I love it when my favorite designers come out with beautiful handbags in my favorite colors. It’s a perfect intersecting of things I like. This is also a bit of a departure for Rebecca Minkoff, I think. I was getting used to seeing streamlined bags with fringe or studs from her. Every designer has a signature style, sure, but it’s not good when all their designs start to look the same. That’s a sure sign they’re on their way out. But then there are some designers who do have a constant component, and they just change what goes around it. Like Harveys Seatbelt Bags.
They’re all made from seat belt fabric, obviously, but in all kinds of colors and even patterns. The bags also come in different shapes and sizes, but they still all have a similar look because of how they’re woven from real seat belt material. It seems to work for them, though, because those bags only grow in popularity. Anyway, I like seeing something new and different from a designer, and that’s what struck me about this Rebecca Minkoff Eyelet Nikki Hobo.
First of all, it’s orange, which you know I love. And it’s just the right shade of orange. Not neon, not burnt, but a nice, cheery orange. It’s called passion fruit, actually, which is perfect for summer. It’s a Rebecca Minkoff, so of course it’s made from genuine leather, and it’s a smooth, rich variety. Although it’s a hobo bag, and a little slouchy, it doesn’t look dumpy or formless. The exterior is embellished with eyelets. They’re everywhere. On the body, the bottom, the handle. They, along with the other hardware, are a gold-tone metal which perfectly complements the orange. Inside you’ll find twill lining printed with cute little birds, and a back wall zip pocket. The top closes with a magnetic snap, and a dust bag is included to keep the bag looking new. Get it for $650 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
I like the soft texture of the leather on this Elliott Lucca Valeras Double Handle Hobo. I like the box-pleated front. I don’t really mind the silver trim along the edge of that pleat. What I’m not too crazy about is the silver trim incorporated into the braided dual handles. It’s a bit much. Still, it’s a nice, roomy bag, and much more affordable than the Nikki. The interior is lined with cotton canvas, and has a back wall zip pocket for small stuff. It also comes in teak, which is a dark brown color, which looks even worse with the silver trim. If they were going to add metallic trim, it should have been gold on the orange, and bronze on the brown. Anyway, it’s on sale. Marked down from $238, it’s now $130.90 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
One of the smartest things Jessica Simpson ever did was branch out into other businesses. I don’t know how she made it as a singer to begin with, but it got her foot in the fame door, and allowed her to use her name to build a brand. Cosmetics, perfume, clothing, shoes, jewelry, and of course, handbags. And unlike some singers who come out with hideous stuff and think it will sell just because it has their name on it, Jessica Simpson’s accessories are actually pretty cute, including this Jessica Simpson Gin Lane Hobo. It’s made from synthetic leather, so it’s animal-friendly, and wallet-friendly too. The material is a bit shiny, although it’s not meant to be a patent finish. The Gin Lane has a single shoulder strap, flat bottom, and drawstring in addition a an inside magnetic snap closure. Your stuff’s not going anywhere. The interior is lined with a pretty polka-dotted fabric, and offers a back wall zip pocket. In addition to this saffron, it also comes in black, daisy, leopard, magenta, peony, python, vanilla, and watersnake grey. Get a couple of colors since it’s on sale, down from $88 to just $79.20 at Zappos.com.
