the new black bag

This summer, I have challenged myself not to carry a black bag. No black clutch, crossbody, tote or traveler shall touch my hands or shoulders. It’s not that I have anything against a black bag, you see. They serve a purpose, just like black sandals. I just think it is time for us all to expand our horizons.

Everyone comes into my store looking for black, thinking it is the most versatile and durable. And since this is a political town, I am here to lobby in favor of color. Think about it: We all know we’re not supposed to buy a black car because it shows the most dirt. Same with bags. As far as “matching everything” goes, black doesn’t look good with summer brights and pastels. It looks like you are carrying your dad’s old briefcase or a doctor’s bag. It is time for us to all lighten up and Alexandria Stylebook is here to help.

Annabel Ingall is quickly become a classic line. It’s available in two sizes , every possible color and the pebbled leather just looks better with time. I have the Parisian Blue and I can’t seem to put it away. They have perfected metallics and neutrals and the brights like bluebell and kelly green are hard to resist.

Another classic is the Jonnie tote by Kooba, a timeless shoulder bag with great compartments so you aren’t always searching for your keys and phone. This summer it will arrive in tangerine and raspberry.

If I still haven’t convinced you to back up black for the summer months, we do a few great options available. Some people just never will accept a “new” black, after all.

• About the author
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Elizabeth Todd

owner | The Hive | The Shoe Hive

https://theshoehive.com

info@theshoehive.com

703.548.7105

I spent the first part of my career as a copy-writer who helped elected officials brag about their support for entrepreneurs. Then I decided to get off the printed page and do it myself. The Shoe Hive made a splash on the fashion scene in Washington, and was named the region’s best shoe store in its first year. Fourteen years later, I have tripled the store’s size and also opened a sister store, The Hive. At The Hive, we offer clothing lines that are sophisticated and approachable like Rag & Bone, Tibi, Raquel Allegra, Ulla Johnson and Veronica Beard. We have tried to fill our racks with clothing you will want to wear all the time, elevated basics that are worth the investment.

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Heard the buzz? The Shoe Hive & The Hive are a pair of luxury boutiques in Old Town Alexandria. Featuring both big name designers like Rag & Bone and Stuart Weitzman and smaller brands like AGL and L'Agence, our unique selection and impeccable service are what set us apart.

www.theshoehive.com

The Shoe Hive                         The Hive
127 S. Fairfax Street               301 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314              Alexandria, VA 22314

703.548.7105                          703.548.7110