What gal’ doesn’t love starting a new season by scoring a great deal on a super cute handbag?

This past week I had hosted a super fun event at my favorite indoor-outlet mall, The Mills At Jersey Gardens to celebrate their annual handbag event– which offers up to an additional 40% off already marked down outlet prices on some great styles and high-end brands, all. month. long.

(Psst! Local friends, they also have a great in-mall social contest that allows you to be entered to win a swoon-worthy handbag by commenting on their favorite style of bag within the post on the Mills at Jersey Gardens Facebook page post about the contest. You can view the post by clicking here.)

On Tuesday I will be taking over The Mills at Jersey Gardens’ instagram account and sharing a few of my favorite finds, so I’m going to leave you in suspense about that until tomorrow BUT, today I wanted to share some of my favorite handbag trends that I spoke about at The Perfect Handbag Event because life’s too short for a boring bag 😉

---

HANDBAG TREND REPORT

BASKETS + POMS 

Nothing says fun-in-the-sun like handbag and accessories made with wicker and raffia straw. Over the years these types of basket inspired bags continue to evolve with trends.

Last year was all about the straw totes and neon poms– which are still hot this year (whew! Who could get enough of those!?). But summer 2017 is taking the basket-inspo to new levels with wicker, creating a bag-meets-basket style that is cute, chic and trendy!

RING HANDLES 

From Gucci to Michael Kors, totes to cross-body, it is all about the circular hardware.

This trend makes a statement and can give your #OOTD a little flare. Wooden handles are great for a beachy vibe while metal rings give a more polished look for work or a night out.

MINIS 

When temperatures are rising, no one wants to carry around a bulky bag.  From crossbody to backpacks, mini bags are popping up all over and are a summer God-send for times you need to carry a few things but also want to be hands free. With the dozens of different styles available these little bags are perfect for everything from a day at an amusement park to strolling the boardwalk.

GUITAR STRAPS + ADD ON ACCESSORIES

Life is too boring for a boring bag! This season it is all about the details.

While many handbags are designed with a lot of detail (i.e. fringe, metal hardware, etc.), this year we are seeing more and more add on accessories that allow you to customize your bag with tassels, furry poms, charms and even guitar straps.

ROMANTIC FLORALS

With blush being the unofficial neutral of the year, romantic florals in contrasty hues, such as navy and magenta, as well as muted pastels go hand in hand. These prints give just a the right amount of “pop” to any neutral outfit.

---