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The Look For Less: Fall It Bags

By Pamela Pekerman

Fall is the season when designers debut their most must-have bags (like the Rebecca Minkoff bag, at left, a favorite of actress Blake Lively). Pamela Peckerman of BagTrends.com shares her top trend picks, along with wallet-friendly styles inspired by the pricier designer looks.

The Trend: Long Lengths

Celebrities can't get enough of Rebecca Minkoff's sultry stylish handbags. Her latest clutch, with the season's trendy long strap, dangles from the shoulders of actresses Rachel Bilson and Blake Lively. Rebecca Minkoff clutch, $325. rebeccaminkoff.com

Long Lengths: The Trend for Less

Swing this sassy purse around your hips. Remove the strap to create a clutch. Or, knot the strap for a chic shoulder bag. The 3-in-1 style is ideal to make room for more bags in your closet! The Sak "Glendora" bag, $99. Available late August, thesak.com

Long Lengths: The Trend for Less

Feminine bow, check. Trendy chain strap, check. Perfect sea green shade, absolutely. Knowing you didn't bust your budget to get great style makes this bag even more irresistible.
Melie Bianco bow clutch, $62. fashionflairs.com

The Trend: The Look of Lace

Prada gets laced-up for Fall. From skirts and dresses to, yes, even a handbag, lace is the frill of choice for this house of luxe. Only a die-hard fashionista can pull off a lace handbag for day. Others should save the look for evening. Prada "Pizzo S" satchel, $1,995. saks.com

Lace: The Look for Less

Eyelet, a bow and kisslock, oh my. It doesn't get sweeter than this lace-like embroidered Italian leather purse, both in design and price. Lockheart "Edith" bag, $395. corsacollections.com

The Lace Look for Less

We have an open-and-shut case with this lace overlay clutch. Ideal for weddings, formal affairs, or just a nice feminine evening bag when you hit the clubs. Isaac Mizrahi for Target lace clutch, $16.99. target.com

The Trend: Exotic Clutches

There are few guarantees in life. But, you can always count on taxes in April and be assured an exotic-skin clutch will be a perennial, seasonless accessory. Oscar de la Renta "Curzon" alligator clutch, $9,950, at Oscar de la Renta boutiques.

Exotic Clutch: The Look for Less

Feminine ruffles add even more panache to this faux snake-skin clutch. The spacious interior is also a plus for the gal who doesn't want to downsize her bag's content for evening. Chinese Laundry clutch, $50.
chineselaundrybags.com

Exotic Clutch: The Look for Less

Whether you're not sure which exotic skin to commit to or you just want to keep your budget recession friendly, get the look of luxury at a fraction of the cost with this sleek option. Urban Expression, $51. fashionbliss.com