Build a Better Handbag Wardrobe

by Shopbop Shoptalk at 12:48 PM PDT, June 11, 2009

More than any other piece of fashion, a handbag is an extension of the woman carrying it. It’s a daily part of her life that travels with her around the world and back on quixotic caravans, enlightening caucuses, and clandestine rendezvous. If you want to get to know a woman in 30 seconds, just empty out the contents of her purse.

Problem is, some women are searching for that one singular satchel when they really should be building a handbag wardrobe. You’re not one-dimensional, so your closet shouldn’t be either. Like any valuable collection it takes time to acquire, and with a bevy of designer handbags to choose from, the task of finding what you absolutely adore can feel a bit exasperating. Here’s a little help to get you started:

Sensational Color
You probably already own a practical black shoulder bag, but how much more would a little black dress pop with a patent cobalt blue Botkier on your arm? Exactly. Matching heels to purse is a thing of the past; instead use a contrast-colored bag to add interest and depth to your look.

Brands like Marc by Marc Jacobs and Tory Burch are known for their clever hues (think grass green, marigold, cognac), and each designer is so influential in terms of fashion history that their creations rank high on any collector’s list. For the feel of European luxury, a Mulberry handbag is as much a British fashion icon as Kate Moss (who has been spotted carrying Mulberry bags). Their upcoming fall line is bursting with burnt orange and coral, while the current collection shines with crackled and croc-embossed metallics.

Must-have Mulberry bags brighten up Fall Fashion Week.

A Little Bit Girly, a Little Bit Rock ‘n’ Roll
If you’re like me, one day you’re Alexander Wang edgy and the next you’re feeling more Nanette Lepore romantic. No need to pick sides when there are plenty of great bags that go with both. Versatile Rebecca Minkoff handbags manage to be polished in their shape and iconic styling, and punk in their copious use of studs. Bonus points for offering the Nikki Hobo in seven different shades, and for Minkoff’s new ostrich-embossed pieces.

Size (and Shape) Matters
If silhouette is really perplexing you, a convertible style provides a chic solution. In some cases, the convertible handbag is foldable (Foley + Corinna City Tote); in others, a detachable shoulder strap takes it from daylight to date night; and some bags (LeSportsac Leigh Tote) play Transformers and morph into a totally new shape with a little creative maneuvering.

So next time an overzealous stamp collector condescendingly asks “What are your hobbies,” smile politely as you clutch that covetable Kooba.

--Suzanne
Shopbop Shoptalk

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Spring 2009 Fashion Trends For Men

by: pmcindoe
With the changing of the seasons comes the changing of the wardrobe. This used to be primarily true for just women, but as fashion becomes a bigger part of modern lifestyle it pays for men to keep track of the latest trends.

As winter makes way for spring, just like in nature, your outfits should begin to get lighter and more colourful. The dark colours - the blacks, greys and browns - that serve so well in the winter, should be cast aside for less neutral tones in early spring and then towards pastel shades as spring approaches summer. Prints are set to be big this year - with inspiration from the Far East as well as a nostalgic trip back to the 80s set to adorn T-shirts.

As well as colour, material should be examined as the seasons change. Not only does it make sense to lose the thick layers as the temperature rises, it also shows you're keeping up with the fashion. If you still feel cold, instead of reaching for a jumper grab a couple of thin layers to keep yourself cosy. This is great for those days with uncertain weather, when you're not sure whether the sun will stay or go. Remember, though, that spring fashion and summer fashion are very different so don't go straight into shorts, tank tops and sandals just yet.

With sun just as likely as rain, it's always a good idea to be prepared for all kinds of weather. While layers prepare you for the sun, you also need protection from water - from overhead and underfoot. A compact, lightweight umbrella is useful in quick showers and a waterproof jacket is always useful - cropped macs with wide lapels are likely to be in fashion in spring 2009 - and shoes that can withstand the abuse of walking through puddles; save the canvas shoes for the dry months!

This advice goes for accessories as well as clothes - so put away your woolly hats and gloves, and make sure any scarves you wear are thin and purely decorative. Always remember, though, that scarves go out of fashion the day the clocks go forward for British Summer Time and should not be worn again until the country is back to observing Greenwich Mean Time in autumn.

Nowadays, men's fashion is as ever-changing and as vibrant as what the female's style has to offer. And although it may not be a traditionally macho subject to keep up to date on, you can be sure that the guys who have more to their wardrobe than their team's latest football top will have more in common with the fashion conscious girls in society.

Tags: Men Fashion, Trends

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