It is a creative writing exercise of the highest order: Naming the rabid riot of intense pink that is all over the spring collections right now. Some designers call it hibiscus. Fuschia is popular. Hot pink, magenta and blush all make appearances. Geranium, even.

Whatever you call it, it’s one of the It colors of the season. And because we’re in a mood to browse  handbags, we’re sampling the shade across the price spectrum — from $23 to $2,300. Enjoy.

The best place to start? In the aisles at Target, of course, where their soft-sided Xhilaration ruffle top tote carries all the exuberant spirit of the season while leaving some green in your wallet. ($23, at top)  Patent leather is tres chic right now, and this Guess shine candy tote gives you the sparkle at a PVC price. With double handles, metal feet and four inside pockets, you’d be happy even without the free shipping (but it’s yours anyway). At Ebags ($88, above)

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We got a glimpse. It was quick. We have a grainy picture yanked from a BBC video. We can’t really see it clearly.

And because we are hopelessly obsessed with handbags, a glimpse was enough to send us wheeling through the internet, trying to find something akin to the black patent leather purse Michelle Obama carried on Saturday’s train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

(Do we know that more important things are at stake here, you ask? A bigger picture, a global view, a grand plan? Of course we do. But since we have no details as yet on the inauguration gown, we are making do with this.)             

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It’s winter. We know this. We have moved through denial and into acceptance. But we are tired of clouds and dark neutral fabrics. We want sunshine, and color for the sake of color. We need a handbag that doesn’t pout, one that announces our arrival with glee. So, we bring you bags in the spectrum of the rainbow, which brighten your winter wardrobe and bring a promise that spring is in the wings.

At first blush:

Prada’s pink nylon bow clutch ($636, was $795, above) at Bluefly.

Jimmy Choo’s fuschia pleated satin Cent bag ($796, was $995, left) at Bluefly.

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Buying gifts for guys is always daunting, especially if he has impeccable taste. So instead of searching the racks for hours looking for the perfect present, save yourself the hassle and use our list as a starting point. From high-tech nerd to the fashion aficionado, we have some suggestions. 

Acqua di Parma  is an elegant cologne your man can wear for any occasion. The scent combines citrus notes of orange with pink peppercorn and sensual amber and cedar. You can find it at Barney’s for $110 (above left). 

If your man is looking for an ego boost, the Konstantino square coin pendant should do the trick. The gold relief design features Adonis, a Greek god symbolizing the good looks and fortune of youth. The sterling silver necklace is $450 at Neiman Marcus (above right). 

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Shoes for shopping are a complicated issue. We need to walk a lot, so they need to be flat, or nearly so. We want them to be comfortable - blisters are not on our Christmas list - but we don’t want them to be slouchy. And, fa la la la la, they must be cute, or what is the point?

Kate Spade’s Gwenda flat sets the perfect example, all soft and suede in fuschia and orange, just right for trolling the mall. Yes, you’re right, in these colors they’ll see you coming. And they’ll want your shoes. At Nordstrom ($248, pictured at the top, above).

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The election is over, taking all its campaign commercials and talking heads with it, and not a nanosecond too soon. But there’s still a promised land out there, full of opportunity and economic rebound - the clearance rack!

Could we be more charmed? We could not. We adore this little two-button cardigan, with its pretty V-neck and three-quarter sleeves. We feel ourselves slipping it on over just about everything. At Macy’s ($41, was $69, above).

A perfect transition: This multi-color patchwork leather bag from Fendi is fall’s hottest shape: the oversized clutch that can double as a shoulder bag. At Net-a-Porter ($1,659, was $2,370, left).

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In the world of fabulous handbags, there are two must-have sizes: diminutive clutchs, mid-sized hobos and those huge, almost-like-luggage, carry-everything-you-can think-of, I-think-I’ve-hurt-my-back really big bags. We shall focus on the latter.

High-end designers have many beautiful, but expensive, offerings. Celebrities carry giant bags with them everywhere:

• Bottega Veneta has a lovely leopard print jumbo bag for $5,500
• At Net-a-Porter, Jimmy Choo’s patent shoulder bag is wonderful, and it’s $2,495
• Tod’s has a buttery gray leather bag at eluxury for $1,675 (pictured)
• A  snazzy Sergio Rossi patent leather duffle for $1,550
• For some perspective, Ralph Lauren’s pretty alligator Ricky bag is $16,995

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