Fall Handbags: Power Of The Purse

(CBS)  Looking to update your look this fall? You don't have to spend a lot of money or effort on a whole new wardrobe. Just get yourself a new handbag.

Purses aren't just functional. They can also help you go a long way toward changing your appearance.

On The Early Show Tuesday, style expert Rachel Zalis suggested several, and many of them aren't expensive. She also filled in viewers on the latest trends and offered tips.

Handbags are great accessories that easily add style to your outfits.

Zalis had bags typical of the four big trends: leopard, bags with hardware, silver and frame bags.

TIPS

Bags can be bigger by day, smaller by night

We're seeing less of the oversize slouchy bags (think Olsen twins) and more structured, satchels and bags

Bags should complement outfits, not compete

Don't over-accessorize. Find one or two pieces to add to an outfit (never more than three)

Bags don't have to match shoes; they can make for a cool, chic look to mix it up

LEOPARD

Zalis says nothing says luxury like leopard, and girls are going wild for it this fall, as seen on the runways of Dolce (starting at $995), Prada and Oscar de la Renta.

This season, a big fashion trend is monochromatic, dark colors. So it's great to have one really stand-out accessory and this could be it.

We'll not only be seeing leopard bags for fall, but leopard dresses, coats, shoes, belts and more.

Leopard also has variations of brown, grey and black, so it's actually more versatile than you might think.

Two bags Zalis loves for the leopard print:

The inspiration bags: Prada, Dolce and Gabbana leopard haircalf, $2,200.00, BE+D, $895.

Ones you can get anywhere can be found at Target, $19.99, www.target.com; J.Crew, $265, www.jcrew.com; Spiegel, $60, www.spiegel.com, and at H&M, www.h&m.com.

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