Naturalizer Penny Leather Handbag ORANGE is the New Black

Summer 2013, NYC: I'm so ready to celebrate summer! Now you may be more familiar with Naturalizer shoes for their unparalleled comfort but their leather handbags are of equal beauty and quality.

This season, add a pop of color with this luxurious color way trending in orange.  All of the top designers from Hermes to MK (Michael Kors) are making similar bags in this rich color as a bold fashion statement. Personally for me black is blah for summer and fall so this was a refreshing change from the darker tones of winter. 

Naturalizer's Penny Handbag in Orange Leather & Italian Silk Scarf

From the Office to the Hamptons
What I like about this handbag is it's fine crafting and versatility. It's roomy enough to fit a file folder for the boardroom but pop on a little silk scarf and it's ready for vacation travel. In fact the leather itself is very close to being fine luggage quality. Like well made luggage, it has metal feet and metal reinforcements on the straps. There is an outside pouch for your cell and a slit/lined pouch in the back.

Above: Interior of the Penny.  Below Camelia Flower Makeup Bag by Chanel.

The Penny Handbag is richly appointed inside and out with a beautiful textile lined interior. The inside pouch is ample but the center zippered pouch is genius. It acts as a natural divider, keeping your purse contents in their place. There's a pouch for your sunglasses and what-nots but I like to pop my car keys in there for quick access. I like the magnetic center clasp that keeps everything together as this is the perfect bag to mix business and pleasure. Here are some other features of the Penny:
The Penny Handbag Has:

• Top zip closure
• Front and back pockets
• Interior features open and zipper compartments
• Textile lining
• Shoulder straps with an 8 inch drop
• 13 1/2 inches long X 10 inches high X 6 inches wide

 
 

Naturalizer Penny Handbag on a rainy day, this bag can hold its own in bad weather.

I paired this handbag with Earthies Solerno Too Wedges in Spice available at Nordstrom

C/O Naturalizer whose marvelous shoes I have purchased for many years and Earthies, a new level in comfort.

A Chic Fashion Carry All for Your Bicycle?

GLC (Give Love Cycle) Small Guilden Carry All in Bone is ready for your next bicycle ride!

BIKE MONTH 2013 NYC: If you are ready to foray into warmer weather and are looking for a fashionable handbag/carry all for the summer, I've got a secret.  This Guilden Carry All by Give Love Cycle not only looks fantastic on your arm but is fully able to hitch a ride downtown on your bicycle. This is THE way to celebrate May as National Bicycle Month while treating yourself to a handbag that looks fantastic both on and off the bike.

Guilden Small Carry All makes an elegant fashion statement both on and off your bicycle

Made of washable poly urethane, this bag is fully appointed with outside and inside zippered pouches, key clip and open pouches for your cell and other electronics.  Large enough to hold your bicycle helmet and a lot more, it comes with feet and it's own draw-stringed dustcover.

The Guilden is roomy enough to fit this X-L Nutcase Bicycle Helmet

This bag definitely has a Louis Vuitton vibe going on but is rugged enough for a ride on your rear rack. It actually was designed by a pair of college roommates and bike share mavericks, Mariana R. Chambers and Debra Zusin to fit the CitiBike racks and baskets but as you can see below, it quickly straps onto nearly any rear rack. Isn't this #Lucky?

I really like to see designers put together an item that they actually use.  Mariana knows the NYC Bike Path all too well and wanted a carry all that not only looks chic but functions as a complete transport system. Now that the NYC Bike Share Program is finally getting underway this month, this is the perfect bag to celebrate with. So if you are looking for an elegant carry all that can go from the bike path to the boardroom, this is it.

GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone with this Sweet Summer Outfit!

Summer Bicycle Commute Outfit:

Bicycle Helmet: Fire Engine Red Matte Crossover by Nutcase Helmets
Hat: NEW Paper Straw Tinsley Fedora by Pistil Designs
Dress: Craghoppers NosiLife Gabriela with Solar & Insect Shield in Litchen Green
Scarf: NEW Okeefe in Red by Pistil Designs  
Handbag: GLC's Guilden Carry All in Bone 
Shoes: NEW Naya Maeve Leather Sandals in Oxford Brown available at Nordstroms 

Don't forget your helmet!  Bike to Work Week is May 13th - 17th. Bike to Work Day is May 17th.