Anya Hindmarch
29 E. 60th St (bet Park & Madison Ave); 212-750-3974
Beyond unique, Hindmarch livens up extremely simple bags with bold and beautiful images—a parakeet adorned with fabulous costume jewels, 1940s beauty queens standing on swings, or how about a fou-fou’d poodle with it’s head precariously poking out of a Barbie-esque convertible. Although Hindmarch bags were at one time available only with photos chosen by her, they are now available completely customized by you! Choose your favorite photo to create a handbag like no other. Not into making such a statement? Fear not…Hindmarch bags are also available in more simple signature stripes and solids.

Artbag
1130 Madison Ave (bet 84th & 85th St); 212-744-2720
Around for more than 65 years, Artbag continues to supply the ultimate in top quality leather goods, high fashion and great prices. Ready-made or custom made-to-order, Artbag has hundreds of styles to choose from…and in every color and leather imaginable. Clients are even encouraged to provide their own personal material when designing the bag of their dreams! Need to repair your favorite handbag? They do that, too! From one-of-a-kind vintage designs to “the ultimate handbag,” a bag I’d deem perfect for your daily commute essentials, you couldn’t possibly walk out of Artbag empty handed.

Barneys
660 Madison Ave (@ 61st St); 212-826-8900
Excite your handbag senses when you walk into Barneys, armed (of course) with the usual suspects, but nonetheless stocked with a plethora of the season’s most “in” bags…leather, nylon, canvas…you name it. From Marc Jacobs to Balenciaga, even Barneys own, (which, I might add, definitely puts up a good fight amongst its neighboring name brands) find a fabulous selection of each season’s “must haves.” Just beware, don’t expect any major sales ‘til the end of the season. It will be worth the wait.

Coach
620 Fifth Ave (@ 57th St); 212-754-0041
Care to be classic? Choose a timelessly trendy design at Coach, dedicated to keeping you stylish while staying within its clientele's boundaries. Don't let yourself be fooled, the walls of Coach are chock full of rich colors and an array of fabulous materials such as leather, suede, denim, knit, and wool...you'll simply never be bored. Coach also hosts a bunch of other handbag accessories, such as wallets, clutches, wristlets, attachés and more. Famously sturdy leather makes for a perfect Hamptons leather get-away tote.

Helen Marien
250 Mott St (@ Prince St); 212-680-1911
Feeling like the flavor of the week? Try Helen Marien, a teeny yet adorable little shop on in Soho. And yes, her bags do come in “flavors,” so to speak. If you’re looking for lambskin, ultra suede, or nylon…Helen provides you with more colors than you’ll know what to do with. Helen’s handbags and jewelry are all personally designed, handmade on the premises, and ready for you in 5 to 10 days. Especially alluring? I must say, her clutches. But one point to mention, Helen Marien designs are definitely chic and modern…a handbag for 2004, no doubt.