One of the hottest brands of handbags to own is Botkier and the Eden bags are some of the most stylish and popular Botkiers to carry.

Click Here for Bright and Colorful Botkier Bags

The Eden Flap Satchel is available in traditional colors like black and butterscotch/black but the ones that catch my eye the most are the color block bags.  A fluorescent pink and orange with black accents is my favorite but the navy blue and green bag is a close second and is the more practical color scheme of the two.  The bag itself is on the small side being that it is 9.75″H x 10.5″W and only 4″ deep. This is not an everyday bag that can carry all of your essentials but rather a bag to take when you do not need a lot with you. The pink and orange bag is definitely more spring / summerlike vs. wintery but on the other hand what is better than a bright bag to have on a grey and cloudy winter day? The blue and green bag is one that will coordinate easier with your wardrobe so it is a bit easier to carry. It also is more appropriate for winter but will also work well in the spring.

Be sure to click the link at the top or bottom of the page for this and other Botkier Bags

The Eden Hobo Bag is another great bag available in the green and navy combination. This bag is more casual and a great everyday bag not only for the style but for the fact that it is larger and you can carry all of your essentials in this bag. The dimensions of the Eden Hobo bag are : 15.5″High x 17″Wide x 5″ Deep. This bag is also available in a black as well as a butterscotch/black combo.

Please click the link at the top or bottom of the page for Botkier Eden Hobo

The Botkier Carlyle Satchel  is a great bag if you want something that is structured, angular, and most importantly bright and colorful. This bag comes in a Sunflower Yellow, Ruby Red, as well as Black. The Carlyle is very ladylike which is a popular trend right now but has a bit of an edge to it which sets this bag apart from other structured satchels. This bag has a money clip style latch to close the flap as well as an exposed zipper that can be seen even when closed completely. You can carry the Carlyle Satchel either by the duel rolltop handles or with the detachable adjustable shoulder strap. The bag is not that big, but large enough to carry a phone, keys, sunglasses, and wallet.

Click the link at the top or bottom of the page for Botkier Bags

  Click Here for Bright and Colorful Botkier Bags

Summer is officially here and trips to the beach and pool are frequent and that means you will need a great bag to carry all of your summer essentials like a towel, books/magazines, and of course sunscreen. There are so many choices when it comes to picking out a bag but why not use a bag that is not only is appropriate for when you are going to be near the water, but is a great all around summer bag to have.

The Kate Spade New York Tropica Jezibel Tote is a fun bag that is not only large enough to carry all that you need but is attention grabbing as well. With large pink flamingos covers both front and back of the bag and the necks of the birds being the handles this is a great bag to have. Inside of the bag are decorative black and white stripes with pink trim accent. There is a interior pocket that zips where you can store your money for when you are at the beach, lipstick and other beauty essential. There also another interior pocket where you can store non valuables that you need to grab quickly as well as a cell phone pocket so your phone will never get lost at the bottom of your bag. Metal feet at the bottom of the bag and coated canvas will help keep it the bag always looking like new.

For more information or to buy this bag please click the link or picture below

kate spade new york ‘tropica jezibel’ tote

The bright pink from the flamingo will make any outfit pop and should easily match much of your wardrobe. This is a bag with personality so make sure to show it off!

I’m really craving a Rebecca Minkoff bag right now, and I’ve fallen for the BF… I love the buckles & the size, and I always enjoy a cute crossbody style. I’ve been seeing Rebecca Minkoff bags all over fashion blogs lately – do you guys like the styles or find them overrated? Which Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend bag would you choose?? To see more of my personal style & inspirations @ Endless Nights

Down here in Aussie land its pretty common to see our surfer type friends rocking there vintage homemade friendship bracelets on a daily basis and until recently i thought it was just a trend i would leave back in the early 90′s when my best friend and i spent hours sitting on the verandah trying to make them just right.

So it has come as a pleasant surprise that they are making a Massive comeback and are seen on the wrists of everyone from Lauren Conrad to Sharon Osbourne and now come adorned with diamonds if we so choose,but its not just friendship bands that make up this revival its all things woven my personal favourite being the hobo bag but you can get everything from a clutch purse to a poncho and it’s set just to get bigger so grab your friends hit the markets and grab your woven goodies!

To read more of my fashion adventures visit http://thecurvygirlsdiary.blogspot.com/

Images courtesy of google.

The Wayuu Tayu Foundation is a not for profit organization founded by Venezuelan model Patricia Velasquez almost 10 years ago.   The foundation’s goal is to help out the 450,000 Wayuu people who are indigenous to the Guajira Peninsula of northern Colombia and Venezuela. One of the ways to raise money is through the gorgeous, one of a kind, handmade, woven handbags that the Wayuu women make at a women’s center, called Shukumajaya,  that teaches these women about family planning and parenting skills as well as with general nutrition and hygiene.  This is a mutually beneficial arrangement because at the same time these women are learning they are producing bags that allow them to continue their traditions to their culture to share with the rest of the world. Proceeds from the sales of these exquisite bags are used to help all Wayuu people, women, men, and children.

Since all of the bags are handmade they all will vary slightly from one to another. Each color combination has its own unique geometric pattern on the bag. All of the bags have long shoulder straps and long tassled drawstring closures. There is a numbered logo wooden ring on the handbags as well. These bags are perfect spring and summer everyday bags are are especially great if you want a boho chic look.

Wayuu Taya Foundation Susu Bag

This style bag is also available in so many colors ranging from neutrals and greys to bright shades of blue. You can click the above link to learn more about this foundation, its bags, and all of the other colors available.

Click on any of the pictures below to see recently added Wayuu bags

Back in the 80s neon was all the rage and was everywhere. I remember having so many clothing and accessories. My favorite way to show off my love of neon was by  wearing bright zinc on my nose and lips at the pool or beach. Now 30 years later neon is back but I am not so sure about wearing all over neon clothing, but there are some great handbags and purses to use to give an outfit a bit of a retro pop to it.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Neon Handles Raffia Bag and the Cleobella Sirena Raffia Tote are both great bags to use for the beach or a casual activity. The Marc Jacobs bag is a natural braided raffia bag with either  neon yellow or neon pink double handles attached. Inside the bag is a detachable neon clutch that you can easily take out when needed and even use it in another bag or on its own. The Cleobella Raffia bag is an oversized raffia bag with a contrast neon pink or yellow trim around the top of the bag as well as  neon braided leather handles. The raffia is woven in two different pattern, a small tight one at the bottom and top, and a larger more textured one in the middle.

MARC JACOBS NEON HANDLES RAFFIA BAG

CLEOBELLA SIRENA RAFFIA TOTE

The Jimmy Choo Neon Bag is a super bright neon yellow acrylic shoulder bag with an asymmetrical fold over flap for closure. The strap of this purse is a long gold tone small chain link that complements the color of the bag so well. This bag would look great with a solid black dress.

JIMMY CHOO NEON BAG

I love the bright neon pink Nina Ricci Open Edge Ruffle Detail Pochette. The pochette has gorgeous gold tone hardware detail and long shoulder strap. Neon pink beads and woven leather ribbon throughout the length of the chain add detail to the purse. This bag is a great choice for day or night, since it can be dressed up or down quite easily.

NINA RICCI RUFFLE POCHETTE

Not all neon bags are a solid color, in fact, the Balenciaga Seashore Shopper Tote is a colorful and casual bag. The Seashore is a pastel blue canvas bag with green banding and neon orange trim. While the bag is quite large, there are interior pockets to stay organized. There is also a detachable light blue pouch that has patent leather neon orange trim and gold tone hardware on it. This small pouch is great to use to store your lipstick, credit card, and other small essentials. You can even take the pouch out and carry it on its own if you do not want to carry a large purse around with you.

BALENCIAGA SEASHORE BAG

Neon can be a bit intimidating so use it in small doses. When you carry a neon bag, make sure to keep your outfit neutral and not too colorful. The neon is very bright and you do not want to have multiple colors clashing together. These bags are all perfect for the spring and summer and a few will even carry you well into the fall so you will most definitely get a lot of use out of them.

The brand Furla has been around for over 80 years but it has really been in the last 30 years or so that the brand has really taken off.  Furla is known for their exquisite handmade handbags made from the highest quality Italian Leather. These bags are elegant, feminine, classic in style, and technically detailed. Even  though they are pricey, you are assured that the bag will stand up over time and will look just as great in a few years as the day you bought the bag. One of the styles of bags that Furla is best known for are their shopper bags. A shopper bag is a great style of bag if you tend to need to carry a lot of items with you.

The Anemone M Shopper is a crocodile print leather shopper bag that is a gorgeous blue grey color with contrasting brown trim around the top. Flat bottom feet protect this bag when set down so there will be no damage done to it. Something that makes this bag a bit unique is that it has a twist closure, while most bags zip or button closed.

Furla Handbags – Anemone M Shopper (Marang)

The Furla Carmen Shopper is a fun and casual bag. Available in 4 colors: black, white, green, and purple, this is a great everyday bag to carry.  I love the crinkle texture of the bag and the handles that are woven through the top of the bag. The bag has a magnetic closure  and interior pockets so your contents can stay very organized.

Furla Handbags – Carmen L Shopper (Avacado)

A white bag of any size is something that every woman should have at least one of. A shopper style bag is not a must but the Furla Anthea bag is a classic bag that will take you from year to year and never go out of style.  The Anthea is a smooth leather bag with twist lock closure and interior pockets to keep everything organized. If you are not comfortable with a white bag though, you can get this bag in black.

Furla Handbags – Anthea East/West Shopper (Zenzero)

Most Furla bags are all leather but the Furla Bahia bag is a canvas bag with leather accents. This is my favorite of all of the shopper bags. I love the colorblocking on the bag and the colors are perfect for spring and summer. There is no top closure for this bag but the design of the bag stays closed on its own.

Furla Handbags – Bahia L Shopper (Naturale Acai)

A straw handbag is  great  to carry during the summer.   They are light and very summery looking and do not get sun damaged or hot like many leather and plastic purses, making the straw bag ideal.  They are also very functional and are perfect as a beach bag to take to the pool or the ocean and water proof, sand proof and easy to clean. There are also a lot of everyday straw bags that are great to take around town to shop, run errands and so on. There is also some more formal styles that are wonderful summer dress up handbags that you can take to a event or diner party.   Though the straw handbag is one of the most versatile bags you can posses they also have a very limited season and just does not work beyond mid September. Once  August / September becomes Fall it will be time to put it away but they are a very enduring style and you can wear it year after year and still be stylish.

The Kate Spade New York Point Breeze Bag is the perfect bag for the pool.  It has a wide open top so it is easy to fill it with a magazine, a bottle of water, and your essentials. You can even drape your towel between the straps. This is a basic straw bag but is jazzed up with a woven chain and petunia pink fabric as well as a large pink grosgrain bow at the front.

Kate Spade New York – Point Breeze Small Coal (Natural/Petunia)

Similar is size is the Cole Haan Highline Kendra Straw Bag and it comes in 3 different color combinations: natural/ black, natural/sunflower yellow, and natural/gold (pictured). This is a sturdy structured ladylike bag perfect for errands, brunch, or even everyday life. I love the detailed chevron pattern that the jute is woven into.

Cole Haan – Highline Straw Kendra E/W Tote (Soft Gold)

Another great straw bag that can be used everyday is the Michael Kors Amangasett Straw Tote. This bag is quite similar in feel to the Cole Haan bag above but there is a bit more color to it. This bag comes in with color accents: black, brown, gold, and white(pictured).

MICHAEL Michael Kors – Amangasett Large Straw Tote (Vanilla)

There are also some great straw clutch bags that you can use for times when you only need a few essentials during the day or at night for a casual get together. The Michael Kors Santaorini is more structured and formal of a clutch. I love that the bold gold hardware and the shape of this bag. It comes in 4 different colors accents: black(picutured), luggage, gold, and vanilla. If you prefer a casual cluth, my favorite is the Cole Haan Izzie Clutch which is very similar to the Kendra bag in look. This bag comes in natural/ sunflower yellow, natural/amazon green (pictured), and natural/black.

MICHAEL Michael Kors – Santorini Small Straw Clutch (Black)

Cole Haan – Highline Straw Izzie Large Clutch (Gold/Amazon)

Summer for me is a time for being casual and laid back . I love to wear comfortable casual clothing and think that a handbag of the same look is needed. It does not look right to wear shorts and flip flops and carry a formal leather purse.  I much prefer on the days when I dress down to have a handbag that is casual. I love that Marc Jacobs has put out a line of bright and fun colored nylon bags of different sizes. There are small bags for times when you only need a few items and larger bags that you can take to the pool and stuff a towel, magazines, and a bottle of water in.

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Medium Tote comes in so many great colors: Ocean Sapphire , Bleached Green (pictured) ,  Sunrise Gold, and  my favorite Talc Multi (Simone Stripe). I love the textured quilted letters across the bag and the two outer pockets.

If you like the look of the above bag but are interested in something a bit larger then there is a slightly larger bag called
Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Tate Tote. This bag comes in so many colors including Rock Lobster (pictured), Ocean Sapphire, Sunrise Gold, and Gettysburg Blue. This bag also comes in neutral colors or patterns if you would prefer.

Sometimes you may want to just take a few essentials with you and do not want to carry a purse or perhaps you want a small pouch to keep in your purse. Either way the Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Pouch is a great choice. This pouch comes in bright colors as well a black and my favorite Talc Multi (Simone Stripe).

I personally do not have a need for a diaper bag but if I did the Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Baby Bag is a great bag that comes in so many great colors including Talc Multi (Simone Stripe).

When I first heard that the ladylike look was going to be a big trend for 2011 I had a few visions immediately pop into my head. I thought of pillbox hats and purses with a top handle.I guess to me ladylike means a reinterpretation of what I envision a woman from the 1950s or 60s would dress as.  While I do not see too many pillbox hats around right now, there are a lot of handbags that have a top handle. I personally do not have any top handle purses at the moment and much prefer to carry a purse on my shoulder with a long strap but I keep coming back to pictures of  top handle purses so I think there will be a purchase of one in the near future. My favorite thing about these top handle bags is that many do come with an optional detachable long strap for times when you would prefer to carry it that way.

The Rebecca Minkoff Colorblock Covet Satchel is a beautiful grey pebbled leather handbag that is perfect year round. The color is not too dark for spring and summer and not too light for fall and winter. Carrying this bag in your hand should not be a problerm since it is not too large so you do not have to worry about it being too full and heavy.

I love to carry a black handbag in the winter but come spring and summer I like to liven things up with a great colored back and the Marc by Marc Jacobs Totally Turnlock Lil Shifty Duffel definitely is colorful. This bag pictured in Spinach also comes in Caramel and both colors will work for year round.

I love the colorblock look and the Fendi ‘Fashion’ Top Handle Satchel is a gorgeous colorblock super ladylike structured top handle satchel. The strap can be lengthened to become a crossbody bag if you would prefer to carry it that way. I love the pebble red leather and the caramel side accents together and with the black strap and gold hardware. This bag will look equally as good in your hand as it will on display on a shelf in your home so when you are not carrying it show it off.

Leather and Lace is a great look together and the Dolce&Gabbana ‘Miss Rose’ Lace & Leather Satchel is as ladylike as they come. This bag comes in Ecru as well as in Black so you can buy one in each color and have a lace bag year round.