Sometimes one just finds the most unique accessories when searching for the more budget-friendly brand handbags. This opalescent clutch, the Nannette, from Claire Sanchez, features the pop of a little faux fur tuft. The mixture of shine and powderpuff is really interesting, and surprisingly attractive. Plus it makes this bag a fun, refreshing choice for holiday parties.

The bag is sized 10″ x 7″, made from iridescent silk dupioni, and currently going for a holiday sale price of $57.60. Buy it soon for the holidays at www.ebags.com! (affiliate)!

(By the way, it’s also great that it comes in blue; the color of Hanukkah!)

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A few months ago, I spotted a magazine spread featuring instructions to make handbags from vintage silk scarves and bangle bracelets. I liked the concept of using chic scarves and bangles, but didn’t know how much I would actually like the bag once it was made. It didn’t seem like it would be able to hold much weight.

This Silk Mini Bag by J. Crew reminds me of those bags, but it looks sturdier, and it’s only $68. Made from Italian tie-silk and trimmed with Italian pebbled leather, it has a chain/leather handle, front flap with a magnetic closure and an interior zip pocket. Plus, the more I look at this, the more I like it—it would look so cute on the weekends with jeans.

It’s not just the bold, bright pattern that attracts attention and is special about this Pucci handbag, it’s all in the unique details.

For one, it’s a different kind of shape—the demi-lune satin is ruched, rounded and reminiscent of a bracelet, itself, which brings us to our party-ready details. This is a snazzy occasion bag, with a pink-crystal-encrusted closure and chain mail (very ritzy) handles. Finally, it’s tiny-tiny (10″ x 6″, but short on space) which makes it all cute, not overdone.

All that prices this bag at $570.

After seeing this silver satin evening bag by Anya Hindmarch, I’ve decided even though I don’t have a guy sweeping me off my feet taking me places where I can wear fancy evening attire, I can still feel like a princess carrying this purse. Of course, I don’t have the money to buy it since it’s $760, but, hey, let me dream!

By the way, I love the pleated twists on this!

Santa Claus probably already has a gift for Mrs. Claus, but if he doesn’t, I believe I have found the perfect present. Red, of course, is Mrs. Claus’s favorite color so the Charlotte Clutch by Lauren Merkin, number 11 in the “12 Handbags of Christmas,” would certainly be something Mrs. Claus would love to unwrap Christmas morning. Oh, I’d love to unwrap it any morning!

Made from wine-colored suede, it has thin stripes of metallic gold and is lined with pink striped satin lining; this color combo kind of reminds me of candy canes. It sells for $220 and since it’s 11.5″l x 6″ h, it’s the perfect size to tuck under your arm. The pleated detail adds just enough punch. There’s also a small interior pocket, just right for you to carry lipgloss or for Mrs. Claus to tuck away some candy canes!

By the way, be sure to mark your calendars to check back on Christmas Eve Day for the final installment of the “12 Handbags of Christmas” series—you won’t want to miss it!

What’s your favorite color? Blue is my all-time fav., but if you ask me that on any given day, I might respond differently because I have what I call “favorite color phases.” Right now, I’m actually very into the color purple. I think it may have something to do with that Marc Jacobs Satin Mia purse Ella posted about a couple weeks ago.

The royal purple color of the Coco clutch by Lorelei naturally drew me in and I had to choose it as my seventh choice for the “12 Handbags of Christmas.” Plus, I loved that the color was “royal purple” instead of just “purple.” As you know, purple has always been associated with royalty and I’ve always had a bit of an interest in that. I even wrote Princess Diana a letter when I was younger and I’m not one to write fan letters, but oh well, that’s another story.

If you’re not into the royal purple, but love the unusual and adorable shape of the purse, it’s also available in fuschia, acid green and black and the size (10″ l x 6″ h x 2″ d) is once again, perfect for parties. It sells for $212 and besides being made from satin, it’s also topped with metallic snake trim. Now, all you need is a tiara and you’re set!

Oh, if you’re wondering, I did receive a nice letter back from Princess Diana’s lady-in-waiting—I was quite excited!

Two super nice Banana Republic handbags on sale for under $25!

Silk Print Chain Bag
Tuck this bag’s chain strap inside to convert it into a supremely stylish clutch.

- 100% silk with satin lining.
- Hide-away chain strap, 4 1/2″ drop.
- Gold-tone kiss-lock closure with diamanté accents.
- Inner slit pocket with ruffle trim.
- Measures: 4 3/8″ x 10″ x 2″.
- On sale $19.99 from $38.

Now this is the cutest clutch I have ever seen!

Banded Leather Clutch

Show your sense of refinement. This supple, Italian leather clutch takes a decidedly elegant turn in a chic, banded design with glittering diamanté-studded brooch detail.

- 100% leather with satin lining.
- Snap closure.
- Inner slit pocket.
- Measures: 5 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ x 1 1/2″.
- On sale $24.99 from $58

SmartBargains is the only store I can find that features this stunning floral mini bowler from Prada. It retails for $895, but their price is $529.99.

• Top zip
• Inside open pocket
• Prada triangle logo plaque on side of bag
• Mirror in matching satin pouch included
• Straps are 12″ long
• 7″ wide x 4.5″ high x 3.75″ deep

Find the bag in Women’s Accessories Prada The bad news: ONLY 3 LEFT!