(This wonderful post was kindly written by Erika of Cafe Fashionista. Thanks Erika!)

Darlings, there was a point in time when I believed that a girl needed one handbag in her possession and one handbag only. A sassy piece which worked with any and all ensembles believed to be fabulous enough to accouter her fantastic form. I’ll admit it; I was devastatingly wrong. The right handbag can make or break one’s look du jour. You would not allow an oversized tote to tagalong with you on a girls’ night out complete with partying like a rock star; nor would you bring a clutch along for the ride as you navigate a new travel destination. Hence the reason why there should be five particular styles spotting your handbag collection; a handful of versatility that will make even complete strangers green with envy – now you’ve got them!

1. Satchel

Satchels are to the world of handbags what diamonds are to the world of jewelry – a girls best friend. There is no handbag which emits as sophisticated a vibe from an individual as a satchel. The aesthetic of such a design keeps one looking polished, even if decked out in head to toe denim; whilst allowing them to keep things understated and playful at the very same time. A bag with too large of a handle drop has a tendency to slouch which can make one look sloppy; pieces which proffer a double-handle with a drop of about 6-inches are your best bet, as they allow for enough room for one to wiggle their elbow, without looking awkward.

2. Cross Body

Dolls, you may be navigating newfound sights at Walt Disney World Resort, or perhaps you’re pounding the pavement on Park Avenue, popping in and out of an abundance of stylish shops displaying decadent wares that you want desperately to add to your burgeoning wardrobe. It is times like these when forgoing the standard satchel or tote and replacing such a formation with a cross body piece is par for the course. Cross body bags are an optimal way for freeing up ones hands, yet still allow you to keep your most prized possessions nearby; an ideal mix for a day of shopping with the girls! I recommend weatherbeaten, worn-in styles in brown shades like Alexander Wang’s Brenda Zip Bag. Such a look is the true epitome of luxury tinged with bohemian influences, and instantly contributes a hint of personality to your current look.

3. Clutch

I’m going to let you in on a little secret kitty cats…in terms of a successful girls’ night out, the true crème de la crème of the evening is not the cute boys you may find yourself mingling with over Cosmos, nor is it the shimmering top decorating your upper half which sparkles in the same fashion as a fine wine; rather it is the petite clutch clasped tightly between your magnificently manicured fingertips. You may be a lover of all things oversized, but darlings please do not allow a large bag to overpower your presence in the wrong situation. Go big wherever you’d like, but for evenings out on the town the clutch will forever be your BFF. Find one that allows enough room for the essentials – cash, credit card, cell phone, keys, and a smattering of cosmetics that will see you through the evening – and stop there. Remember, you are out for a night of fun, not packing for an emergency evacuation!

4. Oversized Tote

Many feel that the oversized tote is an unnecessary addition to one’s array of accessories; an extra bonus that may or may not see the light of day once purchased. So is not the case. The oversized tote is a true essential in the world of handbags, especially for the working girl. I see far too many lovelies carrying multiple bags to work – a handbag in addition to flimsy totes holding the rest of their daily office essentials. Why on earth should one weigh themselves down with a mix of bags when a single oversized tote can do the tantalizing trick and work as a handbag in addition to extending enough room to hold the rest of your necessities? Tory Burch and Foley + Corinna are the oversized go-tos for the girl on the go. Their posh aesthetic and spacious interiors give new meaning to the phrase “big and beautiful.”

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Of course, you may be one of the lucky ladies out there who has managed to snag a singular style which works in a multitude of ways; a piece which easily transforms from shoulder to satchel, cross body to tote. If this is the case, please share the secrets of your sassy discovery, then go out and buy something new. After all, a girl can never have too many handbags to choose from!

Fashionably yours!

Top Image by: We Heart It

1. Joey Potter can Dance!

Well, not Joey, but Katie Holmes, the actress. But I’d always think of her as Joey Potter.

2. Win a Beautiful Bag

Check this post for a chance to win a beautiful satchel.

3. Crocs have Finally Died (I hope)

I am not a big fan of Crocs slippers/shoes and it seems like the world will finally be rid of them. Hallelujah.

4. Do Not Eat in Front of the TV

Unless you want to gain weight. Good thing I don’t own a TV.

5. Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland First Trailer

My level of excitement just shoot off the roof. This movie is going to be phenomenal.

Top image by: loop oh

Nothing can be as high-Italian fashion as the Prada label. Founder Mario Prada managed to embed the luxury goods produced by the company in our culture since 1914.

Today, the highest standards in Italian leather goods are set by Prada.

Check out our list of the top 16 Prada handbags which are a real “arm candy”.

16. Prada Nappa Mordore Handbag

I absolutely love the shape of this handbag – it’s a designer accessory which is roomy enough to hold all your knickknacks in. Made from 100% black leather, it’s the ultimate statement of luxury.

The Heloise Patent Satchel is a great bag for work. The ladylike and structured body works well with suits, skirts, and anything tailored. Available in bordeaux and black at saks.com, the Heloise Patent Satchel is a smaller take on Chloe’s standard Heloise bag. First available in leather, it’s now arrived in patent, which is a trend that is staying strong for spring 2008. The modern edge to the bag is the ribbed sides, which look great in patent leather because it picks up the textured seams and heaviness. The Heloise retails for $1,825.

If you need a bag with more room than you can even imagine, the new Odessa Goatskin Satchel by Chloe is right up your alley. Measuring 23 inches high by around 16 inches high, this spacious handbag balances its heft with a lovely, ladylike structure. The black goatskin is just slightly pleated to add some texture, while the gray frame complements it perfectly. Neutral, smart, roomy and versatile: What more can you really ask for from a bag?

Available for $1695 at Saks.

Shop for more designer handbags by Chloe

There’s nothing edgy about the Botkier Vixen Ruched Dome Satchel. With a name like that, I’d expect to see some chains, some hardware, something to elaborate on this so-called vixenishness. There’s nothing here, though, except for a few lame studs and the usual black leather. It’s also available in white, which, let’s face it, is hardly a vixen’s favorite color, is it?

Available for $600 at Nordstrom.

Seeking an alternative to your usual neutral handbag? Ditch the dull leather bag with the run-of-the-mill shape and get acquainted with this Kooba Jacinda Buckle Front Shoulder Satchel. Though its structure is relatively simple, it has an of-the-moment appeal thanks to its unusual cut and wraparound leather belt. Both make an otherwise basic purse much more interesting and a hell of a lot more unique! In fact, you won’t ever think of this as a neutral – even though the stone, brown and black color selections definitely are. My pick? Stone, seen here. It’s less common than the usual and it pairs well with nearly everything.

Available for $595 at Nordstrom.

Shop for more designer purses by Kooba

If there’s one thing Botkier do really well, it’s make cozy bags. The Stevie Ruched Pocket Convertible Satchel is so supple, you’ll want to take a nap on it. Besides the exquisite leather, it also boasts ruched pockets on the front and a discreet logo plaque near the base. A perfectly casual purse to see you from AM to PM in style, it’s well worth its $650 price tag. Don’t be fooled by the fact that the color is called “chrome yellow”; this is more of a subtle tan with a hint of color. Very nice and perfectly timeless.

Available to pre-order at Nordstrom.

Though Judith Lieber is responsible for some of the most stunning purses around, she’s also not exactly known for being Ms. Practicality. That all changes with her Blaze Dragee Handheld Satchel, which has handles (duh) and a roomy interior. Both elements make it much more useful than, say, a pig-shaped, jeweled clutch. Lieber doesn’t let the bag go untouched by her signature sparkles, though: The handles are encrusted with Austrian crystals. The blush color is understated and quite pretty. Available to pre-order for $2695 at Neiman Marcus.

March 14, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Jennifer

Betseyville by Betsey Johnson ‘Call Me, Betsey’ Phone Satchel
For designer Betsey Johnson’s latest Spring accessory season, she released this ‘Call Me, Betsey’ Phone Satchel. Breathing to life the infamous 1970’s Telephone novelty bag, but in a more cartoon-ish colored rendition. Sorry guys, but unlike the 70’s novelty phone which could call out from any source by plugging in to any jack, this Betsey telephone bag is just your basic novelty purse. But hey, that’s what cellphones are for.

It should be no surprise (since I broadcast it everytime I speak about BJ,) I find Betsey Johnson’s designs to be either a hit or a total miss. Her bags are definitely bold and eye-catching, but no way would I carry such a bag.

Tell me what you guys think of this Betsey Johnson ‘Call Me’ phone bag. Or Betsey Johnson designs in general.

Discover at Nordstrom
$65

March 13, 2008
post written by Bag Bliss blogger: Deysa

Chloe Odessa Lambskin Satchel Purse
The satchel has got to be my favorite type of structure when it comes to a handbag. As I was doing my daily net browsing, I spotted this one satchel through Saks Fifth Avenue (dot com). Chloe’s Odessa Lambskin Satchel is definitely something I would carry. First of all, I truly adore the crinkly metallic leather body and how fine it complements with the smooth matte grey leather which can be seen among the upper portion of the handbag. The Odessa satchel can be carried in two different ways, on the arm with its two grey top handles, or it can be worn on the shoulder by means of the detachable shoulder strap included. Silver hardware can be found throughout the bag, including a silver bow shaped clasp, all which corresponds with the whole metallic theme. Upon opening the satchel, two divided sections and a zipper compartment can be found within. With measurements of 15” x 9” x 2”, I assume this Chloe can be used as an everyday bag. I can also see how well this bag can be dressed up or dressed down, and still look really nice. Although I do not love the $1,695 price tag, if I were looking to invest in a pretty (and shiny) Chloe bag, this would definitely be it.

Chloé Odessa Lambskin Satchel – Saks.com

How sharp is this Valentino Vernice Purse? It’s more the killer shine and color that I like – otherwise it’s a fairly run-of-the-mill satchel. However, it’s also the perfect marriage of polished and sizzling style, and a great way to make a powerful, take-charge statement, especially when worn with a cool suit and heels. Available for $1436 at Stylebop.

Something about this Coach Legacy Thompson makes me want to stop and take a closer look. Normally, I’m not a big fan of whip stitching because it introduces a cowgirl sort of vibe and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m completely comfortable being a big city slicker. But the magnetic flap compartment on the front, the zipped compartment on the back and the very lady-like satchel styling makes me want to bend the rules just a little to accommodate this Coach Legacy Thompson. I’d probably steer clear of the natural colors to diminish the western feel, but something about the navy and the green leather on this bag makes me want to whip out my credit card… Available through Coach for $698.

Bollywood is glitz, glamour and plenty of color. It’s bright lights and loud music. It’s not this Kate Spade Bollywood Stevie purse. Like most of Spade’s other creations, this bag is inspired by something distinctive, exotic and beautiful – but the end result here doesn’t remotely reflect Bollywood’s eclecticism. It’s a clear purse with colored leather trim and a yellow pocket. It hardly looks like something inspired by India’s wondrous film industry…more like Ocean City. I’m deeply unimpressed. Available for $325 at Kate Spade.

Shop for more designer purses by Kate Spade

Ugh, whipstitching! Get rid of it! I’m not liking anything about this Henry Beguelin Snake-Embossed Bag. I’m not a fan of the red color, the snake-embossed leather, or the random buckle up front. The colors don’t blend, and to be honest it looks like something a woman in the sticks would carry. Not bad for roughing it in West Texas, but let’s hope no one would the $1,300 price tag, which is what the bag retails for at neimanmarcus.com. In the words of Dolly Parton, “It’s expensive to look this cheap!”

This is a roomy linen bag from the same folks who bring the jeans that millions of women swear by. Seven Jeans is now bringing their discreet sense of cool to handbags, and the Washed Linen Satchel is a great everyday bag that can be worn nearly everywhere. I really like the contrast leather trim on the bag, as well as the generous size on this bag. You can’t really wear this to work (well, it depends on your industry), but it’s the weekend bag as far as I’m concerned. I also like that it adds a bit of roughness to a dress, preventing your look from becoming a little too sugary-sweet. The Washed Linen Satchel retails for $345 at shopbop.com.

I love this handbag because it has long straps that stay put on the shoulder, but also because the leather is featherlight. You don’t have to worry about your shoulder being bogged down by weight that isn’t your things, but more the bag you’re carrying around. The Cala Snakeskin Print Satchel is embossed to look like snakeskin, but the price is a lot friendlier than what a bag made of exotic skin would cost.

$799 at nordstrom.com

Nancy Gonzalez is the go-to girl for any handbag in an exotic skin. Her purses come in every gorgeous color imaginable, and she has a knack for pairing up the right skins with the right color. Her Framed Croc Satchel  is the perfect bag for work, if your bank account can afford it, I’m guessing your career requires you to look halfway together the majority of the time, and a purse like this one says it all. The satchel shape is easy to carry and easily holds documents, a planner, and Blackberry. A classic handbag like this one calls for a classic color like black. When you’re paying this hefty price tag, you want to make sure you grab a color you can wear with everything! Retails for $3,650 at neimanmarcus.com

Shop for more designer handbags by Nancy Gonzalez

Navy, red and white can look smashing together when they aren’t competing for attention. A great example is this D&G Dolce and Gabbana Zoe satchel. The primarily white purse features navy trim and red handles, which lend the bag just enough color to keep it interesting. The patent leather really pops! It’s chic, but also down-to-earth given its nautical color scheme. You can’t go wrong with a roomy handbag like this. Available for $865 at Nordstrom.

Shop for more designer bags by Dolce and Gabbana

This ultra hot Jean Paul Gaultier Prive satchel is now on sale at a whopping 55% discount at typically non-chic online retailer Zappos.com. Rich luxurious leather and stylish belt detail make this handbag the perfect shoulder candy for resort and spring. Dramatic flaps conceal multi-function pockets inside. Platform bottom adds structure and security. Original price, about $1300, now down to $585.

Available at Zappos.com