satchels


Colorful satchels for spring

The spring 2012 runways in New York, Milan, Paris and London gave the fashion world two very distinct handbag styles for the warm weather season; the daytime clutch and classic satchel. The classic satchel was shown on the runway mainly with two top handles, although the single top handle satchel is just as timeless as the double. This iconic and classic handbag style has been at the forefront of fashion for the past several seasons, and for spring 2012, as well as fall 2012, the timeless silhouette is as hot as ever.

Since satchels are timeless, many Fashionistas happen to own at least one of this iconic handbag style. Since spring 2012 is all about color, the hottest way to wear a satchel this season is in a vibrant spring hue! There is no need to worry about the shelf life of a colorful satchel. Although black is back for fall 2012, designers are still showing vivid colors, and spring 2013 is forecast to be colorful too.

We assembled a few colorful and fabulous satchels from the current spring 2012 season which can easily take you through spring 2013 in the Polyvore set below. Hope you love it!

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Spring 2012 handbag trends: the IT list is in

The handbag trends from the spring 2012 runways in New York, Paris, Milan and London gave handbag fans and Fashionistas everywhere a sneak peek into which trends are continuing from 2011 into 2012, as well as which trends are taking the world by storm. Bold color, daytime clutches and satchels showed themselves yet again, signaling they are three trends worth investing in now; since they are not going anywhere in 2012. Newer trends to watch for are the return of decadent luxury, black/white, color blocking, casual tote bags and sweet details such as bows.

1)      Bold Color: Bright, neon and bold colors were du rigueur in 2011 and are showing no sign of stopping as we head into 2012. Handbags have been anything but neutral and colorful bags are even more important as we head into spring and summer 2012. Look for bold shades of orange, pink, yellow, green and blue.

2)      Color Blocking: Blocks of color took the spring 2012 runways by storm. Look for handbags with two or three shades on them; preferably colors you would not expect together such as orange and pink.

3)      Shimmer and Shine: This is not a season to hide in the shadows. Look for shimmering and shiny details such as patent leather, faux patent, glittering beadwork, sequins and anything that will catch the sun.

4)      Decadent Luxury: The only reason a handbag should be plain and simple is if it is a solid color of neon or other hue requiring sunglasses. Go lux.

5)      Satchels: The double handle satchel is a classic yet very important handbag style for spring 2012. If you cannot handle going bright, pick a classic satchel in beige or black-just make sure it has some details on it. Look for inspiration from the Chloe Marcie.

6)      Totes: The ultimate handbag for the weekend this spring 2012 season is the casual tote. Look for color blocking, plaid or any kitschy fabrication. The tote should be roomy enough for a beach towel without being roomy enough to tote the kitchen sink; literally.

7)      Daytime Clutches: The clutch has been one of the most important handbags in 2011 and is showing no sign of slowing down for 2012. Look for bright colors and enough room for your daily handbag essentials.

8)      Going Vegan: There is a huge move away from animal by products and towards vegan fashion. Faux leathers and materials are hot for spring. Look for animal friendly fashion from Stella McCartney, Olsen Haus and Jill Milan. A few designers are starting to add animal friendly items to their collections, look to Valentino for fabulous, non-leather handbags which no-one will ever guess are faux.

9)      Bows: Bows are huge and being found everywhere from details on a shirt to the main feature of a handbag. Show your sweet side with a bow. Our favorite way to wear this trend is with one of Valentino’s bow handbags. Valentino makes the bow sophisticated and uptown; love it!

10)   Metallic touches: Metallic has been in style for the past few years and is showing no sign of fading for spring 2012. Combine metallic’s with bright colors for an over-the-top statement or use it to update your basic black wardrobe.

11)   Black and White: Black and white geometric patterns and color blocked apparel and handbags are hot for spring 2012. 

 

The verdict is in. Look for bright colors and classic silhouettes for the ultimate spring handbag wardrobe. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

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The Lady Bag for fall

The “Lady Bag,” or top handle satchel, was a huge handbag trend for fall 2010. When the spring 2011 runway collections hit the catwalk, the top handle satchel was nearly absent; minus the classic designers who keep the style in their collections regardless of the trends du jour. While Hermes and Christian Dior showed Lady Bag styles for spring, most designers such as Roberto Cavalli and Gucci opted for the trendier, 1970’s inspired shoulder bag with a long strap.

Consumers and Fashionistas everywhere were not ready for the classic yet trendy “Lady Bag” to fade into the background for spring, so shoppers continued to purchase the handbag style and store buyers happily stocked shelves with the satchel. Due to the demand for the classic top handle satchel, designers retuned the style to the runways for fall 2011; as if the handbag had never left the catwalk.

Almost every designer imaginable featured the top handle satchel for fall 2011 on their runways in New York, London, Paris and Milan. Some designers such as Christian Dior, featured the style with a detachable cross body strap to add versatility to the style. Gianfranco Ferre and Nina Ricci showed the classic silhouette with one top handle while Hermes and Christian Dior showed double handle totes for fall.

Whether you purchase the double or single handle style “Lady Bag,” the handbag is a classic and perfectly on trend for now into fall. The best colors to look for when purchasing a top handle satchel are neutrals that will last the test of time such as shades of Ivory, black, brown and navy. Happy shopping and stay fabulous