WHEN IT comes to swapping out your fall handbag for a spring one, there seem to be two distinct schools of thought. One believes in exchanging a statement bag for a statement bag - meaning that your spring handbag should be as important and luxurious as the trusty leather satchel, tote, or hobo that has seen you through winter. The women in this camp are willing to make an investment and opt for luxe leather in white, tan, light brown, or a pale shade that adds a hint of color while still working with just about any outfit.
The second group is more adventurous and prefers purchasing a few spring bags at lower price points, rather than replacing their statement Chloe, Gucci, Dior, or Prada. Come spring, these ladies want to experiment with fabrics, prints, and colors that may have not been suitable for fall.
Betsey Johnson manager Nicole Curtis loves this time of year, when, she says, stores like hers do especially well. "Some people really only carry leather handbags year-round, but in the spring, we see the more conservative Boston shoppers switching to fabric, patterns, and prints, but buying more," she says. "A handbag becomes more of a fun novelty versus a wardrobe staple."
Dress co-owner Jane Schlueter agrees. "Spring closets transition from being filled with tweed, fur, and cashmere to being filled with light cotton, linen, and silk," she notes. "And some women feel it is the right time to try something new."
If you're anything like me, you might be feeling slightly overwhelmed with choices. Relax: We pranced around town and did all the work for you (drooling over every handbag we laid eyes on). Here's your handy handbag shopping guide.
Luna Boston (205 Newbury Street, Boston, 866.910.3900): this local handbag haven is a great go-to when you need a little guidance. Their staff is helpful but not pushy; price points are high but not outrageous. It's also an impeccably well-edited space, and chances are you're not going to spot their goods all over town. From large daytime hobos to flat envelope clutches, they carry dozens and dozens of lines, shapes, colors, and sizes - including new arrivals from Hayden-Harnett, Badgley Mischka, and Cynthia Rowley.
Nordstrom (Natick Collection, 290 Speen Street, Natick, 508.318.2600): this bag department is worth the trip to Natick. They too boast a helpful but not overly aggressive staff, and they offer a wide variety of styles at many different price points. Investment picks include Marc by Marc Jacobs, D&G, and L.A.M.B. They also carry a selection of bold-print fabric bags, tons of brightly colored leather, metallics in every shape under the sun, and a decent selection of patent leather.
Betsey Johnson (201 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.7072): Betsey Johnson is known for her celebration of the exuberant, the embellished, and the over-the-top, and not everyone can pull off her girly-girl-meets-punk-rock-star look. If you can get past the super-frilly factor, you'll definitely have fun with zebra prints, embroidered florals, cheetah punk nylon, rosette-studded hand bags, and much more.
Rafe New York "Coco" canvas printed bag, $285, and Rebecca Minkoff "morning after" mini bag, $550, both at Luna Boston.
