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It’s almost Memorial Day, and I’m looking forward to summertime! Warm weather and sunshine sound pretty good after all of the rain we have had lately here in the Midwest.
Handbags are fashion essentials for the summer. A nice black leather handbag can function well throughout the fall and winter, but our needs change as the weather warms up. It is important to have a few bags to meet the demands of all the activities summertime brings.
Two big trends for summer are straw bags with tassels and bags with pom poms.
There are some really cute handbags popping up in the stores right now. Accents such as tassels and colorful pom poms are trending. Below I have featured four categories of handbags that can be considered as summertime fashion essentials: the straw handbag, the brightly colored clutch, the beach bag, and the basic neutral tote. I have featured a Save and a Splurge option for each category. All of the Save options are priced at $50 or less. I love when I can get the look for less and bet you do too! Summer is a time when you can get away with purchasing less expensive handbags since you are usually carrying them for only one season of the year. Handbags designed for summertime are frequently made with straw and canvas and these materials are not nearly as durable as leather, making them less likely to last beyond one or two summers. Personally, I would rather splurge on a nice leather handbag that will last for years and purchase an inexpensive option for summer. This purchasing strategy also makes trying trends less risky since you aren’t out a lot of money if the handbag is no longer in style when summer rolls around again. In my opinion, the one item below that could be considered splurge-worthy is the Madewell Transport Tote since it is made with cowhide.
The Straw Handbag:
Chloe + Isabel Mainstreet Tassel Tote Bag ($50)//Tory Burch Straw Tote ($250)
The Brightly Colored Clutch:
Hello World Striped Pom Pouch ($40)//Mar Y Sol Sonia Clutch ($105)
The Beach Bag:
Dirty Ballerina ‘Beach Please’ Canvas Tote ($28)//Kate Spade New York ‘I Need a Vacation’ Tote ($198)
The Neutral Tote:
George Women’s Reagan Reversible Tote ($9.97)//Madewell Transport Tote ($168)
Today I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy. Please pop over and check out Lindsey’s post for today!
Please Share: Which trend would you rather try this summer…a handbag with tassels or a handbag with pom poms?
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Sandy says
The pom-poms are cute but, at my age, somehow I think tassels are more appropriate. Cute and affordable selections.
Midwestern Melissa says
I’m glad you like the affordable options in the post! I can see how tassels could be considered more of a mature look than pom poms. I love featuring multiple trends so my readers can hopefully find something they comfortable wearing or carrying in the case of handbags.
Shannon at Gamine & Stripes says
I love these colorful bags. They can add the perfect pop of color to jeans and a tee!!! Would love to get the Madewell transport to replace my old tote that finally died after being used every day for 5 years….not bad right?
x-S
Midwestern Melissa says
Five years is pretty good run for a handbag! I have a leather Coach handbag that I invested in when I was working full time, and it has held up very well. I definitely recommend investing in a neutral leather handbag (with classic styling) that can last for years.