‘Tis the Season to Wear Satin!

The holiday season is a great time to bring out the shine.  Silks, satins, and sparkling gems look great amidst holiday décor and firelight. But there is a fine line between style that shines and cheesy looking accessories that your grandma might have floating around in her closet.

For a company that prides itself on its leather goods, it might seem odd that Coach has launched a line of satin bags and accessories.  But the Amanda collection is a far cry from the cheesy clutches that accompany prom gowns and bridesmaid's dresses.  Using vibrant jeweled colored fabric, mixed with just the right amount of leather and hardware, Amanda has a distinct look that belongs in any haute couture wardrobe.

Launched just in time for the 2008 holiday season, Amanda is available in four colors:  peacock-inspired teal, ultra-girly magenta, a vibrant leaf green, and a chic, sleek black.  All of the bags are complimented with gold-toned hardware and coordinating leather accents and straps.

Amanda is available in two handbags:  the mini satchel and the fold-over clutch.  These smaller bag styles are more suitable for the satin medium which is more appropriate for formal occasions like holiday parties and evening wear.  There is also a complete line of accessories which includes the wristlet, a small pouch with a strap that can be worn on the wrist; the mini skinny, a coin purse with key ring; the large cosmetic case; and the jewelry pouch.  You can get the whole set in one color, or mix and match for more variety.

For people who are looking for ways to reduce the amount of leather they buy, or who want something different than a basic black evening bag, Amanda offers a splash of ethical color that will stand out in the evening bag circle.  The texture, sheen, and unique shape of everything in this collection definitely makes it a must have for this season.

Prices range between $48 for the mini to $298 for the clutch.  The only consideration you should have before you buy is that you definitely want to buy fabric protector.  Satin-especially the lighter colors-can get stained quickly and you want to keep these beautiful bags looking gorgeous for many years!

Another beautiful satin bag comes from the ultra-feminine design house of Jessica McClintock.  Known for wedding gowns and party dresses, Jessica McClintock's Stone Frame Pleated Clutch comes in black, brown, purple, and a vibrant yellow. This bag is small enough to carry under your arm, but large enough for your essentials-including your cell phone.  Because of that it can easily translate from a day bag to an evening bag.

It is designed with a drop in chain, and a magnetic snap closure.  The large, faceted stones in earthy tones make the bag a great companion for ethnic inspired clothing featuring prints.  Consider pairing it with a caftan, or a kurti and jeans.  It would also be perfect along with a lovely Diane Von Furstenberg maxi dress and some carved bangles.  Available for $58 from Nordstrom.com, this is one luxurious bag that any fashion lover can afford.