Kate Spade Jubilee Stripe Drawstring Opus Tote

You’re lucky I’m even blogging today. My fingers are tired from all the tweeting I did last night during the Oscars. As always, it was an interesting show with a lot of great moments, and some truly outrageous ones. I love that someone coming up on stage unexpectedly is now called “pulling a Kanye.” Way to be remembered, KW. Didn’t he also used to be involved with the music industry somehow? Hmm…good question. All I know is he likes to make a scene whenever possible, and now when anyone else does it, they’re compared to him. Anyway, almost everyone looked fabulous (SJP, leave the big girl dresses in the closet, ‘kay? Oh, and comb your hair!), there weren’t many surprises as far as the awards go (you didn’t really think James Cameron would get to make that king of the world speech twice, did you?), and it’s all over for another year. So let’s move on and look forward again to spring. Time to break out the colorful handbags! Like this Kate Spade Jubilee Strip Drawstring Opus Tote.

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 Alternative 1

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.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

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.