Accessory Report: The Handbag Guide
On the fash scale of accessory importance, no piece pulls a higher rank than your purse. Not only is it practical and stocked with all the things that make you tick, but because of its size and location (the center of your outfit), your purse can take your look from bland to cover girl chic instantly. For the past few weeks I've been traveling all over the East Coast, meeting and consulting on a few super exciting Fash Boulevard projects, and while I've been getting a lot done, I haven't spent two consecutive days in the same city since the beginning of July. Just about the only thing that feels like home these days is my purse, which I've stocked with all of my favorite things. A clutch, tote, and shoulder bag are three styles I simply can't live without and below are some of my favorite styles that are available for summer! (For some fun styling ideas, check out my post about my favorite LC Lauren Conrad items that would look fab with any of these bags.)
Crossbody Bags:
Outfit: Denim- Aqua, Tank- WILDFOX, Handbag- Frock Candy, Cocktail Ring- Pop of Chic
Crossbody bags and satchels are one of my favorite styles for summer. This lightweight, hands free handbag is ideal for busy fashionistas. Due to popular demand, almost every brand is offering fabulous crossbody bags in an array of designs. Don't be shy when it comes to color with these pretty purses. The extra long strap is the perfect excuse to spread a little extra color throughout your ensemble. 
1. Orange Satchel
2. Snake Twist Lock Cross Body
3. Leather Satchel
Clutches:
Outfit: Top- Guess, Skirt- Kate Spade, Clutch- Vintage, Heels- Giuseppe Zanotti
When it comes to nights on the town, the "essentials-only clutch" is a no brainer. These bags leave just enough room for your powder, lip gloss, credit card, ID, and cell phone. I recommend stocking your closet with at least one bright clutch that you can use to add a punch of color to your ensembles, along with a classic black clutch to pair with a killer dress.
1. Fold Over Clutch
2. Quilted Clutch
3. Metal Bar Envelope Clutch
Totes: 
Outfit: Dress- Rachel Zoe, Jacket- Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's Scarf- Macy's Tote- Michael Kors, Shoes- Lylif
Because fitting my entire life into my bag is a personal must, totes and hobo bags are my absolute favorite. If you're like me and feel the need to lug around the latest issues of Glamour and US Weekly, your iPad, and your entire make up bag, then this is the perfect purse for you. Once you have your neutral classic, I always recommend adding a bright tote to your collection. I've found that yellow and orange tend to match with the widest variety of ensembles. 
1. Red Handbag
2. Leather Bucket Tote Bag
3. Brooklyn Bag
What is you're favorite style of handbag? Are you going to snag any of these styles?
xoxo
Anna
Fash Boulevard
Ps. To see some of my personal favorite bags from my collection check out my Perfect Purse post and my Random & Beautiful post too. And for more Fash Favs, click here!
You might also like...
Style Guide: First Impressions
How to Wear: Statement Necklaces
Style Guide: Sorority Rush
Currently Craving: Eyelets & Espadrilles
48 comments
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Lately my philosophy on bags has been "the bigger the better." I especially like the ones on this page, most specifically the last 3 shown.
Cluny
http://jewelrytrends.blogspot.com -
Love these bags and the tips. I always struggle though with what colors to pair with clothes - I get so tired of just the basic black and brown and see in magazines bright pops of color pairs I would've never put together. Do you recommend anything to help?
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I love how you always use bags for an extra pop of color in your outfits! These are all gorgeous looks!
~Jacy
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Wow, in this page of comments, there's only two actual comments and LOTS of spamming ads! Crazayyy!!
I like the tote for everyday. It's big enough, so I don't leave anything, but it's still pretty classic. I have a MK tote that is my everyday bag! I love it!!
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I like crossbodies for a quick shopping trip but a tote for everyday
xo Emilie
PS please check out my latest blog post @ http://www.hungrydelights.com/ -
My favorite is the tote bags(especially brown leather),but I do have a liking to cross body bags!! I love your posts!!
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Clutches and totes are my favorite! I got an adorable clutch from Forever 21 and it's bright and it was on sale! I also have a gorgeous tote from Target and it looks expensive but it's not! I will keep my eye out even more now!
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i absolutely love the b/w colorblock dress! i found one just like it (after i saw it on your blog) at forever 21 for $5! i couldn't believe my luck.
my favorite bags are BIG bags. i love hobo's and crossbody bags. thank you for introduing me to all these amazing handbag sites! i love being able to find trendy bags at reasonable prices! now i can look trendy all year round w/o going broke!
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Another one out of the park, Anna. The striped dress is stunning. You look beautiful as always and of course another post worthy of a book. Could that be the suprise work? I'm locking in my guess. lol
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I love so many things about this post, but lets point out the obvious, those pink pants.... ahhh. I love them. Lovely post, Anna.
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I love clutches and handbags, but I'm considering getting myself a cross body. It'd make shopping so much easier.
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Love the crossbodies! I lik the clutches too, I love the hands free aspect of the crossbodies.
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I'm the same way Anna. I need a big bag, mostly because I just hate cleaning it out. lol. I pretty much always have a soda and bottle of water in my bag. lol. I know, it's redic.
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I love every single one of these bags and they are so colourful and essential and the colors would give a vibrant daily look during the day!
My favorite would be your Frock Candy Crossbody bag and clutches for sure!! :)
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I couldn't agree more with this post... Every single one of these bags is essential {& I will be sharing this information with the hubs who says I have too many lol}
My absolute favorite is your Frock Candy Crossbody bag for sure, so practical and adorable :)
<3 Melissa
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Anna, love the clutches outfit and all the purses are adorable! thanks for sharing!
Linh
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Love this, and funny - I JUST did a post on my blog about my favorite handbag designer, Jessica Jensen! She uses gorgeous quality Italian leather & keeps her designs simple. So chic!
http://norebeccaforayear.blogspot.com/2012/07/designer-spotlight-jessica-jensen.html
Cassidy
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Cute post!! I'm definitely all for the crossbody!! It's so convenient!!
-Stephanie
@http://sweetsandchicboutiques.blogspot.com">SweetsAndChicBoutiques.blogspot.com
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If you can't find the same exact bag you're looking for, why not look for another? There are SO many gorgeous handbags out there, try doing a little digging girly! <3
Xo, Rida
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