8 Exciting Handbag Trends for SpringSummer 2012 ...

As one of the season’s boldest and most unexpected handbag trends, printed purses are chic, high style, and fashion forward. They're a direct influence, in fact, from the heavily printed clothing design trends of the Spring/Summer 2012 ready to wear collections. These current bags, truly small works of art, are admittedly limited in terms of versatility. Yet they make up for any shortcomings with exciting patterns, bold colors and inspired artistic prints perfect for the fashionista in all of us. Finally, an answer to the age-old question: this is what you get the girl who has everything!

From the runways of fashion powerhouses Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Fendi and Prada crocodile skin was one of the foremost handbag trends of the season. Classic, sophisticated and luxurious, crocodile has long been a favorite of the fashion set and is available for Spring/Summer 2012 in modern colors and chic styles ideal for a range of personal tastes. Think perfectly ladylike with an edge of dramatic elegance when working your crocodile bag in to a wardrobe and remember: with bold materials less is always deliciously more.

Large scale, fold-over, wristlet... brush up on your trendy handbag lingo ladies because the traditional clutch has been updated and these fresh new designs are some of the season’s most prominent handbag trends. Once considered exclusively an evening bag, the latest styles feature larger scaling which is perfect for transitioning your clutch from day to evening, stunning fold-over looks for a modern and understated approach to minimalistic dressing, and chic, versatile wristlets ideal for the woman-on-the-go.

While larger totes have dominated the past few seasons, Spring/Summer 2012 welcomes the sleeker, down-sized version of this functional carry-all. As handbag trends go, this smaller tote balances functionality with an urban, modern vibe - ideal for coming to and from the office or running your weekend errands in style. Although they do mean paring down the amount we carry, the scale of these current bags are more flattering, more comfortable and more stylish than their enormous predecessors.

Filling your style prescription will be more fashionable than ever this season as the doctor’s bag is back in a big way. Easily one of the most usable of the latest handbag styles, the doctor’s bag is everyday perfection - structured, versatile, wear-with-anything and take-anywhere wonderful. For maximum use select this traditional design in a muted tone - black, navy and taupe are all stunning choices - but keep in mind that classic pieces are also a great opportunity to integrate a hint of the season’s trends in with your conservative taste by selecting the bag in a dramatic color like pink, orange and red, or even in a print.

On the list of current bags, this is officially the least practical of all our choices. But teeny, tiny, micro purses are a major handbag trend for Spring/Summer 2012, and they are cute! Ideal for an evening event, a night out on the town or a special occasion, Lanvin, Versace and Moschino all showed us how mini is done right with unique, unforgettable bags in their Spring/Summer 2012 collections. Yes, you cannot bring much with you, but like our printed purses, these bags are all about adding visual interest to your look in a high fashion way. Remember stalkers, good things come in small packages...

Pinks, oranges, greens, blues, yellows and reds - the hottest hues in handbag trends this season are bright and bold! Inspired by the colors dominating the runways, the latest handbag styles feature flirty sorbet tones, electric neons and beautiful brights perfect for adding a splash of color to any look. Keep these bags understated by adding them to enhance a neutral, monochromatic look, or play off the color-blocking trend still so popular in the fashion industry and confidently pair your tangerine bag with a pink dress, or stylishly pop that cobalt clutch against your red skinny jeans. Letting your true colors shine has never looked so fashionable!

Casual chic, the small shoulder bag is perhaps one of the most universally popular handbag trends for the season. Super versatile, this easy-to-wear purse is comfortable, can be dressed up or down, and is a timeless fashion staple among stylish women. The modern designs for this season - featured in the collections of designers like Paul Smith, Etro and Hermes - showcase lengthy straps, unique colors or embellishment and unexpected materials. Although, that being said, sleek, simple leather never goes out of taste.

Handbag trends for Spring/Summer 2012 are a blend of function and fashion - the classic pieces we rely on to compliment our lifestyles with whimsical, modern elements to set these styles apart. As designers left no style stone unturned, there is truly something for everyone is this dynamic season - whatever your personal taste, rounding out your wardrobe with a variety of the latest handbag styles is one of the most effective ways to complete your outfit and add a dash of 'hip' to your ensemble. Which of the current handbag trends is your favorite?

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