Jimmy Choo Dessy Holdall Purse

The last few days of warmer weather showed some signs of Summer here in the Northeast and there’s nothing is more optimistic than a bright new bag for the season. A fun twist on the eyelet idea is this Jimmy Choo Dessy bag. Like tiny windows into the handbag soul, the small openings have a modern oblong shape (instead of the standard floral motif) giving it a clean, geometric look. Nameplate and tassels hang off the side. Availble for $1375 at Net-a-porter.

Chloe Vinyl Helouise Purse

If you aren’t sick to pieces of the metallic accessories polluting the shelves, maybe you’ll find yourself taken by this cutesy little Chloe Vinyl Helouise handbag. In sharp bronze, with thick handles and a patent-like gleam, this purse serves its purpose if you want to shine. But that’s about all it does - despite its cool color, it’s such a bore! And after what feels like years of metallic everything, it’s nice to take a break and shelve these babies for a while. I love Chloe, but I’m over this. Available for $1380 at Browns Fashion.

Chloe Pearl Messenger Bag

Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours! I’ve never been a fan of bulky messenger bags (I’m typically Team Tote all the way), but this eye-catching Chloe Pearl Messenger Bag is swaying my vote. Recognizing that many messenger bags have a tendency to look overly masculine or ultra-utilitarian without much high fashion polish, this version adds purse-like details for a look that’s rugged AND refined. The brown sheepskin leather retains a distressed, crinkly effect, but the patent/woven leather strap (with an 18″ drop so you can drape it across your body) and prominent gold ball details feel modern and chic. I’d have no problem stuffing my goods inside and throwing this baby over my shoulder. Available for $1,175 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Juicy Couture Hearst Tote

It’s a purse only a true Juicy Couture fan could love, in my opinion. The shiny Hearst Tote is made of ruched nylon and celebrates silver with its head-to-toe, metallic leather and matching hardware. Even the hefty chains on the handle are silver. I’m not a fan of such a blatant, monochromatic color scheme, especially when that color is a metallic. And ruched nylon is never glamorous. Available for $250 at Shopbop.

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Juicy Couture ‘Couture Canvas’ Pet Satchel

Who says that only people can travel in style? In this Juicy Couture Pet Satchel, your precious bestie can look cute too! The bag includes 2 doggie windows on both sides, a top handle and optional shoulder strap and a large pocket inside to keep all your doggie needs. It also has a quilted lining providing a more luxurious ride for your canine diva. Retails at $325, Nordstrom

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Jimmy Choo Patent Tote

Maybe it’s the photo flash, but all I see when I look at this ultra-slick black Jimmy Choo Patent Tote is, um, an oil spill. (Of course, this summer’s sky-high gas prices can make anyone have petrol-related hallucinations.) Size-wise, the tote is ideal for running errands and cramming your essentials inside, and I love the glam gold chain strap detail. But, fan of patent though I may be, the overly rubbery/slippery look of this leather is a tad too - dare I say it? - kinky for my tastes. The tote’s structure may say day-to-day convenience, but that patent is all sex dungeon.

$1,795 at Bergdorf Goodman

Miu Miu Nappa Patch Bowler

Dolce & Gabbana’s multicolored patchwork snakeskin purse has emerged as one of the hottest handbags of the season, and now it looks like Miu Miu’s Nappa Patch Bowler is hot on its heels. This fall 2008 bag features a berry base with multicolored (gray, pink, black, etc.) nappa leather patches layered over it in a way that would make Mondrian proud. The sturdy bowler-style bag also features a black leather top handle and a detachable shoulder strap. It will be interesting to see if this baby can follow D&G’s lead and avoid the hippy-dippy patchwork stigma to become a fresh and modern it bag. Personally, I’m still on the fence. Available for $1,420 at BergdorfGoodman.com.