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Purses and Things: Summer Inspiration for Less

The economy got you down? Spend your stimulus check too early? I'm a firm believer in Sarah Jessica Parker's commentary that fashion is a right. If you have to look good for your job or you need to look professional because you just got a promotion, then fashion isn't a luxury. Good basics become a way of life, as does looking current and beautifully accessorized. Let's step up our style and still save.

(Nature Clutch in Neutral) This Nature Clutch is a fantastic way to dress up a post-work outfit. If you need to slip from the office to an awards ceremony or special event, you can easily stow this away in your usual to-work bag and pull it out to dress up anything-- from a dark tailored suit to a super-slinky piece.

Tip: Priced slightly higher than other selections here, this is an investment piece that can pay for itself in "cost per wear."

(SHIH Messenger Baby Bag) Are you a busy mom who needs a diaper/baby bag with style? This is a great bag in a wipe-clean nylon that can be accessorized with fun charms to spell out your baby's name. While it's not the brightest bag out there, it's versatile and budget-friendly in an easy-to-manage black. Definitely a must-buy for a new mom who's still looking for something chic.

(Merona Tote Bag)

(Target Mossimo Tote Bag in Navy) Target, Target, Target! I've never met someone who didn't like to shop there, and I don't think I ever will. The above two featured purses have an almost nautical feel, but they are available in basic colors to match with just about everything. I definitely recommend you check them out. Considering wearing them with sailor button-front jeans if you dare!

(Beau Soleil RRR Bag)
Are you a tad crunchy and love your environmentally-friendly doodads? Or are you just a trendy girl looking for a green option this summer? Either way, this purse is a cool option for lugging library books or stowing away a picnic blanket for a nice afternoon in the park.

Tip: These knotted straps are also trendy additions on more expensive bags, and great for celeb style watchers!

(Lady D Tote) The Lady D. Tote is more of a day handbag when you need something that you can beat up without guilt. You can find it in a deep turquoise or this interesting cream color to match with just about anything in your summer wardrobe. Did I mention that it's just $27?

(Medium Spy Satchel) I always look for something to satisfy voracious style-snatchers, and this spy satchel does the trick. If you love your designer bags but there's just no way that you can get one this season, this bag has the right look for you. It's not an outrageous copy, but it does carry that unmistakable designer vibe.

Spring Handbags to Love

I can imagine that this will be a several-part installment as we zing from trend to trend. . . if it's not handbags, it's shoes anyway, right? I always have a lot to carry, so why not follow the trends and try something out that's perfectly in-tune with 2008 and fits my running shoes, a novel, all my makeup, a change of clothes, and a stack of mail. Does that sound like something you need, too? Check out top selections below for this year, and then head out on your own for amazing selections from the likes of Shopbop.com, Bluefly, Buy.com, and Couture Candy.

Candy Colors
Bright colors are a dream. They catch the eye, add interest to your most boring outfits, and can be a conversation piece in a twist. Go for strawberry, lemon, and orange just like your favorite candies, and don't look back at your black purses for the rest of the season.

That's why I'm enamored with the Lizzy Strawberry Truffle Purse. It has a sturdy shape (perfect for throwing in the car without a worry) and combines brown and pink for a very cool vibe. Love that tie around it's midsection as well.


Giant Hobos

Soft, tan, and slouchy-- sign me up! This Kooba Camel Leather Corseted Detail Hobo Bag might be an investment at $357.00, but it's certainly worth it. From my Kooba bags to yours, this line of purses have a gorgeous hand and wonderful interiors. Patch pockets and corseting details make things even more wild.







Canvas handbags are just too easy. You almost feel like you're cheating when you wear a stylish one, with all that wipe-cleanable style and everything. This purse, the Bing Bang Sophia, has the coolest pleat details and leather trim to keep things classic, shapely, and feminine. That bag inspires me!





Metallics
Yes, metallics are still in swing. Are you as scared as I am? If I buy one more gold purse, I think I'm going to keel over. Which is why this Karen Linen Click Bag in Khaki has saved me! Gold piping communes alongside cool natural fabric details and more. This trendy wristlet is great for a little futuristic touch to a neutral outfit.

Bag It

As savvy shoppers we all know about buying purses on sale, on loan or on credit. Although the ‘big bag’ is in again, it’s hard to be an organized superwoman toting a bottomless pit; therefore here are a couple of tips on being not only completely fashionable with your handbag, but functional. It’s time to master the ‘in’ look of the oversized purse, but organizing your handbag to fit your hectic lifestyle of shopping, chauffeuring, baby carrying, filing and stuffing all the things we need for our lives.

Men often wonder what in the world it is that we need to carry such a large purse around and what in the world we are putting in them. Needless to say, at my age I still don’t know the answer to the question; however, I do know that it is more than necessary as we all seem to fill each and every crevice of our purses up no matter how big or small they are. Which is the benefit to the large bag as we do have so many items to carry, but yet we still would like to easily access those needed things. Thus our dilemma, it often seems like a chore or an unreachable task to find items in the scope of the belly of a large pocketbook. So the best way to become organized and stylish is to look for wide bags as opposed to deep purses. By utilizing the width instead of the depth you are able to keep from digging into the bottomless pit to reach for ringing cell phones, missing credit cards or car keys. The width of the bag still gives the fashion forward look of the ‘big bag’ without the anxiety of the depthness.

Another thing to keep in mind with larger handbags is the organizational flow of the items that you are holding inside. As women we tend to keep and hold everything, from our kid’s things to grocery receipts to every toiletry you can name. The smart way to handle this situation because you have the space in your larger sized purse is to keep your things separate from your children. Carry two bags…if it is not for you or your use do not put it in your purse, but another bag for your kids. It is impossible to organize your things if you’re constantly mixing snacks, toys, diapers, sipper cups etc. into your purse. To combat those deep, dark corners equip your purse, or your keychain with a mini flashlight to shed some light on your purse problems.

When shopping for that great bag, make sure you check out the features. Opt for purses that offer lots of extra little compartments like an ID holder or several inside pockets. Because of our lavish lifestyles of shopping, and of course our need for clipping coupons, receipts and coupon clippings seems to be the biggest offenders in our bags. By shopping for purses with the most compartments can tame this situation by you only putting receipts in one pocket and coupons in another. If the purse has a clip on the side go ahead and bag it…that’s a keeper, the best way to keep your keys from falling into the depths of the unknown is through clipping them to the side of the purse. However, you must remember to clean the pockets out at least once a week and of course, zip them up, or you will be back to square one. The best tip for organizing large bags is to color code. By picking a certain color for your wallet, cell phone case, business cardholder and makeup bag you will be able to locate items quickly with just a glance. Once you start associating your phone with green or your wallet with pink, it will make grabbing items easier. Try using clear for your make up bag as it is easy to see the items that are inside. This makes it not only easy to spot the entire bag for quick pick up, but just as easy to just slide your gloss out of the clear container for a speedy touch up. This way you can have your bag as big as you want it without having to excavate a burial site of receipts, baby items, gadgets and old purse junk.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt

The Purse Essentials

By now it’s a running joke that women are obsessed with shoes and bags. But things don’t become pop culture norms if they don’t have at least a grain of truth to them…

Granted, not every woman is going to go out and blow her entire paycheck on the latest Fendi Spy bag. But chances are, to the complete and utter befuddlement of our male acquaintances, we do actually own several different purses.

Now, the question isn’t how many is too many, or how few is too few. The more apt question is: which types of bags are essential to every girl’s wardrobe?

-The Work Purse
The work purse should scream conservative. Stick to solid, dark colors like a brown or black. The material should also be demure like leather or even a nice faux leather. Avoid anything in the realm of obvious pleathers, patent leather, or frilly feathers.
If you want to present a professional front, your wardrobe (and all accompanying accessories) should reflect that.

-The Everyday Purse
One of the most essential characteristics of this bag is its size. It needs to be large enough to tote around everything you need. This means it needs to fit your wallet, your makeup, your cell phone, your day planner—whatever you need to keep you moving throughout your day.
But one word of caution: keep the size in check. Lugging around a cumbersome, heavy bag all day can get real old real quick.
Make sure this bag is practical in every way, whether that pertains to size, ease of carrying, whatever. You don’t have to sacrifice style. Just make sure it’s user-friendly.

-The Club/Going Out Purse
This purse should be about one thing and one thing only—fun. This is the purse you wouldn’t be caught dead bringing to your corporate job.
It’s plastered in feathers, or sequins, or contains ridiculously oversized zippers. Wild patterns. Exotic fabrics. Whatever you find particularly appealing, play it up with this purse.
And don’t think that just because you err on the side of conservative apparel this kind of purse isn’t for you. The going out purse isn’t about buying something radically outside your comfort zone. It’s about infusing a little fun into your everyday.

-The Splurge
Okay, so this bag isn’t exactly “necessary.” In fact, by its very definition it’s not necessary. That’s why it’s a splurge.
But every woman should have one item in her closet that she absolutely adores. Something much more luxurious or outrageous or wonderful than anything else she owns.
For some women, that means an extremely expensive designer bag. But the splurge purse does not have to fall into that category. As a compulsive bargain hunter, the splurge purse for me is a designer label, but one I’ve found dirt cheap after a long search.
Point being, the specifics of the splurge purse will be different for everyone, but no woman should be without a little glamour, glitz, or frivolity in her wardrobe.

If you’re not into juggling multiple purses, double up. With a carefully chosen purse, your work, everyday, and splurge can be the same bag!

Good luck, and happy shopping!

by Liz Herrin

Quality Bags Under $100

Sometimes when you see a bag that just seems so cool, so popular, so "in," it turns out to be a disappointment when you get up close. Poor stitching, inferior materials, and cheap metal can all bring down your look.

Here's my list of quality bags under $100 to keep you looking good while still being nice to your wallet:

Kathy Van Zeeland
All of Kathy Van Zeeland's bags have that affordable price tag with a designer flair to keep any budget-seeking shopper happy. For spring, I like her Royal Family Satchel, which combines bright logos on a white ground in the style of a Louis Vuitton purse. In my opinion, they are even better than the multicolor LVs because Kathy's are silly, stylish, and aren't copies at all. They're just fun!

I also like the Kathy bag called Hollywood Squares Drawstring Satchel. Available in a soft blush color, it comes with detachable charms and some subtle grommet accents. This bag can be worn all year round, which makes the bag's "cost-per-wear" decreases significantly. Wear it at night in winter and day in the summer.

Canvas Convertible Bag by Urban Outfitters
This purse from Urban Outfitters is under $70 and has such a versatile look. The canvas and leather-like accents make it perfect for vegans who want a designer purse for less. I love the whipstitched handles and zipped pockets. Choose your in the color "Natural" for the spring.

BCBG Max Azria Handbags Frame Hobo
This is a great purse for evening and is just under $100. There are paillettes covering the purse to give it a unique elegant appearance and an interesting texture. It's a smaller size that's just right to carry the essentials for evening, including your cell phone, some lip gloss, and your wallet. This BCBG purse is available in black and silver, so choose the one that matches the bulk of your wardrobe. You'll want to wear yours every day, so find yours now at Zappos!

BCBG Max Azria Small Chain Frame
Okay, this bag is just over $100, but it's definitely worth it. This BCBG purse is a pouch style with a chain handle. This chain detail is continued with slim chains that cover the outside for a very interesting look. You can find yours for $118 from Zappos.

After you've found top quality bags for under $100, stop by Bag, Borrow, or Steal. Why torture yourself over the perfect designer purse if you can borrow it for a lot less? Choose from Fendi, Gucci, Botkier, Kooba, and a lot more. So while your closet is stocked with tasteful, affordable bags under $100, you can still treat yourself a little. Plus, with all that money you've saved, you certainly won't be breaking the bank! Enjoy.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Purse Care Tips

I love purses, but I am notoriously terrible at taking care of them. Right now, I have a line of them, still containing paper and cards, on my shelf. When they get too messy to handle, I sometimes don't clean them out, but seem to use my newest acquisition instead of giving them the proper care they need.

But now things are going to change, with these amazing handbag liners I found from Bananasoup.com. The VIP Classic Handbag Liner has 9 pockets and is available in pink, white, blue, tan, green, and other shades, too. These liners make it so easy for handbag owners to transfer the contents of their purses in one smooth motion. Transfer keys, cash, lotions, receipts, and pens from bags quickly, and keep your purse clean enough to store safely.

To get everyone motivated to keep their purses tidy, I've compiled top purse care tips:

1.Store your bag in a dust bag.
2.Stuff your bag to help it keep its shape. Use bubble wrap, which doesn't attract moths like tissue paper can.
3.Store your purses' chain handles inside the body of the bag. These chain handles can scratch leather.
4.If you have a purse with long straps and you plan to store it for a while, consider undoing the straps completely. The leather won't have an impression in it, and if you need to change the length, it will look new.
5.Don't use your bag as a resting place to write notes. I've learned this the hard way; they act almost like a desk blotter, and harder leathers may get an impression of your grocery list.
6.If you are hitting the sales or going grocery shopping, do not bring along one of your favorite bags. If you're shuffling your purse from arm or arm, resting it against things, or generally slinging it about, things can get ugly—fast.
7.Avoid handling your bags after using products like foundation or hand creams!
8.This might be obvious, but try to avoid bringing your nicest purses out when it's raining.
9.Be careful with your pens. It's worth carrying a pen in a special case inside your bags to prevent leaks, scratches, or any other mishaps.
10.Do not put your purse on the floor. Not only do some people consider it bad luck, but your purse will get incredibly dirty.

And the most important tip of all: if you carry a cream or white purse, do not wear it with dark denim. The deep indigo dyes will rub off onto the leather and stain it, and that’s a very disappointing thing to have happen during the first week of carrying your bag.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

Designers to Watch: Going Beyond the “It” Bag

While a Marc Jacobs Stam purse is to die for and everyone wants a Prada ruched Gauffre, sometimes it feels good to get a bag that you're sure nobody can assess for value (how boring) or current desirability (this gets old fast, literally).

When you want the next best thing but you don't want to leave it in your closet at the end of the year, try a bag from a new, up-and-coming, or Indie designer. You'll have a quality purse with unique style that will have people guessing again and again. And for a girl on a budget, you'll get a great deal considering the “cost-per-wear” of a purse that simply won't go out of style.

But if you head into a department store or just set off down the street, it can be difficult to find the perfect new purse from a cool designer. It seems like everyone I go, I'm looking at a knock-off or a totally in-tune purse from one of the biggest labels. And that's where the internet comes into play! There will be no more pavement pounding while you're looking for your new, stylish purse.

Tips on designers & where to look

One:
JAS-MB. These purses are available in a cool new distressed finish in typically classic designs. Extra fun pockets and vintage buckles accent its buttery exterior and high-quality stitching. If you're in London, stop by the JAS-MB shop on 8 Ganton Street in Soho, near Carnaby. If not, you can even get a bespoke bag made by choosing your favorite design and leather with the help of Jas' super-talented stylists. You'll carry your bag every day, so it makes the price ($300 and up) a steal. Check out ebay.com for used JAS-MB bags at lower prices.

Two:
Rebecca Ciccio. Available at boutiques in the U.S. including L.A. and New York, you can also find Rebecca Ciccio's bags online at rebeccaciccio.com. These wonderfully roomy, relaxed bags are made to order, and with their pared-down silhouette, they'll match with everything. I love their tan hobos with side rings and strap detailing.

Three:
Keyka Lou. Keyka Lou makes bright business card holders and clutches for those of us who love a little color but want an original piece with attitude. Her fabric choices are creative and cheerful, and as a designer who has said “My goal is to make handmade items that don't look handmade,” you can be assured that the quality will stand up to whatever you put it through. Her clutches are sweet and sometimes finished off with a big, vintage-looking button.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni

It’s in the bag

Whether you consider it a purse, bag, pocketbook, handbag, shoulder bag…whether it is a clutch or a duffle, strapless or shoulder strap it is truly a staple in the female wardrobe. The purse is the finishing accessory to the feminine wardrobe that totally states if she has it all together or not. The choosing of the wrong bag with a particular wardrobe or the lack of can destroy the over-all look of any woman. Thus the pocketbook dilemma…how to stay purse stylish without breaking the bank and overloading an already way-too-crowded closet. The answer…it’s time to Bag, Borrow or Steal!

That’s right; your new designer purse is in the bag! There is no longer any need to pay full price for a designer bag that you will not use but a couple of times a year to special occasions; plus by borrowing you can now finally afford that new Gucci bag. At Bag, Borrow or Steal.com you can borrow thousands of trendy and run-way style designer bags for as long as you like. There is no specific time you have to return the purse; you just must keep your account in good standing. Not too mention, when you get bored with one bag, you just return it and can chose another trendsetter at any time. Oh, how envious your friends will be when they notice how tres chic you will become without giving up all of your m-o-n-e-y. The best thing about borrowing these designer bags is that if you absolutely fall in love with one particular item you can purchase it at a reduced price.

Purses are truly one of the most necessary female accessories, however, they become dated so quickly. Nevertheless, with Bag, Borrow or Steal you have the opportunity to change your bag as often as they come in and out of style. Plus, there is no need to have to shop in all the uppity, snooty boutiques--these bags will be shipped directly to your home.

So if you’re ready to stop buying and start borrowing, it’s a simple technique. I recommend becoming a member so that your rates will be cheaper if you plan on continuously borrowing. You can borrow a bag by the month or by the week. Monthly rates start as low as $20 for Trendsetter class accessories from designers such as Dooney and Bourke and Lori Bonn. But, Couture class handbags and accessories from designers like Gucci and Rosiblu are as high as $225. The prices are set up in categories based on what you are borrowing. Established members of this borrowing community can borrow as many as five designer bags at a time. However, it doesn’t just stop with purses….go ahead and be fashion forward from the rooter to the tooter with all types of accessories including bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings.

How many times have we begged others to purchase expensive designer bags for us to have to wait all the way till Christmas to get them? Not to mention, by the time the bag is received it is a little dated in style and we already have our eyes locked on yet another expensive handbag. Well, today is a new day, when we can search through thousands of designer bags that are all in excellent condition for a small fee. But before you go borrowing or stealing crazy let me give a word of advice to my purse savvy sisters… make sure you opt for the insurance on the bags you borrow. This is an extra precaution to make sure that you are indeed borrowing and not about to make an unwanted purchase. Other than that, hey it’s all in the bag.

by Tiffany J. Prewitt

Replica Designer Purses: Faux or Faux Pas?

Ahh, the age of question—do I shell out the money for a real designer purse, or shell out the chump change for a replica and tell everyone it’s designer? We all know the arguments for and against. It’s practically the oldest debate in the couture book.

-Pro, your opening statement.
-Thank you. Buying a replica is the only way to go. With rent and food and bills, who can justify buying the real thing?
-And con, your opening statement?
-How are you supposed to impress people if it’s not the real thing?
-Pro, rebuttal.
-(To be read with a note of whiny desperation.) But it’s expensive.
-Well said. Con, rebuttal.
-But it’s the real thing.
-Equally well said. Closing statements.
-In conclusion, anyone that buys a real designer purse is an ignorant, narcissistic poseur.
-Con?
-Anyone that buys a replica is a cheap, penny pinching chowder head. Thank you.

And that’s pretty how it’s gone since the dawn of synthetic leather and “made in China” tags wormed their way into the purse market. But the debate has heated since replicas became so difficult to spot. It used to be the case that just about anyone could point out the “Pradu” label or catch the poor stitching. Now replicas use the real name, real logos, even the real (copyrighted) fabric of the designers they impersonate. And the designers themselves are on board with replicas. People buy the fakes, flood the market, and people who insist on the real thing are urged to buy the newest design.

So if only an expert can pick out the Dolce and Gabbana made in Italy from the Dolce and Gabbana made in China and many designers are unruffled by replicas, can anyone really justify the real thing?

I guess it all comes back to where you fall on the debate. Are you an ignorant, narcissistic poseur or a cheap, penny pinching chowder head?

by Liz Herrin

Get Some Glam for the Holidays: Rapp and Posavek Purses

Rapp and Posavek purses are the perfect complement to your casual work look or your weekend togs, so take your pick amongst slouchy shoulder bags and sweet clutches. Created by design partners Suzie Rapp and Amy Posavek, these purses have an updated flavor without getting too trendy.

That being said, there are still plenty of interesting touches to set these bags apart. Most Rapp and  Posavek bags have very subtle details, which makes them even better to add to your basic wardrobe. Rivet details aren't overstated, and neither are the belted gussets that make bags so unique.

We caught up with designer Amy Posavek to check out her holiday shopping selection for the winter line. Her suggestion? “One of our most popular designs, the Ainsley, in the color moss,” she confides. This large shoulder bag with a distressed finish is a perfect choice: it's a good size for carrying without looking oversized, and the belted straps add personality.

Next season, Rapp and Posavek will be bringing us an exciting new line in a soft Italian lambskin which “feels like you've had it forever, but still has that mix of tough style [and] feminine feel” explains Posavek.

Our picks? Try the Bailey Large Messenger bag if you can't seem to travel light. It'll give your look a sophisticated touch, and this purse is available in moss, caramel, and chocolate to match with your essentials. If you need an evening-style purse, the Lola is a cute clutch with a line of rivet detailing. The antique brass and gold is removable and can also be worn as a necklace.

To find out more about Ross and Posavek, check out www.rappandposavek.com.

by Meieli Sawyer Detoni