“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”

What: Handbags updates for fall that won’t require a federal bailout for your bank account.

What We Say: Right now, the word “budget” has new meaning for many of us, in light of the current state of the economy. That doesn’t stop the fashion world, however, from dangling the season’s new handbag trends (among others) tantilizingly in front of us. A handbag, of course, is something we might normally suggest you could invest a little more in, but if your cash is limited and your wardrobe could use a quick and inexpensive boost, we’re thinking that a very budget version (under 20 bucks) of one of the season’s hot styles is just the thing to a) boost your mood, b) boost your style quotient, and c) keep you solvent for another week or two.

The Clutch

For at least a couple of seasons now, the clutch has been the handbag to have. This fall is no different, and texture and color are key. We like:

City Style Snake Clutch,  in 6 colors, $16.95, New York & Company

Alexis Reptile Clutch,  $18.80, Forever 21

Filond Croc Print Clutch, on sale $9.98, Aldo

Mossimo Embossed Clutch, purple,  $16.99, Target

The Satchel

Satchels are kind of a happy medium between a traditional structured shoulder bag and the big roomy hobos we see everywhere. Color and shine keep the look modern, and chain detail is big for fall as well. We like:

Xhilaration Ombre Satchel,  $16.99, Target

Limited Edition Satchel,  on sale $19.99, Target

Belted Satchel,  $19.99, Charlotte Russe

The Postal/Messenger/Crossbody Bag

Need a bag that’s both form and function? You’ll find the postal/messenger/crossbody bag (yes, it’s a broad category) to be stylish and useful, and modern, as long as you keep the color-texture-shine mantra in mind. We like:

City Style Crinkle Messenger, on sale $14.97, New York & Company

Xhilaration Crossbody Bag,  $12.99, Target

City Style Crossover Logo,  on sale $13.97, New York & Company