The hot months call for lightweight American Apparel tee’s and short denim cut-offs and leave no room for dressed up sweaters and tight liquid leggings. To stay fashion-forward in the more dressed-down months, why not invest in a handbags that dress for the occasion? From feathers to sequins these bags don’t make the outfit, they ARE the outfit.
The SS ’09 runways were filled with splurge-worthy styles- Donna Karen’s gold bauble bag, tasseled styles at Betsey Johnson, dolly, embroidered handbags at Anna Sui, and clutches kicked up a notch with floral flourishes at Marc Jacobs. This season’s dressed-up bags can make even your most basic shorts-and-tee combo a total statement-maker.
Just look at Rachel Bilson– a big fan of the statement-bag- who dressed up a basic monochrome look with the super funky printed pony and snake patchwork Jimmy Choo Kaja bag, $2,695. Or take a cue from fashion heavy-hitter Kate Moss, who added an updated bohemian flavor to her look with the Genevieve Jones Black Fringe Bag, $800.
With glitzy sequin clutches by Prada and zipper infested bags by Botkier it will be hard to look dressed down with bags that scream, “look at me.”
Adorn yourself with the latest in arm candy and check out my 10 favorite dressed-up bags after the jump!
Gucci Gold Crystal GG ‘Babouska’ Medium Hobo, $1,220. With an armful of wooden bangles, hair braided to the side, and large gold hoops you become the hottest thing shopping on Saturday.
Prada Fern Trimmed Sequined Clutch, $1000. Clutch this with nails lathered in black nail polish, eyes smudged with black liner.
Ecote Suede Fringe Hobo,$78; NOW: $69.99 I don’t like fringe bags but this bag’s strap is the perfect length and the fringe isn’t too overwhelming.
Botkier Venice Zipper Satchel, $595. I have been a fan of Botkier since the summer of 2003 and I am never disappointed with Monica Botkier’s collections. This bag is not only fashion-forward, it’s super functional!
CC Skye The Skye Bag, $695 (also comes in brown and cream). Starting with Eva Mendes’ love for the stud cuff, CC Skye delved into designing a very bold, daring, and stunning bag line. I want it!
Candie’s Zipper Clutch, $48; NOW: $19.99 One of my great loves is zipper lining. It adds so much with such little detailing and effort. Get the look for only $20!
Maddalena Marconi Jeweled Black Feather Evening Satin Clutch, $498. The perfect way to glam up a basic LBD for a black tie affair.
Giuseppe Zanotti White Patent Leather Rhinestone Small Bag, $668. I love the multicolor rhinestones on this clutch. And it also comes with a cross body strap option.
Felix Rey Satin ‘Jean’ Studded Bow Clutch, $198. I tend to buy small bags/clutches that come with an alternate strap. I especially love this clutch because of its chain strap and oversized bow and grommet detail.
Michael Teperson Feathered Flute Bag, $950. This bag has Carrie Bradshaw written all over it and is so dressed up, you could go out naked and no one would notice. vivre
– SHAUNA BELLOW
Splash image by Mike Kohn
Written by Sabrina Alexis
