Get ready for colder weather with bold colors, fringe, and snakeskin, because some trends just simply refuse to go away. But then again, when the designers using these looks continue to incorporate them into their latest collections, having them disappear seems far more difficult.

Both of these trends are captured by Burberry’s Fall 2010 collection. If fall makes you think of berries and apple cider, Burberry’s collection is reminiscent of key lime pie and snakeskin boots. Nevertheless, bold colors pervade nearly all handbags, with lime green, aqua, royal purple, and yellow being drawn from regularly, but snakeskin, chopped up and colored in, is also seen often in Burberry’s collection. Additionally, most bags have a basic clutch style.

Prada juxtaposed neon and black last year, giving all handbags an early 1990s appearance. This color contrast is still present in Prada’s Spring 2011 collection, unveiled recently at Fashion Week. Bold colors, with an emphasis on purple and red berry shades, and stripes characterize this collection of clutch and tote bags.

Gucci, on the other hand, seemed to take a back-to-basics approach with its 2011 collection. While brown leather with gold buckles is a dominant theme, Gucci’s approach to boldness is to simply color an entire handbag gold. Embellishments, additionally, are scarce on most Gucci bags, but tassels, like small dots of fringe, pop up on a few designs.

Marc Jacobs, on the other hand, seems to think that Boho is still in, and adding brighter colors to mid-1990s-style fashions somehow makes them new. Nevertheless, his Spring 2011 collection at Fashion Week was different from most of the others shown. If you’re looking for a western look, Marc Jacobs handbags clearly have it, as nearly all designs have a hobo look lined with fringe and tassels.

Nude makeup has been in rotation since the 1990s, and while this might have been a swift reaction to the contour, blue eye shadow, and heavy foundation of the 1980s, the “natural” look has never gone away. As of recent, this look has gone beyond your eye shadow palette and slightly pink lipstick to your clothing and handbag. Spring and summer trends saw light pink and tan shades introduced to all forms of clothing, although these were originally marketed under the shade “flesh.” But, as retailers have realized the un-PC nature of the term (and seem to recall that Crayola changed the name of this shade to “peach” in the early 1960s), they appear to have redeemed themselves with the nude handbag.

AOL Shopping published a trend piece yesterday regarding nude handbags. They claim that these will be the only handbag you’ll need this season, as the color goes with nearly everything. But, as the pictures accompanying the article indicate, the “nude” color extends from a cream shade to Jersey Shore tan to medium brown. Some nude handbags are a solid shade, while others use two shades of “nude.” Additionally, the trend pervades all styles for fall and winter, and clutches to large hobos will all display this range of neutral shades.

If the high price tags of the bags specified in the trend piece turn you off, designer-inspired lines are displaying this trend, as well. Best Handbag Wholesale, for example, has a taupe handbag that illustrates the lighter end of this trend. Barely a cream color, this hobo handbag has a shiny exterior and drawstring closure. Nevertheless, the nude trend is often matte, and Handbag Distributor gives an example of a mid-shade of nude. Their western taupe handbag uses a tan color as the base and incorporates darker shades of brown on the sides and strap. Similarly, Wholesale Handbags USA uses a greater contrast of color with their western nude handbag and uses a western cross and rhinestones as embellishments.

Remember when mini-backpacks were popular in the mid- to late-1990s? How trends change. While smaller was preferred when Clueless was still relevant, bigger is better in the present. Although a decent teen movie in the same vein as Clueless hasn’t come along since Mean Girls, a lack of youth-oriented pictures doesn’t mean that fashion is stagnant.

But, then again, actress Nikki Reed, who has starred in teen film Thirteen and in the recent Twilight movies, was spotted recently carrying one of these bigger-is-better bags. The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After bag she was seen with recently can’t be described as a hobo, however. The purple gem-toned bag has shape – and even some fringe hanging from the base – but the design resembles that of a duffle or bowling bag.

According to the post from Purse Page above, the Rebecca Minkoff bag is no longer available. That doesn’t mean that other brands don’t carry a similar design, however. Larger-size handbags are in right now, be it a boxy one like Nikki Reed’s bag or a hobo, and gem tones are the colors of choice. In fact, darker tones, like the purple used for Reed’s bag, are preferable.

Rather, Best Handbag Wholesale has a few styles that combine these looks. This purple leatherette handbag, for example, has a hobo style and purple gemstone color. The bag is embellished by a black, western-style cross in front. Other styles, such as this sheen leatherette handbag from Wholesale Handbags USA, go with a mellower shade for the gem tone color – think of this as a darker shade of ruby – and embellish the surface of the bag with rhinestones.

Such handbags, be it by a name brand designer or a line of designer-inspired goods, combine simplicity with eye-popping style. Not subtle but not tacky, solid-color gem tone bags go beyond ordinary black leather to give your look a dash of color.

In a sense, all fashion can be considered limited edition – a collection appears at the start of the season and, after a few months, is gone soon after. In the world of sunglasses, however, some designers hold onto a few tried-and-true designs and keep them in their collections, just as long as the look is in style. But, some looks are here today and gone tomorrow – and others are labeled “limited edition.”

The latter case applies to a recent pair of Max Mara sunglasses that hit the market. These limited edition sunglasses, called “Jane,” are based on Max Mara’s aviator styles but with a distinct old-school appearance. The Jane sunglasses are said to be designed for the women traveler and, considering the history of the aviator style, this is appropriate.

Nevertheless, the features put together for the Jane sunglasses have a distinct early-1990s vibe. And, while not to discredit the style in the same vein January Jones’ dress was at the recent Emmys, the sunglasses look like a style out of an early-1990s sitcom – think of Dwayne Wayne from A Different World. In that case, you can ask yourself, “Do the lenses flip up?”

There’s a reason why some late-1980s and early-1990s styles have (yet) to return. No matter if Max Mara is going for classic style or the nostalgia factor with these sunglasses, they’ll be hard to find in a few months, and they’re only sold through the brand’s boutique stores. Specifically, each pair of Jane sunglasses has a silver or metal frame with round lenses and leather detail on the front. The brand’s name is engraved on the side.

In general, Max Mara aims for a classic look and simplicity with its designer sunglasses. Thicker plastic frames, usually in a dark or mock tortoise shade, have comprised their collection for the past few seasons.

Knockoff or counterfeit items aren’t new, and those searching for designer-looking handbags, clothing, and sunglasses sometimes opt for the less authentic version for the sake of price. Designer brands, however, are feeling the squeeze of the economy, and not only are they lashing out against celebrity designers but also against counterfeit brands. So far, this has worked somewhat, as the amount of counterfeit items mimicking high-end products has subsided, but those making and selling knockoff goods have a new target: low-end designer brands.

These are the brands you might see at Macy’s or the lower-priced goods at Nordstroms. It’s Coach, Ed Hardy, Ugg, and many more that are priced within the average consumer’s reach. As the article above mentions, counterfeiters’ aiming low is actually making them high profits. Handbags, for example, ordinarily priced at $200 to $300 each (a price for a Koomba or Coach bag) would be sold through a knockoff website at $180 – a notable discount but not less enough to appear any more significant than a sale.

This last point makes spotting fakes harder for the average consumer. Additionally, as the article mentions, websites selling knockoffs will use photos of similar products from the brand’s website.

If you want to make sure you’re not purchasing a knockoff handbag or sunglasses through the internet, keep these factors in mind: only purchase these products from a reputable website and, if possible, purchase them in stores. If you are purchasing products in a small boutique, examine the quality of the bag, sunglasses, or clothing first. The stitching is often a dead giveaway for poor quality, and the next item to spot is the name plate. Is it sturdy or does it feel glued on? The latter should indicate that the product was assembled poorly and is, in fact, a knockoff.

So, you decide to buy an expensive handbag. When designer brands are considered, a purse by a lower-end brand will cost around $150, while some of the more expensive bags on the market – a Hermes Birkin bag, for example – will cost as much as a new economy car. But, when a handbag is stolen, it’s a fairly significant loss – not just for the money you put on the bag but also for the contents inside. Women, for example, will carry at least one electronic device, such as an iPod, inside and a cell phone, in addition to a wallet, makeup, and keys. Considering a designer handbag is a serious investment, what would you do if it and its contents were ever stolen?

In the UK, taking out handbag insurance is a possibility. According to this article, one in every three British women own a handbag between £150 and £500, and the items inside, ranging from expensive cell phones and media devices to high-end makeup, up the price of the theft even more. An insurance policy for a handbag, for example, would cost £2,500 for the bag and even more for items inside. Banks may give handbag insurance, while some car insurance policies also cover the cost of handbag theft.

Handbag insurance, however, mainly appears to be a British concept. Handbags in the U.S. may fall under the category of “valuables,” and insurance companies offering such insurance policies for jewelry, computers, and musical instruments may also extend the same type of coverage to handbags.

Nevertheless, should you be carrying around an item with you everywhere that needs insurance? If you’re worried about your bag getting stolen, the best bet might not to be purchasing an insurance policy but to find a cheaper-priced bag. Various designer inspired handbags have the same looks as many designer purses but are sold at a fraction of the cost.

Remember the late 1990s, in which every ordinary item of clothing and accessory was emblazoned with a large logo? Some of those logo-centric brands have faded to the background (who wears Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica anymore?) but other brands, particularly for designer sunglasses and handbags, have changed with the trends. The security of the 1990s is gone, people don’t want to be branded simply by wearing plain jeans and a t-shirt, and the appearance of frugality is important. According to a Yahoo article, the shift in fashion is toward “quiet” goods, or products that are made well but are not defined by a logo.

This is particularly important for handbags, as, even after the brand name 1990s craze, handbag designers still went with monogram styles. Coach and Louis Vuitton are guilty of this, but their monogram bags are still top sellers. Gucci and Chanel, however, are toning down their logos. In the meantime, don’t expect any new monogram handbag designs to surface and, if you’re truly looking to go frugal but stay fashionable, designer inspired handbags are the way to go.

When it comes to designer sunglasses, the branding is somewhat more subtle, but certain brands have distinct styles. Ray Ban, for example, is practically defined by their wayfarer look, while brands like Juicy Couture are known for the feminine, oversized shades. Both brands, as well as many others, incorporate their logo or initials on the side of the frame, near the temple, but, as the Yahoo article explains, some of these designer brands are going to tone it down a bit. Sunglasses will be defined more by style – not so much the brand.

When it comes to picking designer duds, style is important and so is cost. Many go with designer fashion simply because of the label, but quality is also an issue. The current lack of logos is simply a trend, as, to paraphrase the stylist quoted, being superficial isn’t fashionable – but having good taste is always in style.

“Go West” may be a Village People song about going out to San Francisco, but handbag trends this year are also going west, too – western, that is. Think about conchos, fringe, and turquoise or coral colors – all of which should be subtle. However, instead of going out and buying cowboy gear, how should you be wearing these new pieces of western fashion?

When it comes to clothes, less is always more. Consider a turquoise belt and pair it with something neutral. Go for onyx and crystal jewelry with an outfit but, similarly, don’t overdo it. With handbags, however, this is somewhat more difficult, as the handbag is often the center of an outfit and shouldn’t be too overpowering. Is it possible to have a neutral western style that won’t overshadow everything?

Long seen as only western gear, fringe is making its way onto many high-end handbags, such as these by Miu Miu. As you can see, these are all beige leather, with the ends lined with medium-length fringe on both sides. The fringe itself adds a unique and less formal touch to the bag and, without it, the Miu Miu handbag would simply be an ordinary beige hobo purse.

Fringed handbags, of course, are perfect for casual wear, as is the entire western trend of the moment. It’s about having fun and adding character to your clothing and bag. However, if you can’t afford the large price tag attached to the Miu Miu hobo above, don’t worry – many designer-inspired and western handbags are already capitalizing on this trend. Wholesale western wear dealer Western Express, for example, has their own fringed handbags. Designed much like the Miu Miu bags above, these are made with darker leather and have medium-length fringe in front. A silver concho, additionally, adds some slight but noticeable bling to the purse.

Consider it irony: Camouflage, once considered a print exclusive to the military, has crept into the ranks of high-end handbags. The pattern is popular through all ranks of fashion and all types. From clothing to handbags to jewelry, the pattern in its original green form and many other variations can be found. Nevertheless, although considered somewhat of a lowly and alternative pattern, camouflage will now be part of Gucci’s fall handbag collection, which has been making its way onto the internet gradually.

As you can see by the Gucci handbag above, the style takes the basic camouflage pattern and places it on a dark brown handbag. However, aside from this aspect, nothing’s entirely unique or interesting about the handbag itself. More importantly, where would you wear it? The handbag appears to be too casual for formal or even everyday use (could you take it along to your business-attire-only office job? Didn’t think so). But, being Gucci, it seems too formal to take someplace casual. So, essentially, this handbag is pretty much useless.

If you really want to go for the camouflage/military look that hasn’t really died off, consider a less expensive product, such as a design-inspired camouflage bag or clutch. This camouflage wallet with a cell phone holder by Best Handbag Wholesale captures the look of camouflage without the high price tag.

At the moment, military styles and garb are coming out as a trend, so watch which direction it takes. Although camouflage has been in fashion rotation as a popular pattern since the late-1990s, other pieces of military-inspired garb are making their way onto the racks. For example, old-fashion military jackets with slight shoulder pads and front buttons are all the rage now for adults and teens. Do you think this trend will last? Will it translate to a similar style for handbags?

Python has been around on handbags for the past two years. First, the pattern started out bright: python skin was used for the body of a bag, which was then dyed a color like purple or hot pink. But, then the boldness wore off, and stars, instead, went for natural hues or a less ostentatious presentation, which might have been python skin dyed white or black. What form has the trend taken on now?

Python skin will be one of those trends that takes a while to be fully gone. Recent findings of this trend have included Megan Fox at the Jonah Hex premier. However, Jonah Hex was a movie no one really cared about or even saw, and the same can be said of Fox’s handbag and her quickly dying film career. You can only last so long being a talentless hottie, and the same can be said for a handbag trend that has minimal novelty value. Her black python clutch contrasts with her dress, but, as far as uniqueness is concerned, the Salvatore Ferragamo clutch is simply, “Been there, done that.” It aptly captures Fox’s career: just a flash in the pan.

On the other hand, the recent Sex and the City movie still brings up this style through an Adriana Castro bag worn by Carrie Bradshaw during the film. As seen in the information about the competition to win said bag, this python clutch is bright, with a two-tone color scheme. Considering Carrie’s fashion choices, the bag makes sense and, if worn correctly, might even be a unique centerpiece to an outfit. Although SATC2 was panned as much as Jonah Hex was, at least the fashion choices made by the stars offer more in the way of interest.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to capture this trend, consider some of the designer inspired options by Wholesale Handbags USA, such as this purple python handbag that captures the natural pattern of the snake’s skin but adds some addition color.