Listen up, fellow fashion fanatics. Kate Spade Saturday, the label’s reasonably priced, prep-tastic line, has finally (FINALLY!) launched. As it is, Kate Spade is enjoying some great successes of late – they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary and their CEO projects the label will enjoy revenue increases in the billions over the next few years. With the launch of Saturday, they’re poised to capture a whole new market, including the J. Crew crowd and those who’ve long lusted for an original Spade creation but haven’t been able to cough up the big bucks. Now they can, thanks to an array of more affordable pieces that run the gamut from clothing and handbags to jewelry and sunglasses.

If travel plans are on your agenda, you couldn’t do much better than The Small Weekender Bag, a colorful carryall adorned with vivid splashes of paint. The design is pure function: it includes a zippered shoe compartment at the base (love this thoughtful detail), a detachable cell phone pocket, drawstring pockets, small compartments and plenty of space to hold a few cute day and evening outfits. Can you really go wrong – especially for this price? Available for $160 at Kate Spade Saturday.

posted: March 20th, 2013
category: Kate Spade Handbags
comments: No Comments

I’ve never been a big Vera Bradley follower, but I was doing some last-minute trip shopping recently and came across the label’s Grand Traveler. As they say, the rest was history. I was completely taken by everything: the size, the print, the price (got it on sale), the space, the plentiful pockets, the sheer perfection of it all! It’s designed to hold enough for up to five days of travel, and while that may not hold true if you tend to pack really heavy, this definitely serves the average packer’s needs. The shoulder strap is removable, but you’ll need it if you fill your bags up the way I do. Can’t wait to show this off when I hit the road! Available for $96 at Vera Bradley.

posted: March 18th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

I’ve got a couple of trips coming up over the next few months, and I’m already counting down the days. What I haven’t done: chosen a cool new travel companion to hold my bazillions of vacay essentials. Though there was a time I would have tripped all over myself to get my hands on something as suitably chic as the Dolce & Gabbana Leather-Trimmed Printed Scotch Grain Suitcase, I guess I’ve grown up or something – it no longer feels sensible (was it ever?) or smart (never) to splurge on a bag that, while glamorous, does nothing that the average Samsonite couldn’t just as easily accomplish. I’m not about to grab one of those either, of course (luggage snob alert), but it’s easy enough to find glamorous animal-print travel bags for far less. Save that cash for the trip! Available for $2545 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: March 11th, 2013
category: Dolce and Gabbana Handbags
comments: No Comments

True to form, Stella McCartney continues her animal-friendly crusade and masterfully cobbles together a Faux Crocodile Suitcase worth an envious glance or two. Imagine strolling through the airport, heels click-clacking, smartly navigating this wheeled case through the crowd. With its posh faux skin and pops of coral, it’s the ultimate travel companion: practical, spacious and sexy all at once. Available for $1880 at Net-a-Porter.

posted: February 6th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

I’m hoping for a lot more travel in 2013, and as a result I’ve been scoping out potential new luggage. This Briggs & Riley Baseline Medium Upright Duffle has caught my eye because it’s a little outside of basic black but still very subdued in color. It’s casual enough to use for a weekend getaway but has plenty of space if I’m on a longer trip – plus, the wheels mean I can roll it along if I’ve stuffed it to a point of too heavy to carry. Available at Briggs & Riley for $399.

posted: January 11th, 2013
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

If you can afford to spend more on your traveling gear than you do on the actual vacation itself, rest assured you have plenty of options before you. One that caught my eye is this A. Tunney Giraffe-Print Travel Bag. Half giraffe, half solid leather, it’s less in-your-face fierce than its leopard and cheetah counterparts. At 14 inches long by 22 wide, it’s certainly got enough room to hold your expensive daywear, leather makeup bag and a pair of sexy pumps (in a shoe bag, natch). I’d just as soon use this kind of cash for some sort of serious around-the-world excursion. Available for $7000 at FarFetch.

posted: December 17th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Going somewhere? Need a cute overnight bag? Treat yourself to this snazzy ROXY Make Way Overnight Bag! This little dazzler features coated cotton canvas, a leather logo patch, a zippered pocket on the front, a large zippered main compartment and a removable adjustable shoulder strap. The allover hearts print is positively charming – I adore it! Grab one from Tilly’s for $68.99.

posted: December 3rd, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

I don’t know about you, but I’d feel amazing walking through the airport with this. Designed by Stella McCartney, the Croc-Effect Faux Leather Suitcase is pretty much the perfect travel companion. It’s roomy, glossy and (obviously) faux, and it’s trimmed with little pops of neon pink. Really fun! Available for $1880 at NET-A-PORTER.

posted: October 24th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

I’ve always loved Petunia Picklebottom’s cute patterns and luxe fabrics, but since I don’t have any kids, I don’t have a need for a fancy shmancy diaper bag. However, today I found out that these smart and stylish bags extend beyond totes for diapers and wipes when I found this Petunia Picklebottom Glazed Weekender. Much like its mom-friendly counterparts, this bag is sturdy, thoughtfully designed, and available in six lovely patterns that range from bold to subtle. Available at Zappos for $180.

posted: October 22nd, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments

Ooh, shiny! While some might feel that this LeSportsac Large Weekender goes a little south Florida retirement community in this brilliant colorway, I think it feels like a glamorous weekend getaway in Palm Springs…or south Florida. It’s the perfect size for a few bathing suits and caftans and the small accompanying zip pouch is great for keeping the essentials together. Bring on the oversized shades! Available at Zappos for $95 on sale.

posted: October 9th, 2012
category: Other designer Handbags
comments: No Comments