Bamboo fiber totes, organic cotton shoppers, and hemp and silk slouch bags are just a few of the season's hottest finds for eco-friendly bags. With the rise of environmentally friendly clothing and accessories, dozens of bag designers are offering fresh and earth-friendly selections with distinct designs. Fall and winter are a great time to take advantage of these eco-friendly selections, giving you a chance to 'give back' to nature but still stay in touch with the latest trends. Here are just a few bags we've got our 'green' eyes on!
Twisted Orchid Bamboo and Fabric Handbag
Even though spring and summer are long gone, bamboo fiber can be used as an accent and accessory for your favorite tote or shopper! This Twisted Orchid Bamboo and Fabric Handbag is ideal for a trip to the Farmer's market (even when it's a little chilly outside), a day in the country, or simply running errands on the weekend. The sturdy bamboo handles and eco-friendly bamboo base make it an easy choice to get back to nature!
Global Elements Bamboo Double Handbag
If you're looking for a simply sweet accessory, this Bamboo Double Handbag by Global Elements can help you pull off our Asian or ethnic look in high style! It's made almost entirely out of bamboo, with a simple snap closure and large bamboo handles. It's the perfect miniature tote, and just large enough to hold your basic cosmetics case and gadgets. Available in either black or tan, it's hard to choose which one will fit best in your handbag closet--why not take both?
Cube Handbag by Raw Bags
For something a little different, this Cube Handbag by Raw Bags is sure to give you the look of the elements you're searching for! The bamboo exterior is cut into small cubes, and the bag itself is lined with canvas. It's a great daytime bag as you explore the great outdoors, and is available in either tan or black. It also has some 'convertible' options; tuck the straps inside for an oversized clutch (a HUGE fall trend!), or carry it like a medium-sized tote when you have your hands full!
Eco-friendly bags haven't disappeared with summer's totes and shoppers; you can still keep up with just a few carefully selected picks in the handbag department. Just look for organic fibers, bamboo bases, and even hemp and silk styles for a unique touch to any outfit!
From rich leathers to simple suede, ankle boots have made their way into many a Fall wardrobe, and for good reason! Ankle boots are ideal for pairing with jeans, leggings, and even some of the season's minidresses when you want to add a sophisticated heel to your outfit. This year's trends focus on both slouchy and sleek styles, and patent leather is still an option with the season's Mary-Jane style toes and platform heels. If you're looking for a fresh pair of boots this season, don't limit yourself to the knee-high styles! Here's a roundup of a just a few picks for Fall and Winter:
Franco Sarto Miss Suede Boots
These Franco Sarto Miss Suede Boots are perfect for those long walks in the brisk weather, completely lined and detailed with a large button accent. The stiletto-like heels might require some practice to balance on, but the height is just right for pairing with wide-leg jeans or pants, and even a knee-length skirt!
SoHo Lab Footwear Larue Boot
The classic pointed toe boots are back this season, and a simple black leather pair can be an easy fix for the 'what will I wear?' days! These stylish leather boots from SoHo Lab Footwear have a unique quilted pattern on the front, helping them stand apart from just another smooth style. The 3 1/2" stiletto heel and super-pointed toe add a touch of class to any outfit.
Michael Kors Cuffed Boots
Cuffed boots are a great way to step up the basic casual boot and put a much more stylish foot forward! These Michael Kors Cuffed Boots are a chic and smooth pair in basic black, but the heel is wide enough for comfort and the style can be worn both cuffed or uncuffed. These are great for jeans, leggings, or even wide leg pants.
Dressed up or down, ankle boots are a great way to balance out the year's leather and suede ensembles. This year calls for pencil-thin heels and sky-high heights; just be sure to practice your balance before the ice and snow arrive and you'll be well on your way to Fall and Winter fun--in style!
Even though hobos and totes offer plenty of carry-all advantages, this season's frame bags feature even more possibilities for a unique twist on the slouchy styles of seasons past. From glossy patent leather to rich suede coverings, frame bags are the perfect way to add some symmetry to an outfit but still pull off a casual, yet pulled together look. Here's a peak at some of the season's top picks in frame bags:
GUESS Lunar Frame Bag
This metallic delight from GUESS offers everything you could need in a miniature hobo, and fits in nicely with a dress or satin pants for the next party. It's made with metallic vinyl and a unique Kisslock closure. The multi-chain handle finishes off this one in both gold and silver, and the rhinestone bedecked nameplate adds a final touch of shine to this eye-catching party piece.
Nine West Baby Buck Frame Satchel
Smart and chic, this cute Baby Buck Frame Satchel from Nine West is just the right size to carry a day's worth of necessities and keep you in good form with a simple design. It's a structured bag with strong leather handles and a supersoft finish that just begs to be touched!
Kenneth Cole Frame Python Print Clutch
When the season's festivities call for a touch of exotic prints, this Python Print Clutch is sure to manage the task. Straight from the Kenneth Cole Reaction collection, this one's a super-chic accessory for any plain black, grey, or tan outfit of the season. Pair it up with a turtleneck dress or long tunic sweater for a cozy, but stylish look.
Frame bags are available in a wide range of shapes and fabrics this season, but these three are the leading themes for fall and winter '07. Exotic prints work well with almost any outfit, and can add a unique twist to a traditional look and simple silhouette. Remember to pare down the shine when you've got a metallic bag by your side - accessorize with simple and elegant jewelry to put the focal point on the bag instead. The best way to carry your leather satchel is with your casual closet; add some style to the season's tunic tops, sweatercoats, and turtlenecks for a chic and classic look!
Whether it's homecoming or a holiday special occasion, chandelier earrings are a great way to add a touch of glitz and glamour to any outfit. This season calls for a range of chrome silver, black rhinestones, and pewter styles that add a nice touch of Eastern flair to a basic ensemble. Chandelier earrings are inspired from Indian jewelry with beaded jewels and extra-long lengths that can balance out almost any face shape. If you're looking for a few new additions to your jewelry lineup this season, here are a few top picks:
Oscar Night CZ Chandelier Earrings
These CZ Chandelier Earrings are great for making a simple dress or gown Oscar-worthy, and will definitely get you noticed at the next event--red carpet or not! Made with a high polish sterling silver and dozens of cubic zirconium beads, they're a great finishing touch with plenty of shimmer.
Juicy Couture Gold Bow Chandelier Earrings
These Juicy Couture Gold Bow Chandelier Earrings are a cute addition for a holiday outfit with 1.5" dangles and a simple and elegant finish. Dress up a gold or burgundy sweater, or top off a metallic dress for a truly dazzling ensemble!
Ornate Chandelier Earrings
Try something simple and sophisticated with these teardrop-style chandelier earrings. The elegantly carved design and brushed sterling silver accents offer a toned-down look that's perfect for any silver or black outfit for the evening.
Garnet Chandelier Earrings
The perfect match for a black or grey outfit this season, these Garnet Chandelier Earrings are dressy enough for a formal event and classic enough to wear with a dressier sweater coat or wrap dress as well. Garnet is especially flattering for darker or olive skin tones, and is a simple accessory for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.
How to Wear Them: Chandelier earrings work best with an up-do, or simply with your hair pulled back with a hairband or scarf. They can be the focal point of your outfit, so be sure to match up your makeup accordingly to avoid an 'overdone' look.
With fall in full swing, it's time to stay warm. An easy alternative to a boring turtleneck or pullover is a fashionable, cozy wrap! Wrap sweaters are especially flattering for those who need a little more support around the waist, and can easily help you cinch up in style and comfort for your next event. From rich angora to simple wool, wrap sweaters can be found in a variety of the season's leading colors; look for a fresh lineup in pewter, dark grey, purple, and bolder highlights in red, bright blue, and even green. Here are just a few choice picks from the latest collections:
Tracy Reese Watered Berry Cardigan Wrap
When you need some extra coverage with plenty of style, try on a full-length cardigan wrap for a unique outfit. This Tracy Reese Cardigan Wrap features short kimono-style sleeves and falls just above the knees for a great match with leggings and a simple camisole. This cranberry/pink color is perfect for fall's warmer tones.
Semantiks Faux Wrap Sweater
Simple and chic, this Semantiks Faux Wrap white sweater features a deep v-neck that's easily paired with a matching tank top or simple tee. The shorter cut emphasizes the waist with a simple sash as a belt. A great pick for petite body types and also available in black or 'red delicious.'
Twelfth Street Collar Wrap Cardigan
Fashionable and chic, the Twelfth Street Collar Wrap Cardigan is perfectly paired with black and white for contrast. The super-sized collar is a fresh addition to fall, and this wrap features a unique 4-button detail on the side. Made with a rich viscose and polyester blend, this one's sure to turn a few heads!
Mossimo Black Luxe Shawl Collar Sweater
For casual days or a simple weekend trip to the market, layer up with this Mossimo Black Luxe Shawl Collar Sweater. Simple and comfortable, this wrap sweater offers a fitted look that's shorter than most of the sweaters we're seeing this season. Pair it up with jeans, cropped pants, or even a suede skirt.
