Wanna know if you’re a real fashionista?
A sure sign is that “spring fever” state of mind when you get the urge to reorganize your essentials and slip them into a brand new, statement-making handbag. (That’s fashionista-speak for purse.)
Don’t fight it — call it the modern version of “nesting” and go with the flow. Fortunately, this season you’ll discover a plethora of purses that are both practical and pretty.
Get a preview of the best right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.
The tortilla bag in snakeskin is a specialty of Devi Kroell, a brand you’ll find in high-end specialty stores. Look for other versions and leathers at Coach, Bottega Veneta and Neiman Marcus.
The classic shape of the satchel makes it the type of bag you could wear forever — so if you plan to do so, be sure to choose a color and pattern that you will love this year … and next.
You can pick up a well-priced hobo bag just about everywhere. If you are going to buy just one handbag this season, this one is a sure bet.
Precious metalsWe’ve mentioned metallics already — and with good reason, for this trend shows no sign of slowing. In fact, you’ll find most of the season’s great handbag shapes in metallics, including the one of everyone’s fingertips right now, the itsy-bitsy metallic wristlet, clutch or pouch, which slips easily into your day bag and is on duty for evenings out. We love gold and silver metallics, especially when patterned with a faux snakeskin texture, but you can find metallicized leathers in practically every color.
Want to downsize? Mini versions of all the handbag trends featured here are super chic in metallicized leathers.
Tote voteCarry a lot of baggage? Then the “haute tote” is the bag for you! These beautifully crafted and decorated totes of leather, canvas or terrycloth are just right for those of us who, well, tote a lot around. We love the embellished leather version, which is often finished with beads and stitching. Another fun alternative is the bright floral tote paired with leather handles and trim — just dressed up enough to work as your day-to-day handbag.
We love the haute totes from Cole Haan, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade and Banana Republic. You will also find fun, colorful totes at Target and JC Penney.
Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.
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