With so many options in handbag designs, it can be hard to choose one if you’re in the market. Well, we’ve got 16 great ones from Berks retailers and a little beyond to consider. With bright totes for your 9-to-5 or avant-garde statement pieces hand-carved from wood, this collection celebrates the diversity and fluidity of personal style. As complex, versatile and intricately detailed as the women who carry them, each is a unique piece of art.
We haven’t seen the last of the Radiant Orchid trend. This fuchsia tote ($47.25) with removable purse works as hard as you do, as a work or weekender bag. Jazz it up with a coordinating scarf, both from It’s a Gift! Woman’s Exchange of Reading, 720 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.373.0960, itsagift.org
2. Looking for an eco-chic addition to your handbag collection? Pick up this vegan leather convertible clutch by Joy Susan. $34, Adam N’ Eve Boutique, 309 W. Main St., Kutztown, 610.683.8117
3. Transition seamlessly into spring with the She + Lo mint cross-body. Its pastel hue makes it sweet; the stud and zipper detailing give it an updated edge. $198, Tiger’s Eye, 49 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.2244, tigerseyelititz.com
4. The oversized tote trend carries into 2016. This pressed snakeskin carry-all by Sorial reverses to matte pebbled leather and comes with a matching purse. $248, Tiger’s Eye, 49 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.2244, tigerseyelititz.com
5. Created for Eileen Fisher, this denim and dove sisal tote lays beautifully against both chic neutrals and casual denim. A perfect everyday bag for a woman on the go. Handcrafted by Kenyan artisans; call store for current pricing. Bamboula Ltd., 164 W. Walnut St., Kutztown, 800.926.0331, bamboulaltd.com
6. Shine on, girl. The versatile ‘baby messenger’ by Carol S. Miller ($215) can be worn as a cross-body or an over-the-shoulder bag. It’s handcrafted from exotic gray stingray, which gives it a natural sheen. Tiger’s Eye, 49 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.2244, tigerseyelititz.com
7. A flirty kiss – the Sherry handbag is artwork you carry with you. Hand-carved from mahogany by Kimberly Chalos, it’s sure to spark conversation. $495, Dancing Tree Creations, LLC*, 220 S. Reading Avenue, Boyertown, 484.415.0014, dancingtreecreations.com. *Store is closed in February and March.
8. Dress it up or down; the sterling clutch by Hobo is a star. A chic and simple design with fringe detail. $168, Charlotte Shoppe, 4600 W. Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.678.4800, charlotteshoppe.com
9. An American-made, buttery-soft Italian leather tote by Pietro with gold stud detailing gives classic black a rock-and-roll edge. $350, Sonnie’s Secret, 22 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.7663.
10. The best-selling Brighton Barbados handbag comes in a variety of colors, depending on the season. $280, Coventry Corners, Berkshire Mall, 1665 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.376.0445, coventrycorners.com
11. Welcome the arrival of spring with a feminine floral handbag by Dooney & Bourke. The Bougainvillea pebbled leather satchel is a ladylike classic. $228, Boscov’s, 4500 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, 610.779.2000, boscovs.com
12. A bold red lip and a gorgeous red handbag – two classics that never go out of style. Made in NYC under the direction of leather craftsman Pierre Dabagh and his son Alex, the Pietro Bordeaux slouch will become a cherished part of your collection. $248, Sonnie’s Secret, 22 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.7663.
13. Gray continues to be the ‘new neutral’ in 2016. The Hobo cross-body in mushroom converts to a tote with plenty of room for your work essentials. $298, Charlotte Shoppe, 4600 W. Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, 610.678.4800, charlotteshoppe.com
14. There are so many little details to admire in the She + Lo cross-body. Made of soft, distressed leather, it features tassel pulls, zippered compartments and a woven leather panel. $218, Tiger’s Eye, 49 E. Main St., Lititz, 717.627.2244, tigerseyelititz.com
15. Elegant and understated, the muted gold clutch by Joy Susan easily converts to an over-the-shoulder purse. Its turn lock closure keeps valuables safe and chicly sound. $29.50, It’s a Gift, 720 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.373.0960. itsagift.org
16. This bluesy vintage purse is affordable Art Deco. With a $16 price tag, it’s the cat’s pajamas. Five & Divine, 27 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville, 610.670.9700. fiveanddivine.com
By Jacqueline Stamy | Photos by Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography
