Oh, the ever-present dilemma. Where to put your bag at a party? And no, it’s not cute sticking them in the middle of your all-girl dance circle and then freaking around them like some primitive sacrificial rain dance. You spent all that time glamming up — why let a chunky, unwieldy bag drag your style down?

And then there’s the clutch-champagne-flute-handshake shuffle that makes the most graceful among us look like overexcited apes. You’re not gonna not drink, but if you resort to sticking your clutch under your armpit, you invariable get that upper arm widening-flattening that isn’t a pretty picture on anyone, FLOTUS biceps or not.

This season, cross body and long strap bags are everywhere. And for holiday, there’s plenty of dainty ones, complete with gold or silver chain straps. There’s plenty to choose from, and a delicate chain adds a bit of sparkle to your ensemble.

We love Indian American designer Rachel Roy‘s secondary line Rachel Rachel Roy, especially her super affordable and right-on-trend accessories. And right now, some these styles are on sale!

Rachel Rachel Roy “Material Girl” sequin bag, $58.99, www.rachelroy.com.

Add some edge to a feminine outfit with this Rachel Rachel Roy “Kat” small cross body bag, $50.99, www.rachelroy.com.

A classic look toughened up with pyramid studs. Rachel Rachel Roy quilted cross body bag, $69, www.rachelroy.com.

A classic ball clasp frame toughened up with multiple chains — carry this well into spring. Rachel Rachel Roy “Charmed” cross body bag, $50.99, www.rachelroy.com.

For more of an investment piece, Rafe New York is our go-to line. Filipino American designer Rafe Totengco always seems to get it right. (And these styles are all 40 percent off until December 16, so hurry!)

Rafe New York “Erin” flap clutch, $297, www.rafenewyork.com.

Rafe New York “Agyness” purple patent cross body bag, $177, www.rafenewyork.com.

Rafe New York “Agyness” small cross body bag with chain embellishment, $270, www.rafenewyork.com.

I’m loving the neon that Rebecca Minkoff has out for her resort line. Her pale grey patent leather bags trimmed in neon yellow are so chic! For right now, her Zip Fling minaudiere in fluoro yellow with extra long snake chain is the perfect accompaniment for my black sharp shouldered ensembles.

Rebecca Minkoff Zip Fling clutch, $285, www.RebeccaMinkoff.com.

My favorite way to accessorize is to DIY it, and AA designer Bryna Nicole McMills of handbag line Bryna Nicole has a genius way to do it. Take your favorite clutch or handbag and just add Bryna Nicole’s cool chain strap to it. At $15 a pop, available in both gold tone and silver, it’s one easy way to bring new life to the dozens of bags you already have in your arsenal.

Bryna Nicole gold chain, $15, www.brynanicole.com.

Of course, sometimes a bag just won’t do. If a little bag, however sparkly, is going to ruin the lines of your carefully-picked-out holiday dress, then you have no choice but to go really small. Cuffs Couture makes gorgeous eye-catching cuffs that fit your credit card, ID, and maybe a little lipgloss.

Cuffs Couture “Lauren” cuff, $90, www.cuffscouture.com.

Cuffs Couture “Lauren” cuff on model.

Cuffs Couture “Liya” cuff, $85.

Cuffs Couture “Lydia” cuff, $88.

For a more rocker look, try Cuffs Couture “Natasha” cuff, $52.

And what I really love about Cuffs Couture is its timing — check out the fall ad campaign for Chanel’s Coco Cocoon handbags with Lily Allen.

Lily Allen in the Chanel fall campaign. Love her cuffs!


Get the look with Cuffs Couture’s “Maribel” or “Madisyn” cuff.

Cuffs Couture “Maribel” cuff, $75.

“Maribel” cuff on model.

Cuffs Couture “Madisyn” cuff, $78.

All available at www.cuffscouture.com.

Photos courtesy of Cuffs Couture.

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Tags: Accessories, bags, rachel roy, rafe, rebecca minkoff

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