You know how they say time flies when you’re having fun? I am certain that this is both cliche and true, as I have no idea how it is nearly the middle of February. For the fashion world, this means Fashion Week (aka month) is here, and for the rest of the world it means Valentine’s day is upon us. As much as I love getting gifts, I look forward to putting together a Valentine’s outfit more than anything.

I’ve been obsessing over the Lulu Guiness Lips Clutch for years and I am not the only one. My mom went gaga for this clutch and Vlad and I bought it for her for Christmas this year. This novelty item is cutesy without being over-the-top. It would make for a great Valentine’s day gift but also for the perfect clutch to carry to your romantic Valentine’s day dinner. But if you love this look and want a look for less, we found the perfect option.

Felix Rey is constantly providing accessory lovers with funky products and right when I saw the Felix Rey Kissy Face Mesh Clutch, I immediately thought of the infamous Lulu Guiness Lips Clutch. The dimensions of both are very similar as is the look of both items. For hundreds less you can nab the lips clutch style, but if you ask me, I’d go for one of the original Lulu Guiness versions, of which there are plenty. Shop the Lulu Guiness Lips clutch for $465 via Lulu Guiness online and buy the Felix Rey option for $119 via ShopBop.

Everyone knows the Celine Luggage Tote and the Celine Classic Box, but the Celine Bi-Cabas Tote has cruised along just below most people’s handbag radar for the last few seasons, largely the obsession of industry insiders and dedicated Celine fans. With its extremely minimal construction and huge colorblocking potential, the bag seems to be poised to make its biggest splash yet for Spring 2012.

But what if you don’t want to pay over a grand for something relatively simple? Well, the Rebecca Minkoff Toki Tote offers the perfect alternative, but you’re going to have to trade leather for nylon. You do win a healthy dose of neon in that trade, so it might be worth it.

Comparing anyone’s products to the accessories put out by a Phoebe Philo-helmed brand is unfair, pure and simple. But because of their popularity, lots of people are looking for alternatives that don’t break the bank, particularly since Celine seems to be increasing prices by the day. Also on that note, I don’t know the actual price of the Cabas because I have heard three different things from the three different people I’ve asked who are supposed to know for sure. It’s somewhere north of a grand. That’s all that seems to be certain.

The Rebecca Minkoff version, however, is $145. It will also be the same price tomorrow, which is more than I can say for its more expensive alternative. If you’re looking for a fun, bright bag to carry for casual activities when the weather turns warmer, the nylon construction of the Minkoff version might even be a wiser choice. It doesn’t have the flawless aesthetic of the Celine bag, but then again, what does? Buy the Rebecca Minkoff bag via ShopBop for $145. For the Celine Bi-Cabas Tote, call Kirna Zabete at (212) 941-9656, ask for Everest and hope for the best.

If I’m being accurate, this post actually comes to you via my mom. A few days ago, she emailed me a link to the Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Python Shine Messenger with the message, “Doesn’t Marc know that Proenza does this bag better?” And, well, yes. Marc probably knows that! In fact, the Proenza Schouler PS1 Pouchette just debuted in a very similar color of acid yellow. If you’re on a budget, though, I think that the Marc version is a pretty reasonable alternative.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs option, of course, isn’t real python. It’s also a more juvenile design – the edges are rounder, the overall effect a tad cartoonish because of the combination of finish, trim and color. Proenza’s pouchette is sleek, matte and totally grown up, which means that it carries the bold color a bit better by comparison. With a difference in price of over a thousand dollars, though, it’s difficult to find fault with the less expensive option.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Python Shine Satchel, $498 via Saks

Proenza Schouler PS1 Neon Python Pouchette, $1735 via Net-a-Porter

I didn’t take much of a shine to the Loewe Amazona Bag until I saw one in person, but since I did, my borderline-obsessive interest in the brand has yet to falter. Loewe’s leather really is something that needs to be experienced to be understood; I’ve yet to see a photo that accurately depicts the simple beauty of one of the brand’s bags.

The problem, of course, is that not only is Loewe prohibitively expensive for the average consumer, but trying to find one of its bags in-store is the stuff of slight mental breakdowns. I’ve only seen them two places: Bergdorf Goodman, which has only one location (New York), and Jeffrey, which has only two (New York and Atlanta). The brand’s website has e-commerce, but doesn’t ship to the US. So what’s a girl with a limited budget and limited access to Loewe do? Find a Look for Less – how about the Furla Camargue Bauletto Satchel?

The Furla bag lacks the Amazona’s pop of red, of course, but the Amazona comes in many more color combinations, most of which have handles that match the rest of the design’s trim. It also must be said that the F-cutout on the front of the Furla drives me absolutely insane, and I can’t imagine why the company thought doing that would be a good idea. But other than than those things, the stylistic notes of the bag are similar – simple, neutral top-zip satchels with neat corners and contrasting trim.

Loewe Amazona Bag, $1760 via Matches

Furla Camargue Bauletto Satchel, $495 via Nordstrom

It is here, it is here!!! ‘It‘ being summer. Well, kind of here, not totally 100% here but it is trying to arrive. With warm weather and vacation season knocking at our doors, many are working on their beach bodies and prepping their summer wardrobe. For an accessory lover, that should include a raffia tote.

While raffia totes are clearly only suited for May, June, July, and August, that is still a third of the year and that means it will be a great wardrobe addition. If you do not want to splurge on a designer option like the Balenciaga Raffia Tote, we found a look for less with the Rebecca Minkoff Endless Love Straw Tote.

Balenciaga lured me in long ago with their Raffia Totes, one of which I own. I love taking the bag on summer trips, especially when we are frequenting beach towns and resorts.

Rebecca Minkoff followed in Balenciaga’s footsteps by introducing her Love Straw Tote. I saw this bag at the Sample Sale last week (in fact Michelle Trachtenberg picked one up at the sale). The design is incredibly similar to what Balenciaga is offering at a fraction of the price.

Ultimately, it is up to you. First off would you buy a raffia bag and if so, which do you prefer?

Buy the Rebecca Minkoff Tote via ShopBop for $250 and the Balenciaga Raffia Tote via Barneys for $965.

Even though much of the handbag world seems to find Christian Louboutin’s non-shoe accessories hit or miss, every now and then he comes out with a bag that you absolutely can’t miss because not only is it adorable, but every retailer in the known universe ordered it in three colors. This season, it’s the Christian Louboutin Bikini Watersnake Clutch, which comes lovely, dusty shades of cerulean, turquoise and fuchsia, which you see above.

The only problem, naturally, is that the Louboutin clutch costs a thousand dollars. For those who would rather go the faux-snakeskin route (or who would rather have a similar clutch in a neutral instead of a bright), check out the MaxMara Embossed Evening Clutch for less than half the price of the Louboutin bag. Sure, MaxMara calls it embossed lizard, but I think we all know faux python when we see it.

The Louboutin clutch definitely wins on color and material, but I think I prefer the structure of the MaxMara bag better. The chain just isn’t for your wrist; instead, it functions as a true shoulder strap or is entirely removable. And instead of a zippered opening like the Louboutin, MaxMara’s bag has a flap, which makes it more of a viable option for dressy events. Either way, though, you’re getting a cute, useable bag that will look current for seasons to come. Buy the Christian Louboutin through Net-a-Porter for $995, or the MaxMara through Matches UK for $486.

One of the hottest handbag trends right now is studded detailing. I know that this is nothing new to the fashion world, rather it is a trend that tends to go in and out of style often. The studs we are seeing as of late are a bit different, more refined and subdued, and often being used as shoulder strap accents. This is precisely the look for less I am bringing to you today: the accented shoulder strap bag.

While the Tory Burch Louisa Shoulder Bag does not technically have a studded accents on the shoulder strap, it does have a deco chain and leather strap. On the other hand, the Valentino Rock Stud Shoulder Bag is all about the studs on the shoulder strap. I know so many of you were sick of the over-studding, but both of these bags offer a touch of tough with a glam overall appearance.

The major difference between the two bags is evident however. The Valentino bag features a much more structured shape with a very demure appearance. When I look at the Valentino bag, I can easily see a business woman use this accessory to amp up her wardrobe. The Tory Burch bag is much more casual. The shoulder strap is not studded, rather features a chain/leather combination. The body of the bag has a flap top closure versus the open top Valentino showcases. When it comes down to it, these two bags have some similarities but I believe they bring two very different feels and would be worn by two very different people. Which accented shoulder strap bag do you prefer?

Buy the Tory Burch Louisa Shoulder Bag via Neiman Marcus for $425 and buy the Valentino Rock Stud Shoulder Bag via Neiman Marcus for $1,595.

When Prada’s Spring 2011 collection walked in Milan last fall, there was absolutely no doubt within the fashion industry that the brand’s bold stripes and vibrant colors would be hugely influential for the season. That has proved to be entirely true, which means that people who love the look but don’t want to pony up huge money to get it have a few options available to them. For lovers of the Prada Striped Tote, the Milly Chevron Print Tote is one such possibility.

Milly’s canvas tote is a little bit less graphic, but the color and shape are entirely in keeping with the Prada example. I prefer the stark look and patterned handles of Miuccia’s bag, but for less than half the price, Milly’s bag certainly isn’t a bad alternative. Either bag will be on-trend and fresh for spring, and that’s what’s really important. Buy the Prada tote through Saks for $695 or the Milly tote through Bloomingdale’s for $250.

My new obsession: crossbody pouch bags. I seriously have been living in my Rebecca Minkoff BF Pouch bag. I toss my things in there and throw it over my shoulder or wear it crossbody. I love the smaller size, the lack of needing to use my hands to hold the bag, and it seems to work well for my personal style. We told you that Proenza Schouler released a line of crossbody pouch bags, and even when I saw this I was tickled pink. That is right, I just said tickled pink. I still adore the original PS1, but my crossbody smaller pouch obsession runs much deeper right now.

I have the Proenza Schouler Crossbody Pouch along with the bag I am currently carrying from Rebecca Minkoff picked out as my two favorite crossbody bags (with very different prices).

The style of both are similar but do not fall into the too-similar for my liking category. This is when I can really appreciate the two separate designers for what they bring to the table. I have a purple python printed version of the Rebecca Minkoff BF pouch which has been getting compliments left and right. The Proenza Schouler option is more subdued, while remaining perfectly suited for the PS vibe. It all comes down to preference. Which crossbody pouch do you prefer?

Buy the Proenza Schouler via Net-A-Porter for $1,225 and Rebecca Minkoff at Bloomingdale’s for $295.

We had seen so much velvet when Fall/Winter 2010 collections were spotted on the runway and very few of the velvet bags seem to be making major appearances. I did however spot a 3.1 Phillip Lim Velvet bow bag with a very similar look to the Juicy Couture Bag. And with this pairing, we have a look for less.

Both of these bow embellished velvet bags have similar designs. Phillip Lim spices his version up by having python embossed leather accents and silver stud detailing. The Juicy Couture bag sticks with velvet all over and a chain strap. My vote (price aside) goes to Juicy. The bag mixes playful with functional so well and I seriously crave carrying this to a holiday party. Juicy offers it in other colors and hardware combinations. Buy the Juicy Couture version at Juicy Couture for $178 and the Phillip Lim version at Net-A-Porter for $695.

Which version do you like?