Big is in
With gadgets getting smaller it’s interesting that the hottest trend in handbags is “the bigger the better.” Is it our mobile lifestyles—the need to have essentials (i.e., emergency sewing kit, makeup bag, mouthwash, Blackberry, personal hygiene items, cell phones, etc.) within reach at all times? Or, maybe we just want roomier bags (it’s always nice knowing that if you need the space, it’s there). Whatever the reason, handbags are as big as Texas. Oversized totes, hobo bags and Jackie O bucket and shoulder bags provide enough choices to accommodate business, casual and a night on the town.
“The hottest handbags for fall are big, bigger, biggest,” said Susan Sommer, former fashion editor turned fashion and business etiquette coach and founder of Dresszing, a wardrobing and visual communications company. “Think oversized. Get to your essentials—wallet, keys, phone, compact and lipgloss—quickly by putting them in a small zippered case tucked inside.”
Mary Jo Matsumoto (www.maryjomatsumoto.com), whose bags have appeared on the arm of A-list stars, chimed in on the big bag phenomenon. “One of the biggest upcoming trends for fall bags is big, roomy, and black sack-like bags like the ones that Chanel put out this season. Also, oversized doctor's bags are a trend as seen in the Marc Jacobs collection for Louis Vuitton.”
Is your handbag still in style?
Okay, so we get that bags are big. What else is influencing top designers? Fortunately there is a lot of carryover from past seasons—so that metallic gold bag you got last year is back for a repeat performance this fall. Neutral colors are always a safe bet, but with flashier twists, such as patent leather, you can have some fun too.
“The 80s influence are back again in the world of fashion,” said Barbara Glass, Image & Wardrobe Consultant, Fashion Editor, and TV Fashion Reporter. “The spring and summer seasons kicked off with oversized straw and colorful canvas totes and the double-strapped pocketed schoolbag look in patent leather to hold your most basic essentials or flip-flops for when those wedge skyscrapers create pain with no relief.”
When going out on the town, styles shift away from the gargantuan daytime bags. “For evening, try to simplify your life with one of the new mini bags, clutches or wristlets and find a deserving guy to carry wherever else it can't hold,” Glass said. “Lipgloss, keys, breath mints and cab fare should be do the trick. Look for patent leather to be an important fabric in handbags and shoes for fall and winter. It's practical and has a retro influence.”
Handbag designer Rebecca Ciccio (www.rebeccaciccio.com) says stick to the basics for a classic, sophisticated look. “For the fall, earthy colors like chocolate brown and camello are perfect, but black is definitely making a comeback.” Metallics are still in favor with designers and consumers, so spice up that black dress or clinging cashmere v-neck with a metallic bag or clutch. “Metallics will show up for fall into holiday, in dark golds, bronze, and taupe, as well as some accent colors like plum and winter white. For play, a clutch in a fun and exotic material.”
Matsumoto echoes Ciccio with her prediction about bold metallics and earth tones. “Another big trend that will be emerging as we move quickly from fall to Resort (that season starts in November) is tons of silver and gunmetal, especially in day bags,” she said. “Plus surprisingly, gray will be emerging as a major color in accessories.”
9-5 É It’s a way to make a living
Listen up working girls. Women’s business accessories are no longer dull and drab. With colors and designer details, you can make a style statement with your workbag.
“For work, large bags are still as strong as ever,” Ciccio said. “There are many women in the work force who want to have a bag that will fit everything from their wallet and make-up case, to magazines or even a lap top. However, make sure the bags is not too big and over trendy.”
Believe it or not, the shelves are lined with colorful bags bearing crocodile prints or leather trimmed tweeds with gorgeous brushed silver hardware, all shaped into the season’s must-have accessories. We’re not talking about a women’s specialty boutique – this is Staples.
Forget the unisex laptop bag – business women now have new choices that go well beyond the basic. Accessories are evolving new styles, finishes, color and fittings to match the best-dressed businesswoman.
Targus offers a pair of stylish business totes, each roomy enough to accommodate a laptop, plus cell phone, business cards and essential papers. The Quilted Messenger Bag ($59.99) shows the softer side of business. The satiny black nylon is criss-crossed with bright magenta stitching with a matching magenta lining. The bag is padded and has plenty of pockets for pens and accessories.
Buxton’s Kelly Bag ($109.99) wraps practicality into a leather tote with a clean style. The Kelly Bag features a center zip pocket, a full-zippered main compartment, and a fully padded laptop section. Expandable utility loops, card and cell pockets give the Kelly bag plenty of carrying power. Available in red, dark brown and black.
The Bag Wardrobe
Starting from scratch? Not sure where to start? Sounds like you need some advice on building a bag wardrobe (yes, there is such a thing). Take some cues from handbag aficionado Stephanie Pederson, who knows so much about handbags, she wrote a book about them called Handbags: What Every Woman Should Know.
Despite her love of gorgeous handbags, Stephanie realizes not every woman can afford a collection that costs as much as most people’s first house. Realistically, a handbag “wardrobe” can consist on one solid number, as long as it’s the “right” one. “Choose a neutral-colored, reasonably sized (not too big) shoulder bag and one may be all you need,” Stephanie said. But let’s be honest, most of us want more than one handbag. According to her, the average woman owns 4-6 handbags, up from the 3-4 in the 90s. So, how to round out your collection?
Stephanie’s Sage Advice:
- One evening bag in a neutral color. When you shop, be on the lookout
for an after-dark purse, something metallic, sparkly, or black.
Clutches are great for nighttime.
- A separate workbag. What field do you work in? Those in creative
fields have more leeway than bankers, layers, college administrators
and the like. Look at what your boss is toting and find something
similar. Show your creative side on weekends, when you're free to carry
something more light-hearted. No matter what your job, consider a
shoulder bag. They always look right.
- Something fun for weekends and play days. Maybe a brightly colored
hobo, a souvenir tote, a designer backpack.
- A gym bag or diaper bag that is polished enough to look smart at all
times, fun enough to be, well, fun to carry.
- Travel bag. If you go on frequent weekend getaways, consider a
great-looking overnight satchel or large tote. If you're really
organized, get yourself a set of matching luggage! Consider your
lifestyle. A stay-at-home mom can get away with a collection of kitschy
totes that would be completely wrong for a corporate attorney.
Likewise, if you're a student who loves jeans and fleece pullovers,
don't bother wasting money on dressy evening clutches.
- If you live in a place with marked seasons, you'll need at least one
bag for cool weather (think wool, nylon, or leather in a medium to dark
shade) and another warm weather option ( a straw tote is ideal, as is a
cloth drawstring bag or a satchel in a bright shade).
Dianne M. Daniels, a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International, has some advice of her own for building a handbag wardrobe.
- For work - choose a handbag that is no wider than your hips to keep it in proportion with the rest of your body. Nothing too big, keep the ornamentation to a minimum. Depending on your profession and your color choices, you may be able to limit initial purchases to three or four handbags.
- For play - look to more casual fabrics including canvas and fabric. Slightly more ornamentation is acceptable on a more casual bag, including fun things like studs and charms.
- For dates - take a bag that isn't too big, but still carries the essentials - house keys, identification and enough money to get you home in a cab if things go badly and you are not driving. You should also carry a credit card for unforeseen emergencies, plus a pen and paper for any notes you need to take.
- For the theatre - usually a dressier occasion, this is where a velvet clutch or a beaded bag could be handy. Normally small in size, these will also carry just the essentials, but should also have room for a cell phone (which you turn off before entering the theatre).
Protecting your investment
Quality handbags aren’t cheap, so you want to take care of them. Even if your collection consists of “kitschy” souvenir purses, the proper care of your collection will keep your bags looking as pristine as the day you brought them home.
- Make sure your hands are clean before handling your bag.
- Don't set your bag on kitchen counters, the ground, or anywhere else
that may have oil, dirt, or cleanser residue.
- Store your bag in the original dust slip (if it came with one) or in
a white cotton pillowcase.
- Place pens, markers, makeup, bottles of water, and anything else that
can spill, in plastic baggies to eliminate damage to your bag's lining.
- Keep authenticity cards. Some designers require these before doing
repair work.
- Consider keeping boxes and tags. If you decide to later sell your
bag, having these can earn you a higher asking price.
Check manufacturer's care instructions before attempting to clean the
bag yourself. Some materials can be ruined by even water.
What in the bag?
You’re in a hurry and have to make a last-minute bag switch (you just had to wear the peep-toe platforms) and you only have time for the bare essentials. What should you put in your bag?
The purse essentials according to Dianne M. Daniels
- Identification (you never know, you might get carded)
- Keys (duh)
- Cell phone (need to connect with your girls)
- Cash (the green stuff É believe it or not, not everyone accepts plastic)
- Credit card(s)
- Coins (meters, tips for street musicians)
- Notepad and pen (you might meet Mr. Right É or make a business connection)
- Business cards (because you can’t leave work at the office)
~A. Covington for Belisi Fashions
While we don't all have stylists and personal shoppers but with a little effort (a few clicks of a mouse), you can look as "effortlessly" chic as Kate Hudson in her colorful cashmere sweater jacket, black v-neck sweater and skinny belt, flare leg jeans and playful leopard print pumps. 
