Cheryl Shops

I am not the most patient person. I've been buying summer clothes like they're going out of style, and I can't wait to wear them...and yet, these last few days, the weather has not quite been cooperating with me. I keep forgetting that it's actually still spring, and that I should enjoy this weather, because when it's 90 degrees and, like, 80% humidity, I will miss it. So while I will wait as patiently as possible to wear all of my bright, lightweight purchases, this is a good time to break out the warm-weather accessories, and one of the easiest, most significant changes is trading your dark, heavy, hardware-adorned black leather tote for a cleaner, lighter summer bag. A style that I've seen all over--from runways to mall stores--is a classic leather-trimmed canvas bag. It's a preppy, slightly nautical-inspired staple, and its simplicity is the perfect counterpoint to summer's madcap bright clothing and tribal accessories.

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This Henry Cuir satchel is kind of the ultimate in understated preppy luxury. At first glance, it looks like any old canvas tote, but on closer look, it features saddle-stitching, a unique African bead closure, and a perfectly aged look that only money can buy.

This Giuseppe Zanotti tote has a few more bells and whistles, like a zip pocket and a gold nameplate, but it's still tasteful and low-key. I like the texture of the canvas, and the size is just about perfect--generous enough to hold everything, but not overwhelming.

I loved nearly everything at Tory Burch's spring/summer 2011 fashion show, but the bags in particular really stood out, and so I am completely in love with her two-tone satchel. It has more detail than the previous two--more hardware, more pockets, more straps, and a logo--but it's also more polished as a result. Also, I'm also cheating a little by including this one--it's all leather, not canvas--but it still achieves the same look.

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I go to Ann Taylor's press previews every season, and while the clothes don't particularly stand out for me, I am in love with the accessories. This leather and canvas satchel is a more ladylike take on the trend, with a structured shape and a chic little tassel. The price is also quite reasonable for the quality.

Hunter might be famous for their indestructible Wellington boots, but they've recently made a foray into fashion with trend-conscious shoes and accessories. Their Kailey tote perfectly marries the brand's British heritage with modern style (note all the pockets for your smartphone and other electronics).

DKNY has some of the best takes on the trend--so many, in fact, that I'm including two here. The tote has that classic I'm-going-straight-to-my-yacht frame-and-buckle styling while the utility tote takes practicality into consideration with multiple pockets and a slightly more user-friendly zipper.




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One of the best parts of this trend is that you don't need to shell out for the Henry Cuir bag above to get the look. Here's a totally inexpensive option from Urban Outfitters: the BDG canvas tote. True, the trim is polyurethane (not leather), but this style is roomy enough to hold your weekend essentials and chic enough to blend in with everyone else on the Jitney.

One of my favorite styles is this Fossil Vintage Reissue bag. It's a bit smaller and more of a messenger style than the others, but it's still very classic, and the trim is actually leather--not bad for $108.

But when it comes to bargains, you can't do much better than Topshop's doctor's bag, for a mere $100. It has that timeless framed shape, but it's been updated with pockets galore, and the trim is real leather--a nice touch. Expect to see mine frequently on the Fire Island ferry this summer.