The Work Bag

When it comes to handbags I have pretty high standards and strict guidelines; quality, style, function, etc.  So it's no surprise that many contemporary/bridge-line designers/brands fail to make the cut.  Apparently, I'm not the only one with these standards as we see new designers and brands every year trying to make it in this market only to fail after a few seasons or so.

With that said, let's shift to the contemporary designers that are succeeding and have made the cut.  Below are my favorite bags that are reasonably priced and have style and quality.  Coincidentally, they all just happen to be great 'every-day'/'work' bags and are worth investing in.

Rebecca Minkoff, Avery Tote, $345 available at www.shopbop.com

 Marc by Marc Jacobs, Deconsrtucted Laura Tote, $548 available at www.shopbop.com

Milly, Logan Large Tote, $425 available at www.shopbop.com

Neoprene Dream

I have a dream...that it's autumn year round everyone carries crocodile Birkin bags, wears Christian Louboutin pumps and oversized Fendi fur coats......and then I wake up and I'm whisked back into the reality of hot sticky summer days.  Might as well make the best of it by getting on board with a summer staple- neoprene.

Neoprene is to summer what leather is to winter.  What was once limited to the surfing crowd via wetsuits is now a designer favorite and transformed into bags, dresses etc.  So enjoy the dog days of summer and get on trend with neoprene in the modality of your choice.

-Fendi, 2Jours Studded Tote, Neiman Marcus ($3,590)
-T by Alexander Wang, Neoprene Bomber Jacket, Neiman Marcus ($204)
-Comme des Garcon, Pouch, Saks Fifth Avenue ($190)
-Lanvin, Neoprene Dress, MyTheresa.com ($1,673)
-3.1 Phillip Lim, Neoprene Skirt, Nordstrom
-Clover Canyon, Dress, Shopbop.com ($196.80)

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