How to build a spring bag wardrobe
By Lesley Kennedy
Some women have closets overflowing with shoes. Others boast drawers stacked full of jeans. Me? I collect purses. Big, giant totes. Teeny-tiny clutches. Bags for day. Satchels for night. Practical and totally impractical.
Why do I have such a passion for purses? They can change the look of your outfit in an instant, they hold all those essentials you don’t want to be caught without (Lipstick! Breath mints! Hand sanitizer! Granola bars!) and, most of all, they always fit, no matter how much weight you’ve gained.
And, while, yes, the thought of carrying a status-symbol Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Prada work of art on my arm is a lovely one, there are plenty of styles out there that cost much less than a week’s pay — and still garner plenty of compliments.
Ready to round out your own handbag wardrobe? (According to London’s Daily Mail, the average British woman owns 17 bags — five for day, three for evening, two for work, two for shopping, two for sports, one for beach and two for travel). Time to catch up.
Here are the spring styles we’re coveting for each of those categories — and all for less than $50. Feel free to use the rest of your paycheck to fill them up.
Best spring day bag: April showers may bring May flowers, but if you want to get a move-on already, pick up this adorbs Vera Bradley Hotsy Totsy hobo bag in Folkloric. On sale for $28.80, it’s so sweet we can practically smell the hyacinth, daffodils and tulips already. Bonus! Get cash back on Vera Bradley purchases with our great deals.
Best spring evening bag: Black is always safe for night, but when the weather’s warmer, it’s nice to lighten things up. Consider metallic gold your new go-to neutral — and this shiny metal clutch with a mesh bow from Jessica McClintock your new BFF. Just tuck it under your arm — or use the included chain link strap and even jeans and a T-shirt will look instantly glammed up. Oh, and for just $20.24 at ebags (with 7% cash back)? You might want to snatch it up in silver, too.
Best spring work bag: Whether you spend your days in a corporate environment or one that’s more creative, this pretty spring green Kelly & Katie Meander Saff tote will look polished but not the least bit stuffy. It’s just $39.95 at DSW and we’ve got all kinds of coupons and cash back offers here. Work. It.
Best spring shopping bag: Want a runway-worthy bag for a steal? Just think how totally trendy you’ll be sporting this KARL (yes, as in Lagerfeld) camo-style canvas shopper that’s on sale at The Outnet for just $45 (originally $125). Not quite Chanel, but definitely close.
Best spring gym bag: Need some motivation to get yourself to spin class? Pack your gear in a bright blue and green polka dot bag and you’ll be much more likely to get on that bike. In fact, this Nike tote is so cute, you might just carry it around all day. Find it for $23.99 at ebags.com — and find out how to get 20 percent off and free shipping, too!
Best spring beach bag: Jetting off to the beach? Hitting the pool? Off to the lake? Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, beach towel and gossip magazines in this too-cool translucent jelly tote from Crocs to keep everything in its place — and safe from the water and sand. We found it at 6pm.com marked down to $42.99, in blue and green or pink and orange. (And you can get cash back, too! More money for trashy books and mags!)
Best spring travel bag: When you need an overnight or carry-on bag, why not show a little personality (or, is that purse-onality?) with a wild oversized lip tote instead of a boring black suitcase? This LULU by Lulu Guinness number is a bargain at $50 at JCP.com, and you’ll use it again and again. Plus, you guessed it, you can even get cash back, too. Mwah!
Looking to save money?
