Purse Pixie
J.Crew’s handbag designers have been on fire lately with all kinds of classic shapes and bright colors but if you want to keep your summer bag simple, the J.Crew Boardwalk Tote and J.Crew Farmer’s Market Tote are easy on the eye and for under $50, are easy the wallet.
It’s spring catalog season, the time of year when I am sent catalogs full of dresses and swimsuits in an effort to get me to buy things, which I often do. While most of these catalogs are apparel-based, many also carry accessories. So, I have decided that for each catalog I receive, I’ll do a post about the best purse or handbag they have to offer. First up: Athleta.
Athleta’s vibe is casual and sporty so the bags they carry tend that way as well. My current favorite is the Athleta Boho Beaded Bag. The outer layer is woven toyo straw with small wooden beads and it’s lined with a green striped cotton. Not something you’ d carry to formal occasions but it would go perfectly with jeans and flip flops or a flowy dress, which is pretty much my entire spring and summer wardrobe. You can get the Athleta Boho Beaded Bag from Athleta for $48.
Looks like the trend of bright pinks, yellows, greens and oranges is continuing through spring and summer and neon handbags are a great way to add a pop of color to an outfit without having to rework your whole wardrobe. If you’d like to give neon a try but don’t want to spend a bunch, Target has some great options. My favorite thing about these neon purses is that they are covered in cotton material instead of cheap-looking, fake leather PVC. You can get the Pink or Orange Xhilaration Pearl Top Handle Tote from Target or $19.99 and at that price, I might have to get one for myself.
Jason Wu is one of those designers who doesn’t get as much attention as he should (including from me!) and I am really excited that he is the latest designer collaborating with Target. Based on The Budget Babe’s sneak peaks, which you can see here, here, here and here, the Jason Wu for Target collection seems to have several handbags and girly dresses, two of my favorite things. I am hoping that since Wu is not as well-known, we’ll be able to avoid the whole Missoni for Target disaster and I’ll be able to pick up some great items without the chaos. The collection will be in Target stores on February 5.
How about you? Are you excited about Jason Wu?
Holiday crunch time is quickly approaching and if you’re still looking for gift ideas, check out the options at L.L. Bean Signature. This younger, hipper, less lumberjack line from L.L Bean has some simple and affordable bag options that would be good gifts for almost anyone. The Metallic Heritage Tote is on sale for $99 and the Saltwash Canvas Clutch is $39, both available from L.L. Bean Signature.
If you’re looking for a summery, knock-around bag that’s easy to clean, look no further than the L.L. Bean Canvas Shoulder Bag. Available in summery brights and two-tone, this convertible shoulder and cross-body bag will fit into almost any casual setting: the farmers’ market, the baseball game, the campground, you name it.
Available from L.L. Bean for $49.95
Another turquoise bag that screams summer and is about 1/100 the cost of the Gucci Leather Tote is the Athleta Punch Beach Bag. This screen-printed cotton bag will look great with a sundress or a swimsuit and would work at the beach or just running around town. And at this price, if it lasts you through the summer, you’ve gotten your money’s worth. Buy from Athleta for $49.
On a side note, this picture from the Athleta catalog kind of cracks me up. I mean, who reads a book like that?
