Kate Spade Park Slope Clementine Tote

Continuing with pink and orange week on StyleCynics! I couldn’t be more thrilled that one of the hottest trends for spring this year is one of my favorite color combinations. I didn’t used to be a fan of orange. To me, that color was reserved for carrots, pumpkins and really bad fake bakes. Seriously, people. Look in a mirror. If you look like an Oompa Loompa, it’s time to dial the self-tanner down a few notches, or just apply for a job at the chocolate factory and be done with it. If you pick up a carrot and can’t tell where your skin stops and the vegetable starts, you have a problem. Anyway, I became a convert last year, and have featured several orange accessories here on the blog. But even when I wasn’t digging orange, I’ve always loved it paired with a bright, hot pink. There’s just something about those two colors together that makes me happy. And you know that Kate Spade always makes me happy. Put those two things together and I’m freaking ecstatic. I knew Kate wouldn’t let me down this spring. She’s spot on the trend with this Park Slope Clementine Tote.

What I love most about Kate Spade handbags are the clean, classic lines, and the chic use of color. The Clementine doesn’t disappoint in either category. It’s made from luxurious leather, right down to the slim double straps adorned with buckle detailing. All the hardware is 14-karat gold-plated metal for an added bit of style and sophistication. Two large side pockets on the exterior of the bag are large enough for a compact umbrella to combat those April showers. Inside, you’ll find logoed jacquard lining with a back wall zip pocket. The 7.5-inch shoulder drop is just long enough to be comfortable, but avoid banging against your hip when you walk. What could possibly make a Kate Spade bag any better? Being on sale, of course! The Clementine usually goes for $425, but you can get it for just $267.85 right now at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 1

I featured the Cole Haan Biscayne Hobo bag on the blog last June, but in the blue-green color combo, which is perfect for summer, by the way. It’s reminiscent of clear Caribbean waters, or refreshing pools. Well, the Cole Haan Biscayne Tote also comes in that blue combination, just inverted, but it’s also available in this pink and orange palette, with a little red and purple thrown in for good measure. The beautiful mosaic pattern is accomplished through embroidery on fabric. The glossy thread also adds a bit of shine to the bag. The interior features a jacquard fabric lining in sort of the same pattern as the exterior, a zip center divider, zip pockets, and slip pockets for small accessories, the edges of which are lined with orange patent leather. On the same patent leather is the metal logo plate that dangles from one of the tightly woven fabric handles. The interior bases of those handles are also lined with orange patent leather, a gorgeous and unexpected detail. I wouldn’t carry this tote to the beach, but it definitely makes a great spring/summer bag. And it’s on sale too! Marked down from $228, the Biscayne Tote is only $125.40 at Endless.com.

Budget Saving Alternative 2

It’s been a long time since Liz Claiborne was considered a hot fashion property. Still, the company has stuck it out and remained viable while a bunch of upstarts have come along and displaced what used to be a much sought after name in the fashion industry. Every once in a while, good ol’ Liz still catches my eye with something. I don’t go looking for it—it just pops up in front of me either online or at a department store. This time, since I was specifically searching for pink and orange items to celebrate the trend this week, this bag just about smacked me right in the face. Allow me to introduce the Liz Claiborne Summer Splash Bucket Tote, which just proves that she’s still got it and since fashion is a circle and things that were old become new again, I wouldn’t count Liz out just yet. The Splash complements the current color combo trend, but will also take you right into summer. Now this is a bag I’d take to the beach. The exterior is made of sturdy woven canvas, while the trim is synthetic, made to look like patent leather. The interior is lined with fabric in a pretty pink pattern, with a back wall zip pocket and a couple of slip pockets for extra storage space. Also made from the synthetic patent, the bottom is flat and will allow the bag to stand upright on almost any surface. The bag closes with a magnetic snap, and has dual shoulder straps in the same synthetic material as the trim. And guess what? It’s on sale too! I am just saving you all kinds of money here. This tote retails for $114, but it’s currently going for $69.65 Zappos.com.