Diane von Furstenberg Snakeskin Embossed Clutch, $350 via Matches

It may not seem like a revolutionary handbag, but I’ve been waiting for this teal and black version of the Diane von Furstenberg Harri Clutch to make its debut for what seems like 800 years – ever since I saw it on the Fall 2011 runway way back in February. In reality, it’s a matter of months, but in fashion time that’s an utter eternity.

Images via Vogue.com

As we already discussed in our general review of Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2012, DVF was all about lightness for spring, much more so than usual, and that choice certainly carried over into the season’s handbags. There are a lot of whites, ivories, lilacs and dove greys to be found among these leather goods, with an occasional shot of emerald or cobalt to make sure that everyone stays awake.

Images via WWD.com

Even though the notes for Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring 2012 runway show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York indicated that the inimitable DVF had been inspired by modern Africa, the clothes that can down the runway felt a lot more like early-1960s California to me. Between the soft color palette (the show opened with white, a first for von Furstenberg), the midcentury modern floral prints and the models with beehive hairdos, I could have sworn we were all in Palm Springs.

Diane von Furstenberg transitioned so flawlessly into the world of handbags that every designer trying to follow suit should take note. Not only did DvF bags quickly gather attention from department stores and shoppers alike, but they’re also easy to spot on the streets of New York. The latter part is the most important; a designer not only wants his or her designs to be recognized, but also to be worn.

Diane von Furstenberg Elaine Shoulder Bag, $650 via Net-a-Porter.

When we talk about bags around here, we usually show one shot: The exterior. That’s what attracts almost everyone to a bag in the first place, not to mention that most retailers aren’t as thorough as our beloved Net-a-Porter when it comes to photographing a bag’s ever facet. But in the case of the Diane von Furstenberg Elaine Shoulder Bag, we just couldn’t restrain ourselves from giving you both shots.

This morning the Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale opened its doors to the press. I rolled out of bed earlier than usual but it was all in the name of fashion, obviously worth it. The line was manageable, with only about 15 people in front of me, and I was allowed in soon after the doors opened at 8AM.

Diane von Furstenberg Harper Small Tasseled Shoulder Bag, $212 via Net-A-Porter

I am on end of the season sale overload right now. From Net-A-Porter to ShopBop, I am not sure where to start or how to whittle down my list of wants to a somewhat manageable number.

I started quickly browsing all of the bags that landed in the virtual sale racks of NAP.

I’ve already explained how much I love Diane von Furstenberg’s Fall 2011 Handbags, but with the advent of some more detailed stock photos to add to the conversation, I feel like it bears repeating: These bags (and the huge selection of clutches in particular) are genuinely quite good, and at a more reasonable price point than many brands with such a well-known name offer.

It takes any handbag line a couple of seasons after launch to find its true voice, but being the industry veteran that she is, Diane von Furstenberg’s accessories collection seems to have found its niche in record time. The brand had a breakout hit with the Stephanie in its first season and has continued to produce well-priced favorites since then, but of all the choices, DVF’s Harper bags have always been my favorites.

I have to give you all a peek at my newest addition to my handbag family, my Diane von Furstenberg Medium Stephanie in navy. You all recently saw my large version of this bag, and my love for it only deepens with the addition of the medium size.