Perfect for taking a leisurely stroll along a crowded Italian street, this Dolce & Gabbana Ingrid Saffiano Leather Top Handle could probably do just as well in your good ol’ US of A hometown, too. In fact, it would probably brighten things up considerably and infuse your usual jeans-and-tee ensembles with a shot of much-needed color and high style. Question is: are you willing to cough up big bucks on an orange bucket bag? Available for $1195 at LuisaViaRoma.

posted: May 20th, 2013
category: Dolce and Gabbana Handbags
comments: No Comments

The Chloe Bracelet Hobo Bag is a far cry from the solid-color, rectangular-shaped Chloe bags I’m used to. It’s more like something you’d pick up while traveling or popping into an offbeat, hole-in-the-wall type of shop. But who says we can’t be novel and unorthodox while rocking a designer handbag? Coated in earth tone stones and topped off with cut-out details on both sides of the handle, judgment of this hobo bag is really a matter of taste. If you like the rustic look, dress in neutral hues, and hate looking dull, then checkout The Luxury Closet and make it your own for $626.

posted: May 15th, 2013
category: Chloe Purses
comments: No Comments

Basic black can easily veer into boring, but the Deux Lux Empire City Hobo adds just enough interest so that this bag will never be confused with a mom purse. It’s rock and roll without being in your face; whether you sport a punky aesthetic or have cleaned up your act a bit, it’s a versatile purse with just enough edge. It’s also available in four more fun colors. Get it for $170 at DeuxLux.com.

posted: May 14th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Colorblocking has definitely advanced itself a bit in recent months. You still do see a lot of the same old, same old, but every now and then something like this MaxMara Alberta Colorblock Hobo shows up. Made of deep orange leather, it’s accented with an interesting-looking, wide-snap pocket in shades of red and brown. Despite its simplicity, it’s creatively designed and perfect for a day spent out and about. Available for $895 at Bloomingdale’s.

posted: May 7th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Talk about a celebration of all things Burberry. Unless you know nothing about fashion, you’d recognize the vibrant print on the Susanna Checked Canvas Hobo Bag right away. Deep and spacious, this bag skews casual, but the print assures that you won’t actually look like a hobo with it on your arm. I’m personally a big fan of the print, but I prefer it on a different silhouette – a crisp east-west tote would be great, or a simple little shoulder bag. This is nice, but also has a touch of “high-end burlap sack” going for it. Available for $595 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: April 30th, 2013
category: Burberry Handbags
comments: No Comments

Never one to design anything that’s boring, SR Squared by Sondra Roberts makes even simple pieces look captivating. The Woven Hobo is pretty exceptional as far as basic black bags go. It’s spacious, but it lacks the slouch you’d expect of a hobo because of the tightly woven faux leather. The braided chain is the perfect accent – it’s interesting and not at all competitive with the design. Available for $95 at Piperlime.

posted: March 22nd, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Until I saw the Kelsi Dagger Leather Convertible Hobo in person, I wasn’t sure I’d actually like it much. I saw a picture online a while back and thought it would probably end up being “just another hobo,” which is one of those silhouettes I’ve never quite loved. But this is a game-changer – it’s soft, first of all, and very slouchy. You’ll end up feeling like you’ve got a pillow snuggled up in the crook of your arm if you carry it that way. You can also sport it cross body (using the detachable shoulder strap) or wear it on your shoulder. I love options, don’t you? Available for $248 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: March 21st, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

If you’ve paid any attention to bag silhouettes over the past couple of years, you’ve probably witnessed the extreme growth in popularity of schoolboy styles. The Longchamp Cosmos Hobo plays on that design, but appears far more feminine thanks to its softly curved shape. It’s not as severe looking as the Billykirks and Cambridge Satchel Companies of the world, but it definitely nods to the trend in its own way. I love this strong lipstick-red color, and the simple buckle detailing changes it up just enough to keep it interesting. Available for $710 at Nordstrom.

posted: March 5th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Orange has been on the radar long enough now that I think it might have made the jump from trendy and mildly eccentric color to accepted accessory hue. And so I have my eye out for a practical way to integrate orange into my wardrobe as a neutral, and the Cole Haan Village Hobo seems like the solution. It’s a classically shaped everyday bag made of durable leather, and it boasts plenty of room for hauling all of those daily necessities. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s on sale. It’s marked down to $199.66 at Nordstrom.

posted: March 1st, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

It would take quite a bit of convincing to get me to carry a snakeskin handbag – I find many of them beautiful but personally have no interest in owning one. If I did, though, I’m sure this Reed Krakoff RDK Painted Python Hobo would be right at the top of my list. I love this warmed up color palette and practical lean shape. Bags with this sort of silhouette are a little easier to navigate through, because they’re sturdier, less slouchy and more streamlined. The only downside is the open top, but I’d probably be able to live with it if I had to. Available for $3990 at Neiman Marcus.

posted: February 19th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments