Is a Bucket on Your List? The Bucket Bag

Attention, all handbag aficionados, one of the must-have handbags for 2012 is a bucket bag.

Yes, I know bucket bag sounds very un-glamorous and hardly high fashion, but hey, I can’t think of a better name, because that’s pretty much what it is, a handbag shaped like and usually carried like a bucket. Now, I like glamour as much as the next gal, but the bucket handbag is one of my favorites. In addition to being nice and roomy, you usually have the option to carry it like a bucket or with a shoulder strap that can be hidden, adjusted, or simply removed.

A bucket purse is one of those traditional shapes when it comes to handbags, and although it’s primarily shaped like a bucket, it hardly looks like one. Actually, a bucket bag could be called a magical bag. Thanks to all of the interesting hardware, embellishments, and textiles that are available, you can get just about any look you’re trying to achieve simply by your choice of details. A buckle or drawstring option instantly changes the shape of your bag to mimic a framed purse or a high-end knapsack. Personally, I usually carry this thing like a bucket, as its name suggests, and I’d go for leather for this type of handbag.

Bucket bags are definitely a part of spring/summer hot fashions, and are showing up on the shoulders and arms of both celebrity and mortal fashionistas. It’s also a handbag style that has a loyal fan base, so you can find it even when the excitement simmers down. Bucket handbags are perfect for the busy gal when they’re carried hands-free. One of these bags can easily pull double duty as a small overnight bag, work tote, or even a cool diaper bag.

If you are going to choose this bag to add to your handbag collection, one bit of hardware that is a must-have is purse feet on the bottom. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this small but important bit of detailing, purse feet are the four stud-like pieces on the bottom of a purse that match the other metal findings. Purse feet give the bag a bit more of a shape and keep your bag from actually touching the floor. You can make this bag more spring-like by choosing a bright color, or perhaps choose a color blocked bucket bag. When the temperature rises a bit more, be sure to check this purse out in a fun, straw, wicker, or canvas and leather mix.