I have a confession to make. I love to go bowling. I know it’s not the coolest activity to take part in, seemingly reserved for older people, beer bellied men, and polyester-clad women. And, let’s be honest, bowling alleys aren’t exactly houses of high fashion. I mean, you’ve seen the shoes, right? And not only are the shoes hideous, about a thousand people have worn them before you. I really don’t know how that ever became acceptable. I mean, I know they spray disinfectant in those shoes, but still…ew. On the other hand, I don’t own a pair of bowling shoes, so I don’t really have room to talk. I do bleach the hell out of my socks when I get home, though. I haven’t been bowling in years, though, and I’m kinda getting an itch (thankfully, not on my feet) to go lob a heavy ball down a wood alley and knock the crap out of some pins. You have to admit, bowling can be a great stress reliever. I like to imagine certain people’s heads on those pins. Makes it that much more fun! But you know what else is fun? A handbag modeled after a bowling bag. Bowling bags themselves usually aren’t very stylish or chic, but a lot of designers are looking to them for inspiration, and just kicking things up a notch or two. Gwen Stefani is one of them, with her L.A.M.B. handbags, like this Jean Large Bowler Satchel.
Now let me just say, I’m not usually one to go for metallic leather. I do like it on some things, sometimes, but I don’t seek it out. I think the Jean Bowler has just the right amount of it, though, and in just the right color. Yeah, it’s gold, and there’s a fine line between stylish and garish. This bag gets it right. It’s a muted gold, not too yellow, and it’s perfectly complemented by the olive green suede and black patent leather panels on the front. The back is all gold, with black patent leather trim on the slip pocket. The front also boasts two zip pockets, and the top has a zip closure. All the hardware is gold-tone metal. Inside, you’ll find striped grosgrain, logoed lining, with a back wall zip pocket and front wall slip pockets. Dual handles give it a 7.5-inch shoulder drop, and it comes with a dust bag. If the green and gold aren’t your thing, it also comes in a scarlet, with red, burnt orange, and black accents, and noir, which is all black. Get it for $450 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
You know, as much as I like Gwen Stefani, her music, and her handbags, I gotta say, that song “Rich Girl” really annoys me. “If I was a rich girl…” Seriously? Um, I’m pretty sure Gwen’s not having any trouble making the mortgage. If she wanted to relate to us regular working girls, maybe she could make some kickass handbags that didn’t cost 450 bucks. Go ahead and hollaback on that one, girl. So yeah, I love that Jean Bowler, but if I’m going to spend that on just one accessory, it’s going to be a pair of kickass shoes, not a handbag. I love handbags, and have enough to match just about every pair of shoes I own, but my true love is shoes. So if I can get a comparable handbag for a better price? Oh yeah, I’m all about that. Like the High Fashion Multi-Leather Bowler, for instance. To be honest, it’s not as pretty as the Jean—I really love that green and gold combination—but it’s a good representation of the bowler bag trend. I do like this gray and berry combination, but it also comes in a brown and taupe combo, as well as a black and gray model. The bag is mostly suede, with patent leather accents that add color and shine. The interior is fully lined, with a back wall zip pocket. The top zips closed, and the four metal feet on the bottom keep the bag stable and upright when set down. In addition to the dual handles that offer a six-inch shoulder drop, it comes with a detachable shoulder strap. Try it out for $195 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
Yes, I know this Latico Nappa Candy Stripe Bowler isn’t exactly a fall handbag. The yellow is a bit too light for the season. It’s actually more of a spring or summer handbag. Why am I including it? Two reasons. It’s a bowler bag, so it fits with my chosen theme for today, and, more importantly, it’s on clearance! Buy it now and break it out next spring. Hey, I am all about finding great stuff on sale, as you must’ve noticed by now. A lot of the stuff I write about is on sale. I love finding good deals and sharing them with you, so yeah, I’m including an off-season bag. You’re welcome! The Candy Stripe Bowler is made from one hundred percent leather, a nice soft and slouchy variety. The vertical seaming gives it a sleek, structured look. The interior is lined with a pretty floral fabric, and offers a back wall zip pocket, as well as leather slip pockets and pen holders. Dual handles give it a seven-inch shoulder drop, and four metal feet protect the bag’s bottom from dirt and wear. It retailed for $199, but you can get it right now for just $109.45 at Endless.com. Hurry, there are only three left!
