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.
Trend: Patent Leather
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)
$75
MAXX New York (yellow patent bag)
Nordstrom
$178
Belle by Sigerson Morrison (red patent flat)
$260
Oscar by Oscar de la Renta (turquoise peep toe pump)
$235
Steve Madden (Green flat)
$59.99
Trend: Natural Materials
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)
$395
Oscar de la Renta (cork strappy sandal)
Bergdorf
$585
Sam Edelman (woven peep toe sling back with low wedge and red piping)
$99
Trend: Sporty Stripes
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.
Where to Find It:
Freddy & Ma Striped Tote (white and green with gold hook)
$340
31 Corn Lane, Plastic Canvas Tote (red/green stripe)
$42
Gigi Favela (blue and white striped peep toe pump)
$312
Dru (brown and white striped flat)
$115
Trend: Prints
Many of the trends from last year -- the full skirt and leggings -- are also hot this spring, so wearing shoes or carrying a handbag with a print on it are great ways to update those looks. They are also inexpensive ways to expand a basic wardrobe of white shirts and solid colored pants.
Tip: Prints match best with simple and solid color outfits.
Where to Find It:
Street Smart Tote (Red and White print with bamboo handle)
$78
Proenza Schouler for Target (purple and coral canvas tote with wood handle)
$40
J.Crew flats (blue and white peep toe flat)
$198
Rafe flats (bronze open toe sling back with low espadrille)
$235