On Trend for Spring-Designer Totes

               

To tote or not to tote?  The tote bag has long been identified as a larger and more casual alternative to a traditional handbag, ideal for activities like a day at the beach or shopping at the farmer’s market. This Spring 2011 season, the usual canvas and straw tote bags have moved up on the accessory social ladder after receiving more attention to detail from their designers.

Designers are incorporating leather handles, metal hardware and silk lining to create the ideal tote, the perfect combination of casual and chic. These bags can be described as sophisticated and fun…not to be taken too seriously, which is a welcome change from Winter’s more dark and demure handbag designs.

(Clockwise from top left) Enshallha Tote $350 www.calypso.com, Anya Hindmarch Boat Bag Canvas Tote $135 www.netaporter.com, Day Tote with Rope Handles $98 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770, Henry Cuir Kif-Kif Tote $1475 www.barneys.com.

Nudes and Whites – Spring’s Classic Colors

To some the nude and white color trend could be classified as ho hum, dull, BORING!; especially in a season where colors are their brightest and patterns their boldest.

But hey, you can’t have ying without yang, or Badgley without Mischka. Spring’s colors wouldn’t be so bright without the nudes and whites of the world to compare them to.

Clockwise from top left: TKees Leather Sandal $46.00 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770. Creme Fraiche Mackenzie Short and Blouse  $112.00 and $118.00 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770. Valencia Tote $95.00 http://www.madimports.com.   Burnout Dolma Top $13.50 www.forever21.com.  Herve Ledger Nude Bandage Dress $1,150.00 www.bloomingdales.com.  Tart Metallic Jacket $198 available at Chelsea Brentwood (310)471-4770.