I’m glad Kate doesn’t go with the hideous alphanumeric names for her designs, but she does make them long, doesn’t she? Let’s go with Take A Dip. The Take A Dip tote is made from 100% cotton canvas, so it’ll be ok if it gets wet. It’s unlined, so it’s also lightweight. The top is open, with no closure, but since the bottom is pretty flat, the bag should remain upright on its own. The handle gives it a 7.5-inch drop, and the hardware is 14-karat gold plated, just like most Kate Spade handbags. It’s gorgeous in this bright white with the sunny yellow bottom. The Take A Dip tote is $195 at Piperlime.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

As beautiful as that Kate Spade bag is, I’m not sure if I want to carry a 200-dollar bag onto a boat, especially one with 14-karat gold hardware. I’d be pretty pissed if something happened to that bag. Other than cotton canvas, another good material for a summery on-the-water tote bag is grasscloth. Check out this Elaine Turner Gidget Bucket Bag. It’s made from woven grasscloth with braided hemp handles, and synthetic leather trim. The interior is lined with logoed fabric, which will offer a little more protection for your essentials if the exterior of the bag does get wet. It also has a magnetic closure to help keep everything secure. This peacock blue color is perfect for being on the water, too, and it sort of matches the sandals I was talking about the other day if you really want to coordinate. Get the Gidget for $150 at Endless.com.

Now you know I love Kate Spade, but I just discovered this brand, and I’m thinking about having a little affair on the side. I’m loving this Sherpani Blossom Tote Bag. It’s made of cotton, so it’ll dry quickly if it gets wet. The color is already a little faded, so you don’t have to worry about that happening in the sun. What’s a little odd is the suede trim on a cotton summer tote, but I can overlook that for everything else you get with this bag. The details are amazing. Embroidered down one side of the front exterior are tiny white flowers on vines. On the back, a vine and the outline of one large flower are stitched across the bag. There’s an exterior zip pocket, and the suede pull is shaped like a leaf. There’s even stitching on it to make it look like one. Like I said, details. There’s also a slip pocket on one side, perfect for keeping your sunglasses handy. The interior lining fabric is printed with a purple, olive green and red floral pattern. It may not sound like those colors go together, but they do. The inside has slip pockets to hold small items, and the main compartment is super roomy. A couple of those slip pockets are even big enough to hold bottled water. The top zips closed, so you don’t have to worry about anything falling out. I love it in this spice color, but it also comes in kelp (a faded green), lilac, and antique white. They’re all gorgeous. Get a couple of them since the Blossom tote is only $63.95 at Zappos.com.

The coral colored leather trim goes perfectly with the color of the dress, but the majority of the bag is a natural color, provided by the woven raffia straw the bag is made from. Not to mention, raffia is a great spring and summer material for handbags and totes. You’ll be seeing more of it here on the blog, and out and about. The Makenzi is wide enough at 16.5 inches to hold all your essentials while not being too bulky. The dual straps give it a 7.5-inch shoulder drop, but it’s not so long that you can’t hand carry it, if you prefer. Inside is a gorgeous multi-colored polka dot lining, in shades of pink, fuchsia, orange, and red. It offers a back wall zip pocket, and keeps everything secure with a twist lock closure. The Makenzi is $295 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Ok, this Mad Imports Bora Bora Tote is completely impractical, but I love it! Actually, I take that back. It wouldn’t be bad for carrying a few things to the beach—a towel, a good paperback, a small zip pouch with your ID, money, and keys, and don’t forget the sunscreen. No one wants to look like a freshly boiled lobster at first, and then a crocodile bag later! Just be careful what you put in here. Keys might easily slip out, and you probably don’t want everyone to see you’re carrying certain feminine products. The Bora Bora is made from raffia-wrapped seagrass, so despite its lack of a top closure, it’s a sturdy tote. The best part is, in addition to this bright, sunny yellow, it also comes in pink, orange, brown, blue, purple, green, and natural. Get a couple of beautiful colors since it’s just $69 at Endless.com.

The Magid Solid Paper Straw Shell Tote combines the utility of the Makenzi with the whimsy of the Bora Bora. At first glance, it looks like the Magid is crocheted, but it’s actually straw woven to look that way. In fact, it’s been woven into a pattern that looks sort of like clamshells, going a little further to make it a great summer bag. It’s also adorned with a small woven flower, and pom-pom accents, all embellished with natural colored beads. Synthetic dual handles give you the option of hand or shoulder carrying. Inside is a matching color plainweave lining, with a back wall zip pocket. It all closes up with a magnetic snap. I love this turquoise, but it’s also available in blue, fuchsia, red, orange, and natural. Get one of each! It’s just $56 at Endless.com.

I’ve featured the Kate Spade Opus on the blog before, but she continues to find more ways to make it fabulous. This time, it’s made of fabric, a more breathable option for spring and—dare I mention it?—summer. The fabric is printed in a gorgeous red and dark pink stripe pattern. Patent leather trim gives the bag a little bit of shine on the outside, while the logoed jacquard lining lends a sheen to the interior. There’s also a back wall zip pocket on the inside. The bottom is protected by two patent leather strips with little metal feet, and the top closes with patent drawstrings. At 17 inches wide, it’ll hold everything you need to carry. Get it for $295 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but fashions and accessories seem to be taking on a little bit of sixties bohemian style. Take this Orla Kiely Classic Shoulder bag for example. It has a great buttercup pattern on the laminated print canvas exterior. It’s so cute in shades of yellow, orange, and white. You know what cracks me up, though, is that the flowers look a little bit like fried eggs. I don’t think that’s what they were going for, but there it is. If you can’t get past the egg look, it’s also available in butterfly and abstract print patterns. It’s still a really cute bag. The cotton print lining features an inner zip compartment and nine, count ‘em—nine!—patch pockets. There’s also a key ring, and protective feet on the bottom. Make yours over easy for $168 at Piperlime.com.

You know what’s coming up, right? April. And what does April bring? Rain. So what better handbag to have than one that comes with a matching umbrella? Check out the Franco Sarto Waverly Mini Tote. I have a thing for paisley anyway, but in orange? Awesome. The pattern also includes some blue, brown, and yellow, and the leather-like trim is also in a complementary brown. That’s one reason it’s such an affordable bag—it’s all synthetic, right down to its polyester lining. The umbrella is made from the same synthetic material as the bag’s exterior, and will be a fun splash of color on a gray, rainy day. A magnetic closure makes the bag easy to get into to grab that umbrella when it starts to come down. If you prefer, the Waverly also comes in black, black and white, and cognac. Get a couple since it’s only $69 at Endless.com.

What I love most about Kate Spade handbags are the clean, classic lines, and the chic use of color. The Clementine doesn’t disappoint in either category. It’s made from luxurious leather, right down to the slim double straps adorned with buckle detailing. All the hardware is 14-karat gold-plated metal for an added bit of style and sophistication. Two large side pockets on the exterior of the bag are large enough for a compact umbrella to combat those April showers. Inside, you’ll find logoed jacquard lining with a back wall zip pocket. The 7.5-inch shoulder drop is just long enough to be comfortable, but avoid banging against your hip when you walk. What could possibly make a Kate Spade bag any better? Being on sale, of course! The Clementine usually goes for $425, but you can get it for just $267.85 right now at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

I featured the Cole Haan Biscayne Hobo bag on the blog last June, but in the blue-green color combo, which is perfect for summer, by the way. It’s reminiscent of clear Caribbean waters, or refreshing pools. Well, the Cole Haan Biscayne Tote also comes in that blue combination, just inverted, but it’s also available in this pink and orange palette, with a little red and purple thrown in for good measure. The beautiful mosaic pattern is accomplished through embroidery on fabric. The glossy thread also adds a bit of shine to the bag. The interior features a jacquard fabric lining in sort of the same pattern as the exterior, a zip center divider, zip pockets, and slip pockets for small accessories, the edges of which are lined with orange patent leather. On the same patent leather is the metal logo plate that dangles from one of the tightly woven fabric handles. The interior bases of those handles are also lined with orange patent leather, a gorgeous and unexpected detail. I wouldn’t carry this tote to the beach, but it definitely makes a great spring/summer bag. And it’s on sale too! Marked down from $228, the Biscayne Tote is only $125.40 at Endless.com.

It’s been a long time since Liz Claiborne was considered a hot fashion property. Still, the company has stuck it out and remained viable while a bunch of upstarts have come along and displaced what used to be a much sought after name in the fashion industry. Every once in a while, good ol’ Liz still catches my eye with something. I don’t go looking for it—it just pops up in front of me either online or at a department store. This time, since I was specifically searching for pink and orange items to celebrate the trend this week, this bag just about smacked me right in the face. Allow me to introduce the Liz Claiborne Summer Splash Bucket Tote, which just proves that she’s still got it and since fashion is a circle and things that were old become new again, I wouldn’t count Liz out just yet. The Splash complements the current color combo trend, but will also take you right into summer. Now this is a bag I’d take to the beach. The exterior is made of sturdy woven canvas, while the trim is synthetic, made to look like patent leather. The interior is lined with fabric in a pretty pink pattern, with a back wall zip pocket and a couple of slip pockets for extra storage space. Also made from the synthetic patent, the bottom is flat and will allow the bag to stand upright on almost any surface. The bag closes with a magnetic snap, and has dual shoulder straps in the same synthetic material as the trim. And guess what? It’s on sale too! I am just saving you all kinds of money here. This tote retails for $114, but it’s currently going for $69.65 Zappos.com.

Let’s just call it the Tarrytown, shall we? Not to be confused with those old Tareyton cigarettes. Do you remember those ads? Yeah, that was attractive. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Kate’s Tarrytown satchel. Even though it’s a dainty, feminine-looking bag, it’s sturdy—it’s made from boarskin leather, so it also has a nice texture to it. The dual handles only give it a four-inch drop, so it’s best carried by hand rather than on the shoulder. Besides, you don’t want to hide the beautiful lines and 14-karat gold-plated hardware under your arm, do you? Open it up and you’ll find a jacquard lining in the same pattern as the abstract KS logo on the outside of the bag, and a back wall zip pocket. It closes up with a zipper as well. If you’re not crazy about the marigold, it also comes in peacock and paprika. What more can I say? It’s the perfect fall handbag. Make it yours for $325 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Now, unless you’ve won the lottery, or gotten an awesome blog book deal—and if you have, I don’t want to hear about it—you’d probably rather spend a little less on a handbag. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I see the price tags on designer bags or shoes, I start adding up how many reasonably priced alternatives I could buy for what that one item costs, and I don’t even like having to do math. I just can’t help myself. So for a little more than what the Tarrytown costs, I could get two of the Latico Nappa Solid Front Pouch E/W Shoulder Bags. Jeez, are they charging per word? In case you’re wondering, E/W stands for East/West. Yeah, I don’t know either. Anyway, the nappa leather is buttery soft. The exterior of the bag features zippered pockets for extra storage, while the interior has enough pockets and compartments for credit cards and IDs that you may not even need to carry a wallet. The lining is a plainweave fabric in a contrasting royal blue. It’s also available in red (also with royal blue lining), green (with orange lining), and black (with yellow lining). Try it out for $189 at Endless.com.

As always, you can save even more by forgoing the leather for a close approximation. The Melie Bianco Flapover Satchel is 100 percent synthetic material, with the look of genuine leather. Funny thing is, this is the least expensive bag, but it has the prettiest lining. It’s a cream colored satin with little brown polka dots. Love it. Too bad the bag isn’t reversible. Inside, there’s also a back wall zip pocket, and outside a buckled flap conceals the top zip closure that keeps the bag securely closed. The dual handle gives the bag a nine-inch drop, perfect for either shoulder or hand carrying. The hardware is antiqued, for just the right amount of shine while still being an understated accent. It’s gorgeous in this mustard shade, but you can also get it in brown, with the same fabulous lining. Whichever one you choose, it will only cost you $99 at Piperlime.com.

When you want to add a splash of color to your closet, you can’t go wrong with a nice, juicy red. It’s one of those colors that looks good on everyone, no matter the skin tone or hair color, and this applies to accessories just as much as it does clothing. As far as weekend travel bags go, this one is pretty close to perfect. It’s made from quilted nylon with leather trim. The dual handles will let you carry it by hand, or if you have your hands full with other travel essentials, use the cross body strap. Its flat bottom will keep the bag upright when it’s set down, and the top zip closure will keep your unmentionables safe and secure. It’s fully lined inside, with a back wall zip pocket and multiuse slip pockets. At 21.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches high, there’s plenty of room to carry whatever you may need for your weekend getaway. Indulge for $429 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Now you know why I said the Coney Island bag was pretty close to perfect. It would be perfect if it came with a price tag like the Jane Marvel Stars Puddle Jumper tote. First, I like the name. Puddle Jumper is just fun to say, and adding stars to it makes it sound like you’re taking a weekend trip on the space shuttle. That part of its name actually come from the 12-point gold and lavender stars that cover the eggplant background. The tote is 20 inches wide and 14.5 inches high, giving you more than enough space for clothes, accessories, and maybe even a laptop if you don’t have a separate case for it. The Puddle Jumper is made from coated cotton canvas, so it’s sturdy and durable, and will keep your things pretty dry if you get caught in a late summer rain shower. The interior lining is logo-printed fabric with a zip pocket, and the exterior is adorned with a logo plate. The top zips closed , and the double handles give the bag a six-inch drop perfect for hand carrying. One cool little touch? The bag comes with a matching eye mask, so there’ll be no excuse for not getting some rest on your weekend away. Check it out for $125 at Piperlime.com.

Now, I know I said I was trying to get away from black, but this doesn’t count because it’s black and white. No, it doesn’t. ‘Cause I said, that’s why. Besides, look at that funky fleur de lis pattern. Not only that, this bag has a pretty cool name, too—the Swoop Weekend Bag. I think the Swoop is actually more of an overnight bag, only because of its size. It’s 11.25 inches wide, and 8 inches high, so it offers about half the room of the other two bags. But what it lacks in space, it more than makes up in style and function. The bag has a synthetic exterior with piping detail around that pretty print. What I really like is that it zips almost all the way around, so the bag will lie flat when completely open, making it easy to see everything inside, and find what you need at a glance. Inside are two transparent zip pockets, making it even easier to locate your items. Because of the way the bag splits, you can carry clothes on one side, and toiletries on the other, and with the plastic pockets, you don’t have to worry about shampoo leaks. Any bit of peace of mind is welcome when traveling. Get some for $38 at Endless.com.

Ok, so the name is like something an English Lord would be saddled with. I mean, does it need five words in its name? Really? It had me at Kate Spade. You know I love her stuff, and when it’s orange too…heaven. But there are really just two words from that name you need to focus on—small and drawstring. It’s only labeled small because it’s smaller than the regular Kate Spade Westbury Drawstring Opus Satchel of Canterbury north of Essex the Third. It’s actually ten inches wide and nine and a half inches tall, so it has plenty of space. The drawstring closure is a nice touch, and keeps all your treasures safe and secure in the bag. With just a three and a half inch drop, I wouldn’t carry it on my shoulder. It’s one hundred percent leather, with striped silk faille lining, and 14 karat gold-plated hardware. Take a big, citrusy bite for $325 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternatives

Whoa there, orange. Not so fast. I’m not that kind of girl. It’s gonna take a little more than just a fancy name to get me to spend that kind of money. I mean, I like you and all, but there’s plenty of orange out there and I need to be sure before I settle down. For instance, look at this Liz Claiborne Vivien small crossbody satchel. Now this one’s bringing something to the table. Plenty of orange, sure, but in between, panels of creamy white. And look at that strap! White with the orange trim? Oh yeah, I need to get to know this one better. Ok, so it’s made from synthetic materials. That’s how it’s going to save me some cash. It still has that great drawstring closure, a platform bottom, and yes, interior lining with a back wall zip pocket as well as a couple of slip pockets. I think we’ll be going out for coffee, which I’ll be able to afford after getting this bag for just $112 at Zappos.com.

But wait! There’s more? Oh yes, much more. Jessica Simpson, you shameless hussy, with your Oasis satchel adorned with—wait for it—butterflies! You really do know the way to a girl’s heart, don’t you? Nylon body and lining, with a gorgeous, laced-together overlay of butterflies, all of it in tangy orange. There’s also a butterfly ornament attached to the handle, with a metal logo charm suspended from it. The bag also comes in white, and has an overlay of flowers, if you like that kind of thing. At 13 inches wide, 11 inches high, there’s plenty of space for everyday items, and even overnight essentials if things get, you know…cozy. The drawstring closure holds it all in. Best of all, it’s only $98 at Endless.com.

Nope, orange and I aren’t quite done. Not by a long shot.

The Hula Ida is made from heavy cotton canvas, but covered in a fun and flirty raffia fringe. I love the fuschia, but it also comes in natural and orange. I kind of wish Kate had mixed the fuschia and the orange fringe—wouldn’t that be a fun combination?!—but she does make up for it by having an orange lining in the fuschia bag, and vice versa. The natural bag has a chocolate brown lining. It also has italial vachetta cowhide trim at the top and a bamboo-look double handle. Along with a ksny logo blind embossed on a leather tag, the bag is trimmed with 14-karat light gold plated hardware. The Hula boasts interior double slide pockets and a zip pocket, and at nearly a foot wide and a foot tall, there is plenty of room for all your summer essentials. Swing by KateSpade.com and pick it up for $295.

Budget Saving Alternatives

The summer fun doesn’t have to end there. It’s just getting started. Check out this Inge wicker pinwheels large tote. This handbag features woven wicker pinwheels over a canvas shell, giving the handbag not just a unique design, but a sturdy frame as well. Inside, it has grosgrain lining, two slide pockets, a zip pocket, and a key fob. Outside, it has a magnetic snap closure, and a contrasting fringe detail, just for fun. The wicker pinwheels tote would go great with espadrilles. And you know what else is fun? Saving money. This bag usually goes for $425. It’s a steal right now for just $170 at Endless.com.

If you want a bag that goes easily from backyard barbecue to beach party, you might like the O’Neill Avalon tote. Made from burlap, it will stand up to heat, sand, and surf while keeping your belongings protected. The bag is printed in a fresh floral pattern in a color they call Canary, but that I think looks more like lemony sunshine. The platform bottom will keep the bag upright on just about any surface, and the top zip closure will keep everything in its place. It has dual faux leather shoulder straps that give the bag a ten-inch drop, so it’s easy to carry wherever you go. The interior lining provides a zip pocket, and the metal logo badge adds a shiny touch. You’ll find it for $45.50 at Zappos.com.

The clutch is made of woven natural wicker. Don’t worry, though. Its diminutive size keeps you from looking like you’re carrying a hamper. The leather trim is a sunny yellow, but it also comes in white and geranium pink. Not one to skimp on details, Kate has lined this clutch with a baton rouge rose print on silk faille, and trimmed it with 14-karat light gold plated hardware. A magnetic flap closure keeps all your essentials secure. You’ll find it for $225 at KateSpade.com.

For a similar look in a bolder color, check out the Michael Kors Santorini clutch. It’s a barrel-shaped bag made of woven rattan. It also has leather trim, but in bright orange. At 9.5 inches wide and 4 inches high, it will hold anything you need to carry while not being too obtrusive. The top flap has a turn lock closure, and is trimmed with gold colored hardware. Just don’t set it down at the beach. The rattan weave won’t keep the sand out! The Santorini clutch usually sells for $172, but you can get it now for just $122.25 at Zappos.com.

If that’s still a bit out of your price range, don’t worry. You can still get the same great style for a lot less with this Straw Studios rattan clutch. It’s woven into a bag that’s just the right size for carrying. The leather wraparound flap and other trim are embossed with a croc pattern, and is available in brown, black, or white, neutrals which will go with just about any summer wardrobe. It also has a turnlock closure, and comes with an optional gold-colored chain shoulder strap. Normally retailing for $50, it’s on sale for $40 at eBags.com.

This bag goes with everything, from jeans and a blouse, to a suit. It works for any occasion from a business meeting, to a weekend trip to the beach. That’s the beauty of Kate’s handbags—classic designs that go with everything, and never go out of style.

Made from smooth, shiny cowhide, it’s a short shoulder tote with an open top and a drop length of 6.6 inches. The interior is divided into two main sections, while the divider itself offers more storage space with a zipper closure. There’s a slimmer zip pocket on one side that’s perfect for holding your cell phone or other small necessities. Finishing the London off is the 14-karat gold plated hardware and the embossed Kate Spade New York signature. It’d be nice if part of the tenth anniversary celebration was a sale, but at least Kate does offer free shipping on her site. The London Quinn retails for $445 at KateSpade.com.

As much as I like the pink London Quinn, I can’t help but be tempted by the kelly green Tarrytown Quinn. It’s a gorgeous color reminiscent of freshly mowed grass—a beautiful choice for spring or summer. If you’d rather go a more traditional route, it also comes in a yummy brown color called luggage, and the ever-classic black. The Tarrytown differs in a few ways from the London. It has a slightly shorter drop length, and a light gold floating noel signature instead of an embossed one. It’s also a short shoulder tote, but is made from boarskin leather, and it’s lined with a beautifully patterned, custom woven noel jacquard. You can get Kate Spade style without the Kate Spade price by looking for the Tarrytown Quinn at the eBags Outlet where it’s currently on sale for just $299.99.

If the Quinn just isn’t your bag, you might like the Prada Leather Tote BR0394. I’m not exactly sure why Prada identifies their bags with alphanumeric codes rather than fun names like London or Tarrytown, but at least it’s specific. Anyway, this classic short shoulder tote bag is made from black Italian leather and has an open top. The interior boasts the signature Prada lining over its large main compartment and zip pocket. It comes with a dust bag and authenticity cards, so you know you’re getting the real deal. And wait until you hear what it costs. Usually, it retails for $970. If you go to Moda Queen right now, you can have it in your hot little hands for just $299. What are you still doing here?!