Aldo
Budget Handbags
“SOME PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
What: Handbags updates for fall that won’t require a federal bailout for your bank account.
What We Say: Right now, the word “budget” has new meaning for many of us, in light of the current state of the economy. That doesn’t stop the fashion world, however, from dangling the season’s new handbag trends (among others) tantilizingly in front of us. A handbag, of course, is something we might normally suggest you could invest a little more in, but if your cash is limited and your wardrobe could use a quick and inexpensive boost, we’re thinking that a very budget version (under 20 bucks) of one of the season’s hot styles is just the thing to a) boost your mood, b) boost your style quotient, and c) keep you solvent for another week or two.
The Clutch
For at least a couple of seasons now, the clutch has been the handbag to have. This fall is no different, and texture and color are key. We like:
City Style Snake Clutch, in 6 colors, $16.95, New York & Company
Alexis Reptile Clutch, $18.80, Forever 21
Filond Croc Print Clutch, on sale $9.98, Aldo
Mossimo Embossed Clutch, purple, $16.99, Target
The Satchel
Satchels are kind of a happy medium between a traditional structured shoulder bag and the big roomy hobos we see everywhere. Color and shine keep the look modern, and chain detail is big for fall as well. We like:
Xhilaration Ombre Satchel, $16.99, Target
Limited Edition Satchel, on sale $19.99, Target
Belted Satchel, $19.99, Charlotte Russe
The Postal/Messenger/Crossbody Bag
Need a bag that’s both form and function? You’ll find the postal/messenger/crossbody bag (yes, it’s a broad category) to be stylish and useful, and modern, as long as you keep the color-texture-shine mantra in mind. We like:
City Style Crinkle Messenger, on sale $14.97, New York & Company
Xhilaration Crossbody Bag, $12.99, Target
City Style Crossover Logo, on sale $13.97, New York & Company
New York City Fashion Week Spring 09: Rock & Republic
What: Rock & Republic Runway Show, Tent at Bryant Park, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: If Rock & Republic has its way, everyone this spring will be seeing things in black and white. Literally. This collection is all about edge, and it doesn’t really matter if it’s Springtime it seems—the rocker sensibility, in both palette and form, prevails. For the women, it’s all about super skinny pants (some apparently in spandex), body-hugging skirts and dresses, and a zipper here and a few strategically placed ruffles there for good measure. While a few dresses gave us something a little more flowy and feminine to hold onto, on the whole, the collection is about rockin’ the female form—assuming it’s long, lean, and moves with an attitude. Once again, the big black belt is front and center, and the clutch—in black of course—is always close at hand.
Budget Solution: While the Rock & Republic look isn’t for everyone, there are elements we can all bring to our Spring wardrobe. Black and white is dramatic and easy to pull together, especially here where it mostly takes the form of solid separates—so slim white pants and a black satiny blouse will do the trick. Add a black belt, a pair of black high-heeled sandals (check out the sale sandals at Aldo) and one of those ubiquitous black clutches (grab one on the cheap at Target) and you are rock-ready for whatever Spring throws at you.
image courtesy of Coutorture.com
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