Handbags

Mar 09

Spring 2010 Handbag Trends (Pt. 2)

Posted on: March 09, 2010 @ 9:00 am 1 Comment »

Welcome to Part 2 of my Spring 2010 Handbag Trend overview. Whew – what a mouthful! What were your favorite trends from Part 1? I have mixed feelings about the trends below, so take a look…

STRAW

Straw

Admittedly, I was pretty wary of this trend. I grew up in Vermont, which was a land of mullets and flannel – so straw handbags seemed like I’d see something the locals carrying. After some searching, though, I discovered that straw handbags can actually be pretty! The ones above have great texture, colors, and embellishments – which are the three things that make a handbag fun and fabulous. And believe it or not… several are carried by Wal-Mart. Below are direct links so you can learn more about each bag, from left to right, top to bottom.

Cappelli Seagrass Straw Tote $40.50

Straw Studios Lily Bow Satchel $33.45

Straw Studios Brown $57.95

Yellow Straw Tote $33.60

Cappelli Medium Hand Woven Multi Straw $32.40

Cappelli Black Toyo Bag w/Beaded Handles $48.60

BRIGHT/NEON COLORS

Neon

Now neon is a trend I can really get behind! I love bright colors and a handbag really adds a great pop to any outfit. Lime green is my favorite color, I’m crazy about pink, and I’m feeling particularly drawn to yellow right now. Above are some of my favorite neon handbags, but there are tons available! Whatever your favorite color, keep wearing it this Spring – just find a brighter shade! All of the selections below are from Handbag Heaven; use the icon at the bottom of this post to access the site and save 15% off your purchase!

Hayden Buckle Hobo $51.95

Caitlin Clutch $31.95

Ribbon Shoulder Tote $43.95

Spring Patent Quilted Tote $27.95

Lucy Patent Handbag $52.95

Haley Pleated Shopper $72.95

CROSS BODY (LONG STRAP)

Cross-Body

Cross-body bags are another trend I originally thought best kept in the 80’s… But since some of my favorite designers and brands are on board with the look, there are actually some very chic options available! If you have a fuller figure, this might not be the best trend for you – unless you stick to a very thin strap. Otherwise, a thick strip dividing your figure in half cross-wise will likely be unflattering. The only real issue I have with cross-body bags is that the strap tends to wind up caught between my boobs, which is awkward and unsightly. Just something to consider!

Allison Messenger Tote $39.95 (Handbag Heaven)

Fossil ‘Capri’ Crossbody Bag ($78)

MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Croc of Q – Big Percy’ Crossbody Bag ($148)

Juicy Couture ‘Padlock & Key’ Leather Crossbody Bag ($148)

Nordstrom Embroidered Crossbody Bag ($64.90)

L.A.M.B. ‘Signature’ Crossbody Bag ($86.90)

EXOTIC LEATHER & PRINTS

EXOTIC

For those of you who want to wear animal prints but don’t know how to incorporate them, handbags are the perfect way. Add a little drama without abandoning your comfort zone with one of the fabulous bags above! I chose metallics in order to incorporate another trend; I think the two are stunning when combined. Well, as long as you stick with refined bags and don’t pick ones with tons of fringe, piles of sequined, and giant monograms or logos! Simple and refined or you’ll look like you charge by the hour… All the styles above are from Handbag Heaven!

Brooklyn Bubble Satchel ($53.95)

Vintage Zebra Metallic Satchel ($53.95)

Leopard Patent Clutch ($23.95)

Zebra Print Brookstone Tote ($44.95)

Tiger Print Shoulder Bag ($47.95)

Zebra Sequined Hobo ($47.95)

Spring 2010 Handbag Trends (Pt. 1)

Posted on: March 08, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 3 Comments »

It seems like just about everything goes for Spring/Summer handbags and purses! The good news is that you probably don’t need to go out and buy a new bag. The bad news? They’re all very, very tempting! But I’m here to help – below are some of my budget friendly favorites (and a few splurges) so you don’t have to put an empty wallet in that new bag!

Bohemian

Boho

I’ve got to put it out there – I despise the Boho trend. It was hard for me to find six palatable bags, although I don’t mind the two on the far right. It seems like Boho is just a collection of all things ugly – whether they’re patterns, textures, or color. However, I know some people dig it – so if that’s you, sorry! Below are listings for the bags above, left to right and top to bottom.

Jessica Simpson – Jimmy Boho Chic Tote #1 ($91)

Lucky Brand ‘Boho’ Patch Shopper ($92)

Jessica Simpson – Jimmy Boho Chic Tote #2 ($91)

Carlos by Carlos Santana Handbag, Boho Chic Slouchy Hobo ($108)

Tree of Life Bag ($25)

Boho Ladies Fabric Bag ($26.99)

Hardware

Hardware

I’m thrilled to see that the studded/mirrored/otherwise embellished style is still alive and kicking. These rock-chic totes are amazing with jeans and a blazer, but pair equally well with a girly Spring dress. I have the Heather Tote (top left corner) and it’s super roomy – I actually use it as an overnight bag. I adore it and am quite pleased with the purchase. Bags with hardware like this tend to be more expensive, but all of the options above are from Handbag Heaven. Use the Handbag Heaven icon at the bottom of this post to navigate to the site and you’ll receive an extra 15% off your purchase!

Heather Patent Stud Tote $69.96

SoCal Glam Tote $56.95

Heidi Convertible Grommet Bag $53.95

Bryce Studded Rock Bag $53.95

Ramsay Rock Tote $77.95

Juliette Patent Glam Tote $76.95

Textured

Textured

Texturized handbags are another one of my favorites. Texture is a great thing to play with throughout your outfit, and an easy way to add interest. While I usually stick to basic black with my handbags, I found some bags with fabulous color that I just couldn’t resist! The Riley Ruffle Handbag (top right corner) is my latest obsession – it’s definitely on my MUST HAVE list. This set is also all from Handbag Heaven, so once again, use the link at the bottom to get a discount!

Berkely Ruffle Tote $53.95

Carrington Flower Satchel $49.95

Jessa Patent Satchel $84.95

Riley Ruffle Handbag $79.95

Ellie Mae Patchwork Shopper $44.95

Adrianna Wave Satchel $59.95

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I’ll be discussing several more top Spring 2010 handbag trends!

Gilt Group Exclusive: DeGaulle Bags

Posted on: February 12, 2010 @ 6:00 am No Comments »

“Today, along with the Olympic torch lighting, Gilt Groupe will be the exclusive online retailer for WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie DeGaulle bags. Gilt Groupe will offer 12 of the 47 special-run, numbered bags – one for each Olympic Games held since 1896, and numbered to correspond to each Olympic game e.g. Athens, Vancouver, etc. The bag comes with five interchangeable handles in yellow, blue, green, red and black, reflecting the colors of the Olympic rings and will be sold for $1,250.”

Regardless of the crazy high price tag, I’m still pretty in love with these bags. The pristine white and array of handles is just really… Appealing. I’m not even sure why I love these bags, but I just know I do. I guess that’s why they’re so expensive, no?

About Gilt Groupe:

Fashion Daily – Fashion and luxury at up to 70% off retail. Our hand-selected styles are on sale for 36 hours only.

Members Only – Membership is free and by invitation only. Invite your friends and receive a $25 credit after your friend’s first order has shipped. It’s worth it!

Their Guarantee – We guarantee that every item sold on Gilt is the designer brand it promises to be.

Spring 2010 Handbag Trend: Florals

Posted on: January 14, 2010 @ 6:00 am 4 Comments »

Even though I rarely stray from my favorite black bag (it’s just so functional), I am a handbag fanatic. I’m always super excited to see the new arrivals at Handbag Heaven, and the Spring selection does not disappoint!

Carrington Rhinestone Satchel

The color might not be very Spring-like, but the floral embellishment and the gorgeous pendant in the center add a wonderfully girly touch.

Roselyn Flower Satchel

Pretty purple, and a gorgeous bud on what looks like a modern bowling bag. Very roomy, which is always something I look for in a bag!

Janelle Zipper Hobo

The zipper and stud embellishments are fantastic on this bag. The mix of soft and hard detailing makes this a very versatile bag.

Jaycee Rhinestone Doctor’s Bag

This might be my favorite bag in the whole lot – the pattern is so intricate and and eye catching.

Rosie Patent Hobo

More zipper detailing – love it! I’m also thrilled with the gorgeous pop of color and varying shades of blue.

Beaded Evening Bag

Clutches are a lot of fun, and this one has plenty of space for all your evening essentials. The beading detail is so pretty I’d be tempted to take this baby out during the day, too!

StrapDiva – No Slip Purse & Handbag Strap

Posted on: December 10, 2009 @ 3:59 pm 1 Comment »

Ever been annoyed by the straps on your handbag slipping right off your shoulder?

How many times have you been carrying too much to handle only to have your bag or your purse strap slip off your shoulder and down to the crook of your elbow? Or those days when you are wearing a bulky sweater or a coat and the strap on your handbag just don’t stay put and you have to keep slinging your purse back up on your shoulder over and over again.

handbag straps I have a few handbags that just stay put on my shoulder and I’ve been very tempted to get out the double sided tape and that non-slip mat stuff (I call it rubber grippy stuff) and modify my purse straps myself.

When Christine, a mom to four kids, and the founder of StrapDiva emailed me about her nifty invention, my first thought was why didn’t I hear about something like this before now! It’s perfect!

StrapDiva is a no-slip purse strap cover that snaps on to a single purse strap or two handles together. It is made of super soft and luxurious leather with a suede lining. On the outside, there is a special material to prevent slippage and help keep your straps where they belong.

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Written by The Fashionable Housewife
Filed Under Handbags

Macy’s Online Black Friday Deals – Accessories

Posted on: November 27, 2009 @ 7:00 am 1 Comment »

Style&co. Wallet, Flat Frame $15.99 (Regularly $28)

Style&co. Umbrella, Mini $15.99 (Regularly $28)

Jessica McClintock Handbag, Satin Rose Clutch $19.99 (Regularly $30)

Jessica McClintock Handbag, Pleather Python Clutch $25.99 (Regularly $45)

Calvin Klein Gloves, Leather $33.75 (Regularly $60)

Style&co. Shoes, Shorty Cold Weather Boots Women’s Shoes $29.99 (Regularly $49)

Handbag Heaven Black Friday Deals

Posted on: November 26, 2009 @ 9:00 pm 2 Comments »

Y’all know about my love affair with HandbagHeaven.com , so no need to explain. But do check out some of these hot new styles:

Delilah Oversized Hobo

Jasmin Tote

Juliette Patent Glam Tote

Lancaster Leopard Tote

I’m super excited to see which styles are one sale! Thinking I might need a new handbag to be thankful for… 15% off all Handbags at HandbagHeaven.com

Skip the Lines – Black Friday Sales on Rue La La & $10 Credit!

Posted on: November 26, 2009 @ 6:52 pm 2 Comments »

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Want to get a jump start on your holiday shopping but loathe Black Friday’s epic lines and crowded malls? Rue La La has your solution to avoid the midnight stampede!

With many stores and sites closed on Thanksgiving, Rue La La is offering its members exclusive deals. Starting at 7pm on Thanksgiving night, Rue La La will open its virtual doors for your pre-Black Friday shopping.

Check out what’s in store:

* For the ladies, handbags from Junior Drake, and exclusive items from Hanky Panky, which are sure to make perfect stocking stuffers!
* For the gents, savvy suits from Tommy Bahama

* Jura-Capresso products are perfect for all your holiday entertaining needs!

So drop the dishes and prime your credit cards for a workout!

Not a Rue La La member yet? Join now (or by December 24th) and receive a $10 account credit to get you started. Score!

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Deals & Steals, Handbags, Lingerie & Undergarments, gift ideas

Fashionable Holiday Handbags – Coach Review & Giveaway!

Posted on: November 23, 2009 @ 6:00 pm 79 Comments »

Coach has included The Fashionable Gal as 1 of their 30 bloggers for the Coach Holiday Blog-a-Day this year! We are so excited to be a part of such an amazing group of bloggers and have the opportunity to show you a few pieces from the Coach Holiday collection and give one lucky reader the chance to win the fabulous Poppy Sequins Mini Flap!!!

First, I want to show you some stylish and fashionable Holiday party bags that will work for evenings out as well as Holiday parties. The Coach Holiday collections has some great choices like the Amanda Drawstring bag, Poppy feather crossbody, Garnet clutch and the Amanda sequin clutch.

If you aren’t brave enough to wear sequins, the Amanda sequin wristlet would be a great choice. You can get the glamor of sequins without feeling uncomfortable.

When it comes to handbags and purses, you can go a little crazy without looking silly. When it comes to small bags like clutches and wristlets, be bold and try something really interesting. While it should compliment what you’re wearing, don’t be afraid to go with a bright color like purple or teal. Treat your bag like an accessory that can accent your whole outfit.

Feeling fun and flirty this Holiday season? Grab the Poppy feather crossbody! It’s absolutely adorable and endlessly chic.

This bag will look fabulous with almost any Holiday party dress. But instead of going out and buying a brand new dress for that office party or family get-together, you can get a new bag from the Coach holiday collection that will add immediate interest to a dress that you already own. What a great way to spice up your little black dress! Just throw a new bag over your shoulder and it will make all your clothes seem more fashionable. Plus it’s a great conversation starter and will make people forget that you’re wearing the same exact dress you wore to the party last year!