Tropical Accents

Tropical destination weddings allow you to be more colorful and carefree with your wardrobe and accessories. So, whether you’re jetting off to get hitched in Fiji or La Romana, here are some rules you and your bridal party should consider when looking for the perfect purse or clutch.

By Pamela Pekerman, Founder of BagTrends.com

1. DO look for summer accents like raffia, shell and wooden beads.
2. DON’T be too relaxed. Tropical may equal carefree, but it still equals class. You don’t want to look inappropriate and come with a huge basket weave tote.
3. DO look for light colors that reflect the surroundings and/or match the wedding colors. For a spring/summer 2007 wedding consider these trendy shades: mustard, sunshine yellow, poppy red, turquoise, blush pink, beige and ivory.
4. DO find a fabulous wristlet so you can dance the night away and not worry about your bag.
5. DON’T get a satin black evening bag. What works in New York doesn’t work on the beach.
6. DO consider making custom bags for your bridal party. Freddy&Ma can even host a bag party where you and your bridesmaids pick out fabrics, silhouette and other design details. For more information log onto www.FreddyandMa.com.
7. DO consider some of our bag-a-licious suggestions below.

	Trina Turk Westlery wristlet with wooden turquoise beaded and bamboo handle. ($155; Available at BagTrends.com)
	Freddy & Ma
	Franchi Maria kiss-lock closure, raffia clutch with satin blue bow trim. ($95; Available at Saada in NYC, 212-223-3505)
	Lulu Guinness bows and pleats Stella wristlet. ($395; Available at the Lulu Guinness Store in NYC, 212-367-2120)

~ Pamela Pekerman