What woman doesn’t love a sleek, satchel-style handbag? The popular two-strapped purse is great for hand-held toting or as a casual shoulder bag (depending on the handle size). This season satchels are sprouting up in every shade and material to fit all tastes. From vibrantly colored patent leather to abstract-designed canvas, satchels are always a stylish and smart handbag staple.

What’s your favorite purse style (hobo, clutch, shoulder bag, or tote)?

Marc by Marc Jacobs Alyona Patent Leather Satchel available at www.saks.com for $1,350

Botkier Contrast Woven Satchel available at www.nordstrom.com for $595

Dana Buchanan Faux Leather Satchel available at www.kohls.com for $56

Tory Burch Embossed Lux Nico Satchel available at www.toryburch.com for $435

Anthropologie Loop & Purl Satchel available at www.anthropologie.com for $149 (orig. $310)

Banana Republic Free Sport Small Satchel available at www.bananarepublic.com for $198

Nine West Sitting Pretty Nubuck Satchel available at www.ninewest.com for $69.99

Tianni Abstract Canvas Satchel available at www.endless.com for $42

For all you BGs who use your cellphones as watches, you’re going to change your minds after checking out the following timepieces! I must admit, I hadn’t worn a watch in a while, but I got tired of trying to find my cellphone in the abyss that is my purse, every time I needed to know the time. So, I recently bought a two-tone watch that is semi-dressy, but yet still very practical. From slender feminine styles, to bulky oversized “boyfriend” trends, the variety of watch styles are endless.

Do you wear watches or do you use your cellphone instead?

Check out some of these:

Toy Watch Citrine Plasteramic Watch available at www.saks.com for $195

Fossil Analog Watch available at www.fossil.com for $85

Fossil Pink Dial Watch available at www.fossil.com for $65

AK Anne Klein White Dial Two-Tone Watch available at www.dillards.com for $55

Marc by Marc Jacobs Round-Dial Leather Watch available at www.bloomingdales.com for $125

“Outside the Box” Watch available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $49.99

Oversized Chronograph Watch in Silver & Gold available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $250

Burberry Studded Timepiece available at www.burberry.com for $495

Skagen Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch available at www.macys.com for $130

Now that spring is officially only a few days away, floral prints are sprouting up everywhere. From frilly frocks to flirty camisoles, flowers both large and small are finding their way into fashionistas’ closets. I’ve never been a huge fan of floral motifs, but I’m trying to step outside of my box of basic black into more color. So when it comes to this trend, I will proceed with caution or take very slow baby steps.

Are you a fan of florals? For those of you who are, check out some of these feminine pieces:

Tracy Reese Floral Strapless Dress available at www.eluxury.com for $450

Ali Ro Floral Printed Silk Top available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $245

American Eagle Vines Halter Cami available at www.ae.com for $24.50

Vintage Flower Field Scarf available at www.forever21.com for $7.80

Floral Split Neck Shift Dress available at www.gap.com for $68

Floral Tiered Skirt available at www.victoriassecret.com for $39.50

Sir Alistair Rai Sammi Floral Pashmina Scarf available at www.singer22.com for $152

Sleeveless Tiered Dress available at www.macys.com for $54

Silk Floral Print Halter Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150

Nothing instantly adds polish to jeans and a simple tank like a blazer. Whether worn fitted or loose, blazers give a touch of sophistication to casual outfits and an extra dose of fabulousness to dressy ensembles. This spring, be playful with bright hues, but if you desire a more conservative laid-back look, stick to neutral tones. Remember a quality, well-tailored blazer is a classic piece that every BG should own because it will stand the test of time!

Do you own a blazer? Will you wear one this spring?

Priorities Sarah Preppy Blazer available at www.dillards.com for $148

Ruched Front Shirt Jacket available at www.expressfashion.com for $69.50

Boyfriend Blazer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $49.50

Diane Von Furstenberg Sammy Crochet Blazer available at www.netaporter.com for $395

Alice & Olivia Billy Boy Blazer available at www.bloomindales.com for $396

Sporty Chic Blazer available at www.forever21.com for $17.99

Lauren Jeans Blazer with Piping available in petite & plus sizes at www.bloomingdales.com for $89.40

Pins & Needles Patchwork Blazer available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $108

Tommy Hilfiger Pickstitched Denim Blazer available at www.macys.com for $73.87

Suit Jacket available at www.mango.com for $99

**BTW, are you BGs on Facebook? If so, I’d love for you to join the Brown Girl Gumbo group! 🙂

Despite the fact we’re expecting a foot of snow here in New York today, I’m still thinking bright thoughts when it comes to spring. Since I rarely wear anything besides dark colors and a few neutrals during the colder months, spring is the time when I slowly begin to add a dash of color to my wardrobe. Although I’m generally not a huge fan of color when it comes to clothes, bright things like flowers in bloom and blue skies do inspire me to play around with color a bit.

Are you a fan of color year-round or are you like me, only wear it a little here and there during the spring/summer seasons?

Shrunken V-Neck Cardigan available at www.expressfashion.com for $39.50

Twelfth Street Mexican Print Dress available at www.pinkmascara.com for $324

3/4 Sleeve Swing Jacket available at www.armaniexchange.com for $125

Woven Scarf available at www.forever21.com for $7.80

Lantern Sleeve Ruffle Top available at www.gap.com for $54

Bright Pintucked Shift Dress available at www.bananarepublic.com for $150

Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch available at www.netaporter.com for $250

Cap Sleeve Scoop-Neck available at www.bananarepublic.com for $30

During New York’s 7-day fashion-frenzy last week, I noticed that many of the runways were peppered with models donning structured shirts and tops with strong shoulders from designers’ fall collections. However, for spring that will definitely not be the case. This upcoming season stores will be stocked with silky chiffons and sexy sheers. This light-weight, lady-like look adds a bit of romance to any outfit.

Will you be wearing a billowy blouse this spring?

Check out some of these:

Tulip Sleeve Blouse available at www.victoriassecret.com for $78

Amina Chiffon Top available at www.forever21.com for $19.80

M2K Belted Chiffon Blouse available at www.pinkmascara.com for $120

BCBG Max Azria Chiffon Top available at www.bluefly.com for $107.10

Vamp Satin Weave Chiffon Top available at www.ninewest.com $79

Diane Von Furstenberg Lutece Print Chiffon Blouse available at www.tobi.com for $185

Elle Ruffle Chiffon Top available at www.kohls.com for $27.99

DKNY Jeans Chiffon Tuxedo Blouse available www.macys.com for $55.30

Romeo & Juliet Couture Sleeveless Chiffon Tunic available at www.emoda.com for $79

Silk Chiffon Pleated Blouse available at www.victoriassecret.com for $58