Who’s that girl with her Salvatore Ferragamo handbag?

Katie Holmes is! Spotted on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Katie Holmes carried a dark brown leather Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2010 hobo handbag with a braided handle and metal gancio detail. Katie is always a fan of classic designs and this Ferragamo bag suits her personal style perfectly. Along with it, Katie paired Christian Louboutin shoes, a pair of jeans, and a military green colored jacket. More info via Ferragamo online.

The Tod’s Ivy Sacca Media Shoulder Bag is just that – a beautiful, simple object that performs its essential function without fuss or bother. For those who love Hermes but simply cannot afford to spend Hermes prices, a Tod’s bag like this one is perhaps the best alternative on the luxury mass-market.

I make the Tod’s/Hermes comparison because of this design’s emphasis on the beauty of the bag’s material. The putty-colored, pebbled Italian leather takes center stage, just as the unique and detailed leathers do on so many Hermes bags. And when you’re using leather as nice as both brands generally do, there’s no reason to guide the emphasis elsewhere. Tod’s isn’t innovative, but it makes beautiful, functional bags that don’t need any innovation. Buy through Saks for $1495.

It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year – Christmas in July! Yes Virginia, Christmas is just five months away and now is the best time to take advantage of end of season sales and stash away a few goodies. Every year we make a promise that we are going to start shopping earlier – so let’s do it! There are always items that everyone needs but why not buy gifts that the people on your list wouldn’t normally buy themselves? And why not get them at a great deal? Here are a few to get you started (these are so good I may do a Christmas in August sequel).

6pm.com is a great place for designer shoes, bags and accessories. They have incredible deals all the time and change them every week. While at this site I found a beautiful black patent leather crossbody from J. Renee (shown above). It retails for $75 and is currently on sale for $14.95. At this price you can get one for yourself too!

Betsey Johnson is known for her unique style so now is a great time to pick up one of her bags at 54% off. You can get the Betseyville Blingin’ Lips N/S Tote for just $50.60 (originally $110) at 6pm.com.

If you have someone on your holiday list that loves leopard prints (maybe it’s you) the Jimmy Tote by Jessica Simpson has a different look that makes it more than just a regular animal print bag. Regularly $118 you can pick it up for just $59.80.

Looking for something unusual?  Take a look at the Prezzo Acrylic Photo Box Satchel at eBags. This acrylic box tote comes in three different colors but the most charming are the ones that have a pattern of high heels and purses. The uses for this bag are endless and the best part is it’s currently on sale for $26.99 (reg. $40).

Okay, if you are looking for a great gift for the handbag lover on your list you can pick up a basic black Kate Spade bag for under $100! Brooklyn Heights Tina normally goes for $195 but is now on sale for just $97. Perfect for any occasion, get there before they sell out. Go to KateSpade.com for this and other great bags on sale.

This French Connection Fanfair Clutch is an absolute cutie-pa-tutti! O.k. so maybe it’s slightly more sophisticated than “cutie-pa-tutti,” but seriously it’s a doll! It just doesn’t get any better than a bag with a concealed press stud fastening, an internal pocket with zip closure, and scalloped edges! Oh, and how fun is the name of the color; Bitter Blue? Charming right? This little looker is also available in Pewter Metallic, for the less adventurous among us. Snag yours at French Connection US for $78.

Who needs an expensive designer purse when you can get something cool, functional, and well made for less than $200? That’s what the makers of Saltbox believe, and their sassy-yet-affordable bags, like this Saltbox Plaid Carryall in Spencer, are just what the doctor ordered when your money tree is experiencing a dry spell. Made from high-quality weighted canvas, this Saltbox tote has been treated to prevent stains and water damage. Available at Saltbox for $140.

Summer isn’t the best time to lug around a bag roughly the size of your upper body, but some of us just can’t help it. It doesn’t help that there aren’t half as many stylish bags of smaller stature available. That all changes now, with the release of this chic Marc Jacobs Debbie Quilted Nylon Crossbody Bag. Small? Cute? Functional? Check, check and check. It meets the “everyday essentials” requirement, which means it can hold your basics with ease. If you’re an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink type, though, it could pose some issues. Otherwise, prepare to pack a punch with this vibrant purple bag. Anything that makes nylon look glamorous has got to be a winner! Available for $495 at Nordstrom.

With its khaki canvas and chocolaty brown leather this J.W. Hulme Co. Carry On Weekender clearly says “I know how to party”. It’s classic but rugged and the perfect size for a quick getaway. A travel bag this size keeps your packing in check – when you only have so much space, you have to pack smart. You can lug around by the top handles or sling it over you shoulders so you can dash to catch the 1:20 train to Prague. Pick it up at Shopbop.com for $506.

This bag doesn’t need much of an explanation. The Chanel Paillette Flap Bag is from the brand’s Paris-Shanghai (Pre-Fall) 2010 collection, and it’ll set you back a cool $6000.

Picture via Chanel.com. To inquire about purchase, please contact Chanel at (800)550-0005.

I’m not certain that I would actually wear this Wendy Nichol Pony Bullet Bag, I tend to lean toward bold, gaudy, bulky delights, but I am absolutely mesmerized by it! It’s a remarkable piece of art, if you ask me. It has such intricate detailing and fine quality that I don’t know if it belongs on your arm or if it should be in an enclosed case somewhere. This leopard print bucket bag with tassels and braided straps can be worn on one shoulder, across the body, or as a backpack, making it as versatile as it is detailed! I particularly love the over-sized leather tassel that hangs from the drawstring along with the subtle gold plated cone charm. So, what do you think? Posh purse or picturesque piece of art? Available at La Garconne for $587.

No matter how many different fabrics, styles and colors of handbags there are out on the market, when you catch a glimpse of a classic design, you just have to stop and give it the respect that it is due. Such is the case with the Chyc Large Patent Flap Shoulder Bag by Yves Saint Laurent. Made in Italy, this simple little black bag will complement just about any LBD without taking away too much attention. You just look at it and you know. And anyone who recognizes a quality YSL bag will know too. It is actually so chic YSL had to come up with a whole new spelling of the word to define it. Word must be getting out because there seems to be a high demand for this bag – Saks is limiting customer purchases to just three bags every thirty days. At $1875 that is pretty impressive! If you would like to add this beautiful piece of work to your handbag collection you can order it from Saks Fifth Avenue.