As we head into the new year (and the second decade of the 21^st century), we also enter into a new era of fashion.  Before we know it, spring and summer looks will hit the runways, fashion magazines and department stores.  What will be the hot colour?  Will it be skirts, dresses or shorts?  What will stay around from last season, what will make a comeback, and what should we finally throw away?

And when we talk about clothing, it is only appropriate that we mention accessories as well.    At the top of that accessories pile?  Handbags.  The ultimate accessory in utility and style, bags, purses, clutches and backpacks are items without which any woman should ever want to live her daily life.

Want to know what’s hot in handbags in 2010?  Take some cues here.

1.  Clutches

These festive bags are the perfect accessory for a night out on the town or a special occasion.  Though they’re not necessary the most spacious bags, they are roomy enough to allow for the packing of the basic essentials such as lipstick, mobile phone and keys.  There are a variety of styles and designs available, all of which are quite stylish.  Pretty embellishments such as sparkles, pearls and embroidery are great ways to spice up a simpler outfit, while solid coloured clutches are a great way to add a pop of color.

2.  Slouch Handbags

Slouch handbags are great for those who are on the go.  Comfortable and easy to wear, they are unstructured bags ideal for everyday use.  They come in a variety of fun colors and designs and are great for weekends of shopping or travelling.

3.  Gladstone Handbags

These bags are roomier than most – great not only for daily use, but also for overnight trips (for light packers).  More structured than the slouch handbag, their form indicates a certain level of class and elegance that many will enjoy.  They come in a variety of colours, such as sleek black or clean white.

4.  Grab Handbags

These classic handbags literally stand on their own – their usual smart and sleek structure giving them strong forms and pretty shapes.  Held in the hand or slung over the arm, they are probably your best bet for a daily handbag this year.  They come in a wide variety of styles and designs.  Straps can be leather or metal, long or short, wide or thin.  These bags vary in size depending upon the taste of the user.  With lots of compartments inside and sometimes a few on the outside, they are great to help a girl to stay organized as well.  The options are really endless when it comes to these grab handbags.  A wide variety of colors are available, ranging from basic black to popping red.  Styles and designs of leather should also be checked out.

The new year promises to be a good one when it comes to fashion and accessories.  Start checking out fashion magazines and grazing the aisles at local department stores to stake out the perfect bag for you!

Clutch Handbag

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes many things – decorations, shopping trips, food, drink, and, most importantly, parties.  It is a time of the year in which social gatherings are most prevalent and get-togethers, dinners and festivities are held several nights a week.

With these parties come certain concerns.  In the case of many women, this includes the question of what to wear.  And once the question of what to wear is answered, another issues emerges – how to accessorize.  One of the most important, though sometimes overlooked, accessories necessary for the holiday party is, of course, the handbag.  Necessary not only in terms of style but also in terms of utilities, these tiny totes are the perfect way to put a finishing touch on your party-dress style.

This year, it seems that change is in the air when it comes to party handbags.  While clutches remain the choice design of most women, the embellishments with which they come have been taken up a notch this year.  Adding a bit of frill and complexity to a timeless favorite, such decorations are both festive and elegant.

More and more women are reaching for more elaborate handbags this season.  They are the perfect way to accessorize a simple dress or replace heavier pieces of jewelry.  Clutches are of the most elegant pieces available in the world of handbags, made even more so by more artistic designs.  They possess an air of luxury and fineness that will not go unnoticed.

What kind of embellishments are most popular this season?  It seems as though sparkle is key.  Both beautiful and festive, subtle sparkles from rhinestones, sequins or other shiny embellishments will be sure to catch the eye of other party-goers.  High quality leather clutch handbags with impeccably sewn sparkling embellishments are definitely in style this season.

Other sorts of designs, of course, are also quite popular.  Instead of rhinestones or sequins, many designers are this year leaning towards pearls.  These more subtle jewels are still shiny but also unique.  A pearl-embellished clutch is an ideal accessory to accompany a simple black dress or a pearl necklace and earrings.

Trendsetters will want to look to other unique adornments and decorations for clutch purses this year.  An immaculately hand-painted bag will be quite the topic of discussion at a dinner party, and a subtly embroidered clutch may go perfectly with sparkly, festive dress.  The sky is the limit when it comes to the ways in which these timeless accessories can be embellished.  What is constant, however, is that fact that such decorations really do add an extra something to one’s look.

Whatever design or embellishment is chosen, the simple fact remains:  clutches are and will continue to be a fabulous way to accessorize during the party season.  These lipstick and mobile phone carrying cases can render a woman the envy of all others at a party, especially when their quality and style is impossible to miss.

The country of Italy is known for a number of things – its food, its history and its culture, just to name a few.  It is also known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, with centres of style in many of its major cities including Rome and Milan.  The home of Gucci and Dolce Gabbana, the country is the centre of the highest fashion in the world.

Considering the exclusivity and elegance of the Italian world of fashion, it should come as no surprise that the materials used are of the highest quality.  This is especially true when it comes to leather.  Italian leather is known worldwide for its value and quality.  It is used for a multitude of products and items, including shoes, car upholstery, handbags and more.

What makes Italian leather so special?  There is no specific answer.  The treatment process used by Italian leather producers is tried and true, dating back hundreds of years.  The hide produced is impeccable and lacking in the flaws often found in leather produced in other parts of the world.

Producers use a variety of labour sources in the process, meaning that the hide passes through several sets of hands.  They are carefully and closely inspected before treatment, and only the best are accepted.  There are several quality checks carried out during the process to ensure that no low-quality leathers slip through.

Once the leather has been treated, it is dyed and finished so that it will be both durable and long lasting, withstanding the test of use and time.  Italian leather producers pride themselves on the consistency and value of their work.

Florence, Italy is specifically known for its leather productions, and visitors to the historic city are sure to be met with a wide array of products.  Over the years, Milan has also become an important producer of leather.  Milan-based leather is used primarily by exclusive fashion houses.  Leather goods produced in Milan go hand-in-hand with fashion and taste.

Considering all of this information, it is no wonder that Italian leather handbags are as popular, exclusive and often expensive as they are.  Purses, clutches and bags made of Italian leather are among the most sought-out products in the world.  Representing more than fashion trends or expensive accessories, they are long-term investments that will endure for years.

Italian leather handbags are timeless purchases, and many are designed as to never go out of style.  Coming in a variety of different colors with a number of embellishment options, they are sure to please any woman, anywhere in the world.

When it comes to quality, beauty and elegance, Italian leather is difficult to beat.  Centuries of practice and perfection have rendered the leather preparation process in Italy impeccable, rendering this fashion capital even more stylish and fashionable with its top-quality leather productions.

Doesn’t time fly? Now it’s time to prepare ourselves for what we’ll be buying, wearing and craving in Autumn & Winter 2009. Here’s what to expect:

Handheld

Clutch handbags are a key item for AW, which will take you smoothly into the Christmas party season. Chain handles are still an important look, although they will be wrapped around the hand rather than over the shoulder.

Don’t worry, for the hoarders among us, the oversized slouch is still very much about, but shorter, chunkier handles have evolved it into a handy grab – think doctors’ satchel look meets Mary Poppins’ capacity.

Tactile

It’s all about the look and feel, from butter soft slouch leathers, to squidgy quilting and studded hardware – you won’t be able to keep your hands off next season’s handbags.

Exotic Leathers

Whether it’s ostrich, snake or crocodile leather, expected to go safari next season with a range of exotic materials pioneered this season by Michael Kors. However, if you ask me, I’d much rather keep it mock-croc – blegh.

Vintage

Yester-year looks are still a big part of catwalk trends, although we’ll be travelling further back from the 70s & 80s inspired looks of S/S to the most sophisticated and classy styles of the first half of the 20^th century. Lanvin showed a beautiful collection of vintage box-shapes, while Hermes kept to what they knew best with a sumptuous Kelly & Birkin inspired range.

Quirky

Lagerfield at Chanel created a wonderful range of handbags complete with must-have contents (Ipod, headphones, perfume, lipstick, mirror & sunglasses) laminated into Perspex. Although, not the most practical thing to have graced the catwalk, I can’t wait to see how the clever people at Topshop translate the look into a wearable style for the High Street.

For the one lady we can always rely on for quirkiness, LuLu Guiness has released a new range to celebrate her 20^th anniversary, but for those of us who can’t afford the price tag, Accessorize at Monsoon do this cute alternative.

Embellishments & Detailing

I am overjoyed that those feminine touches that I’ve fallen in love with this season are here to stay for the rest of the year. All of you who invested in beads, buckles, pleats and bows have chosen wisely & if not, here’s the go-ahead to treat yourself to something pretty & girly.

80s Inspired Rock Chic

In contrast to above, faded denim, aged leather, buckles, studs and metal will all be red hot in Autumn & Winter. If you want to keep bang on-trend, inject your whole outfit with a laid-back Sienne Miller inspired vintage T-shirt & baggy jeans.