Kate Spade Folley Beach Makenzi

You know what I was thinking? I was thinking it’d be great to have some handbags that would go with those spring dresses I talked about the other day. Especially the print ones. It’s not difficult to pick out a bag or pair of shoes to go with a busy print like the floral or the geometric I featured on Friday. Simply pick one color in the pattern, and select a handbag in that color. You can either go with a dominant color, which will look like it matches right off the bat, or choose a color used less frequently in the print. The handbag will still match, and it will bring that lesser color out a bit more. Of course, it’s not difficult to match a solid at all, but in that case, you really don’t want to have a solid handbag in the same color as the dress. There are exceptions, of course. Black on black always works, especially for evening ensembles. But for bright spring colors, that could end up being a bit much. So find a bag that has some of the matching color, but also a complementary color. Take that melon-colored Columbia dress, for example. I challenge you to find a bag that goes better with it than this Kate Spade Folley Beach Makenzi.

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 Alternative 1

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.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

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.