Earlier in the year, Jen Garner was photographed all over Boston playgrounds toting a Jansport backpack. While Jansports are fine with the middle school crowd, someone as cute as Jennifer shouldn’t be photographed with it relentlessly. I’m quite glad she left that bag behind and opted for a more grown-up, more elegant Lanvin Hero. This bag fits her style nicely — unfussy and sweet. It’s even on sale (in the black version) at Barneys for $699!

Chanel and Givenchy sadly gave us bupkis on the bag front at the Paris couture shows for fall, but Christian Lacroix happily picked up the slack. The purses shown were anything but boring, ranging from romantic black velvet clutches smattered with beads, to old-school miniature portraits swathed in ornate beads and gold chains, to decadent pink and red peppermint-striped handbags adorned with girly ribbons (with stockings to match, no less!). This being a couture show, it was all very costumey (save for a black clutch or two), but the parade of over-the-top and overly embellished handbags certainly made for fun eye candy.

Photos from Style.com.

Is there anything better than classic Marc Jacobs? Not for die hard fans like me. The new Classic Hobo is frill-free and so easy to wear with everything. That deliciously soft leather stands out in a relaxed shade of ivory and is touched by just a hint of gold hardware. A great work and weekend bag, it’s roomy, uncomplicated and pairs well with everything. Truly a classic piece. Available for $895 at Saks.

Craving something Juicy? Juicy Couture’s site (powered by Neiman Marcus) has slashed prices and there are some lovely little treats to be had. Stock up on Christmas gifts with small leather goods coming in around $65, and smaller pieces like card cases and coin purses for as little as $29! There are a few purses to be had like this fab metallic wristlet (also available in gold), as well as a few whimsical totes, perfect for the Juicy girl in all of us.

Shop the sale: Juicycouture.com/store/catalog/catalogPage.jhtml

Yes, I just about went off the rail when I heard about this sale as well. Once you come back to life, realize that yes, this sale is indeed real, but pinkmascara.com (the site doing the sale) has a very limited number of colors available. Don’t go nuts thinking you can fill your fantasy of having one Love Quotes scarf to go with every Balenciaga in your closet. Use code Love Quotes at check out, and your total will be adjusted accordingly. Scoop ‘em up quick!

http://www.pinkmascara.com/pinkmascara/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3055