It’s not often that I find a MICHAEL Michael Kors bag for under $100, so you can imagine my surprise when I came across the MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton trompe l’oeil cotton-canvas tote.  It’s perfect for those weekends when you want to go casual and carry a bag that’s light and easy.  I love the bright red cotton-canvas with the black and gold trompe l’oeil print.  Price: $80.00 at NET-A-PORTER.COM.

There are always new bags arriving at Jill’s Consignment, and some sell so fast it will make your head spin!  I’ve spotted several Chanel bags in the past two weeks that are totally worth the splurge.  The Black & Gray Large Cambon Tote is the perfect everyday bag because it’s spacious with lots of compartments (always a plus!).  It has butter soft, black quilted lambskin with gray interlocking CC logo and grey trim.  Additional features include zip closure, double straps, silver-tone hardware including six studs at the base, back pocket, yellow woven cc lining with zippered pocket, double pen pocket, cell pocket, large padded pocket and flat pocket.  There is a leather tab with velcro closure on the inside to keep items in padded pocket protected.  This bag is in pristine condition inside and out and comes with authenticity card and dust cover.  Price: $1.695.00

I’ve been on the hunt for a crossbody/messenger bag for months, and I think I found THE ONE!  The MARC BY MARC JACOBS Messenger Bag – Werdie Colorblock Top Handle meets all my requirements – vibrant color, soft leather, structured silhouette, and plenty of pockets.  I love how it ties in with the colorblock trend and available in two colors – electro blue multi and shock red multi.  Additional features include top handle, adjustable and detachable crossbody strap, magnetic snap closure, two front pockets, interior zip pocket and two interior slip pockets.  Price: $498.00 at Bloomingdale’s.

The “Follow Your Heart” Charity Fashion Gala and Auction is the official kick off event for Columbia Style Week’s “Road to Runway Tour”, and will be held at Tapp’s Center for the Arts (located downtown at 1644 Main Street) on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 7:30pn to 10:30 pm.  Partnering with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign, this event will be hosted by Arielle Riposta-McConchie and Alicia Zeigler of Wink Magazine.  Dr. Norma Khoury is the Keynote Speaker on heart disease and its impact on women.  The event will also include a silent auction, refreshments and wine, live entertainment and DJ, a Red Dress fashion showcase and more!

A portion of all ticket sales and 100% of silent auction proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.  Click {here} to purchase a ticket.

Fashion meets mobility with the Case-Mate Colorblock Kayla Crossbody Phone Wallet.  The leather, color block clutch offers a chic, convenient way to carry your device.  Designed to wear on the wrist or cross body with the detachable metallic chain, it’s perfect for when you want to travel light and leave your handbag at home.  An outer pouch with a magnetic closure secures your device, and makes it easily accessible.  The zip-around compartment fits the essentials for a night out, including credit card slots, ID holder and coin pouch.  The Kayla Clutch fits most devices, including all iPhones, BlackBerrys, HTC phones and other popular devices.  Price: $88.00 at Nordstrom.

Jill’s Consignment has eight Fendi bags available right now, three of which are different style baguettes.  I appreciate how Fendi always pushes the envelope with unexpected fabrics and texture.  I love the Fendi Leopard Print Mink Baguette for several reasons.  It has leopard print mink with purple lizard accents and silver-tone Fendi engraved hardware with black enamel. Purple and beige lambskin lining with zippered pocket.  This bag is in pristine condition and comes with a dust cover.  Price: $695.00.

I’ve always had a thing for camouflage, so it comes as no surprise that I’m totally loving the LeSportsac Joyrich Candy Camo Heart Pouch.  A collaboration with JOYRICH, this bright camouflage, heart-shaped nylon pouch features ‘JOYRICH Los Angeles’ lettering.  There is a metal logo plate at front and logo-print grosgrain banding at back.  Additional features include gold hardware, interwoven sateen banding at detachable chain strap, zip main compartment closure and logo-lined interior with patch pocket.  The best part about this cute pouch is the price – it’s under $100!  Price: $68.00 at Shopbop.

The COACH Leather Champagne Bottle Key Ring makes the perfect gift for almost any occasion.  Take a moment to check out the cute details – patent and metallic leathers with hand-placed Swarovski stones and embossed Coach Cs.  It totally represents an event worth celebrating!  Price: $58.00 at Bloomingdale’s.

I love the trend of vibrant Southwestern designs which is the vibe of the Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent ‘Mia’ Embroidered Crossbody Bag.  It has an embroidered pattern and contrasting black leather that makes it versatile and easy to coordinate with the many colors in my closet.  My second favorite element is the buckle-detailed straps which reminds me of a messenger bag.  There is a top handle and detachable strap for an alternative carrying options.  Additional features include magnetic-snap closure, interior zip, wall and cell phone pockets and signature jacquard lining.  Price: $395.00 at Nordstrom.

Pop of color – If you are wearing a simple or solid color dress, give your outfit a burst of color by accessorizing with a brightly colored handbag.  Nothing is too bright or too bold and no color is off-limits with this trend.  The brighter, the better! (Especially when you are wearing a neutral-colored dress!)

Metallic – Shimmer is always in style for NYE – look for gold, silvers, and bronzes to be especially on-point with the metallic theme, though you can find metallics in other tones too.

Beaded – Beads may make you think old-fashioned, or like something your grandmother would wear, but they are the classiest way to pull off an “old Hollywood”, glam outfit.  If you choose a bag with colorful beads, it will add more visual interest to your party outfit.

Sequins – Another way to show some shimmer, and the newer version of the beaded bag. Yes, your mom probably wore a ton of sequins in the eighties, but when done right, they are extremely fashionable.  There are ways to wear sequins without looking like you’re ready for a dance recital!

Two-Toned – Remember earlier this summer when color-blocking was all the rage?  Well, this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Look for bags that combine two or more blocks of color in angular shapes.  The bag pictured above combines the metallic trend with color blocking.

Chain strap bags – If you are going to be dancing the night away, you are going to want to be doing it hands-free and this style will allow for that! Chains on bags are both stylish and functional for your New Year’s Eve partying!

Glitter handbags – There is no such thing as “too much glitter” on NYE, and you can prove that with a fashionable glitter handbag. You didn’t do NYE right unless you wake up the next morning covered in glitter!

Feathery handbags – Feathers are another trend left-over from summer that is still on point for winter. Choose bags with any color of feathers that match your ensemble for the evening.

Have a safe and fabulous New Year’s Eve with these handbag style tips!

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Chris Coleman is the community manager at Authentic Luxury Goods, an online designer handbag consignment store located in San Diego, CA.  Authentic Luxury Goods buys and sells gently-used designer handbags, watches, jewelry, and more at 30-70% off retail.