Purses Looking Neat And Tidy For Spring

We can get by without earrings. We can skip the silk scarf. But don’t expect us to leave home without a purse.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny beaded version or a leather one big enough to haul around the kitchen sink, a handbag is the one accessory women say they simply cannot live without.

Whether you change bags as often as you change outfits or carry the same one day after day, you may be interested to know designers have a few new twists in store for us this spring.

The biggest story is size. Designers are concentrating on bags of medium proportions. Those tiny sequined pocketbooks that went so well with your holiday outfit can be put away for now. The same goes for those huge carpetbags large enough to lug around your laptop. The most in-demand bags will be the moderately sized suede totes.

Another tell-tale sign of the new season is the shortened handle length. This diminutive silhouette fits over the shoulder, just under the arm and close to the body for a neat and tidy look. Pick one with handles in the same fabric as the bag for a soft look, or go for a more architecturally structured design with shaped handles of faux tortoise or silver bamboo.

While black and brown will always be classic choices, color is the word for spring. Hobo bags in citrus hues of lemon, tangerine and lime should add a little zing to any wardrobe. And don’t worry about having your purse match your shoes. It’s more important that you let your individuality shine through.

For a change, designers are becoming subtle regarding their names. Rather than blast their logos all over their work, like Gucci or Louis Vuitton, the look for ‘98 will be to emboss or embroider their signature on the bag in an understated way. Calvin Klein city totes feature a simple CK etched in the leather. Kate Spade bags are identified by the small tag embroidered with the company name. Many designers are choosing to forgo the signature altogether for the sake of simplicity and clean lines.

Whether you decide to get just one new bag or a whole collection, including a hobo, a sling and a backpack in a variety of materials and colors, your choice in a purse for the new year should be something that carries you away.