- Staci from HandbagReport.com

I am a strong believer in that you don’t have to spend a lot to look fabulous! While most of us rely on magazines to learn the new trends of the season, we can also use it as inspiration to know what to shop for in order to stay current.  In today’s economy, it’s more practical to splurge less and shop the hot trends at affordable prices.  Allow me to show you how to get the designer looks for less without compromising your style.

1.  Deux Lux Twist Bag vs. Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Washed Hobo

Deux Lux Twist Bag, $68.00, Urban Outfitters

Salvatore Ferragamo Miss Vara Washed Hobo, $1,590, Neiman Marcus

2.  Big Buddha “Mia” Rose Dome Satchel vs. Valentino ‘Petale’ Leather Hobo

Big Buddha "Mia" Rose Dome Satchel, $88.00, Dillard's

Valentino 'Petale' Leather Hobo, $1,895, Nordstrom

3.  Deux Lux Studded Hobo vs. Botkier Addison Tote

Deux Lux Studded Hobo, $49.99, Urban Outfitters

Botkier Addison Tote, $675, Shopbop

- Staci from HandbagReport.com

The start of a new season is exciting because there are new trends to uncover and incorporate into your wardrobe!  The easiest way to refresh what’s in your closet is to invest in new accessories.  Spring handbags come in a range of soft and bright colors with new details and silhouettes.  Ruched leather, pleats, and braided handles have been seen throughout many collections including Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Prada, Michael Kors and Salvatore Ferragamo.

1. Pleated Woven Tote by Bottega Veneta
$2,480

This bag is made of woven napa leather and features unique pleated detail, adjustable handles, and silver hardware.

 

2. Metallic Borsa Mia Shoulder Bag by Fendi
$1,710

Fendi’s shoulder bag is made of beautiful metallic palladium leather.  With a pleated front, gold hardware and shoulder strap with chain detail, it’s more elegant than your everyday bag.

 

3. Skorpio Pleated Hobo by Michael Kors
$795

This hobo is the perfect update for your reliable “go to” black leather bag.  It features pleated detailing with a woven shoulder strap and goldtone hardware.  Can be worn from day to night!

 

4. Tessuto Bow Hobo by Prada
$650

This papaya-colored bag will instantly brighten up any wardrobe.  Nylon and lambskin with gathered detail and a braided handle, this bag can also be worn from day to night.

 

5. Miss Vara Poncho Bag by Salvatore Ferragamo
$2,250

Be prepared to turn heads.  The elaborate details include mercurio leather with black leather accents, gathered front with crocodile-embossed leather plate and removable shoulder strap.

When following seasonal trends, select a handbag that is true to  your taste and lifestyle.  You don’t want it to end up collecting dust in your closet!  Size, shape, and color should also be considered.  Neutral and metallic handbags can be more versatile than bright colors, but bright colors are always fun to play with and can be counted on to make a huge statement where it counts.

– Staci from HandbagReport.com

Jessica Jensen Clutch

Jessica Jensen, a Fashion Marketing graduate, launched  her line of handbags in 2008.  After working with international brands like Calvin Klein, Nike, John Varvatos, Michael Kors and Lulu Guinness, Jessica was equipped with the knowledge and skills to start a line of her own.  Three words that best describe Jessica Jensen handbags are: classic, luxurious and functional.

Jessica Jensen’s philosophy begins with a high standard, demanding that every item be designed and manufactured as investment-worthy.  Each design has timeless appeal and is made with superb detail and quality.  Jensen’s vision is to offer stylish women luxurious, chic and feminine accessories that are equally wearable and attainable.

Jessica Jensen Tote

As you build your handbag collection, it is important to have a mix of classic trendy and unique pieces.  Options are important for the days you want a bag that matches your mood or best complements your outfit.  On the other hand, it is convenient to have a bag that looks great with everything.  When investing in a classic bag, look for subtle details such as a textured pattern or hardware that is simple and won’t go out of style.  After all, you want to be able to love your handbag forever.

Leighton Meester in Louis Vuitton

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester spotted at Paris Fashion Week with the Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton Suede Asphalt Bag  as her arm candy.   The classic day bag shape, reminiscent of  the iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy Tote, combined with ultra-soft, casual suede is a great accessory for the Manhattan Queen Bee’s casual-chic look.  Leighton’s floral print dress and platform sandals pictured here are all LV.  We can’t all strut LV from head to toe, but can come close with this look for less.    

Get This Look (for less!) at beso:

Rebecca Minkoff Black embossed suede 'Morning After' Bag, $357

Tory Burch Lou Lou Dress, $279

Stuart Weitzman Teeny Dress Sandals, $365

Enter To Win: Kooba Natasha Tote in Bordeaux

One of our favorite bags this season is the Kooba Natasha suede shoulder tote, now available in bordeaux.  With rich suede and goldtone hardware, this bag is definitely a statement piece.   Made by women for women, Kooba strives to set itself apart from other bags by featuring quality materials and stunning attention to detail.  The mother-daughter team Bonnie and Abby Held create their signature bags out of New York, often using bold colors and naming them after some of our favorite celebrities!  This is why we don’t just love the bag, we love the brand.  And, as the old adage goes: if you love something, set it free.

That’s why beso is giving away this bag to one lucky winner.  Enter for a chance to win 1 of 3 designer handbagswith our beso Lucky Sweepstakes on Facebook.  This is your last chance to win, as the contest ends 11:59PM, PST 10/31/2009.