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Spring bags: Pretty pick-me-ups

(In Style) -- One way to illustrate the change in season is with a change of style. Now's the time to pump up with color, and the best way is with a purse that packs a punch.

This season offers tons of options -- tasteful totes in high-gloss patent leather, whimsical carryalls of woven straw, saddlebags in soft-as-buttah leather. Best of all, while they're striking enough to make a bold fashion statement, they're classic enough to keep hanging around for years to come.

With the exception of Mr. Clooney, this just may be the best kind of arm candy. (From top: cotton-linen tote with leather trim by Lambertson Truex, $795; at select Saks Fifth Avenue stores. Leather sack by Escada, $690; 800-869-8424. Calf clutch by Marc Jacobs, $575; at Marc Jacobs, N.Y.C. and San Francisco.)

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To see four more things to make your week sizzle visit InStyle.com: The "It" Bag | The Hardworkers | The Weekenders | The Tough Tote