Signature Bag

Hi Pres,

You gave me excellent advice on my previous query, so I decided to turn to you again for another "accessory" question. About a year and half ago before I developed my personal style, I bought an everyday bag. It is dark brown with a tiny black repeating design and black leather accents. It's a pretty bag, but I originally bought it because I thought it would go with both brown and black outfits. Now, I don't own brown (but I do love black), and I kind of find the bag boring. I'm looking for suggestions to spice things up. I don't need a big bag (just big enough for chap stick, wallet, and a brush). My wardrobe has a great deal of black, white, charcoal, and I'm adding some new shirts in blue, green, and purple. I want a fun bag, and I don't necessarily mind a trendy one, so long as it's inexpensive. My life revolves around casual wear mostly, so a "business" bag is not required. What do you suggest?

Thanks!
Siepres


You are responding to the recent changes in handbag style (and in un-matching outfits) that has made the bag a focus of whimsy in perfect casual ensembles. It's no wonder that you are bored with your brown/black bag (which, BTW, you can rescue by adding a small, but very bright scarf tied around the handle, or, a few large "charms," like a key case, or ID tag. I also saw some business with adding color over, but I'd be afraid to try it. In addition, your B/B bag could work as the counterpoint to an outfit with light colors, like a white shirt, light beige crops, and bright colored sandals.)

For your new bag, go to some high end fashion sites, like shopbop, and look over the clutches. See how far the designers have gone with shapes and colors, and find one that appeals to you. Since it's Spring, I'd look at pink, yellow, turquoise, and green. Large clutch purses are really neat just now. Once you have a good idea of what you like, start the search for one like it at another price point like this.
I know this won't look exactly like the high end ones, but if you are clever, and lucky, you can find a cheaper one that will give you the look that you want for the season, and which you can discard later, without feeling guilty. Since you started your question with "not boring" and "inexpensive," I'd advise this route. If you had asked me about "classic" and "quality investment," I would have answered differently.

Good luck, and let us know how it went (Post A Comment when you find the bag.)