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Fall Handbag Preview
SMW Women’s Fashion, Makeup & Beauty Tips
By Marco Aniello, updated 10/18/2008 at 9:57:50 AM

Single Minded Women enlisted Marco Aniello of PursePage.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 (shown), a hefty top-handled bag with peek-a-boo sections of cutout leather. Tod's Medium Rounded D-Bag (shown)

in electric blue calfskin delivers a modern jolt of color, while Prada's Glace Calf Tote, in rich burgundy or black, has a more classic, long-lasting appeal. Another favorite is Anya Hindmarch's Charlie Ponyskin Tote, 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 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.

Finally, look for exotic leathers. Chloe's Cyndi Tote (shown) boasts luxurious alligator-stamped calfskin leather in taupe, Alexander McQueen's Elvie Tote 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, which reviews designer handbags.

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