Gone are the days of owning one serviceable black bag for all occasions. Handbags seem to have overtaken shoes as the premier object of desire for most women, and now we all want different bags for work, weekend and work-into-weekend.
Summer is an especially vibrant time for bags. Free from foul-weather concerns and heavy construction, summer totes are a lightweight joy.
And this season, natural materials rule.
Nothing says summer quite like a straw bag, and nothing illustrates this point quite so well as the quick sell-out that Coach enjoyed with its limited-edition, red-leather-trimmed straw basket.
Other companies also have done gorgeous things with straw and wicker. Kate Spade added her usual touches of charm and whimsy, creating baskets trimmed in boldly colored leather or accented with fabric flowers. MZ Wallace, a great source for traditional bags with a twist, has an upscale take on the classic straw tote, adding leather handles to a clean, vertical shape. (MZ Wallace bags can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Old Orchard.)
Canvas is another warm-weather favorite, either crisp and pristine with contrasting leather trim or with its plain surface embellished with a striking image. Plain canvas has a utilitarian air about it that can add a bit of “Indiana Jones” intrigue that works well with this summer’s safari looks. Leather-trimmed canvas totes are office-worthy, but jaunty enough for the weekend. And printed canvas bags are perfect for the beach or a day of antique shopping.
Suede and natural-tanned leathers also are playing into the season’s free-spirited mood. “Suede and soft, natural-grained, tumbled leathers are making a comeback,” says Lisa Persico, regional manager for promotions at Carson Pirie Scott & Co. “Fringe, pleats and embroidery have made bags look less serious and less ladylike.”
If you’re feeling really countercultural, indulge in a fringed bag. These vintage-feeling purses are both romantic and feminine, and will add flair to anything from the simplest jeans and T-shirt to the longer, looser, bohemian-flavored skirts.
Casual shapes, like satchels and hobo styles, are making a strong showing. Bags look best when they’re not overstuffed, and fortunately, this season they are roomy enough to accommodate all our gear. The new “Dado” bag from Tod’s is a good example. The unique rectangular shape of this chic purse makes it ideal for carrying all your daily essentials while still looking streamlined.
In you are in the market for an investment piece, look for rich leathers and suedes at Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche by Tom Ford. And the pink and green paisley print bag at Coach is a great choice if you’re going for an uber-preppy style or just a colorful, spirited summer look.
