Bag it with Hobos

    

Hobo bags have not only been a great grab, but a celebrity favorite as well. Time and time again, stars are seen perusing the Hollywood streets with their best friend, hobo, at their side, and by hobo I mean an oversized fully capable purse. Isn’t the idea just sweet? For stars like Emily Blunt and Mary-Kate Olsen, hobos are an essential.

So why are they called hobos? That doesn’t sound very chic. Hobo purses received their name because of their distinct shape seeming similar to the wrap or bindle hung at the end of a hobo’s traveling stick.

I have always been a lover of hobos, but this past week- that love blossomed into a radiant obsession. After running a few errands, I managed to stumble upon a simple hobo at my local Maurices that cost me a humbling $10. Got to love anything for that price? Right? Wrong. I have purchased numerous “finds” time after time- only to realize that I wasted my money, but not this time. This hobo actually serves a purpose. Smoothly textured, and magnetic at the opening, its get-up-and-go persona is more than enough to sooth my sweet tooth for purses. Unfortunately there was only one left; however I was so honored as to snag it myself. I would definitely deem $10 as an appropriate college student steal.

When I had actually approached the counter to purchase my find, I had mentioned to the cashier that my new hobo looked similar to that of a Marc Jacobs, modish, simple, and unpretentious. She just smiled and said “yes”. This thought provoked me to look up designer finds that are similar to mine. Just because I spent $10, doesn’t mean I can’t flaunt my new hobo like it’s $850, right?

Check out some of my designer finds below and visit their links if you want to take a closer look. Last time I checked, hobos weren’t going out of style. Better yet- see if you can find a steal like mine and e-mail me a picture- or tell me about it!

New rule. Always keep a hobo by your side, literally.

Photo courtesy: C Hendrickson

The Designer Finds-

MARC JACOBS

 To the left is the Classic Q Hillier Hobo.  $398

                                   To the right is the Q49 Hillier Hobo.  $428

ALEXANDER WANG

The Darcy Slouchy Textured Leather Hobo.  $850

KOOBA

The Leila Belted Hobo.  $595

Photo courtesy:  marcjacobs.com, shopkooba.com, alexanderwang.com

Winter Must Have: Corduroys

Yes. Cords have made an absolutely haute comeback. While providing you with genuine comfort, they seem to strike that sassy style key that says: I look great and I didn't even try. Yet the simple concept of corduroys is more than meets the eye. They seem to bring vibes of warmth to the fashion world. Yet really wearing “cords” as opposed to jeans is a great way to stay warm this winter due to cords’ woven miracles. They have extra built in fabrics that leave you with a warmer feeling than most regular pants would do.

What makes cords special is the fact that they wash uniquely. Before they are sewed and cut, there is a dye applied to the fabric. After the first wash of cords, the dye inimitably comes out, leaving you with a unique pair that no one else shall ever be able to copy. Vintage styling has never been so easy.

Pictured above are a grey pair of Free People skinny corduroys sold for $68.  They have been a huge asset to my wardrobe for this winter, and I would highly recommend them to all my friends who want to stay cozy.  Not to mention - they go with just about everything! Sweaters, sweatshirts, tunics- you name it- it will match!  And for all of you that don't do a skinny style pant- they have a trouser flair pair available as well.

Chic. Easy. Affordable. Cords will do a favor to us all.

Photo Courtesy: M Mudder