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.

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.

On some occasions, you see stars carrying the same handbag. In a few of these rare instances, the stars manage to wear the handbags in two completely different ways. This appears to be the case with a Chanel handbag, which was seen as of recent on Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus. Although quilted leather has been a minor trend this past year, Chanel handbags, at least in the designer world, have been the primary source for this look.

A basic quilted Chanel handbag, such as the one seen on Kim Kardashian and Miley recently, has a flap style, with material made from quilted leather. A longer strap is attached. When Miley carries this purse, she wears it much like a cross body bag. Perhaps her small frame – she is still an adolescent, after all – makes it seem more like a cross body bag instead of an ordinary purse. Additionally, she appears to wear it like a sophisticated messenger bag. Along with casual attire (how much more casual can you go beyond a t-shirt and jean shorts?), the quilted leather handbag ends up standing out and seeming out of place.

Kim Kardashian, although no less visible than the Disney star, seems to generally have a better sense of style. But then again, that’s to be expected somewhat, as an adolescent, child star or not, is still trying to find her sense of self. While Miley Cyrus, at the moment, can’t be tamed, Kim Kardashian is the only one from her televised family who seems to skirt away from controversy – and to look fabulous at the same time.

Because of this, it appears, Kim Kardashian seems to know how to appropriately wear this Chanel handbag. Granted, she’s known for her curves, and the thin strap wouldn’t work as cross body style in her case, but coupling the bag with formal attire – or at least a dress and coat for going out – is a far more appropriate pairing.

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.

Rhinestones have been in and out for the past few seasons. On one hand, the trend is vilified, especially after nearly every Ed Hardy design – t-shirt, handbag, pants – displays them and a bunch of glitter. But, on the other hand, various clutches seen on celebrities have used gemstones or had a crystal-encrusted appearance, in particular at the recent Emmy’s ceremony. So, what’s the difference between being classy and a Jersey Shore-wannabe-gone-Myspace Blingee?

First, consider how the rhinestones are presented. Having too much in one space is one factor that has caused many to stop wearing Ed Hardy. The brand uses an elaborate, bright-colored tattoo image on every accessory and clothing, and this is additionally highlighted by a combination of rhinestones, studs, and glitter. The combination of the bright colors, often on a brighter-colored background, and the excessive bling often give Ed Hardy gear the “trashy” label.

But, if excessive rhinestones really are your thing, spending a bit more or having a few quality pieces go much farther than having a closet full of Ed Hardy. This crystal-encrusted Alexander McQueen clutch, for example, does rhinestones just right. All crystals and studs are set on a darker-colored background and, instead of being red, are also dark in color. The small dots of silver, however, stand out and highlight the clutch.

Designer-inspired clutches, such as this rhinestone flat wallet, can be found at Best Handbag Wholesale.

Aside from the background for the rhinestones, with what are you pairing the look? Rhinestones aren’t a pattern – they’re like highlighter. Too much highlighter, and the image looks blinding. Using a few gems as a highlighter is often the right amount. These Valentino sunglasses, for example, give just the right amount. Added to the rose cutouts on both sides of the shades, the rhinestones accentuate the pattern – but not too much. Overdo it, and you’ll end up literally blinded like Snooki.

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.