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
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
Cappelli Medium Hand Woven Multi Straw $32.40
Cappelli Black Toyo Bag w/Beaded Handles $48.60
BRIGHT/NEON COLORS
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 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
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)
