Updated! Stephanie Brummell talks up Material Girl on Q94 on August 5th, 2008!
Let's face it - in each of us down-to-earth, innocent and soulfully beautiful women, there lies a pretty-purse hungry, latest trend-setting, new-outfit yearning Material Girl.
Carrie Bradshaw may have said it best in this summer's box office hit, "Sex in the City," in admitting that maybe all we're really looking for in this life are "love and labels."
But while labels sound nice, may claim to last a lifetime and look oh-so-chic when we take them out for a night on the town, not all fashionistas in the shopping world are in the position to boast a closet full of such stylish new friends.
And that's why we're here. This week, Richmond.com introduces our new column "Material Girl" – a look at where Richmond's big spender, middle-of-the-road and penny pinching Material Girls can find all they need for the wardrobe that fits their budget.
This month, as the temperature heats up and your chances at catching a summer vacation slowly diminish, we're taking a look at the Material Girls' number one summer essential for all her other fabulous things: the beach bag.
Stripes
Designer: Coach Legacy ($298)
The popular Coach Legacy tote not only has bold colors for the summer, but brass leather trim that is sure to reflect the sun and make you shine. Multi-functional pockets on the inside are protected by a zip top closure.
Find it locally at Coach Stony Point, Macy's at Short Pump or at coach.com.
Big Spender: LeSportsac Small Tote ($68)This colorful nylon tote not only keeps you stylish, but organized with three pockets on the front, a pocket inside and matching zip-closure bag – perfect for holding onto sunscreen, lip balm or spare cash.
Find it locally at Macy's, 5 locations or at macys.com.
Middle-of-the-Road: Canvas and Ribbon Bag ($24.95)Every Material Girl knows that a little ribbon can go a long way, and this canvas bag is covered in stripes of ribbon. With a zip-top closure, roomy interior and bamboo handles, you'll look fresh and sleek all summer long. For $18 more, add a little personal flair by monogramming your initials.
Find it locally at Occasionally, 3407 W. Cary St., or at occasionallyhandbags.com.
Penny Pincher: Striped Straw Beach Tote ($6.99)This lightweight tote is made of 100% paper straw with a sturdy canvas trim. It may not have all the glitz and glamour of the designer bag, but with plenty of interior room and pockets for lotion, shades a towel and much more, it’s not just the price that fits just right.
Available for purchase only at oldnavy.com.
Floral
Designer: Orla Kiely Stem Print Beach Bag ($189)Be the envy of all the flowers with this shiny, laminated bold and bright stem-print beach bag. Zip and mobile pockets make it easy to store all your beach necessities and leather reinforced canvas straps will help you take on the rest of summer with style.Find it locally at Pink, 3158 W. Cary St. or at pinkstore.com.
Big Spender: Puccini Super Tote ($85)They don’t call it the super tote for nothing. Designed with the "heavy packing" girl in mind, this beautiful brown, green, magenta and a golden orange tote is also equipped with not 5, not 6 but 10 slip-in pockets, and a trigger clasp for keys to help keep this Material Girl organized.Locate a retailer or purchase at verabradley.com.
Middle-of-the-Road: O'Neill High Moon Tote ($36)Floral gets a boost into high gear with bright vibrant floral patters and colors, accented by beach-esque braided handles. Flash off your style and keep valuable safe with this fully lined, snap-closure tote.Find it locally at Buckle at Short Pump or at buckle.com.
Penny Pincher: Envirosax Red and White Floral Eco Bag ($9.95)You, and others, will be green with envy once they catch a glimpse of this bold and red floral designed tote. Paper or plastic they ask? You say neither – use this tote to pick up a fresh fruit treat for the beach later and to hold other beach necessities. This tote also rolls up conveniently to become a lightweight portable. Find it locally at South Moon Under at Short Pump or at southmoonunder.com.
Straw
Designer: Queen Bea Studio Sand Dollar and Silk Tote ($120) This straw tote is woven from a choking week in the Thai rivers and is adorned with 24 karat gold plated sand dollar that just obviously screams summer. Choose from a tropical aqua, rich espresso, black or lime juice ribbon.Find it locally at Tickle Your Fancy at Stony Point or at tickleyourfancyonline.com.
Big Spender: Provence Straw Bag ($78)When cornhusk straw and metallic-gold leather come together, summer can’t get any sweeter. This thickly woven bag is sturdy enough to hold whatever the Material Girl deems worthy of a day on the beach. A leather-band closes the top with antiqued-brass finished hardware.Find it locally at J. Crew at Short Pump or at jcrew.com.
Middle-of-the-Road: Front Pocket Straw Tote ($38)A tote in its truest form, this woven paper design boasts two front pockets, adorned with tassel accents and a woven shoulder strap. One single multi-purpose pocket offers enough room for a towel, shades, lotion and maybe even a few surprises.Find it locally at Arden B, 2 locations or at ardenb.com.
Penny Pincher: Crochet Flower Tote ($14.90)What better to take with you to the edge of the sea than a 100 percent sea-grass woven tote? A lacey crochet overlay transforms an ordinary bucket tote into a floral, beachside beauty.Find it locally at Coldwater Creek, 2 locations or coldwatercreek.com.
Clear
Designer: Marc by Marc Jacobs "Marcer" Clear Logo Tote Bag ($228)Marc Jacobs invites you to put everything out in the open this summer, with this designer logo-printed trim and clear tote. Big enough to hold a towel, your favorite guilty-pleasure summer read, lotion, sunglasses and much more – make a statement by bearing it all.Find it locally at Nordstrom at Short Pump or at nordstrom.com.
Big Spender: Ready-to-Go Mesh Tote ($42)Decide which mesh fits you best with choices of pink, blue or green to celebrate sunny summer days. Each bag comes with its own detachable floral patch and straw mat perfect for sunbathing, making this 3-for-1 bargain a great deal. Find it locally at Macy's, 5 locations or at macys.com.
Middle-of-the-Road: Rock Rox Tote ($29.50)Rock your own style with your choice of a clear Rock Rox tote in banana with birds or black with a kiss of citrus passion and a tart twist. A small interior pocket makes it easy to organize mini beach essentials. Locate a retailer or purchase at roxy.com.
Penny Pincher: Cynthia Rowley Clear Tote Bag ($14.99)These clear tote bags pair up some of the best things about summer for a one of a kind design. The single multi-purpose, open pocket makes it easy to grab anything you need on the go. Choose between sailboats, ladybugs, madras or stripes.Find it localyl at Target, 9 locations or at target.com.