While I confess to being a little bit underwhelmed by the Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2013 collection, I admit that there are a few great handbags in the mix. That’s what I love about our favorite accessory – it can often be the saving grace on a runway full of disasters. That’s not to say that Marc by MJ was a total flop for me – I love the bold graphic stripes and a few of the sporty looks shown on the runway – but ultimately it was the bags that appealed most.

The Goodbye Columbus Tote is precisely what I mean by “saving grace.” Clean, elegant and quite simple for a Jacobs design, it’s the kind of grab-and-go bag that harried professionals appreciate on frantic mornings. Complete with a sleek gold logo plate and possibly the most streamlined silhouette ever to come from the Marc line, Goodbye Columbus is quietly stunning – and also a complete classic.

I loved the gradated effect that the Embo Lizzie Spotless X-Body shows off so gracefully. What could have been a total mess ends up being surprisingly sophisticated, thanks to a quiet fade that moves from off-white to dark gray. A great alternative to the usual neutrals, this light and dark bag may end up being your go-to during resort season.

The Nude Amaze Dots Party Box looked right at home on the runway with sassily striped tees and shorts, but this is exactly the kind of thing I’d personally pair with a dress. The “nude” has a peachiness to it that almost borders on pink, and the playful dot imprint adds a girlish touch to an otherwise polished design.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: June 22nd, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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If this is a taste of things to come, I’m very much looking forward to resort season next year. Oscar de la Renta brought a fun twist to its signature luxe, piling on the bright colors and playful prints. Though it was the eye-popping patterned wedges that really caught my eye, I have to confess my appreciation for the label’s flat clutches, too. Whether your flavor of choice is a sensible solid or a complex graphic, you’ll find one that satisfies. Check out my faves:

Looking to add some yellow to your wardrobe? Check out the Lemon Flat Envelope Clutch. Made of textured elaphe, this snappy little piece of arm candy will add electrifying zing to any look. Imagine the styling possibilities: amazing with sailor stripes, a cool contrast to an equally bright pink dress, killer with a sleek black suit. How can you go wrong here?

This little piece is also available in a black and white combo, but I’m partial to the surprising sophistication of evergreen and white. The Elaphe Flat Envelope Clutch revives the played out graphic print with a slightly mottled, artful design that almost looks like it was stamped over the surface. If you’re feeling particularly daring, pair it with another type of print entirely – you’ll feel slightly runway-chic without falling into that whole “what the heck is she wearing?” thing.

If you’ve gotta have your reptilian fix, look no further than the Alligator Flat Envelope Clutch. Rich texture and a hint of gloss define this beautifully designed bag, which features a push-through closure for easy in-out access. A practical silhouette combined with a punchy color yields a good-time bag you’ll use all the time, guaranteed.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: June 20th, 2012
category: Oscar de la Renta Handbags
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I’m always on the lookout for something a little different in the world of purses, like the Tory Burch 4t Beaded Shoulder Bag. This bag, which according to Tory Burch’s website is inspired by seventies styles, features a mosaic pattern made up of wooden beads. This purse would be a chic and eye-catching alternative to the standard striped canvas for an exotic summer vacation. It’s $395 at Tory Burch.

posted: June 20th, 2012
category: Tory Burch Handbags
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Now this is a bag that we can befriend. The Lulu Guinness Envelope Clutch Bag has a sense of humor and a sense of style that we can agree with. The genuine snakeskin leather boasts a bold black-and-white-striped design, fastened in front with a magnetic clasp. And all sealed with a kiss. Available from ASOS for $622.

posted: June 18th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Clutches you’re not going to want to let go of

I’m not much of a clutch lover when it comes to purses; I pretty much like the hands-free style. But when I came across these cool looking clutches at Zappos I thought I might reconsider my stance.

Usually limited to dress-up and more formal functions like weddings and proms, it looks like clutches are being re-invented to transition into our everyday lives. Take a look at these functional and fabulous purses.

The Piper Straw Tribal Envelope Clutch, by BCBGMaxAzria, is a cool looking bag that has just enough wildness to its pattern to make it interesting. The tan and black woven straw style is emphasized with the envelope structure. This bag would look striking with a black linen suit. Get this bag at Zappos for $98.

Casual enough to wear with jeans yet dressy enough to carry to a wedding, the Dakota Clutch by Jessica Simpson is a cute clutch that is feminine without being frilly. The pretty blue and brown patterned insert adds the focal point. Pick up this clutch for just $68.

If you love the warmer months and enjoy everything nautical, you’re going to want  the Summer Chic Clutch by Lilly Pulitzer. The striped straw envelope purse with its anchor emblems begs to accompany you to an afternoon on the yacht party. Even though it looks like a million bucks it’s only $118.

posted: June 15th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Ahoy there! This canvas Rebecca Minkoff Stripped Diamond Tote is so summer exclusive, it’s almost too hot to handle. Speaking of handles, the dual shoulder straps drop a full eight inches, making this an easy option for poolside romping or shopping on the strip. Four interior pockets hold all the summer essentials like sunscreen and chap stick, while the one zippered pouch holds my cell and ID. The silver studs give this otherwise casual bag an edgy attitude that appeals to me in the most stylish of ways. Available from Jildor for $195.

posted: June 15th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Oh, that crazy Marc Jacobs. This is exactly why I love him so. For his Resort 2013 collection, the designer took inspiration from photographer Cindy Sherman’s series of clown photographs, which are rife with buoyant colors, over-the-top makeup, and a general sense of flamboyance that may or may not cause severe coulrophobia. (MAC and Harper’s BAZAAR have employed her provocative hand, so Sherman is definitely not a stranger to the fashion community.) That Jacobs brought her artwork to life on his runway is nothing short of a dream for die-hard fans who appreciate his signature brand of oddball-meets-cheeky glamour. And while I wish I could give you a great big rundown of all of the amazing looks (those insane dresses!), I’m happy to introduce you to some of my favorite handbags.

Vivacious colors were the key players on the runway, where models paired riotous ensembles with equally eye-catching bags. The Color Block Plexy Clutch isn’t the most adventurous design in the lineup, but it’s easily one of the most appealing. There’s certainly nothing more “resort” than this shade of oceanic turquoise, and the bold contrast actually works.

It’s official: There is nothing cuter than the White Khaki Tote. Whether carried to the beach or the bistro, this snappy bag is sure to enjoy some serious attention. Okay, so the candy-striped leather isn’t really the best choice for surf and sand, but surely you could get away with at least one careful ocean-side excursion – if only to pair it with your on-trend retro swimsuit. Otherwise, it’s a cinch for brightening up your basics.

Saturated in color, the Metallic Dot Sheila Tote is worthy of any good clown’s wardrobe. It’s made with Jacobs’ signature sumptuous lambskin and clowned up with a generous helping of shiny metallic polka dots. Thanks to the not-precisely-sophisticated colors, the contrast is appropriately goofy – but sling this on with any warm-weather ensemble and it immediately seems posher and more polished. That’s just the kind of effect Marc Jacobs has on any woman’s wardrobe.

All images courtesy Moda Operandi.

posted: June 14th, 2012
category: Marc Jacobs Handbags
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Putting a fresh spin on nautical chic, the Tory Burch Climbing Rope Channing Tote is very nearly the ultimate summer carryall. Made primarily of earthy canvas, it’s trimmed with a pop of patent leather (in your choice of cobalt or orange) and features richly braided, very sturdy handles. What a fun way to capture the spirit of the season without resorting to the usual sailor stripes. Available for $295 at Nordstrom.

posted: June 5th, 2012
category: Tory Burch Handbags
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Has there ever been a cuter nautical bag in fashion history? Okay, probably. But I don’t know what they are, so I’m dubbing this Menbur Pisumabc Clutch the new cutest. Obviously it’s covered in navy stripes, but it takes a different approach to seaside chic with its polka-dotted trim and ridiculously charming starfish magnet. The decorative charm alone would be worth it! Available for $103 at Endless.

posted: June 5th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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Most turquoise or teal bags seem to be of the soft, minty, Tiffany blue-reminiscent nature, so I was excited to come across The Dispatch Snakeprint Clutch. No stranger to saturation, this leather embossed clutch is cheerful, bright, and perfect for summer. And the brown trim and cute striped lining keep things casual, lighthearted, and ideal for daytime use. It’s $128 at Madewell.

posted: June 4th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
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