Over the years I have witnessed many “crimes of fashion.” Example: watching a woman ruin a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo strappy sandals by wearing flesh colored pantyhose so that her exposed toes look like they are being held in a sausage casing. It makes my skin crawl! But I truly shudder when I spy a beautiful woman at an event with a totally inappropriate handbag. Here are a few suggestions and rules for choosing your next handbag + ensemble combo. 

Never is it acceptable to carry your everyday handbag, no matter how expensive it is, to any event where an invitation was sent or a ticket was purchased.

Judith Leiber has been the Grande Dame of the red carpet handbag society since she started her company in 1963. Despite her selling the company that she started with her husband and retiring in 1998, her bags can be seen on red carpets around the world almost daily. I am a sucker for just about anything that sparkles but I think what I love most about Miss Leiber’s creations are their whimsical design and her use of color. From a blue frog to my favorite, the red heart bag, there is something for everyone in the Leiber handbag library. No matter what look you are pulling off from white tie and ball gowns to cocktail or causal elegance you can never go wrong with a crystal covered confection by JL.

Always a safe bet: the clutch. The clutch is my favorite style of bag and a great way to add a pop of color or personality to any look. It is rare an occasion that a clutch would not work with an outfit. I even enjoy the more recent oversized version that has become wildly popular the past few seasons (celebs like the Olsen twins, Siena Miller and Cameron Diaz all have been spotted with the style). This version is the more casual step-sister of the classic petite style and will not work in every situation. Example: you do not want to carry the oversized version is when your bag is bigger than you dress. Rocking a bandage dress from Herve Leger you don’t want to knock yourself off balance with a big bag..

The envelope bag is a great style that is usually found is an exotic skin or bright color and is interchangeable with the clutch in many occasions.

Don’t forget:

- White or black tie your bag should have sparkle or sheen, something that screams evening.

- You want your evening bags to be special but so outrageous that you feel you can only carry it once.

- Carry a bag that compliments your ensemble, yet doesn’t match or compete with your outfit.

Lanvin is great for adding an edge and great color.

Prada offers great shapes and perfect sizes.

Chanel is classic and will work in almost every situation!

Just remember, when you are thinking fashionable accessories for your look, clutch on to the style and elegance of your handbag.

[Photos from LipglossJunkie, Nathan Branch, NorCalOrange and coco+kelley via Flickr]