I'm a huge fan of Calvin Klein bags.

Costco online is currently carrying several cute Kate spade bags. I have also seen prada, bottiker, Versace and others over the last year. Worth checking out if you are a member

Honestly, a purse is a really personal choice - something you want to try on and feel in person. I can't imagine sending "hubby" out on a mission to choose one, especially if it's outside my usual price range. Go to Nordstrom and look around, or ask someone who has a bag you like. But there's nothing worse than paying a lot for a label on a bag, then never using it.

Anonymous wrote:Op here -- thanks for the ideas. Although looking at many of the prices, I'm remembering why I don't have brand names. $300 is about the max I'd want to spend/ have spent on it.

In the $300 price range I would look at Michael Kors or Cole Haan. They have some very nice styles that don't have obnoxious logos all over them. Kate Spade is nice too but might be a little young/"trendy" for some.

FYI: Mulberry bags are on Gilt right now. Still out of my range, but worth a look if you were wanting one for $400 or so less than retail!

Try Rag & Bone. They mostly make clothing, but they also have a few handbags in their collections that are usually very understated and nice. The pricing can be expensive for a larger one, but my DH gave me one for Christmas that was smaller and about in your price range. You can also find them at an outlet or on sale. I just saw a cute one yesterday at TJ Maxx for $299.

My favorite mid-range (~$300-$500) bags are usually Kooba, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff or Marc by Marc Jacobs. Kors makes some nice bags too which are slightly less expensive.

On the higher end, I like Tod's, Bottega Veneta, Mulberry, and Chloe.

Personally, I would avoid Coach, which is really overdone, and anything with logos all over it.