Rachel Roy

It is that time of the year again to trade our skimpy swimwear for something much warmer like a parka. As our clothes change, what we carry such as our bags also change according to the season. For this season’s key trend, it is all about the 80s glam rock look with a hint of hard metal chic. While neon colors dominate the runway, there is something for everybody and maybe it is time to pull out those vintage bags again for a run in the park.

1. Studs

Paying homage to the tough rock chick look, this season is all about studs, studs, and more studs. This is a major trend that is making rounds in places such as New York and London. While a little bling on a bag is eye catching, too many studs could possibly injure yourself in more ways than one. Our advice? Stay away from anything sharp which you could hurt yourself with. If it looks like a weapon, then stay away!

The Tory Burch Amanda clutch would be a fabulous clutch to go with that little black dress or maybe a strand of pearls.

Tip: Avoid plastic studs as it looks cheap, go for the real deal of metals!

2. Neon Colours

While we are seeing the comeback of all things neon, there are ways of wearing such colours without giving people an eyesore. A pop-coloured bag in the shades of electric yellow or neon pink would be great against any dark or earth-toned outfit. Always avoid pairing neon-coloured bags with a plethora of other colours as it will confuse the visual appearance of your entire look.

The Gola Redford Neon bag is not for any shrinking violet. It demands attention, could possibly stop traffic and screams day-glo. No other bag can get any louder than this!

Tip: If neon is too much to handle, try the same colour in a lighter pastel shade. Or maybe neon shoes would do the trick. However, results may vary.

3. Smaller bags

This season is all about streamlining your look and only carrying the essentials. It is time to say goodbye to our oversize totes which seem to have drowned most petite women into a daze. A smaller but roomier satchel won’t be able to carry the entire kitchen, but your back and shoulders would thank you for the less weight you lug around.

The Temma Dahan white Charlize bag is small enough to bring you from day to night. It’s not too tiny till the point where you can fit a lipstick but it’s big enough to hold your eye shadow palette.

Tip: Get a small satchel with either studs, animal prints or neon colours. A smaller bag doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t stand out of a crowd.

4. Animal prints

Yes, we know that animal prints were so last season but this season, it is not just about the fierce leopard. It is about the mutated leopard, evolved snake and disfigured zebra. Imagine neon pink snake skin prints or emerald green tiger prints.

The Betseyville by Betsey Johnson Love Jungle showcases neon mint against the familiar leopard print. Do not be afraid if someone is staring at you. Chances are, they are checking out your bag.

Tip: Never ever carry two prints or more in a single outfit. Like the laws of the jungle, clashing animals always spell disaster.

5. Red

If there is only one colour to look out for this season, it has to be red. Lipstick red. With so much passion and intensity in this colour, you’ll find it hard to resist its temptation. Red is the colour of desire and it is this desire that will pull us out of the recession. Red bags are extremely easy to match with most colours, but goes well with dark blue or olive.

The Dooney and Bourke Calf Large Luna is as rouge as it can get. Its unstructured hobo look gives it a soft laid back feel that its both functional and funky.

Tip: If the red is too much for you, try getting a smaller bag or maybe a black or white bag with red accents and detailing. That way, you won’t be seeing red that often!

Guest Blogger: Behonce (Bag Brag)