Amanda Mull March 10, 2011 Savvy

Kate Spade is my pick for the best contemporary bag of Spring 2011

Ever since I first saw the Kate Spade Essex Scout Flap Bag in an advertisement several months ago, I’ve been watching and waiting for it to hit stores so that I could finally write about it. We may only be 11 days into March, but based on everything that I’ve seen from the season’s contemporary handbag lines during press previews and pre-orders, this is the bag on which I’d spend my money if I could only choose one.

My taste usually doesn’t skew toward clean-lined preppy satchels, but something about the traditional simplicity of this bag mixed with the smooth leather and crisp details is very visually satisfying. When you mix that with the optimistic shade of yellow that’s perfect for spring’s brights trend, you have a very cool, very on-trend bag for a price that won’t have you eating ramen until summer gets here. Buy through Nordstrom for $395.

Marianna

I really like this bag. The color is so great for summer and it’s the right size for going out and traveling light. It makes me wish I had a Margarita right now! :)
Mochababe73

I love the color. Spring break is next week, and I would love to take this to the rodeo and be hands-free while eating really fattening fair food.
19yearslater

It’s really cute. I’m not preppy but sometimes I like to wear something that looks a little schoolgirl, and this fits the bill.
Julia

I just returned the orange version of this bag. I had all of the same superlatives while checking it out online but it was a huge disappointment once I had it in the flesh. The learher is stiff and waxy and emitted the most noxious kind of plasticky odor I have ever inhaled from a bag. Also, the orange color was NOT a classic orange, which was represented online; instead I got this neon orange abomination. I was so disappointed!
Lulugurl

Love the colour, but I am a sucker for brights!
Joyce

Love the design; from Julia’s comment, too bad it’s not as appealing in the flesh!
Karin bag4bag

I am loving the bone colored one. The hot pink looks nice too. Hmm I hope Julia’s experience was a one off batch…
Mishie

Very cute and spring like!
MizzJ

After reading all your runway coverage lately, it is such a relief to see a handbag that I could actually use. And which also isn’t an exotic, but a simple smooth leather. I don’t need fabulous everyday; sometimes classic is just fine.

http://highmaintenancewoman.blogspot.com
Chic ‘n Cheap Living

Great clean, classic style and color – on-trend, but one that will stick around for a while!

xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
ling

saw & tried this in store. extremely cute, goes with virtually everything. so tempted to just grab & go but i’ve got my cambridge satchel already. dang!