Bucket Bag

So many of my favorite bloggers are carrying bucket bags lately, and I am loving the return of this handbag trend.  You already know I love my bohemian looks, and bucket bags have that wonderful carefree feel when casually thrown over the shoulder.  They are also practical, roomy, and a great choice for a traveling fashionista like myself.  After keeping this Banana Republic cognac version on my wishlist this spring, I finally pulled the trigger a few weeks ago when BR threw out a 40% off no exclusions code on Twitter.  I'm very happy with the soft leather and the size: it's big enough to hold all of the essentials and my little Canon G16 camera when I travel, but not large enough to weigh down with too many items.  For today's outfit, I chose a simple neutral palette and paired this bucket bag with a peplum top, shorts, gold jewelry, and super comfy low-heeled sandals.  I added just a bit of color with this Sonia Kashuk for Target lipstick in very berry, something I don't do often but I really like the effect!

 Bag: "Dalia Bucket Bag"  in cognac, see available colors online, $90.99 (on sale!) at Banana Republic here  

Top: Alice + Olivia via Nordstrom Rack, similar "Peplum Top" in natural white, $20 at H&M here

Shorts: Banana Republic Factory, check out the "Factory Pleated Short" in ivory (also available in melon and black), $24.50 at J Crew Factory here
Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Henry" in gold, $250 at Nieman Marcus here

Sandals: Charles David "Gisele Sandal" in cognac (also available in black) $69.95 at DSW here
Lipstick: "Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color SPF 16," $9.99 at Target here

As much as every blogger would love to get her hands on the Mansur Gavriel or updated Louis Vuitton bucket bags this year, the truth is that isn't practical for the majority of us for a trendy item.  The great thing about handbag trends, though, is that there are always wallet-friendly options available.  Check out my picks for bucket bags under $50 below:

Left: "Fringed Drawstring Bucket Bag" in black, $49.90 at Express here

Middle: "Faux-Leather Tassled Bucket Bag" in mocha brown (also available in white and navy), $32.94 at Old Navy here

Right: "Pebbled Bucket Bag" in red (also available in black), $39.99 at Mango here

If you have a higher budget this season, check out these luxe bucket bags with price tags between $150 and $200:

 

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Too Hot to Handle Mini Drawstring Bag" in black, $198 at Shopbop here, also available in tracker tan and turkish tile here 

Middle: "The Dylan Bucket Bag" in burnished caramel, $178 at Madewell here 

Right: Foley + Corinna "Convertible Sling Drawstring Bucket Bag" in black, $145 at Nieman Marcus Last Call here 

 How would you style a bucket bag this summer?  Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday week!