The other day my husband very tactfully told me that the large carryall nebulous handbags that I am so often drawn to are not super flattering to my somewhat petite and curvy body type. Well, I have to admit that he’s right so I have been trying to use more angular, thinner and altogether smaller bags.
I really need to carry less in my purse anyway. I have to realize that it’s okay to not always everything that I might need on hand and that I can find a band-aid, lotion, tylenol somewhere else if I really have to have it.
I did figure out one time that a big purse is really necessary and that is when you are trying to sneak candy into the movie theater. Yup, I do it. I admit it. And there is no way to fit a 20 oz drink and a box of Mike & Ikes into a small flat purse. We went to see the movie Micmacs (which I highly recommend, especially for you Amelie lovers out there) and in addition to our $20 movie tickets, shelled out $10 more for candy. Heartbreaking.
You can’t always be practical, right? Sometimes you need a little sparkle or a little bit of embellishment to make your days (and your outfit) a little brighter. In these cases the Karen Millen Studded Handle Bag will do quite nicely.
The light colored leather makes this bag casual enough to go with everything and the gold and silver studded handle gives it enough pizazz to make it stand out in a sea of tan leather. Not sure how comfortable it would be to carry, but that’s beside the point. We’re trying to not be practical here.
You can buy the Karen Millen Studded Handle Bag at Karen Millen, originally $350 and marked down to $199.
Rebecca Minkoff handbags have always turned my head because they have classic shapes but also have edgy details that make them modern and interesting. They are beautifully made in a wide array of styles and colors to suit any personality.
Rebecca launched this video to introduce her Fall 2010 line called Bada Boum! I am having trouble picking a favorite. You can see the whole collection here.
You guys know I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls holds a similarly special place in my heart. Though owned by the same company, I think the stores have different strengths-Marshalls has better clothes, TJ Maxx has better accessories.
While clothes shopping in Marshalls last weekend I did the obligatory walk through the purse section and was pleasantly surprised to see some really big names at huge discounts. I came across Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Matt & Nat, Hobo, Max & Cleo and several others. I went to Belk the next day and they were carrying Michael Kors bags that looked almost identical to one I had seen in Marshalls!
All this to say that there are great deals to be had and that you can be on a budget and still have a fabulous designer handbag!
What is there to not love about the Mulberry Hayden Tote? Soft, buttery lambskin called “plonge;” classic shape with modern, military accents; adjustable side straps; beautiful gray that will go with everything. This bag can take you through fall, winter and spring in wonderful Mulberry Style.
My only complaint is that this beautiful gray is called “drizzle.” While I understand the reference, the word drizzle does not have the most positive connotation. The whole package is so nice, however, that I am willing to overlook the name.
As I mentioned earlier, Mulberry is working with Target on a handbag line that comes out in October. While I don’t expect any lambskin in that collection, if the Target line has a quarter of the style of the Hayden Tote, we have a lot to look forward to.
The price makes the Mulberry Hayden Tote a bit more attainable than some of my other lottery bags, but at $950 it’s still quite a stretch. If it’s a stretch you are willing to make, you can buy it at Mulberry.
In other lottery bag news, my husband’s Aunt told me that she has always wanted a Bottega Veneta handbag and this spring, after years of pining, she bought herself one as a birthday present. Way to go, Aunt Martha!
Happy 4th of July, everyone! I have very fond memories from my childhood of July 4ths spent at picnics, with popsicles, and sitting on a blanket watching fireworks while lightning bugs hovered around us. This year we are celebrating Independence Day by having a giant water balloon fight and cookout. Not quite as peaceful and my childhood holidays but sure to also create some great memories.
I hope that you have a wonderful holiday weekend, celebrating the freedom that we are so blessed to have.
Here are some some new and some vintage purses to help get you in the patriotic spirit. All of these can be found on Etsy.
Amazon.com is having another amazing sale on designer handbags. They are offering a discount of 35% off selected purses of $80 or more plus free shipping on most purchases. The sale includes Latico, Big Buddha, Hype, Melie Bianco, The SAK and other great names.
I don’t usually like bags made from PVC and I don’t often like animal print but somehow this Marc by Marc Jacobs Franny Animal-print PVC tote does them both well. The print is lively but neutral enough that you won’t tire of it too quickly. Also, the print is a brilliant choice for the PVC material as it has a nice sheen without looking cheap.
This bag will look great with jeans and a solid colored tee and can take you from summer into early fall. It also comes with my new favorite bag addition: the detachable shoulder strap. You can buy it at Net-a-Porter for $330.
