It seems that spring handbags are currently channelling Skittles, as there is a razzle-dazzle rainbow of totes, hobos, and satchels in stores and on stylish shoulders. It’s no wonder, as bright bags were one of the strongest accessory trends on the runways, from lemon yellow at Celine, to tangerine at Versace to shamrock green at Marc by Marc Jacobs. We’re fond of these bags for many reasons, primarily because they’re a snappy (meaning both lively and quick) way to transition an otherwise wintry outfit into spring, as Mandy Moore demonstrated during Fashion Week. In hopes of sharing our love for the look with you, dear readers, we discovered all the details about the above celeb-carried bags and found additional options you’re sure to love.
To start things off, we shall first examine the bright bag du jour for Jessica Alba. Ms. Alba switched up her traditionally neutral-colored totes for a slouchy ultra-violet purse that provides a pop to an otherwise simple outfit. She’s currently carrying the Midday Midnight Saint-Germain Crazy bag by French cult-handbag designer Gerard Darel ($720), and mathing rather well with some Gucci sunglasses. As Darel’s wares are difficult to track down here in the States, we’d also like to point out a few other options. The grape tone of the Dior Babe Small Shopping Bag ($2290) is lovely (it’s the same shape as Mary Kate’s bright bag), as is Prada’s Nappa Stripes Small Hobo in Dark Lavender ($1495). Also, take a look at the Sabina Leather Convertible Bag for a subtle version of the style ($245).
Moving on to the blue hues, Rachel Bilson was just spotted with Chloe’s Anoushka Shoulder Bag in Aquafresh on her arm ($1560). Check the Chloe website for colors and availability. Staying in the blue family, we also like the sprightly turquoise of Miu Miu’s Small Shoulder Bag ($760) as well as the darker color of Mulberry’s Roxanne Tote ($770). Lesa Wallace also makes a budget-friendly bright blue bag; try the Kaila Bag in Turquoise ($218).
Now, we shall return to the aforementioned Mandy Moore, who warmed up the gray ensemble she wore to the Peter Som show with a Coach Alligator Ergo Hobo in Coral Red ($8000). The one-of-a-kind bag was made just for her and, sadly, cannot be special ordered. However, the folks at Coach do have lots of other ways to satisfy your style cravings, like the Ergo Patent Leather Large Hobo ($458). While a swell-looking red bag is hard to come by, we did find two truly awesome options in orange. Check out the sweet shape of Be and D’s Perry Mini Satchel in Orange ($695) and don’t miss Banana Republic’s Flatiron Embossed Shoulder Satchel in Persimmon ($228).
Our last look comes courtesy of Leven Rambin and the lemon yellow Rebecca Minkoff Nikki Hobo ($600) she carried during New York Fashion Week. The young actress paired her bright bag with equally bold dresses for an insouciant and fresh look. While there are many taxicab-colored bags around, right now we’re fond of Zac Posen’s Bo Mixed Leather Bag in Honey ($1195) as well as the classic shape and canary shade of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Dot Bag in Sun ($498).
