Bag Whore: The Summer Edit

Despite the “Bag Whore” title, I’m actually quite monogamous when it comes to my handbags. A few years ago you would have easily caught me double-booking my arm candy, but I’ve since grown up and tried my hand at settling down. My teens were for flirting, my twenties are for more serious dating. There’s three serious contenders at the moment, but enough about my reformed ways!

It’s been a while since we talked bags here, so let’s get to it. The summer edit criteria is simple: non-fussy, relatively hands free, and—wait for it—colorful. Don’t coordinate color palettes; have your bag clash with the rest of your outfit instead. Or better yet, let the bag stand on it’s own. I firmly believe that a bronzed complexion is best paired with monochrome outfits. All black, all white, all grey, or all nude? Take your pick.

1. Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Woven Raffia Clutch, $146.25. Woven raffia keeps the traditional box-shaped clutch summer-y and light, making this DVF number the perfect little bag for fancy brunch or an evening out on the boardwalk. For the sweet sophisticate, pair with a Little White Dress and strappy white sandals.

2. Primary Solid Python Clutch, $350. Balance is the key wearing in brights without overwhelming your outfit—or you. With a turquoise that reminds me of the Carribbean seas, the only thing I can see paired with it (not the other way around) is an all-white or all-black two-piece ensemble. A white high-neck cropped tank paired with white high-waist trousers for day, a black pantsuit for a fancy dinner.

3. Primary Natural Python Clutch, $375. It’s clear that I have a certain preference for clutch silhouettes: simple, rectangular foldovers. Python is probably my favorite print; it’s exotic but still neutral enough for it to qualify as the perfect everyday bag, year-round.

4. Gap Leather Tote, ~~$125~~ $75. Gorgeous, smooshy leather. Take it to work, to the beach, or if you’re anything like me, to the dance studio. This is the modern-day Mary Poppins’ bottomless bag: I can imagine stuffing it to the brim with all my random notebooks and gadgets and salsa shoes and sports bras and Kind bars… and still have enough to toss in a small child.

5. Proenza Schouler PS1 Pochette Clutch, $895. Anything variation of the Proenza Schouler bag is a classic in my book. It’s utilitarian and androgynous, making it the perfect juxtaposition to the usual feminine dresses and floaty blouses in my playbook. While the PS1 in a standard black or navy might be a little too masculine (or predictable), I love the neon yellow. It’s fun, it’s young, it’s hip—coincidentally three words that I’m not the biggest fan of, but hey: marketing words are marketing words.

6. Santi Purple Stones Clutch, $240. One word: Ibiza. The Santi clutch is to be worn with nothing but a pretty bikini or an Adlib dress and leather sandals, salty waves and skin slicked with island sun and sea and sweat. The more decadent the accessory, the more casual the ensemble.

7. Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip, $195. I love contrast: a soft lavender paired against hard zips keeps things from looking too girly or two edgy. Sure, the mini M.A.C. is always a great option, but I love that this version of the crossbody is just the right amount of different from what every other woman seems to own. It’s casual, it’s practical, it’s fun.

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