There’s this rumor going around that military-inspired pieces will be hot for Fall this year. So be prepared to see lots of navy blues, olive greens, and dove grays floating around! But is that such a bad thing? I mean, I really like neutrals that are a step away from the ordinary. Black is okay, but it gets kinda old after awhile. Plus I love the little military-inspired details that have been cropping up on handbags. Think blazer buttons, grommets, and buckles! And don’t forget the cotton webbing straps! That’s why I am really liking the Marc by Marc Jacobs New Army Handhack!

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Lions & Tigers, clutches and totes…. Oh,my! These prints are everywhere this season! Sure, leopard and tiger are always visible in some capacity, but this year, you can find these prints by almost every designer with price points both low and high! While I kept being tempted by so many of the styles out there, if I listed them all here, I wouldn’t get to review them in-depth and individually. So here are just a few from brands you know and love to get you started on the hunt yourself!

Judith Leiber Wildcat Crystal Embellished Clutch
I thought I’d start off with a dream bag. Only a few can afford, but will cherish. The quality is jewel-like and so special to see. Silver, gold and brown leopard shaped box covered with fine swarovski crystals. Gold leather lining and a fine, chain link hand that can hide inside the bag finish this bag beautifully. There’s even an designer engraved miniature vanity mirror. Oh so amazing for $5495.
Leiber Boutique at Net-a-Porter!

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What a mess, and there is no joke to that. Juicy Couture calls it the Generation Y Exquisite Mess Tote. We all love those flimsy canvas totes that are great for kick around activities or to hit the beach in, but sometimes no matter how “inexpensive” they are for carrying a brand name to them, I don’t know if they’re exactly worthy of buying.

I like the oversized canvas tote look, but beyond that, it’s simply silly. Why the dramatic black paint strokes with a crooked bow application? When turned to its opposite side, you have a slightly visible description of how messy but lovely this rebellious tote is. All in what looks like glittery felt paint.

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A new name has made it’s way into the world of handbags. And that name is Ashard Richley! But who is Ashard Richley? Founded by Ashley and Richard Burghardt in August 2009, Ashard Richley strives to create fashionable handbags that won’t break the bank. The real brains behind the designs, however, is Ashley. The Texas Tech University grad worked for both Be&D and Coach before taking the plunge and pursuing her very own handbag collection. And so far, I am liking what I am seeing! The handbags are fun and a little bit edgy — perfect for the woman who is looking for something unique. Think bright colors, bold hardware, and… girlie ruffles? Yes, there are actually some styles that have all three! But what I like most about these handbags is the fact that they are so affordable. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little — indulge in something funky and fun!

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Its official, Team Coach has hired some poets to join their design team. From observing the finishing product, I’m not sure what to think about the “Poppy Is Glam” tote. Sure it’s creative, and some bagista’s don’t mind carrying scribbles and logos on their handbags. But somehow, I don’t see much artistic feel to this tote; it appears to look more like a cut-magazine-letters-and-paste-on-a-bag, project. When you’re carry a tote with letters around, you’re bound to attract some readers, and the poetic inscription of “Poppy is a girl, is a flower, is a state of mind, Poppy is now and forever, Poppy is love I am Poppy”, isn’t necessarily the brightest statement most would want to advertise.

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This odd handbag silhouette is nowhere near being called a classic, but apparently more than one designer house digs the oversized, trapezoid-ish tote bag look. They’re both black, edgy, and somehow remind me of a giant fortune cookie, but who exactly came up with this concept first?

The Grant Large Nylon Hobo is one of the latest totes to hit the L.A.M.B scene. A puffy nylon silhouette is held together by an interwoven leather handle and decorated with vertical zippered pockets up front. Prior to L.A.M.B’s release, Maison Martin Margiela had this idea printed on their sketchpads first. Their version of the oversized Leather Slouchy Hobo lacks zippers up front (they’re actually built onto its sides instead), and features a sturdier silhouette; a more defined braided shoulder strap and cool tassel detailing.

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In an ideal world, men would know exactly what women want. Just think, never again would you have to hint to your man that you would really like said handbag for your birthday. He would automatically know exactly which one you had been eye-balling for weeks, allowing him to totally surprise you! But what if men could read your mind in other ways? Like whether or not you are “available”? Well never fear all you single ladies out there because Anya Hindmarch has come out with a bag that will give men all the visual clues they need!

Introducing the Anya Hindmarch Available/Unavailable Canvas Tote! Ta-da… instant psychic powers! But you have to be careful here because you don’t want to bestow these powers onto any old Joe walking down the street. See, this is how I think this should work. Carry the bag around with the “unavailable” side facing out. Then, when you see a cutie that you would like to strike up a conversation with, simply flip the bag around to the “available” side and give him a wink.
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