Coach Amanda collection

Just in time for the holidays, Coach has launched the Amanda collection. Handbags, wristlets, and pouches in delicious jewel tones that amp up the standard LBD with just the switch of a purse. Yes, the bags are satin, so we aren’t sure how they’ll hold up, but you can guarantee they’ll catch some attention thanks to the gold trim and candy colors like hot pink, lime and grape. Coach has come out with an interesting new collection - the Amanda. The Amanda range presented in satin comes in fun, flirty shapes and eye catching jewel tones giving an elegant look for a night out of town

Louis Vuitton Surya XL

To-die-for bag alert! I am absolutely loving the Louis Vuitton Surya XL, an awesome, hefty, gleaming purse that will undoubtedly do the job for women who have a habit of carrying way too much. “Surya” means sun in Hindi, and this bag’s name pays homage to the Hindu sun god. And indeed it does shine crazily thanks to the supple, lightweight yet sturdy patent leather. It’s one of those purses that will really stand the test of time, turn heads and wear well with just about anything.

Made from supple and discreetly perforated Monogram patent leather, the XL bag with sophisticated pleatwork for body friendliness is part of the Surya collection which was named after the Hindu Sun God because of its glowing radiance. The Surya leather is known to be qualitative and lends itself to play with feminine details as well as an array of gloss and bright colors.

Surya XL features microfiber lining and leather trimmings, golden brass pieces, press lock closure and an inside zipped pocket and interior D-ring to attach a pouch or a key holder. The bag measures 29.5" x 12.8" x 9.8" but the size could be adjusted thanks to the side buckles also made from perforated patent leather. It can be hand-held, or carried on the elbow or on the shoulder. Available at Louis Vuitton in three classy colors; Purple, Brown and Black for $3,360.

Burberry Lowry Tote

It’s interesting how completely unexpected this Burberry Lowry Tote is. Would you even know it’s Burberry by looking at it? Made with some seriously ruched leather, this roomy tote has a bit of a croc-like appearance thanks to the color (an “English racing green”). I’m not loving it, actually, and think totes so practically designed should be a bit more sensible for everyday use.

Renee Zellweger Tod’s Pash** Luna Nylon purse

I think we can safely chalk this up as a bad hair day for Renee Zellweger, she of the wind-ravaged locks. On the bright side, we can also chalk it up as a good hair day, given Ray-Zay’s chic Tod’s Pash** Luna Nylon purse, casually styled across the body in a manner that works with her laidback outfit. Given the beyond-WASPy Tod’s campaign starring Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s nice to see their handbags translated to real woman style (if a movie star who gets paid to smooch Hugh Grant and Tom Cruise can be considered a real woman, that is). Bonus: With exposed zippers being all the rage this season (and next), it’s a good time to revisit this multi-zippered favorite.

Coach Leather Julianne

Coach will always be a coach and nothing brightens up a dark mood quite like the host of jewel tones that have ushered their way into our collective wardrobes this season. Though purple, mustard and wine seem to be particularly well-received, I’m awarding favorite honors to the bright teal on this Coach Leather Julianne. Bold and so pretty, it’s an instant eye-catcher and will add a note of interest to a slightly somber color scheme. Julianne is a fabulous everyday purse, uniting function with luxury and doing so in that inimitably classic Coach manner.

Britney Spears & Her Louis Vuitton Monogram Shimmer Comete

Britney Spears has been on fire lately. She looks better, is already getting buzz for her new album and seems to be cleaning up her personal life. This picture may not be the best representation of Brit’s return to form, but her Louis Vuitton Monogram Shimmer Comete handbag is still one of the chicest accessories I’ve seen in a long while. Limited for fall/winter ‘08, this light-reflecting bag has a cute pompom charm dangling from the front. Britney’s been seen with this bag a few times now, and it marks a welcome respite from the Versace and Christian Audigier purses she was attached to for so long. It retails for $2260 and is also available in gold. If you’d love one for yourself, call 866-VUITTON.

Mary-Kate Olsen’s Hermes Kelly Purse

The first thing that pops into ** head upon seeing this pic of Mary-Kate Olsen is: Slop-PY! The second: Ooh, nice purse! The disheveled twin may have wanted to hide her face, but luckily our prying eyes can still feast upon her beautiful Hermes Kelly bag in classic black (to match those hideous, very regrettable black leather leggings, I guess). MK’s outfit may be a disaster on par with “New York Minute” but she at least earns a bit of admiration for appreciating the classics. Now maybe she can pair that lovely Hermes with something a little nicer?

Valentino Rosier Purse on the Lipstick Jugle Set

It may not rev me up like its predecessor “Sex and the City,” but “Lipstick Jungle” does manage to entice with some serious fashion candy. Co-star Lindsay Price (who will always be Mrs. Steve Sanders in ** 90210-loving world) was spied on the set working Valentino’s red Rosier purse. I love her look - the white ruffly blouse and naughty secretary scarlet pencil skirt are to die - but I’m torn on the bag. Much as I love Valentino, the crushed, ombre-ish petal thing hasn’t won me over like, say, the Histoire. Still, I’m psyched to see what other designer purses make their way onto the “Lipstick Jungle” set.

Channel Timeless Clutch

If you go with one Chanel bag, go with the Timeless Clutch. We have seen it on a **riad of celebs, wearing it with lots of different looks, and it never, ever looks bad! Posh is wearing it with F/W Proenza Schouler, and it looks as classic as ever. The roo** clutch is pretty nice for those of us who need more than a lipstick at night too. I’ve been able to stash ** cell, a business card holder, a few glosses, and a pen in mine with room to spare.

Hermes Kelly Handbag

The Kelly Bag (named for the actress and princess Grace Kelly) is made by one individual craftsman in about 18 hours of work.

The skins arrive at the factory already laid out in perfect symmetry, ready for the expert to being his (or her) magic. Goat skins are used for the lining and this is the first part to be actually sewn.

After the lining is made, the base of the handbag is handsewn to the front and back with waxed linen thread. A double saddle stitch is used and each thrust of the needle is carefully done. A tiny hole is made with an awl before each stitch and the stitch size dictates the size of the hole. Adjustment is made for the particular grain of the leather to work with the natural pattern.

The handle comes next in the careful construction of the Kelly handbag and the shaping is done by hand with painstaking attention to detail. The layers of the stitched leather is smoothed with sandpaper and then dyed to match the handbag. Hot wax is applied to protect the handle from moisture.

The distinctive front flap is then added to the bag body and next is the distinctive hardware and 4 feet on the bottom. Each of these metal parts are hand riveted.

Believe it or not, the handbag is then ironed to gently smooth out the wrinkles in the calfskin. Last (but certainly not least!) is the famous gold stamp that says "Hermes Paris".