Hot 2011 Handbag Trends

Today’s designer handbags offer a variety of choices for fashion-forward ladies. The top trends for the 2011 year include tassels, bright colors, and exotic fabrics and textures.

Tassels

Handbags with tassels are wildly popular this year. Tassels are a fun way to jazz up an otherwise boring purse. Leather tassels all around a handbag are especially hot right now.

Python Prints

Crazy prints are making its way back onto handbags this year. Python and alligator skin handbags are popular now. These bags come in imitation animal leather, too. You are going to see women carrying these bags all over New York and Europe. Python looks quite expensive, but you can get great deals on eBay. Yellow and red python prints make a huge statement when you’re out at night.

Bright Colors

As the weather heats up, so do the handbag colors. Flower prints, stripes and plaids are making a comeback. Don’t be afraid to tote around a brightly-colored purse to any occasion.

Chartreuse

Some people call this color “puke green,” but it actually works very well on a handbag! It’s the number one hot color right now for the summer months. Earthy colors will always be “in” no matter what your outfit looks like. It’s more of a daytime bag, so leave the bright colors at home when you’re ready to hit the town.

Utility Bags

Purses don’t just look pretty. They should also serve a purpose. This is where utility bags come into play — they offer a chic exterior with plenty of space inside. These handbags have drawstrings for keeping your personal items safe. You don’t have to get a huge bag to have enough room for your things. All you need is a purse with lots of pockets and the ability to compact itself with drawstrings and buckles.

Celebrity Purses of 2011

If you want to carry only the hottest designer handbag, then look to the stars. A-listers always have the latest and greatest accessory under their arms. You don’t have to shell out tons of money to imitate your favorite actress, however. Look on eBay for some killer steals. When the fashion trend is over, simply re-sell your handbag on eBay to recoup some of your money! Read the following to find out about the newest celebrity handbag trends.

Bright & Neutral Colors

Nicky Hilton has been snapped holding a chic, red, quilted Chanel purse while pumping gas. Chanel is a classic designer, so carrying one of these handbags around will upgrade any outfit. If you prefer neutral colors, then copy Cameron Diaz’s Valentino purse. It’s beige and simple, with clean lines. It will give you a professional look when you’re at work.

Black Handbags

Several celebrities have been spotted toting black handbags. Black is classic, but if you add buckles or studs, it can give you a rocker edge. Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, and Hillary Duff carry black leather bags. The best thing about carrying a black handbag is that it goes with every outfit and won’t show dirt as much as other colors. Gucci and Cole Haan are the designers that are lucky enough to count these celebrities as customers.

Diaper Bags

Designer diaper bags are in style with the celebrity set, too. Their kids want the same level of style as mom! Angelina Jolie carries around the Storksak Gigi Chocolate Diaper Bag, which is made of brown leather. It looks like an ordinary purse, but you can throw in some bottles and a changing mat and still have lots of room inside. It retails for about $200. Brad Pitt prefers a more masculine diaper bag. More specifically, he carries around the Storksak Jamie Diaper Bag in black leather.

Tote Bags: Classic to Rocker Chic Styles

Tote bags can carry everything due to their size. It can fit everything you’ll need for a day at the beach or doing errands around town. Because a tote is so big and baggy, it’s easy for things to get lost inside. Look for totes with pockets, zippers, and compartments inside to keep things organized. Don’t bring your tote to work, because it’s too casual for that. It’s also not a very good nighttime handbag due to its size. The tote is strictly a daytime handbag.

Michael Kors ‘Edie’ Tote

Totes don’t have to be slouchy and casual. The “Edie” tote by Michael Kors is sophisticated enough to perk up any outfit. It comes in a shade of vanilla with the Michael Kors logo patterned all over it. The trim is gold tone with several buckles for tightening the handbag. You can either carry it by hand or sling it around your shoulder using the longer shoulder strap. This will cost you about $350 online.

Coach Limited Edition Graffiti Hearts Tote

This is perfect for women or teens who want a rocker edge. It comes in a black fabric with screen-printed “graffiti” prints drawn all over it. The best part is that it’s water and stain resistant, so it can go everywhere with you. It has multiple pockets and zippers to hold everything. It’s affordable at $178 or so online.

Cole Haan Tantivy Devin Nylon Tote

If you prefer a sportier look, or want something easy to clean, then check out this Cole Haan tote. It’s made of nylon, which is super easy to clean. There aren’t any fussy embellishments on this handbag – strictly business here. It has a cross-body strap if you dislike shoulder straps. It has compartments and two different straps to choose from. This model costs about $268 if you can find a sale.

The Office Handbag: Not Too Glam; Not Too Dull

Office handbags should walk a fine line between looking too flashy or boring. The handbag you bring to work should say “sophisticated and classy,” not “party girl.” Designer handbags without ostentatious logos or prints are ideal for a professional work environment. Stay away from envelope clutches and over-sized totes, which send the wrong message. Your handbag should blend in with your outfit, but stand out for its quality.

B. Makowsky Drawstring Leather Tote

A neutral purse will go with any business outfit. This brown, leather purse by B. Makowsky is just big enough to hold your essentials without being oversized. It has a simple drawstring closure and no embellishments. Priced at $368, this investment piece will take you from the front desk to the corner office.

Etienne Aigner Corner Office Tote

This is a nice handbag to have if you’re on a budget but still want a quality purse. Its maple-brown exterior is neutral enough to match your business casual outfit and leather heels. It has two shoulder straps, a flat bottom so that it sits upright, and many pockets and zippered compartments. It’s big enough to hold file folders, an iPad, or a PDA. This handbag is moderately priced at $130.

Kate Spade New York Mae Small Nylon Shoulder Bag

If basic black is more your style, then the Kate Spade bag could be your new accessory. Priced at $325, it’s expensive enough to last you several years without going out of style. The double chain link straps add a little bit of edge to an otherwise plain handbag. It’s also very easy to clean with its nylon exterior. Only the straps are made from real leather. Since it’s black, it won’t show dirt as easily, so you can safely carry it in the subway or restrooms without much worry.

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