Marianne, I've only recently gotten interested in bags as an accessory because of this forum, so I'm no expert. This forum has helped educate my eye for bags. I've had pretty good luck at Kohls and Marshalls getting inexpensive bags on sale for around $40-$60 that are holding up well so far.
My favorite right now is a sachel from Kohls (about a month ago) that's a bronzy gold metallic. The brand is Rosetti. I also liked a deep mustard yellow for fall from there but decided I didn't need it. My most worn fall coats are tan or blue, so the yellow or gold tones seemed a good compliment.

I like the bone one better :)

What do you think of this one?
http://www.hobobags.com/Lola/p...../1187.html

it's a bit over your budget, but I love this bag so thought you might like it :)

Thumbs up for the bone. A very versatile option! I can see you sport the one Naf suggested too. Well done naf!

Hi Marianne, do you have specific strap requirements? Do you prefer a short strap so the purse lands under your arm, or a longer strap so the purse hangs by your hip or can be worn across your chest? And what about outside pockets? Do you have a preference either way? (I won't buy a purse unless it has at least one outside pocket to hold my cell phone--I hate digging in my purse when it's ringing).

Anyway, I often see beautiful bags on sale at macy's...and I have personally had great luck at both Marshalls and TJ Maxx....

Here are some at macy's that are not too big, plain and in your color--but some I couldn't tell if the metal was silver or gold...just for some ideas...

This might be my favorite--it comes in cream--but it's a little over your price range at $128...but Macy's always has coupons and sales...

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....=EverGreen

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....AdID=49629

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....AdID=49629

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....ryID=27698

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....=EverGreen

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....=EverGreen

Nicole, that first Giani Bernini bag is beautiful! I CAN'T WAIT to get to Macy's when I'm in the US in three weeks. :-) So many bag options!

Thank you for ideas! Nicole, I would prefer just shoulder straps, and I haven't thought about a cell phone pocket, but it's a good point. I could go either way on it as long as the bag is not very big - then it really becomes a problem. I really like the Gianni Bernini satchel (in red). I'll check our Macy's, maybe I could see it in person.

Naf, thank you for that link, that bag is awesome! I'll see if I can stretch my budget :) I really like Hobo bags but usually they're too expensive for something I would only use occasionally. There was one yellow bag at NAS that I still remember fondly.

P.S. I've also had good luck with Marshall's in the past. I haven't gone there in a while, because it usually takes a long time, but it's a good thing for me to keep in mind.