In My Bag
Summer clothes always feel disposable...flimsy materials show wear, tee shirts get stained, swim suits get faded... That's why it's always good to have an arsenal of cute, cheap bags, that aren't going to be sorely missed should they fall victim to a sunscreen spill, or happy hour spill.  Forever 21, one of my favorites for toss-able fashion, has loads of cute printed hobos (a fresher looking relative of the ubiquitous canvas tote) in canvas brights. I particularly like the green version with a blue whale applique. Nautical, and retro, it has a 70's Summer of Love vibe...I can just see it paired with a halter, wide leg jeans, and cork-ease platforms! There is a contrasting stitch picking up on the applique color...it's just so cheerful, and bright...perfect for anyone afraid of color. The bag is fully lined, and closes with a magnetic snap. Catch one at Forever 21, where the $19.20 price tag will leave you with enough left over to add a whimsical nautical change purse.  You can always use one of these to throw in any bag, and at $8.90, this one is just begging to be snapped up. Also from Forever 21.
I try to look at every bag not as just something I would carry (if I did, then chances are this would be hobos and totes every day) but something I can appreciate, or might notice if I saw someone else carrying it. And once in a while, I come across a bag that I'd love to carry, even though it is so very not my style.  The D'Bour flap bag is one of the loveliest bags I've seen of late. In lipstick red leather which has a croco print (not embossed, it is a raised print) body, and a wrinkled leather overlay, it is a fabulous study in tone on tone. The textures make you want to just reach out and touch. There is minimal hardware, which avoids what could have been a busy look. The bag is a square shape, which feels very fresh to me, on a handle that is stiff enough to hold it's shape, but long enough to be used as a satchel or in the crook of your arm (the bag is a bit boxy to rest comfortably on the shoulder, it seems). While I think it would work well with jeans or dressier clothes, the one caveat is neatness...this is the sort of bag that instantly makes any look more polished. I think it a fantastic option for anyone who loves the look of a structured bag, but wants to stand apart from the big brand designer flock. The Flap Bag from D'Bour looks as expensive as those big designer bags, but is pretty reasonable at $590. It is also available in cream croco, and 3 unprinted colors from D'BOUR. Note: the online store is not working currently, e-mail them at sales@dbour.com.
Wherever I look lately, I see mismatched patterns put together and working. If you've picked up a magazine recently, or watched nighttime soaps like Gossip Girl, or Cashmere Mafia you've definitely seen the sort of style trends that just never quite work for the real girl as well as they do for say, Carrie Bradshaw (just 9 days to the S&TC premier!!!!). While you or I might look ridiculous in striped pants with a floral blouse, and checked jacket over it, there is one great way to grab onto the idea and not wonder if you look like a trend slave...with a great bag.  One of my favorites, is the Seven For All Mankind Mixed media Tote in red and gold. I saw this bag, the last one, I might add, in a store and could not resist. The 2 patterns work together fabulously, and are caught somewhere between tribal and retro. The bag has bronze trim which matches up with the chevron print and perfectly offsets the red geometric. There are 2 outer pockets, both very flat, so they're only useful for papers or a slim phone. The handles are on the shorter side, but long enough to toss the bag over your shoulder (though the size and shape look best in hand). My only real complaint is that it's kind of heavy for a fabric bag, and very deep, which can make reaching things a bit more cumbersome (don't you just envy those women who seem to blindly reach into their bag and pull out whatever they need in seconds?...oh wait, maybe they're on TV too). On the plus side, it can easily hold everything, and I mean everything you need...but you'll have to carry it. At $230, it is also very well priced for how good it looks...I was surprised that it was from Seven, and not a company more known for handbags. You can get the Seven Mixed Media Tote from Chickdowntown where it comes in 3 colors, but none mix the patterns with as much flair as the red.
I've heard of people who keep some money in their shoe, but this may be taking it a bit too far.  From Intuition, the Judy Clutch modeled on the style of shoe we used to call decks, is cute and sure to bring on a smile. The mix of seersucker and multi plaid is cheerful and Summery (it's available in several solid choices as well). The sole unzips, with a shoelace pull, natch, for easy access to the interior, which is lined with solid cotton. On the whole, the idea is a bit too cutesy, and could wear off quickly if the bag is used often. On the other hand, it makes for a perfect , and funny, makeup case which would be large enough to hold full sized brushes. It would also be fabulous as a small bag to tote sunscreen and sunglasses, keys, any small items, really, to the beach. How cute would it be hanging off a beach chair? The Judy Clutch is available in 5 colors and costs $35 at Intuition
Release your inner warrior princess! Forget all those over sized clasps and locks, the big hardware no longer needs to be disguised as useful, it just has to be abundant...and look like it will hurt. The B-Low The Belt Studded Belle leather bag not only looks good, it is a personal safety device.  Perfect for fending off sleazes in nightclubs, or would be muggers. With a flick of the wrist, anyone who gets in your face will know you mean business. The metal studs are in multiple sizes and placed in perfect formation for maximum impact. Even the less violently inclined will enjoy the tough edge this bag adds to any outfit. The B-Low The Belt Studded Belle Leather Bag has a magnetic closure and comes in black or gold leather. it is $355 from Kitson.
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