Stylish with Substance

This is getting exciting ... maybe? Number 2 of our Top 5 Budget bags is

Liz Claiborne Leather Link-Strap Embossed Hobo

Print-embossed leather on sale for ... $72.99?? No! Not only does this brand name hobo have richly textured genuine leather, and those nice decorated rings, and is roomy, but it was only $98 to start with!

How do they do it?

For the year-end-and-beginning we're doing top 5s every week in December, plus one special week in January. And to start off the Christmas shopping month, and to compliment our gifts series, this week it's the Top 5 Budget Bags.

#5: Liz Claiborne Leather Croc-Embossed Pocket Tote

I have this bag and it's a great quality, nice-looking, affordable brand bag. The moc croc leather is metallic and looks chic, plus it has plenty of pockets and is sizable. I predict snake will be back for Spring, so if you want to stock up now, think about this bag. Especially as it is on sale for $49.49 (and long gone from the outlets, so eBags is the place to purchase).

4th Top Budget Bag
3rd Top Budget Bag
2nd Top Budget Bag
1st Top Budget Bag!

When I'm feeling down - as I have from time to time, lately - it's nice to think about a great basic handbag that's perfect to fall back on.

I was eyeing this Liz Claiborne Leather pocket style bag for months, until I saw its perfect incarnation: The croc-embossed satchel. Back in January, I already knew croc was coming back for Spring and I'd suggest buying the metallic, for an extra dash of trendiness, without overboarding on style. The duo-tone is not only shiny, but a great mix of brown and black. So versatile to match anything, it even has antique metal hardware that is a mix between silver and golden.

The practical bag with extra oomph, it even has two outside pockets and spacious inner compartments, with pockets galore!!

Plus, it's not expensive, especially for how soft and luxe this genuine leather is. I love feeling it against my bare arm, it will be bliss come warm weather. Don't wait too long, as it's almost sold out of most stores, but there are always sales popping up. Right now, it's going for $108 at eBags.com. Destined to last, it's worth it.

What do college-bound fashionistas need? A school tote that's practical, stylish, cheap and yes, stepping into sophistication. This Liz Claiborne tote says all-that-and-a-bag-of-books. Any lady on-the-go can use this bag's nifty little features: three inner compartments and plenty-o-pockets. Oh, did I mention, "cheap"? This "Hot Commodity" is on sale for $59.99.

Sometimes, we like to show our obsessive love for bags and shoes on our apparel and accessories. (I've even created my own product line based around that! LaFashionista t*s.) Illustrated purses on our handbags might just be too much (as in too much print or cutesy). And in these bags, note the too little design in shape. But a handbag or a pump on a t-shirt is a great way to dress up when dressed down!

This Purse Print Novelty Tee by Liz Claiborne is adorable and so accurate, saying "addict."

This top is available in Misses and Petites and just went on sale for $23.99!

Great Expectations Straw Tote from Liz Claiborne

As you may have noticed, I am on the hunt for a summer / beach tote. I found the perfect mix of sophistication, summer hues and styling, and fun, youthful accents. Combine that with an affordable sale price, $49.99 down from $67, and we've got something here.

This faux croc trimmed, straw tote comes with bonus accessories; make-up bag and attached mirror/I.D. case combination, in a fun, bright paisley floral pattern, that also lines the interior of the bag. Like a little bit of whimsy for summer, but want to retain your Autumn sophistication? Keep it hidden inside the bag!

INSTYLE WRISTLET
Liz Claiborne has so many nice styles for great deals, but I especially couldn't resist posting right away about this one. This sequined wristlet is so glitzy and cute. It comes in cool multi and warm multi, so there are two options for the perfect fit, depending on the purses you already own or your outfits. I almost can't resist grabbing one for myself at $15 (off from $20), but my mom would kill me. If you go out on glamorous dates or girls' nights out, you need a little number like this, though.

- 97% cotton/ 3% spandex
- 3 3/4" H x 5 1/2"W X 1"D
- Twist snap closure silver tone
- Faux leather trim
- Wrist handle
- Detailed with beautiful sequins throughout

The "On the Go" Satchel by Liz Claiborne is very casual, but it appeals to me. It'd be stylish for strolling the boardwalk in the summer months. And it's big enough to tote your swim suit, shades and sun block. The colors - ivory/pink, "aruba" blue/orange and black/green - are sophisticated and equally endearing. It has a nice array of pockets, too!; interior back wall zippered pocket, cell phone pocket and a PDA pocket, in addition to the four outside zippered pockets; different! It even has bottom "runners." I'd call them, to protect the bag from getting dirty.

On Zappos, this bag is available for $50.95 off from $60.

More views of this bag!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS LUNCH BOX SATCHEL
Mixed bag. A bright paisley floral print is accented with beading, faux croco trim and tassel. Inside lid features a mirror. Roomy and fully lined.

- 55% Linen, 45% Cotton
- 11 1/2" L X 5" W X 5 1/4 H"
- Strap Drop 7"
- Inner zip pocket
- Gold-toned hardware
- Inside mirror
- Silvertone details

On sale $49.99 from $67! If you want this adorable and fabulous summer bag, you should hurry. The nifty green tote I was going to post (also on sale) is out of stock. I'll be checking to see if they restock!