These nylon handbags just keep getting more and more stylish, don’t they? There was a time when I would never have been caught dead toting a nylon bag, even if it did have a little upside down triangle and fancy Italian name attached to it. Labels like Michael Kors and Cole Haan are making functional hobos and totes made of ripstop nylon that are durable and stylish, thanks to pockets, hardware and bright trim. The Multipocket Nylon Hobo retails for $285 and is available at josephshoes.com.
Is there a such thing as too plain? Sometimes…and this Furla handbag may be it. It isn’t the color, it’s the design. I mean, if bright orange can’t kick this style into high gear, imagine the thing in black or navy. I can appreciate a simple design most of the time, but it has to be done with stellar leather and killer details. This purse lacks both. Orange and silver? Check, please! The Furla Leather Shoulder Bag retails for $475 and is available at josephshoes.com.
It’s chic, and it’s simple, so you know it’s Christopher Kon. This handbag would work perfectly at the office, and also looks great with jeans and a cardigan on the weekend. It’s made of supple Italian leather, but isn’t too distressed, which is why I like it for a work environment. Measuring in at 12×12, the bag is big enough for your work things, and the roomy shoulder strap allows you to keep your hands free for hailing a taxi, jumping on the subway, or whatever else you work day entails. The Kon Leather Shoulder Bag retails for $345 at josephshoes.com.
Is everyone else obsessed with this blue?! The man who made red soles famous did a surprisingly fantastic job making bright blue look just as sexy, even if it isn’t on the bottom of a show. The color alone is enough to make them stop and stare. I’m not sure how I feel about the actual design of the bag, as it’s a little awkward. I could have done without the braided handle and outsize zippers, but they aren’t enough to make me think the purse is hideous either. At $1650, I’d have to like the bag more in order to purchase, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate this beauty. It’s a risk taker, for sure. The Louboutin Frame Closure Outside Zippers handbag is available at josephshoes.com.
For a little twist on the same ol’, same ol’, take a peek at this Burberry Studded Check Hobo. Sure, it’s unmistakably Burberry, but the darker print gives it a sophisticated edge. Slightly pleated, this cotton hobo is a cute classic that will stay in regular rotation for years to come. It’s especially appealing due to its year-round versatility: Wear it with your darker colors in the winter and pair it with a chic white pantsuit in the summer. Available for $1595 at Nordstrom.
Unusual texture and frivolous color make this Prada Pleated Purse stand out, despite its small size. More dainty than anything else, this handbag features pleated leather in lavender they call Glicine (adorable!) or black and a hint of gold hardware. It’s ideal for the woman who carries very little (in other words, not me) and just wants something highly fashionable and practical. Available for $1350 at Neiman Marcus.
This style of bag is nothing unique (doesn’t Foley and Corinna have something very similar?), so I can’t credit Coach for doing anything brilliant with the new Ergo Leather Convertible Tote. Despite that, this is a chic little purse that’s got a very smart, classy vibe about it. Perfect for the professional woman who doesn’t want to carry something hefty and burdensome, the Convertible Tote holds just enough if carried as a tote. When it’s time to relax, fold the top down and sling the strap over your shoulder. Available in burnt orange (very pretty), natural, white and black for $478 at Coach.
It’s the little flashes of pink that save the new Coach Signature Stripe Patchwork Shoulder Bag from being another run of the mill patchwork purse. It’s made up of the usual pieces: suede, patent leather, metallic cowhide and the classic signature print. The girly color scheme is bound to be a hit amongst those who weren’t crazy about fall’s subdued color palette. The interior features useful multifunction pockets and a large compartment to keep your change from rolling around. It’s cute, but perhaps best suited for the true Coach purse fanatic. It’s available for $398 at Coach.
I felt an incredible rush of “Oh-my-God-I-have-to-have-that!” come over me when I first caught sight of the latest from Coach. This Ergo Patent Leather Pleated Framed Satchel (that’s a mouthful, huh?) is practically perfect. From the knockout pink to the classic navy (there’s also a beige), the colors are gorgeous. Not only is the gleaming leather fabulous, so too is the handbag’s practical, ladylike construction. An inside compartment with a kiss-lock closure gives it a unique spin, and it’s lined with the Tattersall print (better inside than out, in my opinion). I’m normally a big fan of pink, but the navy is really calling my name. It would be perfect to carry through fall, though the pink would be ideal to wear throughout spring. And the beige would work well year round. Looks like Coach owns my bank account this season. Available in limited quantities for $498 at Coach.
This eco-conscious bag is from Stella McCartney. The Metallic Patent Patchwork Tote retails for $1,195 at intermixonline.com and is a great way to get the blues. I love this bag with jeans. Usually I’m opposed to blue bags with blue jeans, but because this one is a mix-up of patent blue colors, it’s a great handbag to mix with denim of any sort. This spring expect denim skirts and dresses from Philip Lim to Gap. The brass hardware resembles buttons and rivets on a pair of jeans, giving the handbag a quirky chic look that all Stella girls love.
This duffel bag is of the nicer variety, and not exactly the type you’d carry to the gym. The MCM Boston Patent Duffel is super glossy and hot. It’s modern in both design and material, and would look great with all of the beige that retailers will be stocking for spring. The seams and hardware add a little pizazz to the bag without overpowering the patent leather. It’s a pretty roomy handbag, making it great for travel or work. The only thing is you’ll want to be careful with this purse: patent can scuff it’s left in one position too long (i.e. set against another piece of patent), so be sure you store it in it’s dust bag, while stuffed with tissue to keep it looking pristine. The MCM Boston Patent Duffel retails for $1,150 at intermixonline.com.
Every year, sometime in April, New Yorkers are treated to a fluke hot, sunny day or two, as a sort of preview to the summer. And while the mercury raises from 40 degrees to only about 70 degrees, all hell breaks loose. All of a sudden, the miniskirts come out, the tube tops get a go, the thong sandals get a dusting. I suspect that the men of NYC look forward to that one fluke day all winter. While this may be an April rite for some New York women, I, being of the firm opinion that miniskirts should be banished from one’s closet after a certain age, prefer to usher in hopes of warm weather by peppering my wardrobe with vibrant colors. This Banana Republic Snake Embossed Clutch does the trick beautifully. Made of embossed leather to resemble snakeskin, this thoroughly modern clutch is clean and unfussy and will be a go-to whenever you’re craving a burst of color. Its slim profile makes it a great choice for an outing with girlfriends or a night out with the BF/hubby. At just $89 and in a three different equally vibrant hues, this purse won’t eat into your summer vacay budget. Perfect! Pick one (or two, or three) up at BananaRepublic.
If neutrals bore you, this bag will take you far. The Metallic Leather Patchwork Tote from MICHAEL by Michael Kors is a great summer handbag. The bright metallics and patchwork leather are a nod to warm weather. The strap is thin, so don’t pack it down with a ton of stuff or else it might start to stretch the handles, which is never a good look. The bronze color is great for pairing with wedges and flat sandals, and the metallic dresses up a casual look without going over the top. The Metallic Leather Patchwork Tote retails for $498 and is available at intermixonline.com.
Considering this design, I’m inclined to believe Fendi is under the impression that they have a free pass this year to just go nuts thanks to all of this year’s bold, adventurous trends. As if they didn’t do that last year! To Fendi’s credit, they have been somewhat normal again in recent months, so I suppose one slip-up can be forgiven. That’s quite generous, given the heinousness of this Hair Hide Fringe Bag. Yet again we’re all forced to ask what the heck they were thinking. It actually wouldn’t be so bad without the multicolored fringe trim - a simple black and white purse is always fairly chic. True to form, though, the purse goes overboard and the result is something that can best be described as crazy. Available to pre-order for $5420 at Neiman Marcus.
Jerome Dreyfuss is new on the handbag radar, but don’t expect that to be apparent in the design or materials of the bag. Using imported leather, the label has created a great group of bags that most likely go with the downtown sort of fashionista who loves to mix it up on a regular basis. The Yves Convertible Bag is a big bag that collapses down when not filled, and has a lot of bells and whistles that make the bag edgy. For spring, there’s a huge trend of anchoring light, soft looks with hard leather pieces like gladiator sandals and chunky bags, and the Yves would accomplish that perfectly. The textured leather and studs are perfect for a tough girl, or those of us who just like to dress the part. The Yves Convertible bag retails for $541 and is available at shopbop.com.
I love this purse because it incorporates summer into a ladylike design. The long structured straps sit comfortably on your shoulder, and the woven leather body is just as nice as a certain Italian handbag label without the ridiculous four digit price tag. The Cole Haan Leather Braided Handle Bag retails for $450 at josephshoes.com. The bright mustard color is gorgeous for summer, and can work for the majority of the fall when paired with dark denim, chocolate, and any earth tone.
If you have a certain affinity for that little robin’s egg blue box (and what woman doesn’t?), you can understand designer Kara Ross’s inspiration behind her Dea Tiffany Alligator Clutch. The pretty hue is the star of this sleek alligator purse. It’s accented by a delicate silver buckle, which houses a gleaming blue crystal within its cozy confines. Purchase it online from England for $7196 at Browns Fashion or do some digging around and you’ll find it for $4500 here in the States. Real bargain, huh?
Boasting the quintessential timeless design, the always recognizable Balenciaga Giant City Bag is, by now, such a classic that it doesn’t need much hype for people to fall in love with it. But I still have to stop and admire the deep grass-green hue of this carryall. I’m not normally a fan of the oversized gold studs, but against this backdrop they look right at home. Of course, you can’t go wrong with this handbag in the first place; it holds everything and transitions easily from work to weekend wear. Available for $1858 at Browns Fashion.
Shop for more designer purses by Balenciaga
In a rare departure from the kooky prints and fun details that L.A.M.B. usually shows in their bags, the Glazed Love Asti handbag boasts only a simple gold metal L in the brand’s signature Old English font. Using supple leather, the brand is catering to every style, even those of us who choose to look more refined the majority of the time. The soft leather slouches, so the purse can do a casual look well, but the jet black color and gold details also let you wear the bag to dinners or even out for drinks. The Glazed Love Asti bag retails for $725 and is available at shopbop.com.
This handbag embodies everything that the Michael Kors label stands for: classic chic with a modern twist. While I do get tired of Kors’ designs at times (they are all essentially the same: from slim slacks to twinsets to the endless pairs of aviators), I must admit that the man knows what he’s doing when it comes to American sportswear. The Michael Kors Beverly Drawstring Satchel is a great day bag made of slouchy leather accompanied by gold hardware. Available in black and lavendar, the latter is especially interesting when paired with the gold, and the soft shade is right on point with spring’s feminine vibe. I really like the functional side pockets on this purse as well. It retails for $1,395 and is available at nordstrom.com.
