Want to possess the season’s must-have bags? Establishing your statement piece has never been easier. Trendy totes, fabulous fold-overs, and coveted clutches of all kinds are within your grasp in Coachella Valley stores.
Modern life demands that bags are an almost essential mainstay for gals — and guys — on the go. Whether it’s a small bag to hold a phone, keys, and money, or a more storage-worthy vessel to haul stuff, no one has to settle for a clunky piece.
Already, 2014 has inspired a flurry of options to make picking a promising bag a snap. Fine fashion handbag designs have hit their stride to reflect an anything-goes and mix-and-match attitude, while also achieving a polished and refined appearance. Leather is ladylike, faux snakeskin simply elegant; delicate details define the chicest of accessories.
Black and white reigns, and gold remains the metallic of the moment. For daytime, color-blocking, crystals, and crocheted accents achieve crème de la crème status and shoulder bags with soft, sculptured silhouettes make a statement for style and comfort.
Head to Trio to check out boho/Western-inspired handbags by Tylie Malibu. Authentic bone piping, hand-braided straps, fringe detail, and matte stud trims are just some of the current accents to rock your resort style. 73520 El Paseo, Ste. 1C, Palm Desert. 760-837-9333.
For cool, casual, and cosmopolitan looks, Blonde Clothing Boutique offers Raison d’Être, an imported Italian leather collection in various shapes and colors. Soft, full-grain calfskin is enhanced with laser cuts and pixel-patterned embroideries to create vintage effects for male, female, and unisex bags. 73200 El Paseo Dr., Ste. 3A, Palm Desert. 760-836-3366; blondeclothingboutique.com
Modern, fun and versatile, She She’s Lolita essentials bag takes you from day to night with a detachable studded clutch zipped into the side pocket. Stylish in black with embellished gold studs, this two-in-one stunner is perfect for celebs, jet-setters, and those on the go. 73575 El Paseo, Ste. C1308, Palm Desert. 760-779-0417.
Kate Spade New York’s take on the “it” clutch style brings playful whimsy to this season’s purse party. Look for fun accents blended with bold stripes, such as the Miss Penny clutch, sporting perfection in round ice cream scoops floating atop a gold cone. Or flaunt your feminine yet intellectual point of view with the Portrait of a Lady book clutch in a shape that resembles a classic novel. Kate Spade New York, 73425 El Paseo, Ste. 108, Palm Desert. 760-346-0403; www.katespade.com
Who can resist the glamour and sophistication of Saks Fifth Avenue’s special occasion selections? Dare to dazzle with Jason Wu’s dressy Karlie Watersnake box clutch, featuring sleek lines and a delicate metal strap. Romantics will bloom carrying Nina Ricci’s Le Bal rhinestone-detailed floral-embossed leather frame clutch, a ballet-inspired statement piece that can take you from your favorite charity lunch straight to the ballroom. Saks Fifth Avenue, 73555 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-837-2900; www.saksfifthavenue.com
And, finally, for an abundance of handbag choices, Desert Hills Premium Outlets offers such retailers as Coach, Burberry, Gucci, Cole Haan, DKNY, Prada, Tory Burch, and more. 48400 Seminole Dr., Cabazon. 951-849-6641; www.premiumoutlets.com/deserthills
