Big bags have been big news in recent years. Some - especially a few slouchy, Boho chic offerings - were so roomy they gave new meaning to the words "lived in." Others were capacious enough to hold your dry cleaning and your laptop.
Sure, they're gorgeous and eye-catching but frequently far too heavy, especially when filled with errant magazines and makeup and, oh, maybe a spare pair of shoes.
The good news: This spring, many designers seem keen to lighten the load a bit, using nylon fabrics instead of leather on a few lines. Some of the handbags, such as Kate Spade's fab Pop Clinton Street line, trimmed with patent leather and shiny hardware, look as luxe as ever, but you won't need a muscle relaxant to kill the pain after carrying one around all day. Others, like Longchamp's Le Pliage totes and the Gap's nylon clutches, are trim and sporty and feather light.
Another result you won't hear us complaining about? The price points on these bags are pretty reasonable, and some are downright affordable. So you won't have to feel guilty for saying, "I'll take two." - HAYLEY KAUFMAN
1. Longchamp Le Pliage Dessinee embroidered nylon tote, $165, available at Bloomingdale’s, 175 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill and at bloomingdales.com.
2. DKNY Top Zip bag with leather trim, $165, available at DKNY, 37 Newbury St.
3. Nylon bow satchel from Gap, $24.50, available at Gap stores and at gap.com.
4. Pop Clinton Street Gillen bag from Kate Spade, $225, available at Kate Spade, 117 Newbury St., and katespade.com.
5. Juicy Couture East/West nylon tote, $275, available at Bloomingdale’s and at bloomingdales.com.
6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Pretty Nylon Little Duffle, $158, available at Marc Jacobs, 81 Newbury St.
