Juicy Couture Fashion Velour Day Dreamer

Well, looks like Juicy Couture figured out what to do with all that velour they had left over from the track suits that are now not so fashionable. Hell, they made handbags out of towels, why not use the fabric meant for pants and jackets, right? Look, I’m all for recycling, and that whole debacle with H&M and Walmart trashing new clothes really pissed me off, but there are just some fabrics that aren’t meant to be made into handbags. Terry cloth is one. Velour is another. So, no. I won’t be adding the Juicy Couture Fashion Velour Day Dreamer to my wardrobe anytime soon.

I don’t mind how this bag looks from afar. It’s a pretty pastel pink, it has great leather trim, and it’s a classic design with a drawstring top and magnetic snap closure. There’s plenty of room in it, and the logoed fabric lining offers a back wall zip pocket, and a few slip pockets as well. There’s also an exterior zip pocket, embellished with rhinestones, a few tassel details, and a rhinestone charm. That’s all great. But here’s where I have a problem. Several, actually. The drawstring? It’s that same cheap cotton weave that’s used in pajama pants and on hospital gowns. On those things it’s fine. But on a handbag? A designer handbag? No. It will fade quickly, and will no longer match the leather trim. The platform bottom is great for keeping the bag upright when it’s set down. But it’s all velour. They didn’t think to make the bottom leather, or at least put some little feet on it to keep the fabric elevated from whatever surface it’s placed on. Do you know how quickly it’s going to get dirty? And that pale pink? It’ll be a smudgy brown before you know it. And actually, that goes for the whole bag. Being handled, tossed around the way we do with our handbags (Come on, be honest. Once the newness wears off, you’re throwing that designer bag around, and setting it on the ground without a second thought.), the entire thing is going to soil very quickly and easily. It also comes in black, which will hide dirt, but not repel it, or be any easier to clean. So, nice try on repurposing all that leftover velour you guys had in the warehouse, Juicy, but a handbag was not the way to go. This is just as bad as the towel bags. I certainly wouldn’t buy it, but if you want to chance it, the Day Dreamer is $228 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

Now, this is more like it. I haven’t been a huge fan of Dooney & Bourke since high school when those hideous two-toned bags were popular, but I’m starting to like them a little more as their designs become prettier and more contemporary. The Dooney & Bourke Calf Drawstring is gorgeous in this pale yellow, perfect for the last few weeks of spring, and taking you right into summer. It’s made of genuine calf leather (hence, the name), with a contrasting color fabric lined interior. Inside is a back wall zip pocket, a slip phone pocket, and a key hook. The single strap is adjustable with a buckle, and offers a 12-inch shoulder drop. It has a platform bottom, still with no feet, but leather is easier to wipe clean than velour. The drawstring closure tapers into nice tassels. The D&B also comes in black, bone, chalk, light pink, red, saddle, and sky blue. And it’s on sale! Normally $245, you can get it now for just $171 at Zappos.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

How can you not like a handbag called Aruba? It conjures images of tropical beaches, palm trees, and clear water that is far enough away from the Gulf of Mexico to not be destroyed by oil. And that’s all I have to say about that. I can’t even be snarky about that tragedy, except to say BP can go eff itself. Ahem. Anyway, this Elliott Lucca Aruba Drawstring Tote is a great little bag for summer, and will even extend into fall in some of the available colors. This cayenne is one of them. The dual handles are braided leather, giving the bag an 8.5-inch shoulder drop. The drawstrings are also braided leather, which is a nice touch. The interior is lined with identically colored fabric, boasting a back wall zip pocket, and a magnetic closure. If you want this one, you’d better hurry. There are only three left in this color, but it’s also available in teak, Aegean blue, saffron, pinkberry, and pyrite. Choose your favorite color for only $148 at Endless.com.