Recently in Accessories Category

Q. I have a few metallic handbags (a gold hobo and a silver clutch) but I’m not sure if they’re still in style. Can I wear them this summer?

A. Metallic accessories are always in style! Yes, some seasons they are considered a “trend” but they’ve also become a wardrobe staple over the past 10 years or so. As far as I’m concerned, you can never go wrong with a metallic sandal or a glittering handbag — they are the perfect neutral accessories to wear with almost anything in your wardrobe, day or night.

I especially love metallic accents in the summer; a flat gold sandal worn with shorts, a skirt or a day dress is pretty much my go-to summer look. A silver, bronze or gold handbag works year round, but I particularly love one paired with summery white, turquoise, yellow, and pink.

Here are a few metallic accessories you’ll want to wear for years to come:

Deux Lux Atlas Tote, Bronze $142 - Last Call by Neiman Marcus

Jalda Metallic Snake Nakia Clutch $395 - Endless.com

Metallic Snake Belt Tan $48 - Vince Camuto

MICHAEL Michael Kors Edie Large Metallic Hobo $398 - Endless.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Metallic Washed Python-Embossed Berkely Clutch $198 - Endless.com

Lucky Brand Women’s Georgia Thong Sandal $49 - Endless.com

kate spade new york “Carolyn” Strappy Sandals $325 - Bloomingdale’s

Klub Nico Women’s Jamie Flat Sandal $75 - Endless.com

Q. I’m so bored with my plain black wallet. For something that I use literally every day, I want to invest in something more stylish that will make me smile every time I take it out of my handbag. Can you recommend some stylish wallets?

A. So true! For something that we use every day, surprisingly little thought goes into choosing a wallet. Of course, it must be functional and have all the right slots inside to hold all of our cards, but it should be stylish, too! We hunted down some of the best wallets around, and since it’s Cheap Chic Week at StyleBakery, many are under $100 — but I couldn’t resist sneaking in some splurges, too.

More Lodis…

Q. I love white bags but I’m not a fan of gold…that’s the issue I’m having this spring. [via Twitter]

A. Though white is often paired with gold, it can also be found with silver hardware. Here are some great spring options for you:

Badgley Mischka Melissa Grande $498 - Zappos Couture

Calvin Klein Handbag, Manhattan Hobo Bag $228 - Macy’s

ROMYGOLD Wristet Clutch $295 - The Shoe Box

Cole Haan - H.W.S. Sheila Crossbody $198 - Zappos

Steve Madden - BHypno Large Tote $108 - Zappos

Kathy Van Zeeland - Double Play Tote $99 - Zappos

Tignanello - Multi Pocket Organizer $79 - Zappos

B. Makowsky - Isabel Satchel $268 - Zappos

Spiced Up Tote $79 - Nine West

Q. I want to graduate from the backpack to the messenger bag, mostly because, as my father told me, “no one looks good in a backpack,” but I don’t know what to look for and how to find one that will actually last without breaking the bank. All I need is something to carry my laptop and a few books (okay, not all).

A. I tend to agree with your father’s style advice: backpacks are not the most flattering bag option. Luckily, cross body (or messenger) bags are hot right now, so there are many stylish options available in a variety of price points. We scouted out some affordable styles for you that are a bit more chic and feminine than the traditional (and typically masculine) messenger bag. Most of these should fit a laptop and some books.

More Matt & Nat…

Last week we answered the question about how to wear bright bags for spring. Now that we’ve shown you some great runway-inspired styling options, we thought it only fair that we scout out some of the best bright bags for spring. Here are some of our favorites to update your wardrobe in every price range:

More Kate Spade…