Bag lady

With spring peeking its pretty head through the remainder of the neverending winter of 2009, what better way to show off your recessionista savings than in a fashion – and budget – savvy bag?  A handbag is not only functional (lip gloss in a jacket pocket often equals a date with disaster at the dry cleaners), but also gives leeway to test trends – say, animal prints or bright colors – without major commitment.   Whether your budget is peanuts or the whole carnival, The Vogue City has you covered faster than you can snap your change purse shut.

Chain link purses, with varying strap lengths and metals, are hotter than a New York minute.  Without a doubt, a huge wave of gratitude goes to Chanel for introducing this style – way back in 1955 – by pairing sleek chrome hardware with ultrasoft quilted lambskin.  Prices for the icon of French design start at $900 and average around $2,000 – priced to keep, for sure; but a purchase best made when you’ve got financial padding that goes beyond the scope of a bailout.  Luckily, nouveau designer Perlina offers similar styling for under $150 at Zappos.com.

For the minimalist, one can’t go wrong with a clutch.  Envelope clutches, typically larger than a traditional clutch, look especially fresh when paired with an otherwise busy ensemble. 

This leather clutch with metal detailing from Seven for All Mankind, $238, is worthy of rockstar status, while a floral fabric clutch from J. Renee, $98, hints at demure innocence.

 
If your purse is your home away from home, an oversized tote is perfect for storing everything from a laptop and books to an emergency pair of yoga pants and the phone number of that guy from Butter whom you’ll never call.  Stella McCartney’s limited collection for Lesportsac is effortlessly gorgeous as only Miss McCartney can do; the Picnic Tote, $250, is as delicious as its name. 

 L.L. Bean’s totes, as dependable as East Coast snow squalls in March, are classic, durable and inexpensive.  Their patchwork madras tote, $19, will cause prepsters to long for days of boarding school and private tennis lessons.

-Karyn Polewaczyk

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Posted by karynpol at 06:00 AM
Bargain Hunting , bargain news , SHOES/ACCESSORIES , STYLE/BEAUTY |