Everyone knows how great shoes are.  They are a reliable guilty pleasure – they always fit.  Handbags are now having a moment.  You might say Handbags are the new shoes.  Or not.  But there’s no doubt there’s some phenomenal talent innovating in Handbag design.

It’s all about Color Blocking. And the queen of color blocking is Paula Cademartori.  I have never seen anything like her bags.  Exquisite.  Admittedly, pricey, but truly works of art.

If you can’t do one of her bags, another option is a Paula Cademartori bag tag.

For a beautiful but just slightly more understated approach to color blocking, I am also coveting Reed Krakoff handbags.

And coming for spring, Holly Fulton has teamed up with handbag manufacturer Petek 1885.  The result?  Some absolutely adorable lunchbox bags.

Paula Cademartori bags are available at Net-a-Porter, Matches Fashion, the Corner and Moda Operandi.  They run over $1000 (often well over), although you can grab some styles on sale right now.

For Reed Krakoff, try the Corner or YOOX.   

Modi Operandi offered the Holly Fulton handbags in a pre-season trunk show.  Look for them to hit stores in late winter.  They retail for $600-$1190.  

Not your price range?  At all?  Stay tuned for our next post – Designer Bag Hack.