What a happy, flirty evening bag this Hydrangea Roxie is by Julie Feldman. All of Julie's bags are handmade, and in the case of this one a pile of silk hydrangea petals are nestled decoratively on top of a black satin flowerbox-shaped evening bag. The Hydrangea Collection includes bags in white, baby pink, periwinkle, dusty pink, and purple, and each one features front magnetic snap closure and an attached shoulder strap that can be hidden inside when not in use. 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 8", $225.
Happy Fourth of July! What better way to accent your outfit and show off your patriotic spirit this Independence Day than with a stylish new handbag. Designed by Julie Feldman and described as an "Americana tootsie roll handbag" (now I'm craving candy) this classic and simple bag is made of distressed leather with two rolled leather handles and zip closure at the top. I love the earthy and worn looking stars and stripes because they're so much less obnoxious than the brightly colored versions, and make the bag that much easier keep using all summer. $490
The Dior Ethic Zip Tote is structured, feminine, and full of fun details like grommets and whipstitching around the seams, a pudgie little pocket on the outside front, and a set of dangling accents that include braided straps, a Dior-embossed heart, and a tassel. It has a zip top with a leather pull (the front pocket closes with a magnet), protective metal feet, a couple different pockets inside (including one for a cell phone), and a nylon lining. Everything you need and want in a tote! $1,150
This is one crazy looking handbag! Featuring three of the most difficult looks to pull off (fringe, zebra print, and rainbow colors) it's the very daring Fringed Zebra Baguette by Fendi. Just looking at it you're sure to have a smile on your face (whether you love it or are laughing at it!), and I suppose with all those colors it's probably pretty versatile when it comes to matching it up with outfits. Features include the multi-colored leather fringe, a removable leather shoulder strap, removable buckles, magnetic closure, and a suede lining. $5,420
Talk about variety, the Allegra Bag from Vivre -- named after Eva's daughter -- comes in a plethora of color palettes, materials, and moods that can serve as a day tote, an evening bag or a vacation sack with plenty of style. Although the space is limited concerning bulky items (no extra pair of shoes or large cosmetic bags ladies) its sleek profile could easily accommodate business documents, a few simple necessities and a slim organizer or just as easily a magazine for the road, your ipod and a snack to hold you over before happy hour. No matter what it holds the choices of Allegra bags range from haircalf, leather, cork, straw weave, python and beyond and the price ranges from $195-$495 so you don't have to choose just one!
This is a big tote that's proud of itself and isn't shy about announcing itself for all to see in big pink letters. Totes are great to have around for all kinds of things, and although this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag doesn't exactly fit into the "neutral" category it is made mainly of black and cream (which both go with a lot), and the concept of spicing up an outfit with a bright shot of color is always in (hence the hot pink!). Zip top closure, monogrammed lining, and 1980s vibe included. $170
Back in 2006 we covered the original Bayswater Bag from Mulberry and now we have an updated mirrored version. Flashy and bright, this bag is not for the timid (well, unless you're looking to get seriously bolder) and although it now had gold mirrored leather the bag still comes with all the great features of the original including my favorite: the flap closure with buckle that can be locked with the tiny padlock that comes conveniently hidden in the pouch charm that hangs off the handle (whether you use it or not miniature padlocks are always fun!). They show it here with a fall/winter outfit but I think metallics can be pulled off in any season. $1,595
I never quite know what to do with this particular shade of blue, although they call it "midnight blue" to me it's more of a grey periwinkle that may be pretty but is also picky (as far as what it will coordinate with). But regardless this Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Shoulder Bag is especially nice in a soft and slouchy shape that features the intrecciato style and some large ruching detail up the middle. It also has a lush (albeit a little hot for summer) suede lining in taupe, and a zip-top closure. $1,950
Whoa, there's no chance anybody will not see you coming if you've got this bright red over-sized beauty thrown over your shoulder. It's the Celine 'Watch Me Work' bag and it's made of soft patent leather with silver hardware. It is a great working bag due to its numerous pockets and compartments, including a fold-over front and divided interior with zip top compartment. It's a simple design that leans mostly on the color and materials for its style appeal, but interesting fashion accents include a turn-lock closure on the front, a cute little Celine charm, and a detachable silver chain shoulder strap. $2,100.
The Croc-Trimmed Weekender by Just Cavalli is timeless with woven canvas, croc-embossed leather trim, and a roomy shape with sturdy design features like thick rolled leather handles and straps that go all the way around the bag. Other features include protective metal feet, a front flap with magnetic closure, and a little dose of fun in the form of an iridescent snake-print lining. Neutral but hardly bland, this bag would be great for both a weekend getaway or just for running your regular everyday errands around town. 16" x 9.5" x 6", $890.
Sherry Stein originally starting designing custom workbags for herself and her family members because they each needed to lug very specific equipment around (she herself was an Industrial Designer and her two sisters were each a photographer and a fashion designer) and they wanted to do it in style. Inspired by the functional and utilitarian bags found in hardware and Army surplus stores, she uses natural materials in her designs so that as they get used, aged, and weathered they build character and become even more appealing. In her words her bags are "designed for working, living, and going 'for the long haul.'" $270-$380
LeSportsac has been a name associated with travel bags for as long as I can remember. Now they are updating their look and giving recycled eco polyester fabric a try through their new Stella McCartney line. With perky patterns and color schemes to choose from, aptly named Posh and Pop prints, as well as more tame and plain hues, the Stella McCartney travel items, handbags, totes, and kids backpacks are fun and functional. They retail for between $98 and $475 and are available for you viewing pleasure on the LeSportsac site. I especially appreciate the travel line where the guesswork is eliminated by naming the products based on the location they can be stored.
Laura Bohinc's quickly becoming one of today most in demand handbag designers. With a knack for creating beautifull and geometrically well structured pieces, she combines eye pleasing colors and shapes with today's most stylish looks. This stunning hand made Tatiana clutch is black leather and features intricate gold detailed pattern and gold chains across the top. The inside is lined in bright red, a nice touch on an already fabulous bag! Available from Harvey Nichols for around $1300.
Gorgeous and sleek but not too simple, the Bottega Veneta Satin Box Clutch is a pretty pastel lilac with a stylish basket weave pattern and a delicate sheen that make for a quiet statement of glamor. Features include a rigid curved-edge frame with tonal leather trim and a decorative golden knot on the top. Clasp closure, satin lining, and unfortunately no shoulder strap (I wish it had a golden chain with the option to tuck it inside). Perfect for an elegant summer party but is also the perfect clutch for wearing with your fave black dress anytime of year. $1,100
Deemed the most expensive cupcake in the world, although sadly not edible, the Judith Leiber Cupcake Evening Bag is a sparkly memory of the tasty treat adored by children and adults alike. Covered in chocolate-hued crystals and stunning diamonds it is a small bag which will stow the most tiny of accessories -- a few bills, lip gloss and perhaps a key. Retailing at $4,295 it is both tasteful and fanciful, glimmering in the night and perhaps attracting the sweet treat inclined.
