Spotted & Wanted: J. Crew Collection Bags

While running a few errands yesterday I popped into J. Crew to check out some of the new spring pieces. Not much has changed apparel-wise; the muted peach color dominates the palette once again (and who wears that washout shade anyways?), and the sweetly embellished tees are everywhere again too. Everything is layered together, draped with sparkling gems, and paired with short shorts or stick-straight pencil skirts. In other words: classic J. Crew.

For as much as this is a winning combination for the brand, I do wish they'd switch it up a bit more often. Where are the bold prints from just a few years ago? Anyways, I digress.

Things that were a lovely surprise were the new J. Crew Collection handbags. The first one I saw was the Metallic Beacon Hobo. Lots of cargo room with a soft, casual shape, and in a lightweight metallic crackled leather. The short brown leather straps are the perfect finish. I really need a new handbag, and this one would be the perfect thing for every day, and it would carry me through until next Fall.

But wouldn't a luscious black leather bag be a more practical choice? To entertain that notion, J. Crew quickly presented me with the Grommet Parlour Hobo in supple black leather with golden brass grommets. The double-length straps would make this especially versatile around the city. A great look for a punky yet polished, professional ensemble.

Both bags are really reasonably priced too, at just $298, which is a great price for a piece that will last for years - even after being worn practically every day! Now which one to choose?