When Kate Spade sticks to preppy handbag styles, she soars. This Essex Stevie is a good example. The contrast of black cotton canvas with navy blue shiny calfskin leather is appealing and nautical at heart, which is fitting considering the bag is inspired by the yachting community of Essex, Connecticut. The tote’s side rope-like ties hammer the nautical point home. This is a cute weekend bag for relaxed excursions - like a boating trip, perhaps? $325 at Katespade.com

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