I’ve never really liked orange that much. I mean the color, not the fruit. I don’t really know why. Maybe it’s too 70s. Watch an old episode of That 70s Show and count how many orange things are on the screen at any given moment. Maybe it’s that I feel like if I wear it, I’ll look like a Jack-O-Lantern. Or maybe it’s because it’s the color of prison jumpsuits. Whatever the case, I’ve avoided any orange articles of clothing and accessories for years now.
Well, just like I can’t pinpoint why I didn’t like it, I also can’t say why I’m now having a change of heart. I came home from the mall the other day with two, count ‘em—two!—orange tops. It seems that my newfound like for orange is coinciding with a surge in the color’s popularity. After the trip to the mall where it was popping out at me everywhere, I wondered whether there were any cool orange handbags out there. Turns out, there are.
The first one that caught my eye was this Mulberry Large Soho. I thought it was patent leather at first, but it’s actually a coated canvas fabric, so it’s really lightweight. It has an adjustable shoulder strap and a chunky twist-lock clasp. The interior is lined with grosgrain fabric. I like that it’s shiny because I think a flat orange leather would make the bag look like a big pumpkin. Then again, you wouldn’t pay $695 for a pumpkin, would you? You’ll find it at Mulberry.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
Want the shiny bag without the blinding price? Check out this Big Buddha Miranda Hobo bag. It also has the highly desired look of patent leather, but is really a lightweight PVC material, quilted to look like fabric. Very cool. The dual handles are made from thick, braided cord, which is both comfortable and sturdy. There’s also a detachable shoulder strap if you prefer to keep your hands free. The interior is fully lined, and offers a zippered pocket and a small pouch just for your cell phone. The magnetic snap closure stays securely shut. It normally goes for $80, but is currently on sale for just $64 at eBags.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
Even though I haven’t always been crazy about orange on its own, I have always loved the look of orange and pink together. As I’ve said before, I like pink, and those two colors seem to bring out the best in each other. It’s especially apparent in this Harvey’s Seatbelt Bag Limited Edition Medium Tote in Peaches & Cream. Other than the colors making this my favorite of the bunch, it’s made of real seatbelts! I do have to wonder where the Harveys get the seatbelts they use to make their handbags, though. I’ve never seen pink seatbelts in any vehicle. Hmm…I wonder if you can special order them. But I digress. The tote has dual shoulder straps and an 11-inch drop. The interior is lined, and features pockets for smaller items. A top zip closure keeps all your belongings secure. The platform bottom has little metal feet to protect the fabric when the bag is set down. The bag is easily cleaned with mild soap and water, though, which makes it even better. Make it yours for $142 at Zappos.com. But hurry! As the name says, it’s a limited edition.
