Handbags?

[Anonymous]

What are the latest styles? I used to buy them fairly often, but stopped after I had my child and had to cut back on expenses. I want to treat myself to a nice bag this spring, but don't know where to start. Something in the $200-$300 range...

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I love handbags so have lots of ideas:
1. Banana Republic makes really nice, fashionable handbags in that range.
2. Filene's Basement at Mazza Gallerie has designer stuff at a great discount.
3. Bag, borrow or steal...it's a website that lends out handbags and then sells the "used" ones when they are a few months old.
4. Bloomies has a nice section of handbags and some of the less-expensive designers have nice things in that range (Furla, Tory Burch)
5. Sometimes even Talbot's has stuff that isn't totally blah.

HTH!

[Anonymous]

That's a good budget! I would look for a colored bag that will complement your basics of black, brown, gray etc. I have a plum leather bag that I can use with any basic outfit. For the spring you coukd go for a brighter jewel tone. If you can make it to the Leesburg outlets there are some great options at Kate Spade, Coach and Barney's. In town, the PP's suggestions are great. J Crew has some great bags, but not as affordable lately. Also, check out sales at Nordstrom and Neiman's.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs! Have fun and celebrate being post diaper bag! Yeah!!!

[Anonymous]

Michael Kors makes nice bags for around that much! Very classic with a twist. Look at Bloomie's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Michael Kors makes nice bags for around that much! Very classic with a twist. Look at Bloomie's.

My Michael Kors bags (and it's the "Michael" line at that price) haven't held up particularly well. They only look close to pristine for about half a season. I've grown to be a big Helen Welsh fan if you can find her bags. Try Nordstrom, Lord and Taylor, or Piperlime. Those bags look great after two seasons + if you can't always justify the expense of a new bag every season. Sigh. I think I'll try to find an excuse for an Orla Kielly tote this summer. Our clothes will be a little quieter pattern-wise, right? So I can do a patterned bag!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for all the suggestions. I'll have fun looking this weekend.

[Anonymous]

Soft, slouchy hobo bags are hot right now. I love mine -- some of which I've had since the early '90s when they were popular (these are now vintage.) You can carry a lot in these bags, and the unstructured look is very flattering to most body types. Love PP's idea of going for a bright color, or you could do a pale grey or white if you think you can keep it fairly clean.

[Anonymous]

18:17 here...saw a lot of great bags at Loehmanns in Friendship Heights today! Sadly I didn't get one as I am stuck in diaperbag mode with my 4 MO. And Tabletop in Dupont always has a great selection of Orla Kiely bags! Man, I have a serious addiction!!