Here’s my pick for this summer. If you purchase just one bag this season, it should be this one: the Foley and Corinna City Tote in this gorgeous, limited edition violet. This style tote has been quietly climbing the popularity scale here in New York for the last year or so and no wonder! Its design allows it to be a tote, a shoulder bag, an oversized clutch, and provided the chain is long enough, a messenger bag. In all its incarnations, it is undeniably chic with its clean lines and minimalist detail. I’ve seen this bag in a number of colors but this violet has my heart pumping just a little quicker. What a gorgeous pop of color! It’ll carry you into summer with its vibrancy and stay through fall with its richness. Even in winter, it’ll jazz up your grays and blacks. Pick one up today for $485 through WinkNYC.com – they will not last!

Almost magnetically, the sunlit Kooba Nelli Double Zip Soft Shopper draws you right in. Whether that’s due to the highly unusual, unstructured shape or the blinding yellow hue isn’t important. The question is – could you carry this anywhere? Is it even a shopper? Measuring in at around 14 inches high by 12 inches wide, it’s not the largest handbag in the world, but it’s got an interesting charm that might just be enhanced by the fact that this season finds us all heavily obsessed with the brightest shades in the world right now. It’s a head-turner, but I doubt I’d carry this.

Available for $635 at Nordstrom.

Like most New Yorkers, I hold membership to a gym within a 3 block walk to my place of employment. This means my gym options are: work out before work, work out during the lunch hour, or work out after work. Which in turn means that the morning and evening commute is rife with New Yorkers holding way too many bags, one of which (usually the ugliest, most beat up one) is a repository for workout gear. Being the handbag perfectionist that I am, I am frustrated by the lack of presentable, chic gym bags that are affordable. Your gym bag doesn’t have to scream “I’m a gym bag!” and it certainly doesn’t have to forgo style because it is. This Roxy Fig Duffle, while not meant to be a gym bag, is a great alternative. It is made of coated canvas and is trimmed in a pretty and eye catching green. The detachable strap makes this duffle practical and useful, without feeling utilitarian. Only $60 through Zappos!

When I think Tumi, I think carry-on luggage. Imagine my surprise when I saw this cute tote peeping out at me from the Tumi website! This patent purse is made of Italian calf leather and lined in suede, and trimmed in a contrasting vachetta leather. While no status bag, this Tumi Palm Beach Tote is practical (expect any less from Tumi?) and fashion-minded without being conspicuous — perfect for the traveling fashionista. I’m impressed that Tumi has waded into the handbag sector and hope to see more from them in this vein in the coming season. In the meantime, this tote can be yours for $850.

A little mellow even for a handbag so shiny, Marc Jacobs’ Patent East West Tote is really fairly simple and acceptable for everyday wear. It makes a soft statement with its cream color, but the large tonal studs add an edgy vibe. That said, this has a tendency to look a bit dull in person. A dash of color would work wonders for this monochromatic purse. It’s roomy and practical, but there are so many other choices out there if you’re looking for something to carry daily. .

Shop more designer handbags by Marc Jacobs