Fall Handbag Preview

(http://www NULL.bergdorfgoodman NULL.com/store/catalog/prod NULL.jhtml?itemId=prod32680017&parentId=cat271101&masterId=cat235702&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat257221cat260101cat261004cat235702cat271101)Single Minded Women enlisted Marco Aniello of PursePage.com (http://www NULL.pursepage NULL.com/) to weigh in on this week’s Q&A.

Q. I’m in desperate need of a new designer handbag for fall. What are this season’s buzz-worthy bags?

A. Before you shell out hundreds—or, let’s be honest, thousands—on a designer handbag, ask yourself what kind of bag you’re looking for. Do you want a trendy “it” bag, or a luxury status bag that will stand the test of time? Your budget is another consideration; while most designer purses retail for $1,000 and up, you can find more affordable options from offshoot lines like Marc by Marc Jacobs or See by Chloe. Now, about those bags…

Structured top-handle purses and totes are making a big impact this season. Celebrities like Blake Lively are already fawning over Miu Miu’s Cutout Bowler (http://www NULL.bergdorfgoodman NULL.com/store/catalog/prod NULL.jhtml?itemId=prod32680017&parentId=cat271101&masterId=cat235702&index=9&cmCat=cat000000cat257221cat260101cat261004cat235702cat271101) (shown above), a hefty top-handled bag with peek-a-boo sections of cutout leather. Tod’s Medium Rounded D-Bag (http://www NULL.saksfifthavenue NULL.com/main/ProductDetail NULL.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524446197114&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492708980&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474399545537&bmUID=1218138860493&ev19=4:13) (shown left) in electric blue calfskin delivers a modern jolt of color, while Prada’s Glace Calf Tote (http://www NULL.bergdorfgoodman NULL.com/store/catalog/prod NULL.jhtml?itemId=prod33480032&parentId=cat279405&masterId=cat268711&index=5&cmCat=cat000000cat257221cat260101cat261004cat268701cat268702cat268711cat279405), in rich burgundy or black, has a more classic, long-lasting appeal. Another favorite is Anya Hindmarch’s Charlie Ponyskin Tote (http://www NULL.net-a-porter NULL.com/product/33409), a stunning, office-appropriate tote replete in touchable chocolate brown ponyskin with a glossy trim.

In contrast to spring and summer’s stark whites and vibrant gumball-hued shades, fall’s handbags favor darker hues like black, gray, and brown, along with rich, earthy jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, and aubergine. Lanvin’s Rodeo PM (http://barneys NULL.com/on/demandware NULL.store/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Search-Show?pid=469104001021&cgid=MAIN05&start=33&sz=1)comes in a glossy Bordeaux patent leather with chain and ribbon detailing, while the studded Coco Tote from Marc Jacobs sports smoky charcoal pebble-grained leather. (http://www NULL.net-a-porter NULL.com/product/33610)

Finally, look for exotic leathers. Chloe’s Cyndi Tote (http://www NULL.net-a-porter NULL.com/product/33610) (shown right) boasts luxurious alligator-stamped calfskin leather in taupe, Alexander McQueen’s Elvie Tote (http://www NULL.net-a-porter NULL.com/product/33600) smolders in seductive python skin, and Dolce & Gabbana’s Miss Very Sexy Mini Bag goes all out with its pairing of pony hair, suede, eel, and snakeskin.

Marco Aniello is the founder of PursePage.com (http://www NULL.pursepage NULL.com/), which reviews designer handbags.

More SMW Designer Fashion & Beauty Advice:

LA Confidential: Inspiration from Your Favorite Celebrity Style Icons

SMW’s Guide to Buying Jewelry (http://www NULL.singlemindedwomen NULL.com/fullArticle NULL.aspx?id=204)

Under Cover: Fabulous Lingerie Just For You (http://www NULL.singlemindedwomen NULL.com/fullArticle NULL.aspx?id=171)