Bright patent clutches are a must this summer, but not everyone can afford the hefty price tag that comes along with some of the designer versions. Plus, when you're getting something in a fabulously bright color, it would be nice to have it in a variety of colors to work with lots of different outfits.

We are all about the oversized clutch this summer. However, there are occasions when a large purse with no handles and no strap just isn't a very practical choice. Have you ever gone dancing with one in a place where you didn't want to set your purse down? We don't know about you, but we can't bust out our best moves on the dance floor with a handbag tucked under our arm.

Natalie Portman certainly showed her love of ruffles at this year's Cannes Film Festival. Nearly every dress she wore was covered in them! And while ruffles can be overwhelming, we love so many aspects of this look that we're willing to forget about the fact that you can't tell whether she's got a waist or a baby belly.

We know how you can successfully pull off a look similar to Natalie's -- check out the gallery to get the scoop!

We recently caught up with Sarah Johnson, the head buyer for LunaBoston.com, an online boutique that features a fabulous selection of handbags from modern and emerging designers like Olivia Harris, Jenny Yuen, and Treesje. We asked her what she looks for when shopping for new young designers to carry, and found out what trends she thinks will be hot for Fall 2008.

Alright, we love the color, love the texture, and love the unexpected architectural elements of Leighton's purse on the CW Network red carpet, but we are totally confused as to why her hand is stuck deep inside it. We have several possible theories, and we'd appreciate your input:

A bright handbag is a fantastic way to add a pop of color to an outfit, and a bright clutch is one of the must-have items for the season. Unfortunately, we can't all afford to spring for a dazzling designer bag, but that shouldn't stop you from carrying something fun!

By now, most of you have seen the video/read the article/received the email on how nasty the bottoms of our purses are. If this is news to you, just take a moment to think about all the places you set your handbag -- floors, chairs, etc. And then, chances are, you set it on the kitchen counter, on the table, and you certainly touch the bottom with your hands, right?

As it turns out, there's more than just a little dirt there -- everything from e-coli and salmonella to fecal contamination and vomit has been found on random handbags. Lifestyle does play a role, with nightclub frequenters and those with children having the dirtiest bags (doesn't that make you wonder what's on Nicole Richie's purse?).

I enjoy a fun purse as much as, if not more than, most girls. A unique handbag is a great way to accessorize a boring outfit and a perfect finishing touch to an already fab ensemble.

However, some purses are a little too out there, even for me. Case in point: The Chanel PVC Clutch for $6595.

Yes, it's cut like a diamond, and it's sure to get attention, but ... it's clear. It reminds me of a grown-up red carpet version of the clear backpacks kids have to take to school now so that it's obvious that they don't have a Glock hidden in with their books.

What exactly could you carry in it that would look appropriate? Your loose gem collection? A beautifully patterned silk scarf? You couldn't carry lipstick or keys ... but then again, if you're carrying this purse, you probably have people for carrying those items.

To be fair, I actually kind of like this. I picked up on it from Kristopher Dukes, and it's what she's hating right now -- I hope she doesn't bitch slap me.

But, the truth is, it looks kind of like a highly polished rock, or dinosaur egg or something. Or maybe a paperweight, or one of those decorative air fresheners that sends out a lovely "puff" of flowers or sunshine or rainbows or something every few minutes.

However, it is in fact a clutch, designed by Alexander McQueen. Practical, it certainly is not, but it would be a great conversation starter at a party. However, I'm not sure I'm willing to spend $630 on a conversation starter -- I've got less expensive party tricks in my other expensive bags to serve that purpose.

Each season brings a new It bag (or several, as the case may be). Some of these bags are incredibly expensive, which is fine if you can afford it, but most folks can't. Others are beautiful, but really, really trendy, so while they'll look great this season, next year you'll be sick of carrying it.

To me, the perfect It bag is the one that is at the height of fashion without looking like it's about to plummet off the edge of the style map. It's great if it's somewhat functional, and even better if it's not $1500.

Well, let me introduce you to Anabelle (pictured) by RUEHL No. 925 -- isn't she lovely? Lots of celebrities think so, including Ali Larter, Katherine Heigl, Minka Kelly, and Vanessa Hudgens. And it's not just Anabelle they're jonesing for (although I personally think it is everything that this season's It bag wants to be) -- RUEHL has loads of fantastic, high quality handbags, and they're not going to cost you a month's rent. I mean, you might not be able to get five of them, but then again, maybe you can!

Anabelle clutch, available in white and brown, $198 at ruehl.com

Know of a favorite independent handbag designer that you'd love to see recognized and rewarded for their work? Let them know about the open call for entries for the Second Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards, sponsored by Handbag Designer 101. The categories for this competition are Best Student Made Handbag, Best Handmade Handbag, Most Socially Responsible Handbag, Best Green Handbag, Audience-Selected Handbag, and Best Handbag in Overall Style & Design. There are some great prizes up for grabs for the winning designers, including a free booth at the MAGIC accessories tradeshow in Las Vegas this August, an apprenticeship with the Henri Bendel accessory design team and more.

Okay, okay, so chances are that you're probably not a handbag designer, but maybe you're just a lover of purses? Handbag Designer 101 is still a great resource you can use to read interviews with up and coming bag designers, stay up to date on the latest trends in handbags, chat about your handbag must-haves, get your celebrity bag watch fix and find out about handbag related events and deals.

Speaking of deals on handbags, I just got word from my friends at Accessory Bug about their special discount offer for spring. Get 10% off on any order through April 30, 2008 by using coupon code spring08 at checkout. They've got the infamous "I'm not a plastic bag" handbag in four different color choices, plus a huge selection of clutches, hobos, totes, wristlets and other accessories.

It's funny -- I try to be a minimalist, but when it comes down to it, I'm surrounded by stuff. And I tend to cram a lot of this stuff in my purse, as long as there seems to be room. I mean, how could I possibly leave the house without six shades of lipgloss, gum, phone, iPod, wallet, a small clutch (in case I need to go somewhere and leave the bulky purse behind), checkbook, and more keys than there are doors in the world?

The only solution I can think of is to lose the big purse and simplify things by carrying this. The Violet May, London Blackberry purse holds a Blackberry/iPhone or an iPod (but not all, unfortch), and has a wallet to hold coins, notes, and credit cards.

Besides, when I finally realize that I still need all my crap, I can toss it into my gigantic purse and have the best of both worlds! And at just $390, I could get two ... in my mind.

Crocodile bag? Luxe. Crocodile bag that includes the tail as a closure? More luxe or vaguely creepy? I am of two minds about the crocodile 'Rockstar' clutch by B. Romanek that features the tail of the bag wrapped around it. The crocodile bag is lined in suede and the look of the bag is decidedly primal. The nature of the wraparound means that you have to flap open the whole tail in order to get your keys or lipgloss. The large clutch which is 10 x 5 inches sells for $1950. My mother would love this but then again she's got that fur stole that looks like she has a flattened animal wrapped around her shoulders.