Fall Handbags: Power Of The Purse
Looking to update your look this fall? You don't have to spend a lot of money or effort on a whole new wardrobe. Just get yourself a new handbag.
Purses aren't just functional. They can also help you go a long way toward changing your appearance.
On The Early Show Tuesday, style expert Rachel Zalis suggested several, and many of them aren't expensive. She also filled in viewers on the latest trends and offered tips.
Handbags are great accessories that easily add style to your outfits.
Zalis had bags typical of the four big trends: leopard, bags with hardware, silver and frame bags.
TIPS
LEOPARD
Zalis says nothing says luxury like leopard, and girls are going wild for it this fall, as seen on the runways of Dolce (starting at $995), Prada and Oscar de la Renta.
This season, a big fashion trend is monochromatic, dark colors. So it's great to have one really stand-out accessory and this could be it.
We'll not only be seeing leopard bags for fall, but leopard dresses, coats, shoes, belts and more.
Leopard also has variations of brown, grey and black, so it's actually more versatile than you might think.
Two bags Zalis loves for the leopard print:
The inspiration bags: Prada, Dolce and Gabbana leopard haircalf, $2,200.00, BE+D, $895.
Ones you can get anywhere can be found at Target, $19.99, www.target.com; J.Crew, $265, www.jcrew.com; Spiegel, $60, www.spiegel.com, and at H&M, www.h&m.com.HARDWARE
Glam rock is back, and designers such as Gucci and Versace sent their models down the runways in sexy chic looks with leather, leggings, high heels, heavy boots and lots of metal.
The must-have bag for fall isn't for the faint of heart: grommets, chains and chunky metals with be the chicest compliment to fall's must-have '80s leggings look, a la Sienna Miller!
The best bags to go with this tough girl sex appeal reflect the heavy metal time with chains and chunky hardware.
Like the clothes, the bags still keep a certain femininity by using fabrics such as patent leather.
The inspiration bags: Jimmy Choo keeya black studded bag, $2,500; miu miu clutch, $695.
Other bags: Rampage, $79; Gap, $134, www.gap.com; Coach legacy bag, $798; Target black studded bag, $26.99, www.target.com.
SILVER
This is one trend that's still going strong. It's for the girl who likes to shine!
Metallic was in full force on the runways of designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Dolce.
Silver is the perfect pairing with the darker shades of fall. It goes with everything.
Silver reflects the glamorous mood of fashion this fall and will be the one accessory that will take you through winter festivities.
The inspiration bags: Chloe, about $1,600); Louis Vuitton silver speedy, $1,150, www.louisvuitton.com; lauren merkin clutches, starting at $200, www.shopbop.com.
Other bags include ones at Spiegel, $80; JC Penny, $58; Old Navy, $32.50.
FRAME BAGS
Bags with structured shapes (sans zippers) are making a comeback.
Evocative of the ladylike '50s, these structured bags are the chicest compliment to all of the day dresses on the fall runways, including Diane von Furstenberg and Carolina Herrera.
The bags are reminiscent of a bygone era of sophisticated style, in which women like our grannies dressed for day, but modernized since the days granny carried these bags. They are now refashioned with a mix of materials and detailing.
These bags will also dress up the jeans and sweater looks for fall.
Inspiration bags: Marc Jacobs quilted cord "Maggie," $2,150, Zac Posen, Lockheart, $595.
Other bags: J.Crew, $55; JC Penny faux croc, $40; It girl plaid shoulder bag, $350; black frame bag from Targe Isaac for Target, $19.99.