Holiday Gift Guide

Modern Handbags

Handbags. You love them or you hate them. They can be a necessity, or they can be a bottomless pit of lost treasures. They can be a coveted piece that your favorite star is sporting, or they can be whimsical, colorful, and a hard-to-miss conversational piece. I prefer the latter. Women, and more and more men, rely on a trusty bag to carry around the trappings of this modern life. I seek out the non-traditional handbag...the one that elicits a gasp or gets an ooh or aah after it's strategically placed on a cocktail table. This collection is my ode to the twist on the conventional handbag. So go ahead and get a little chichi.

Clutch by AnotherJamieDavis

Price: $42
More Info: etsy.com

I love the use of upcycling in these sassy vintage bags created by Jamie Davis. The wood grain embroidery adds a decidedly modern edge to the timelessness of the clutch.

Ammo Bag

Price: $88.00
More Info: silent-revolution.com

This isn't your grandma’s fanny pack. This is a modern twist on design utility offers useful and hands-free ways of carrying a bag. This multi-tasking bag, designed by Silent Revolution, can be worn around the hips, back, or over the shoulder.

Button Bag by Sonali Kaushal

Price: $175.00
More Info: momastore.org

Designed by Sonali Kashal, this elegant bag uses over 600 buttons to give a fresh take on a classic design. It is shiny and sassy. Great for a night out on the town or dressed down with jeans.

Keybag

Price: $225.00
More Info: momastore.org

Need to re-boot the conversation? Or download some new input? You'll be sure to have everyone at your table pushing your buttons when they see this piece. Clever and whimsical, it is also good for impatient people like me who need something to tap on while waiting for the next martini.

Alexander Girard Purse

Price: $45.00
More Info: sfmoma.stores.yahoo.net

Alexander Girard, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. This bag, designed using one of his extraordinary patterns, is a must have for any mid-century fanatic on your list.

Zaum Clutch

Price: $105.00
More Info: etsy.com

Okay, so this is felt overkill. But...I don’t care. I love this little clutch designed by Zaum. Very simple and very fun.

Fuz Farm Shoulder Bag

Price: $135.00
More Info: fuzfarm.com

I obviously have a thing for felt. Add zippers as a design element and I cannot resist. But wait...it gets better! The bag goes flat. What? Yup! Unzip this bag and it packs perfectly into any suitcase. Look, you've got to take a few handbags on a trip. Why not take a couple versions of this one? Designed by Josh Jakus, this versatile bag is one of my favorites.

Ikabags Canvas Handbag

Price: $62.72
More Info: etsy.com

I am crushing hard on this Ikabags-designed, 100% canvass handbag. I love vintage bicycles. I love great graphic design. Great graphical designs of vintage bikes? Well, I am in hog heaven. This sturdy, French made bag makes me want to go "oui-oui-oui" all the way home...

Pantone Messenger Bag

Price: $79.99
More Info: popdeluxe.net

If you are anything like me, Pantone chips are more valuable than poker chips. So, yes…my day was complete when I discovered that these messenger bags look like life-sized chips from the Pantone chart. What a great way to display your true colors.

wendy stevens stainless steel clutch handbag

Wendy Stevens Handbags

Price: $380.00
More Info: wendystevens.bigcartel.com

I love the cold, industrial feel of these perforated stainless steel bags. Hand-crafted by Wendy Stevens, the leather gussets add a touch of warmth and style to this subtle, utilitarian take on the clutch.

etsy modern eames shell chair canvas square handbag

Eames Shell Chair Canvas Tote Bag

Price: $15.00
More Info: etsy.com

So, why would anyone silkscreen an Eames Molded Shell Chair onto a basic tote bag? Answer: Why not? What's not to love about the Eames Molded Shell Chair? Modist did it and I, for one, am glad. This eco-friendly bag is sure to make you some new friends as you gallivant around town displaying your appreciation of the iconic design.

Shoulder Bag by Fuzzy Logic Felt

Price: $78.00
More Info: etsy.com

Felt is a woefully underrated fabric. With a little effort, it produces bold cuts and modern lines. Deborah Brackenbury has taken it a little further, designing a sleek, urban bag that any guy or gal can wear around town with a dash of swagger.