Winter’s in full swing, and it’s almost time to start breaking out the spring wardrobe! Well, ok, maybe not actually breaking it out, but we are going to start talking about it pretty soon. Retailers and designers are already getting ready for spring, and one sure way to tell that is by all the sales going on now. They’re getting rid of their fall and winter items to make room for all the new spring and summer stuff, and you know what that means? Now is the time to buy! See, some companies put their unsold stock on sale at deep discounts to get rid of it quickly so they can start focusing on the new things coming in. In other words, they’re smart. Unlike some clothing companies like, oh, I don’t know, H&M maybe, who, rather than having a great clearance sale, or donating leftover inventory to those who need it, instead cut up the clothing they have left before they stuff it into dumpsters so that anyone who happens to find it can’t possibly wear it. I know it’s a Swedish company, but in order to open stores in the United States, they had to understand how the tax system works, right? So they should know that if they donate those items, they get a tax deduction, thereby saving the company money. No, instead they trashed what they had left, so people who needed it couldn’t use it, the company couldn’t take a deduction on it, and those who shop there will make up the difference for their write-off in the form of higher prices. Nice going, H&M. Way to contribute to the economy. Oh, and let’s not forget the environment, because now as I write this, tons of ripped up clothing and shoes are being dumped into landfills. How long do you think it takes clothing to decompose? Sure, the natural fibers like cotton and silk might go quickly—if they weren’t stuffed into huge plastic garbage bags. So not only did they screw over a bunch of people, they’re messing up the environment. Thanks so much for coming over and opening stores here, H&M. You’ve contributed so much to our country, its people, and its environment. Yeah, Walmart did it too, but I kind of expect them to be trashy, no pun intended. I expected better from H&M. All I can say is, I’d better not find out IKEA is doing something like this because then I’ll REALLY be pissed. So since I support smart shopping, this is the handbag clearance edition of StyleCynics, and boy did I find some great deals. Not only are they money savers, they’re just gorgeous bags, starting with this Giuseppe Zanotti E2IB8085 Shoulder Bag.
I’m not even going to go into my disdain for the stupid alphnumeric name. One rant per blog post is enough, right? You already know I love his shoes. Zanotti doesn’t disappoint with his handbags, either. This one is made from gorgeous violet patent leather, and cinched toward the top with a belt adorned with simple, silvertone hardware. That’s not even the best part. Most handbags are lined with some sort of fabric, or even leather. This one is lined with faux fur in a brighter shade of violet. A little fringe of it lines the opening of the bag, giving a little pop of color. The bag has no closure, so you can see that little detail at all times. The bag also comes with a little detachable wristlet that’s perfect for a few makeup items for touch-ups on the go, and with a dust bag to keep it looking great once you put it away for the summer. And I know this may not seem like a bargain, but for a Zanotti, it really is. The bag is normally $1,835, but you can get it right now for $790 from Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternatives
I might normally include a Cole Haan bag as the featured designer bag, but since we’re talking clearance items, it comes in lower than the Zanotti. Actually, it would anyway, but it’s a great deal, so it’s in! The Cole Haan Village Small Drawstring shoulder bag is a basic bag in a great color. In fact, this poppy colored bag could be used year round, if you pair it with the right clothes, so it’s a bargain all the way around. It’s made from handsome, pebbled leather so it has a bit of texture, and the drawstring is accented by a grommeted tassel. The interior is lined with geometrically patterned jacquard fabric, and features a back wall zip pocket as well as a couple of slip pockets which are perfect for your cell phone. There’s also an attached key fob so you’ll never lose your keys while using this bag. The top comes together with a magnetic closure to keep it all safe. The braided dual handles offer comfort and style, and are adorned with a logo tag that mimics the tassel. If the poppy doesn’t do it for you, it’s also available in black, whiskey, and lacquer red. The Village comes with a dust bag too. It usually goes for $350, but it’s only $192.63 now at Endless.com.
I really like all these bags, but I have to say this is my favorite. Not only because it’s the least expensive, but because it’s in my favorite color—pink! It’s been a while since I had anything pink on the blog, and I have a feeling you’re going to be seeing more of it very soon, especially since it seems magenta and orange is supposed to be THE color combo for 2010. I’m in heaven! Anyway, this Hobo International Gerty shoulder bag is just too pretty to ignore. The glossy leather almost makes it look pearlized, although it’s not. It’s the perfect shade of pink, too. Not too pastel, not too much like Pepto Bismol. The exterior boasts side slip pockets for quick access to the things you need most, while the interior is lined with a beautiful floral jacquard fabric. Also inside are a center zip divider, back wall zip pocket, and more slip pockets. This bag is not lacking in storage! The top closes with a magnetic closure, and dual shoulder straps give it an 11-inch drop. If you’re not as crazy about pink as I am, it also comes in orange, wine, and a color called mogano that’s sort of a purpley brown. And it’s a great deal. You’d usually pay $248, but it’s on sale for $178.56 at Zappos.com.
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