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.

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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

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

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)

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.

Fringe is everywhere this season. There are numerous fringe shoes to choose from as well as fringe clothing and jewelry. One of the best ways to show your love of fringe is by carrying a fringe handbag. There are endless possibilities when it comes to a fringe purse, you can find casual everyday bags with fringe as well as bags for special occasions including evening clutches.

The great thing about fringe bags is that they all do not look the same. Some of these bags have long thin fringe pieces all over while some have minimal fringe on them. There are plenty of short pieced fringe bags of which many of these bags have layers of fringe making them stand out in the crowd. You can find neutral color fringe bags as well as bright and bold bags. There are even fancy metallic evening fringe clutches.

Everyday Fringe Bags

1. Cleobella Florence Distressed Large Diamond Fringe Satchel Available in Tan (pictured), Grey, and Black this bag is definitely not your typical fringe bag. This bag is naturally distressed and is the perfect balance between edgy and sophisticated.
2. Badgley Mischka Jess Shoulder Bag is a casual crossbody bag with adjustable strap and fringe detailing is available in pewter (pictured) and bronze.
3. Wendy Nichol Elk Fringe Satchel is another crossbody bag. This bag has a woven strap and fringe detailing across the front flap. Available in Canyon Brown.
4. Carla Mancini Top Zip Bag with Fringe Rows has multiple rows of fringe detailed with studs. Two choices of straps for this bag depending on your length desire for the bag. Available in black (pictured ) and tan.
5.  Big Buddha Ray is a bright and bold fringe bag with strong fringe accents across the front and sides of this bag. Available in Teal (pictured ), Black, White, and Yellow.

Small  Fringe Bags and Clutches

1.  BCBGMAXAZRIA Evening Mixed Media Fringe Clutch is a great metallic fringe clutch that is the perfect bag to carry when you are in a simple solid color dress allowing the bag to be the “pop”
2. B. Makowsky Martina is not a heavy fringe bag, in fact the fringe is only the tassel for the zipper. Available in Black, Gold. Purple (pictured), and white this is a great small bag to take with you when you only need your essentials.
3. Tarnish Multi Zip Leather Crossbody Satchel is a casual and edgy fringe bag in a soft leather. This bag has so many color choices : Brown, Dark Grey, Desert, Kiwi, Petrol Blue, Purple (pictured), and Yellow.
4. Inge Christopher Beaded Celtic Fringe Bucket Clutch is a beaded fringe evening bag that comes in Blush (pictured), Black, Gold, Pewter, Ice Blue, and Silver with exquisite bead work.
5. Whiting and Davis Crystal Fringe Pewter – Clutch in Pewter (pictured) or Black is the perfect bag to carry if you want something fun and different. The bag can be carried with or without the strap.
6. BCBGMaxAzria – Evening Beaded Fringe Small Shoulder Bag in Black is eye catching and dramatic.
7. Wendy Nichol Tobacco Bag is a small casual black leather bag with woven shoulder strap has fringe detailing along the sides and is a small crossbody bag to take with you when you only need a few essentials.

I love to change my purse often and while I try to pick something new and different style, I find myself drawn to similar styles. For me nothing beats a large hobo bag. I love the cure of the bag so that my arm is comfortable and does not rub or press against the bag itself. I love that there is only one strap and I do not have to worry about keeping two straps on my shoulder.  Spring 2011 also loves the large oversized hobo bags and many of the top designers have rolled out some great hobo bags this season that I do not know which one I want the most. A great thing about many of these new hobo bags is that many come with a detachable longer strap which many women find a more desireable and functional way to carry their bag.

The Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobobag is bright, bold, and most importantly a functional handbag to carry this spring. Available in 8 great colors including blue, red, bling, and fuschia there are so many choices you can pick from. With both studs and buckles as the hardware, this bag is quite fashionable. Only the  highest quality leather is used for all Rebecca Minkoff bags and the Nikki is no exception.

For More Information or To Buy Click Here

The Sorial Fortune Cookie Ruffle Flap Hobo in Fuchsia, is definitely one of the more stylish hobo bags that is new for Spring 2011.  The ruffles give the bag a very modern look. The logo lock at the front of the bag also adds to the uniqueness of this bag. A bonus to this bag is that there is a detachable long cross body strap that you can use if you want to make the bag longer. There is no doubt that you will be stopped and complimented on this bag no matter where you are.

For More Information or To Buy Click Here

The Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo Bag in Ellsworth Blue is another great hobo purse. This bright blue bag is bright and fun and youthful looking.  The Classic Q Hillier also has a classic look to it and should be a staple in your closet for a long time. This bag also comes with a detachable longer strap if would prefer to carry the bag that way.

For More Information or To Buy Click Here

Besides large hobo bags and long straps for bags, another big trend for Spring 2011 is tassels. The B. MAKOWSKY Dakota Drawstring Hobo in Dijon covers two of these trends, large hobo and tassels. This drawsting closure bag allows for east access to your valuables and the tassels add some great stlye to this bag.

If a large hobo is not your preferred choice when it comes to choosing a purse that is OK. There are plenty of smaller hobo style bags with long straps  and tassels that you can carry this Spring 2011 so take the design ideas and adapt them to what works for you.

Spring is just around the corner and it is not just your winter clothes and shoes that will need to go to the back of the closet. The big purse that you have been lugging all around this season should also be put away and replaced with something new. Spring 2011 purses will be small and bright so you will need to figure out what your true essentials are because that is all that is going to fit in there.

When someone says “small purse” to be the immediate vision in my head is a dainty evening clutch that hold no more than a credit card, a tube of lipstick , and perhaps a tissue or mint. The spring 2011 small bags are not THAT extreme and most of these bags have a long strap to them which is also a big trend for this season even if you can not bear to reduce the size of your bag.

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The  botkier Venice Cross-Body bag is a good entry point if your comfort level for purses is not bright and bold. This folded cross-body bag features multi zippers so you can stay organized. Each zipper has tassel pulls, which also is a trend for Spring 2011. The long strap can be removed if you want as well. All and all this bag covers 3 of the biggest trends for spring: small, long strap, and tassels. This can be a staple bag for your wardrobe.

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Tory Burch Classic Mini Bag is exactly what its name says, it is a classic style bag that is small in size .This great bag has a long detachable chain strap and the iconic Tory Burch emblem at the front. The Classic Mini Bag can be carried day or night and comes in  many great colors like purple, fuchsia, gold, silver, red, and black .

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Diane von Furstenberg Belle Ruffle Evening Bag is such a fun and bright bag that will make any outfit pop. The lime green color and the studded wrist strap make this a great bag to carry when you are having a casual day but want to look fashionable. Not seen in the above picture is a long detachable strap to allow you to carry this bag on your shoulder,  freeing up your hands.

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Rebecca Minkoff  Biker Clutch,Aqua is another great trendy Spring 2011 bag. Like the other bags featured, this clutch has a long detachable strap so you can carry it on your shoulder if you prefer. This Biker Clutch also features tassels, so you are most definitely going to be at the forefront of this trend.