FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

It seems sometimes that you can simply wait a few minutes and all of a sudden there are a whole new set of trends out there to follow. While it may be difficult to keep track of all the changing styles, I have a guide that will lead you to a purse that is fashionable and currently in style.

The key is to look around you. Maybe pick up a fashion mag. Do you see any trends? Are all the girls toting around tiny bags? Does everyone's purse appear to be in some varying shade of purple? These are the things you should be on the look out for. Once you can pick up on what others are doing, you will not need to seek out articles that tell you what is currently hot. There are four main trends going around right now. See if you have picked up on any of these.

1.) Bright Colors
Draw attention to your purse by choosing one in a primary color. Stir clear of pastel shades or pearlized colors. And please, I repeat please, say goodbye to glitter covered bags.

This year it is all about being bright and fresh. Add a pop of color to any outfit with your brightly colored purse. It can be big or it can be small. The size of your bag is no where near as important as the color you choose.

Do not be afraid of the color. If you are a hold over from the past that loves to match the bag with the shoes that coordinate with outfit, it is time to move on. Today it only matters if everything goes together. Forget trying to match that lime green sweater with a bag.

2.) Life on a Chain
Remember purses from a few years back? There were long straps that actually kept the purse hanging around the hip area. The long strap is back - as long as it is made of chain. Jazz up any outfit with a chained purse. This style of purse may not give you instant street credit, but you can give your outfit a bit of an edge with one of these purses. Heck, look in your closet, you might have one in there. These purses were also popular years ago.

3.) Clutches
With all the enormous bags that have been inundating society lately, I was shocked when I noticed clutches were starting to come back. No longer do you have to tote around a bag that you could potentially stuff a football in at a moment's notice. These cute little purses go well with a snazzy dress or skirt. However, you may have to adjust to not being able to stuff everything you could possibly need within the small confines of the bag.

Often because of their small size, clutches pack a lot of style. You will find clutches in a number of colors. Some of the best include a rich purple clutch or a sharp lime green bag. They are also often encrusted with jewels or dazzling with beads.

4.) Animal Print
As you noticed, purses that pack a punch are what is hot right now. It is time for animal print lovers to rejoice. Animal prints have always made an impact and its just about time for them to come back.

Choose from zebra, leopard, cheetah, even tiger prints. Go with whatever suits your fancy. If you will be doing one of these powerful prints, it is important to keep the scale of the bag in mind. Doing a bold print on a large piece may mean your purse overwhelms your whole outfit. Remember your clothes should make the biggest statement and your accessories should help draw attention. No one should be distracted by a leopard print bag that is the size of a 3 month old leopard cub. Keep things small.

Whether you decide to follow these trends or march to the beat of a different drummer, it is up to you. But at least you now know what the new handbag trends are for the fall. If you are not hot on any of these styles, do not worry. The trends will change again soon as they always do.