Blog Post

The Must-Have Bags of Late '08

If you are like me you are a sucker for accessories! I own way too many purses, bracelets, earrings, shoes, necklaces, scarfs... anything that will add some snap to an outfit. And every season we get a whole new set of must-haves. And unless you have a limitless piggy bank (lucky you, if you do), you've got to make a smart purchases. Here're the latest purse trends. You can't own them all so pick wisely.

1. The Saddlebag.

It can double as a computer case, a school bag, a diaper bag, or just one large purse. But whatever you are using the saddlebag for, it's mutli-purpose practicality with a little flair. When trying it out in the store make sure the strap is the appropriate width to stay put on your shoulder. There is nothing worse than having to keep adjusting your purse straps. 

I really like this one from Debbie Rott Dolly. It's so western and unique. You're not likely to run into anyone at the mall with this same bag and it comes in a dozen different colors. It retails for $100, but is on sale for $80. Check it out! 

2. Studded.

Let the inner biker-chick free with this style. Having all these metal studs on a bag is certainly bold and eye-catching. You can go for less or more. Some bags are totally covered in studs, some are more subtle with studs following the seam lines or making an intricate pattern. And usually these purses come in neutral colors like black, brown, and gray, which makes them ideal to match with almost anything in your closet.

This one is subtle yet cool: the TreesjeWomen's London Satchel at Bloomingdales for $645. OK, it's pricey too. But I think this is one of those purse styles where you could make your own. Find a satchel bag you really like, run to the craft store, buy some metal accents and go to it.

 

3. Pouched Clutch

By now we all own a clutch. It's probably square or rectangular with very distinct edges. But the latest crush is on clutches without such obvious edges. You can stuff more into it this way too. And a lot of them come with the same little built in pockets for your phone or iPod. If it comes with the little hand wrist strap all the better - although they look more chic tucked under your arm.

This basic one from Jessica Simpson is perfect. It's larger than some, and the bold red color makes it stand out enough to get noticed but is still subtle enough not to compete with you.

 

4. Dual-handled Purse.

You can wear it over your shoulder so it hangs under your arm or at your land level. The dual-handled bags are making a come-back. And the nice part is that most of them still have the longer stap as a detachable option. But if you're wary of using the longer, thinner strap, drape it artfully over the top of your bag as an extra accent and use the shorter handles. 

This Coach purse is just so different that it needed to be posted! But there are dual-handled purses everywhere and in every color. This one comes in blue and green too (oh, and plain colors as well)!

 

5. Ruffled.

They can be subtle or cover the entire bag, but ruffles are spreading everywhere these days. It's not just our tops and skirts that have gotten that little extra flair. Our bags are experiencing that makeover too. The nice thing about a ruffle is that it adds a little extra class to any outfit. You can step-up a pair of jeans and graphic tee with a ruffled purse.

This one is super basic, but a great color and the discreet flair is note-worthy. Plus it's from Kohl's so it is totally purchasable at $30 (on sale for $18)!

 

6. Animal Print.

True animal skin never really goes away. We are always seeing reinventions of snake-skin and crocodile skin, but last year Dooney & Bourke experimented with cow and giraffe print and, man, was it hot! Now we are seeing the animal print on all sorts of bags.

This giraffe one at the baghaus comes in gold and silver. It looks as great as the Dooney & Bourke bags and is better for the bank at $54!

 

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devin's picture

The best bags i've ever seen are at bleuclothing.com

 
 

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