all works so well together. It's like a Thanksgiving turkey dinner plate, everything is running into each other but delicious all mixed up!! It is a special order item which would only make sense because it does take a special someone to make this her own. If you can pull this off, it would certainly be your signature bag. At Vivre for $2250.
