I’ve been on the lookout for a great work tote. For years I have carried this royal purple bag that I nabbed from the Shop Intuition collaboration at Target. I get so many compliments on it, still, but it’s falling apart. In hindsight, I realize I should have snapped up several of them because it’s the perfect size, with great pockets and cute lining. (I think it came in the purple, kelly green, black, and white.) It’s been surprisingly durable, carrying my heels, books, magazines, my lunch, and about 18 tubes of lipstick on any given day, plus my wallet and other necessities.
Here’s one thing I’ve learned from it: bright bags will always be noticed. And they pair with many more colors than you might expect offhand. Sure, I have a black handbag that sort of either fades into the ensemble, and there will always be one in my wardrobe, but I love carrying a bright bag. The other thing is: brights are in, if you haven’t already noticed. It’s a perfect way to incorporate the trend without having to commit to wearing it on your person, if such a thing makes you a little nervous.
I perused Neiman Marcus for inspiration (availability may vary) on this springy Friday, and here are my favorite picks (At right is a Marc by Marc Jacobs fluoro tote, $228):
Proenza Schouler, $1,995. Oh, how I long for this citron messenger/tote. My heart aches.
Another Marc by Marc Jacobs, $528. Love the colorblocking. Ladylike and fun.
Alexander Wang, $975. Love the take on the slouchy hobo/satchel bag. Mix of structured and unstructured. Love the bright cobalt—reminds me a bit of the color of my current bag.
