A Handbag For All Seasons

Just what is a handbag for all seasons? Don't you need a different handbag for every season? Well, certainly you would prefer a different handbag for every day! However, if you are like most of us, a different handbag for every day of the month is just not in the cards. Still, every woman needs a well constructed, fashionable bag that is versatile. This go-to bag needs to be large enough to carry your essentials, and casual enough to use every single day. So how can you find one bag to cover all of your needs throughout the year? Let's start by looking at the best handbags available to complete your look in just about any situation or season, and build upon the basics.

The first handbag that is absolutely necessary is your everyday bag. This bag must be casual enough to carry almost everywhere you go. However, you do not want it to be so casual that it resembles a backpack or a gym bag of sorts. Rather, you want it to appear sophisticated casual. So what fits into this category? Think of the slouch bags that you see on a daily basis. The slouch is such a common bag that you may have never paid it any mind, as it doesn't really stand out in a crowd. However, it is perfect for errand running, a casual meet-up with a friend, or browsing the newest shops in the mall.

Dooney and Bourke Handbags for All Seasons

The Dooney and Bourke new large slouch makes an ideal everyday bag. And this fairly affordable bag carries a respectable designer name too. We say "large" because the interior carrying capacity is greater than last year's model. The most popular color for the everyday handbag is black, and this bag comes in a beautiful black pebble leather shade. It retails for just under $400.00 in department stores, but you can often find specials if you search the Internet.

The 18" handle is a great length for either holding the bag in your hands or throwing it over your shoulder. Tassel pulls and gold hardware complete the look, along with casual but cool stitching. There is a pocket for your cell phone (of course) and one inside zipper compartment, which leaves the rest of the inside open to use as you please. The lining is a feminine pink and white, which many women are delighted to find in direct contrast to its black exterior. This is an excellent choice for your bag for all seasons - or at least for three of the four seasons.

Balenciaga Handbags for All Seasons

The slouch handbag by Balenciaga is another great everyday handbag. Seen on celebrities like Lisa Rinna, Cameron Diaz and Nicole Richie, is a gorgeously casual bag to be carried with pride. Balenciaga is known for blending superior craftsmanship with head-turning design - and this is no exception. The Balenciaga Day bag retails for just over $1000 and is worth every penny.

Its precision hand stitching is exceptional, and so is every other feature of this fine handbag. Made in Italy, it has aged brass hardware accents and a cute little framed mirror to complement the spacious bag. It is crafted from butter-soft lambskin, and is available in a wide variety of colors. If this is your 'go-to' handbag, you should love the color you are wearing! While some women opt for a neutral colored everyday handbag, you can have some fun here if you are a bit more daring. The Balenciaga Day bag comes in bold, beautiful colors like Storm (which is a beautiful shade of blue) and Framboise (which is a salmon-type pink). It also comes in neutrals such as black, Pebble and Anthracite (dark gray).

If you are only able to afford one slouch handbag in one color for a true all-seasons bag, the best choice would be a neutral and fairly warm shade of brown. Brown is still quite popular, and opting for tan or camel instead of dark brown or sandy light brown will give you more options as the seasons change.

Marc Jacobs Handbags for All Seasons<

One bag we found in a great all-around brown (as well as white, gray and black) is the slouch by Marc Jacobs. This designer actually creates a number of gorgeous slouch bags, some of which can be found in neutrals and others in more daring and bold prints.

Whether you like Dooney Bourke, and Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, or another designer not mentioned here, choosing a sexy slouch that is designer-quality, yet casual, is a smart move. These bags combine comfort, sophistication and style to make an ideal handbag for all seasons.

Megan Hazel is a freelance writer who writes about fashion, often discussing specific items for women such as handbag organizers.