Bowed Over

The backpack.

Sure, it's big enough to hold your stash of stuff and still leave you hands free to double-clutch your Starbucks venti mocha cappuccino and biscotti, but it just screams "third period with Mrs. O'Dwyer for English Literature."

The only thing missing: a Trapper Keeper with Johnny Boy's name and hearts scribbled all over the front.

So unless you're hiking through Europe for your last romp with adolescence, ditch the sad sack for the flaunt-it now Valentino Bow Tote, the TDF combination of preppy-sweet meets portability.

Available in red and black, the sassy side bow adds a Alexis Morrell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan vibe to dress up your "the corner office will be mine" power suit. And after climbing the corporate ladder all week, throw it over your shoulder with a pair of jeans for a touch of lady-like whimsy.

At $895 from Neiman Marcus, you might have to clock a lot of over-time to afford the princely sum. Or skip the whole Ramen noodle debt diet and sling this Brick Lane tote by Marc B. on for size (Topshop.com, $120).

Honestly, going to work from 9 to 5 is hard enough; dress up the doldrums of everyday with a brilliant bag!

Look for Less: Valentino Floral Tote

If I had a million dollars, I'd have a Valentino 'Glamorous' floral tote in every color. With a bouquet of leather flower embellishments, it totally lives up to its name. But with a princely $2,995 price tag, I can only wipe the drool from my mouth in bag envy.

But I refused to be defeated. I was a woman on a shopping mission. So I set my Shop It To Me alerts in the unlikely event the bag goes on sale at an amount that wouldn't have me deciding between Ramen noodle flavors. Yeah, still waiting.

I had better luck searching through the hundreds of retail sites I have bookmarked and my admittedly obsessive tendencies paid off.



Check out this totally cute 'Oasis Flower Satchel' from Jessica Simpson. Yes, you read that right. Who knew? Jess might not know the difference between canned chicken and tuna but the girl has an eye for cute accessories. The style obviously isn't as luxe as the one by Valentino but it captures the same spirit of whimsy and it's tres summertime fabulous.

It's on sale for $69.99 (from $98) at Baker's Shoes which is one of my all-time favorite stores. I've been shopping at the one in Chi-town since scrunchies were in and have yet to make a trip without leaving with a shopping bag. Or two. Definitely some of the best prices on trendy shoes and bags in the city.

What do you think of my frugal find, lambs?