Do you remember back when black lipstick was the shade to have? So late year, I know. (side note: from the Spring 2011 runway, orange is the new bold shade!) That trend is long over with and unless you’re still rocking the goth -inspired look, it should be tossed out or tucked far-far away. Save it for Halloween. That is not the case however with Lucinda “Lulu” Jane Guinness’ fabulous pucker up clutch. In my opinion, much more wearable than the expired ink-lip trend.

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Fall is fast approaching. We will soon be surrounded by the Autumnal color palette of golds, browns, rich greens and reds as the trees change their foliage. Blue skies are always a welcome sight as more grey skies occur. That’s why the Marc by Marc Jacobs Q Hiller Hobo in Blue is a must have for the season. What better way to liven up our surroundings than with a stunning shade on a classic bag you can carry everywhere?

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What makes a handbag “busy”? Sometimes they don’t necessarily have to arrive with bright colors and bold logos, as even a single toned handbag with excess detailing can be too much for the more traditional bagista. I don’t have much experience with the ultimate unique and feminine designs of Lockheart, but I can’t help but stare at the new Cadence Braided Leather Hobo.

Make that an extra emphasis on the braided part, as the crafty design is found pretty much everywhere. There is knotting down the seams and middle, at the handles, decorating the pockets; anyone feel like this texture was a bit too overdone?

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I have to say I’ve never been a big fan of the fur handbag or even fur charms to attached to a handbag. I’ve watched a myriad of styles emerge from wide range of designers and nothing really spoke to me as something I would potentially own. It’s either too impractical, over-the-top or uber-expensive. On the other hand, I’ve been lusting after a Stephanie Diane Von Furstenberg handbag for some time and have been dying to get my hands on one for trial run. So, it’s no surprise the Stephanie Mink Clutch has caught my eye.

True to the Stephanie design, the Mink Clutch features a multi-colored woven exterior. Rich and lovely shades of honey browns, biege, blues and even a splash of purple work beautifully together in a surprising use of farm-raised mink. It has the feel of bohemian chic in a way that you could wear with denim or a great monochromatic ensemble.

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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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