Wearing fur – or at least faux fur – is associated with colder weather in various parts of the world, and some designers are capitalizing on this trend. First, Chanel released their line of Fall 2010 handbags that took the looks of winter – fur, ice, snow – to another level. But Karl Lagerfeld and camp aside, fur appears to be an emerging trend, much in the same way snakeskin was two years ago. Considering wearing real fur is somewhat of a fashion faux pas, should you consider one of these handbags – or be prepared to be doused with red paint for wearing one outdoors?

While Chanel’s Fall 2010 collection was all about winter, other designers are far more ornate. Roberto Cavalli, for instance, put out this Squirrel Trimmed Shoulder Bag. With a body made from embroidered velvet, these shoulder bags have squirrel fur trim around the edges.

Squirrel, on the other hand, is considered the bottom of the barrel, as far as fashion and food are concerned. Although the black and brown patina stands out against the gold embroidery of the Cavalli bag, other designers go for higher quality. Christian Louboutin, for instance, has the Eden Fur Ball Clutch as part of its line. Literally a ball of soft fur with a metal chain attached, this small purse uses mink for a subtle look.

Fur, for most, is unaffordable, and these designer handbags with it run into the thousands of dollars – even for squirrel. Rather than blowing a few months’ rent on a handbag, consider the possibilities from designer-inspired products. Best Handbag Wholesale, for example, has gotten in on this look with cowhide handbags. With the same furry appearance but at a far more reasonable price, each of these centers around the appearance of solid-color or mottled cowhide.

Refinery 29 recently compiled all of the looks for handbags for fall and winter. Some of these are retreads of last years’ styles – leopard print, anyone? – while others just go to show that bigger and bolder is often better for handbags. But rather than forking over $300 to $600 just for a purse that may only be in style for six months, here are some suggestions for finding designer-inspired versions.

Leopard Print. Last year, leopard print was everywhere – especially in patent leather and with other color variations. This year, the pattern has gone for a back-to-basics appearance and is found on several styles, from hobo handbags to totes to clutches. Handbag Distributor has a leopard print tote with rhinestones and patent leather.

Satchels. Designed much like totes, satchels give you the option of holding the bag or swinging it over your shoulder. In general, staying with solid colors is recommended, and the top should have a zipper closure, as well as a few pockets. This two-tone satchel from Handbag Distributor uses black and brown leatherette and is embellished by rhinestones along the edges.

Ladylike or Saddle Bags. Although Refinery 29 lists these as two separate looks, they’re essentially the same style: a medium-sized purse with a thin handle attached. Carry the bag or swing it over your shoulder, but the space inside holds a bit more than the basics. An alternative to a clutch, these handbags will hold a wallet, keys, makeup, and other small items when you go out. Find them in quilted leather, print, or snakeskin looks. Designed in black leatherette, these cowgirl bags from Best Handbag Wholesale have the right amount of space and a strap long enough to go over a shoulder.

Bold Colors and Patterns. Refinery 29 mentions red and bold prints separately, but these two looks are essentially one – a handbag that stands out from your outfit. Although red is far more common, prints for handbags have also become bolder. Find both red handbags and bold patterned purses at Best Handbag Wholesale and Handbag Distributor.

Two years ago, python handbags appeared as a popular trend. From clutches to hobo purses, bags were decorated with snake print, dyed or natural. At first, the skin was tinted with gem or jewel tones, but then this boldness grew out of style, and the bags took a more subdued look for the last few seasons. Black or white snake or other reptile skins, instead, allowed the trend to stay in circulation but made it less conspicuous – unique but not the center of the outfit. In the present, boldness is back – and is far brighter than before.

Recently, Nikki Reed, of the Twilight films, was seen carrying a gold-colored snakeskin clutch. This Michael Kors Hadley Python Clutch, as you can see from the picture, matches her dress, down to the color and texture. But while Reed could have easily paired the gold fabric of her dress with a less matchy-matchy bag, she opted instead to, literally, go for the gold. Even within the outfit, the python clutch stands out with its two stripes in front.

While such a purse costs $900, other affordable options are available. If you go the designer-inspired route, Wholesale Handbags USA has snakeskin and crocodile skin wallets, designed with a clutch style, in several bold shades. Rather than the darker color of gem or jewel tones, the gold, in this instance, enhances the pattern of the skin. Even when made from leatherette, the gold flat wallet, with small rhinestone embellishments, will stand out against any outfit.

Gold isn’t the only shade used for these clutches, and the trend, as of recent, has been lighter but bolder shades – think of hot pink, lavender, or even sky blue. Although “bigger, better, bolder” aptly describes the larger hobo handbags of the present, clutches and wallets are smaller, brighter, and more detailed. Even this hot pink crocodile wallet, embellished with rhinestones, brings out the skin’s natural pattern with a less-conventional color.