Donald J Pliner Faim Tote

There’s a lot to be said for having at least one handbag in each standard wardrobe color—black, gray, brown, navy, and ivory. You might also be able to throw a tan in there. But then you want to branch out into other seasonal colors. Yellow, green, red, and robin’s egg blue for spring, although hot pink and orange together are hot right now. Then there’s eggplant, mustard, and olive for fall. But you don’t always just want solid colors, right? And sometimes you need to have something a little fun, something unusual that displays your personality. But even the, there’s a line. I’m not talking Lady Gaga unusual. She’s way beyond unusual. Cyndi Lauper was (is) unusual. Lady Gaga is…strange. Odd. Way the hell out there. Have you seen the video for her new song “Telephone”? Ok, first of all, her…outfits. What the hell?! Some sort of blinders made from lit cigarettes? In a jail cell, wrapped up in strategically placed crime scene tape? Draped in chains that look like they should be attaching an anchor to a small boat? I mean, I know she goes for shock value, but come on. Just about everything she wears in that video is beyond the making a statement level. It’s just outrageous to the point of being ridiculous. But you know what bugged me the most about that video? Other than Beyonce’s sad attempt to hold onto her place in the spotlight by teaming up with LG, I mean. It was the product placement. I counted at least six brands in that video, and not by squinting and pausing the playback. No, that video was basically a long, weird, annoying commercial for things like Polaroid and Wonder Bread. It’s kind of hard to respect someone as an “artist” when they sell out and use their medium to promote products, presumably in exchange for payment. That’s about six minutes of my life I’ll never get back. So anyway, yeah, go for unusual. Express yourself. Be different. But stay classy, huh? You can start with this Donald J Pliner Faim Tote.

Ok, I hate bugs, but I make exceptions for ladybugs, butterflies, and dragonflies. They’re tolerable. As long as they’re not crawling on me. That’s still a bit too icky. This dragonfly is made from gold thread embroidery, tiny beads, and a beautiful teal stone for the head. The rest of the bag’s exterior front is also embroidered fabric, while the back is all tan leather. The dual handles, which give the bag a ten-inch shoulder drop, and the tie closure are also leather. Inside you’ll find twill lining, a back wall zip pocket, and a leather logo tag. If you want the Faim Tote, you’d better hurry. There’s only one left for $655 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

At first glance, it looks like this Timmy Woods Tissie Tote is covered with beads. It’s not. The outer pattern is created from tiny curls of straw in pink, orange, blue, green, black, and a few other colors. Those curls are then accented by a few tiny, cylindrical beads, and several multicolored sequins, giving the bag a little sparkle. The multicolored tote will take you right from spring into summer, or from day into night without missing a beat. The bottom of the Tissie is flat, and formed by a panel of woven straw for stability. Two leather handles give the bag a five-inch shoulder drop, while the interior is lined with black plainweave fabric, and features a couple of back wall slip pockets. The interior lining comes together at the top, and zips closed. The Tissie is just $155 Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

This Cappelli BA2148 Wood Handle Tote goes with the whole boho chic trend that’s permeating so many collections right now, but it’s also just fun. The outer shell is made from woven, braided, and knotted straw in several shades of pink, orange, green, blue, yellow, and natural. Up in one corner, the bag is embellished with a few small flowers and leaves, also made from woven straw in several cheery colors. It’s a nice, feminine touch that works well for spring. The woven exterior is laid over a hot pink plainweave lining. Inside you’ll find a back wall zip pocket, and a magnetic snap closure. This tote is perfect for spring with these colors, but it would also make a great beach bag in the summer. Straw stands up well to sand and sun, and the wood handles are sturdy enough to hold a bag laden with beach supplies. Besides, it’s only $50, so give it a try! You can get it at Endless.com.