By Bag Snob Kelly

January 23, 2012

It’s the handbag equivalent of sleek bell-bottoms: it seems like flared-out sides is the big new look for totes. With their wild Trapeze, Céline has already been all over the shape, and now a more moderate take proves a great new silhouette for Givenchy.

Slouchy yet sharp, Givenchy is showcasing a keen way to blend blocks of color, defined by notice-me stitching and zippers. Also like the Trapeze, the flamboyant edges may be tucked in for an entirely different style. Actually, the functional zippers, which you’ll be using to switch up your shopper’s form, are great accents on their own. Zipped up, you have a lower-key and more conservative bag, sans the strong color-blocking look – the simple pairing of beautiful blue and camel works so well.

This tri-colored shopper is made to get around: nice and wide, the bag dips in the middle to contour to your body and the shape of the shoulder straps make for a comfortable fit. An open pocket on the inside ensures you find your phone in the expansive interior. Available for pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman for $1,700 (expected to ship by February 22nd).

Pair with: Cool and neutral is the way to go when it comes to your shoes. With a dressy stiletto heel and eyelet-studded military straps, Ralph Lauren Collection’s Jessalin canvas sandals are a jazzed-up day look. On Net-a-Porter for $695.