| Big is in | | | | basics for a classic, sophisticated look. "For the fall, |
| With gadgets getting smaller it's interesting that the | | | | earthy colors like chocolate brown and camel are |
| hottest trend in handbags is "the bigger the better." Is it | | | | perfect, but black is definitely making a comeback." |
| our mobile lifestyles-the need to have essentials (i.e., | | | | Metallics are still in favor with designers and |
| emergency sewing kit, makeup bag, mouthwash, | | | | consumers, so spice up that black dress or clinging |
| Blackberry, personal hygiene items, cell phones, etc.) | | | | cashmere v-neck with a metallic bag or clutch. |
| within reach at all times? Or, maybe we just want | | | | "Metallics will show up for fall into holiday, in dark golds, |
| roomier bags (it's always nice knowing that if you need | | | | bronze, and taupe, as well as some accent colors like |
| the space, it's there). Whatever the reason, handbags | | | | plum and winter white. For play, a clutch in a fun and |
| are as big as Texas. Oversized totes, hobo bags and | | | | exotic material". |
| Jackie O bucket and shoulder bags provide enough | | | | Matsumoto echoes Ciccio with her prediction about |
| choices to accommodate business, casual and a night | | | | bold metallics and earth tones. "Another big trend that |
| on the town. | | | | will be emerging as we move quickly from fall to |
| "The hottest handbags are big, bigger, biggest," said | | | | Resort (that season started in November) is tons of |
| Susan Sommer, former fashion editor turned fashion | | | | silver and gunmetal, especially in day bags," she said. |
| and business etiquette coach and founder of | | | | "Plus surprisingly, gray will be emerging as a major |
| Dresszing, a wardrobing and visual communications | | | | color in accessories." |
| company "Think oversized. Get to your | | | | 9-5 It's a way to make a living |
| essentials-wallet, keys, phone, compact and | | | | Listen up working girls. Women's business accessories |
| lipgloss-quickly by putting them in a small zippered case | | | | are no longer dull and drab. With colors and designer |
| tucked inside". | | | | details, you can make a style statement with your |
| Mary Jo Matsumoto, whose bags have appeared on | | | | workbag. |
| the arm of A-list stars, chimed in on the big bag | | | | "For work, large bags are still as strong as ever," |
| phenomenon. "One of the biggest upcoming trends for | | | | Ciccio said. "There are many women in the work |
| bags is big, roomy, and black sack-like bags like the | | | | force who want to have a bag that will fit everything |
| ones that Chanel put out this season. Also, oversized | | | | from their wallet and make-up case, to magazines or |
| doctor's bags are a trend as seen in the Marc Jacobs | | | | even a lap top. However, make sure the bags is not |
| collection for Louis Vuitton". | | | | too big and over trendy." |
| Okay, so we get that bags are big. What else is | | | | Believe it or not, the shelves are lined with colorful bags |
| influencing top designers? Fortunately there is a lot of | | | | bearing crocodile prints or leather trimmed tweeds with |
| carryover from past seasons-so that metallic gold bag | | | | gorgeous brushed silver hardware, all shaped into the |
| you got last year is back for a repeat performance. | | | | season's must-have accessories. We're not talking |
| Neutral colors are always a safe bet, but with flashier | | | | about a women's specialty boutique - this is Staples. |
| twists, such as patent leather, you can have some fun | | | | Forget the unisex laptop bag - business women now |
| too. | | | | have new choices that go well beyond the basic. |
| "The 80s influence are back again in the world of | | | | Accessories are evolving new styles, finishes, color |
| fashion," said Barbara Glass, Image & Wardrobe | | | | and fittings to match the best-dressed |
| Consultant, Fashion Editor, and TV Fashion Reporter. | | | | businesswoman. |
| "The spring and summer seasons kicked off with | | | | Targus offers a pair of stylish business totes, each |
| oversized straw and colorful canvas totes and the | | | | roomy enough to accommodate a laptop, plus cell |
| double-strapped pocketed schoolbag look in patent | | | | phone, business cards and essential papers. The |
| leather to hold your most basic essentials or flip-flops | | | | Quilted Messenger Bag shows the softer side of |
| for when those wedge skyscrapers create pain with | | | | business. The satiny black nylon is criss-crossed with |
| no relief." | | | | bright magenta stitching with a matching magenta lining. |
| When going out on the town, styles shift away from | | | | The bag is padded and has plenty of pockets for pens |
| the gargantuan daytime bags. "For evening, try to | | | | and accessories. |
| simplify your life with one of the new mini bags, | | | | Buxton's Kelly Bag wraps practicality into a leather tote |
| clutches or wristlets and find a deserving guy to carry | | | | with a clean style. The Kelly Bag features a center zip |
| wherever else it can't hold," Glass said. "Lipgloss, keys, | | | | pocket, a full-zippered main compartment, and a fully |
| breath mints and cab fare should be do the trick. Look | | | | padded laptop section. Expandable utility loops, card |
| for patent leather to be an important fabric in | | | | and cell pockets give the Kelly bag plenty of carrying |
| handbags and shoes for fall and winter. It's practical | | | | power. Available in red, dark brown and black. |
| and has a retro influence". | | | | Is your handbag still in style? |
| Handbag designer Rebecca Ciccio says stick to the | | | | |