Indulge: Fall 2008 handbag trends

Fall 2008 handbag trends

Fall 2008 purses ...

Thin is in when it comes to handbags for the fall. This is according to the fabulous stylists at Bag Borrow or Steal who have great flat totes by Tory Burch, BCBG, Burberry and Gucci (just to name a few). Louis Vuitton also makes some sleek flat totes that are timeless and can be worn with anything. Just ask Angelina Jolie who is seen quite a bit with her Louis Vuttion Cabas Mezzo bag (left).

Chain handles

Chain handle bags are also making a comeback and come in various lengths. Traditionally Chanel makes a gorgeous handbag with a chain strap such as the one below designed by Karl Lagerfeld. You can also find these bags at lower price points by XOXO and even J. Crew.

Embellishments

Speaking of chains, other hardware, such as studs and buckles will be big on fall bags as will non-metal embellishments like leather roses (seen on many Prada bags) and fringe. I just went for a bigger bag this fall with the purchase of a Balenciaga Giant Day Handbag, which incorporates both fringe and gold hardware.

Exotic skins

As noted in Indulge's Fall 2008 shoe trends column, exotic skins are popular with high-end designers this fall. Snakeskin is always timeless and sophisticated when worn correctly; meaning a little bit goes a long way. Gucci debuted a beautiful snakeskin bag (below) at their Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Haute-Couture collection.

Marc Jacobs featured snakeskin handles on some of the pieces he designed for the Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2008-2009 ready-to-wear collection.

Colorful clutches

Clutches are always in style and perfect for a night out. Some of the biggest colors this fall for handbags are magenta, purple, yellow and brown. Amici has some gorgeous clutches in those colors -all under $50!