Warm-Weather Wear: Hot Handbags and Shoes for Spring

March 15, 2007 — -- Rising temperatures can only mean one thing: Spring has sprung.

With the warmer weather come new trends in shoes and handbags. Lucky Magazine's special projects director Allyson Waterman guides you through the season's best and offers tips to help you get the look.

According to Waterman, patent leather is very feminine and is an easy way to insert a burst of color in an outfit, especially if you are the type that fears color. Patent leather is easy to take care of, available at every price point and any age group can wear it.

Tip: A little patent leather goes a long way.

Where to Find It:

Nine West, "Battery Park" (red patent bag)
Ninewest.com
$75

MAXX New York (yellow patent bag)
Nordstrom
$178

Belle by Sigerson Morrison (red patent flat)
SigersonMorrison.com
$260

Oscar by Oscar de la Renta (turquoise peep toe pump)
Shoes.com
$235

Steve Madden (Green flat)
Stevemadden.com
$59.99

Straw and cork are everywhere this season, according to Waterman. Some say it's a nod to the environmental movement. Because natural materials are neutral in color, they match a lot of outfits. One common misconception is that they are casual, but there are tons of dressy options that are perfect for fun dinners outside.

Tip: Natural materials go well with floral and feminine fabrics.

Where to Find It:

Franco Sarto (woven bag with brown detail)
Select Macy's
$58

Rafe (woven bag with white detail)
Rafe.com
$395

Oscar de la Renta (cork strappy sandal)
Bergdorf
$585

Sam Edelman (woven peep toe sling back with low wedge and red piping)
Piperlime.com
$99

Sporty striped accessories come from sneaker trends, but spring's bags and shoes prove stripes aren't just for the gym. This trend is popping up in unexpected places and blurring the rule that there is only one bag for a particular occasion.

Tip: Sporty stripes are great for suits and dresses.