I like to play with accessories just as much as I like to play with cosmetics, and handbags are a close, close second to my growing collection of shoes. It’s been so hard to narrow down my favorites, so I thought I’d share a few on my wishlist.

1. The Nikki Hobo by Rebecca Minkoff is one of my favorites and on my wish list for this fall! I love this sort of oxblood color. It packs as much punch as a red, but is far more versatile and neutral. Bags by Rebecca Minkoff always make a statement without in-your-face logos. The materials are great quality and the bags are definitely an investment piece.
2. For a shot of color, I love the James Leather Satchel in purple from Botkier. Purple is everywhere from Fall cosmetics collections to sweaters, dresses, and shoes. I’d like this to go with an outfit in a neutral palette and maybe some great patterned peep toe pumps. Like Rebecca Minkoff, Botkier is definitely a fashionable investment. The leather wears nicely and the bag holds quite a lot. I feel like Botkier bags look better the longer you own them!
3. Everyone knows that here at Beyond Beauty Basics we love products that are green! One of my favorite new finds for handbags is the collection from Apple & Bee. My absolute favorite bag by Apple & Bee is the wooden handle clutch. I love it in black and white and the flowered pattern is perfect for dressing up a daytime look or for a nice date night. All of their bags are made with organic materials, and this clutch is lined with beautiful bamboo silk and includes and inner pocket. This bag is great for a date because it has room for makeup to do touch-ups, but I was able to carry my wallet in there as well! It’s so hard to find a clutch that can hold so much. The Apple & Bee collection is also available at www.VitaminShoppe.com.
4. For great quality, affordable leather bags, I love the collection that Banana Republic carries. I love the Flatiron cross-body satchel in black for this Fall. The leather is very durable, and I love that the company signature logo is inside the bag on the lining instead of plastered all over the outside! This bag is big enough for my work files, but also big enough to carry my notebooks, paperbacks, and hardcover books for school!
5. For fun and affordable bags, I always love to see what Express has to offer. When I know I am going to be out on the town, I don’t want to spend a fortune on a bag I may spill drinks or food on, or that I might drop while dancing. My favorite clutch at Express, the Stripe Foldover Clutch has great colors, fits everything I need for a date night or a night out with the girls, but it can easily be wiped clean just in case. The colors are absolutely gorgeous, and the bags from Express are fun and fabulous!

Lately I’ve been rocking my Rachel Abroms‘ leather wrap bracelet. It’s perfect for spring—I love the idea of the chunky beading and cuff like quality in contrast with a sweet, innocent dress. The other day someone actually said: “Where did you get those bracelets?” As in Plural. That’s the great thing about the piece, you can wrap it anyway you want and make it look like you’re either wearing many bracelets or one large, funky bracelet. I heard some people even wear them as necklaces.

As a spring treat, Rachel is giving all our readers a 20% twenty percent discount off her entire collection. Check out her web site: www.rachelabromsstudio.com and enter Beyond Beauty Basics at checkout to save. I took advantage of this deal and bought my mother a wrap bracelet for her birthday, but one of the smaller stoned versions because she has tiny wrists. I’ll let you know if she likes it!

What’s the perfect accessory that goes with all of your gladiator sandals this summer? Color, color, color on your toes! And even more color on your finger tips! Essie has launched its summer collection and I am loving all of the bold and delicious bright neon color!The summer calls for bright colored dresses and even brighter toes. The new Essie Neon Collection will rock your summer with color and attitude.

With names like Bermuda Shorts, Short Shorts, Mini Shorts, and Shorty Pants… your toes will definitely get the attention they deserve. I also love these colors for your nails. Bermuda Shorts is my favorite! I love the depth of the purple and it’s the pop of color I need for all of my summer wardrobe.

Get creative with your nails, that old pink and white French is so last year, try to add your own flavor by mixing and matching your faves. I love Short Shorts as a base color all over the nail and use the Short Pants yellow as your line at the end for the hottest new French manicure of the season!

Just have fun, your nails are an accessory to your outfit and moods so let your individual style shine through. Enjoy!

The summer is here and the sun is stronger than ever! Not to worry, hats are making a huge comeback this season and the trend is the bigger the better. I think Samantha on Sex and the City proves it in her huge woven sun hat on her deck she used to cover her face while checking out her gorgeous neighbor.

Hats are your summer accessory must have, but are a totally personal choice to how you want to show off your style. Here are some of our favorites that help give you some ideas.
The Kokin Floppy Ribbon Hat comes in black or white trim and you can find it at Bergdorf Goodman. It is absolutely fabulous and extremely durable, this will last all season into next!
The Juicy Couture Visor is so cute and can be worn with just about anything! You will definitely be the cutest girl out on the golf course with this sassy pink hat. Remember, hats are very personal, so style it up the way you want to show off.

Don’t forget about the summer must have! The Fedora Hat! All the celebs are sporting this one on set, off set, shopping, whatever! It is such a great way to cover up a bad hair day!

…and with Indiana Jones being all the rage among the guys, a fedora for him isn’t a bad idea at all!