January Birthday Gift Guide: Garnet Handbags

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean gift-giving has ended. There are so many other opportunities for us to shop for ourselves and others, one major event being birthdays. For 2012, we will be making birthday gift guides to help you choose the bag you want to ask for or want to give.

Garnet, the birthstone for January, is a deep red stone that signifies eternal friendship. Many say the stone has a resemblance to a pomegranate seed. The hue of red is deep and alluring, also perfectly fitting for the bitterly cold and often snow-filled weather of January. If you want to give a January baby a great birthday gift, pick from one of these nine handbags that are sure to be a long-lasting handbag to add to her collection.

Valentino Mini VaVaVoom Leather Shoulder Bag | Price is $1,695 via Net-A-Porter
This might be my favorite bag of the batch, as the sleek and compact design does not detract from the stand-out design. There is an optional shoulder strap or you can slide your hand behind the studded detailing to clutch it.

Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter-finish Leather Clutch | Price is $550 via Net-A-Porter
Some girls have all the fun, and if you know that January baby that is the life of the party, get her the life of the party glitter-covered Anya Hindmarch clutch.

Balenciaga Giant Continental Gold Hamilton | Price is $645 via Barneys
Balenciaga is known for their wide variety of colors, and the Bordeaux color works well for the month of January and can be used for years to come.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Karlie Bag | Price is $258 via ShopBop
The Bordeaux color of this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is truer to the color garnet, but lacks the bright pop of red that many of our choices have. This deeper color looks sultry and will easily finish off a day or evening look.

Judith Leiber Ladybug Crystal Minaudiere | Price is $4,495 via Neiman Marcus
For the birthday girl who has every bag, gifting a Judith Leiber Minaudiere shows you know that art and fashion are one in the same.

Theyskens’ Theory Atter Medium Turnlock Bag | Price is $545 via ShopBop
The ladylike briefcase bag from Theyskens’ Theory has been on my radar since it hit ShopBop. This bag is all about the luscious red leather and a refined design.

Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch | Price is $850 via Net-A-Porter
Discreet sophistication is the name of the game and Nancy Gonzalez has the perfect birthday dinner clutch option.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Hamilton Rock N’ Roll Leather Tote | $450 via Net-A-Porter
With a young rocker chick vibe, this MICHAEL Michael Kors bag is large is size and packs a punch with its punk-y silver studded detailing.

Valextra Medium Document Holder | Price is $860 via Barneys
For the girl who loves to travel, give her a garnet colored ostrich flap document holder to hold all of her necessities.