Fabulous Summer Handbags, Evening Bags and Totes for Under $30!

Summer is the season to bring out the totes, fabric, knit and straw bags and bags with a bit of whimsy. Summer trends this season include: patent leather, bright colors, flower embellishments and metallics.

The good news is that there are some very stylish bags that are also affordable if you know where to look. Following is a shopping guide for the best sources and best buys for the hottest summer bags this season. All the bags reviewed are under $30!

Best Online Sources for Affordable Summer Handbags

Ebags.com
This site carries an amazing number of handbags from the mid-to-upper-mid price range: designer bags, gym bags, luggage and more. They regularly have 20% off and free shipping, so don't buy the first time you browse site, you'll likely get a 20% off coupon if you sign up via email.

InStyle.com
The magazine's website has a great shopping portal with over 1,000 handbags from the low-to-high price range. Site features a wide variety of designers and online sources such as Gap, Urban Outfitters, Ebags, Bloomindales, Guess, Cynthia Rowley for Target, Forever21 and more. And if a bag was featured in an issue of the magazine, it is noted.

Also check out Zappos.com, Shop.com, Endless.com, Bluefly.com

Cheap and Chic Summer Handbags

Beach Totes
Although a beach bag's function is mainly utilitarian, who doesn't want a stylish fun bag that coordinates with her beachwear?

Addie Beach Bag
This large, cute cotton-canvas tote goes with everything. Multi color stripes on white background. Nylon lining.
20" x 14"
$19.50/Available at Delias.com

Cynthia Rowley for Target® Pocket Tote Bag
Brightly colored, bold striped beach-style oversized tote in cotton with polyester lining. Soft-sided construction. Zip pocket, 2 slit pockets. Snap closure. Double shoulder handles and comes with a small set of binoculars for people watching.
Pink Striped Pattern with Blue Handle
21 x 8 x 2.5"
$16.99/Available at Target.com

Martha Stewart Collection Canvas Beach Tote
Very large canvas tote in cotton with bold stripes and canvas lining. Exterior pockets at ends. Solid double handles.
24 x 10x 15"
Orange or Blue Stripes
$29.99/Available at Macy's.com

Flower Power
Nothing says summer style like a bit of floral on a bag, whether with an attached flower, flower trim or flower print. Florals are a pretty way to dress up an outfit--wear with solid color outfits and not with prints.

LimeNRoses Michelle Ann Rubber Purse with Sunflower
Cute black frosted rubber construction with a large sunflower permanently attached to front. Removable interior satin drawstring lining. Double handles with a 9" drop
9 x 7 x 3"
$19.99/Available at Ebags.com

Pretty Posy Straw Tote
Cute, small colored straw bag with an attached big, bright faux flower. 5" handle drop.
6 1/4 x 9 x 6"
Light Lime, Fuchsia or Tidepool with coordinating colored flower
$7.99/Available at JCrew.com

Floral Tote
Bold orange flowers on an ivory background. Woven tote with leather-look orange handles and trim. Button-and-hook close. Inside slip pockets.
14 x 12 x 8"
Orange Multi
$29.00/Available at Spiegel.com

Flower-Trim Tote
Very pretty and classy, this woven straw tote has bamboo-look handles and light blue cloth flower trim. Lined, inside slip pocket.
11 x 20 x 4"
Natural with Sky Blue
$14.99/Available at Spiegel.com

LimeNRoses Michelle Ann Rubber Purse with Daisy
Another cute, square rubber bag with large brightly colored circus daisy permanently attached to front. Removable interior satin drawstring lining. Double handles with a 9" drop.
9.5 x 7 x 2.5"
Fuchsia
$19.99/Available at Ebags.com

Bright Patents
Shiny patent leather (or leather like) in bright colors is not for the fashion shy. Wear this bold style to jazz up a simple outfit.

Bisou Bisou® Patent Satchel
Cute and trendy, this shiny patent satchel features double shoulder straps with trendy chain detail. Pleated drawstring look closure and knot bow detail. Interior magnetic snap closure. Exterior back wall zip pocket and interior pockets.
Black, Raspberry, Turquoise
$29.99/Available at JCPenney

Patent Button Clutch
Simple, shiny faux patent leather clutch with a fully lined interior zipper compartment. Bright yellow will give your outfit a bold pop of color. Magnetic snap closure, and a large button detail. 100% PVC.
7" x 10.5"
Yellow
$18.80/Available at Forever21.com

Sydney Love Patent Across The Body Bag
If you like bright colors, but in small doses, this little red purse may be for you. Purse can be worn with shoulder strap or as a wristlet. Soft leather-like patent with red and white polka dot lining. Front flap with magnetic snap. Interior wall zip pocket. Belted detail on the front with polished gold tone hardware. Removable wristlet strap and shoulder straps. Shoulder strap has a 23" drop.
8 x 3.5 x 1"
Red
$24.00/Available at Ebags.com

Evening
Evening bags are all about glitz and glamour-sequins, beads, metallics and satins. I don't have a brand preference, but when doing my research, it turned out that all the best values and hottest bags were from La Regale-go figure!

La Regale Pleated Satin Evening Bag
Softly pleated shape in pleated gorgeous satin. Double chain-link straps with threaded satin; additional satin shoulder strap tucked inside with 21-inch drop. Magnetic closure.
Interior open pocket.
7 x 4 x 2"
Fuchsia, Emerald, Sapphire or Black
$20.25/Available at Macys.com

La Regale Mesh Evening Bag
Sleek and stylish, this metal frame clutch is in a sparkly metallic mesh. Clasp closure. Long chain-link strap tucks away inside and makes the bag convertible for shoulder wear; handle drop: 21 inches. Interior open pocket.
10 x 5 x 2"
Black or Gold
$21.75/Available at Macys.com

La Regale Flirty Beaded Handbag
Chic, sequined beaded pouch bag with beaded handle. Kiss lock closure. Interior change pocket.
7 x 4.5 x 1.5"
Black, Champagne, Ivory
$28.80/Available at Ebags.com

La Regale Sequin Satchel
This small compact bag comes in many colors to complement any outfit. Sequin hand-held with bead details on the handle. Frame kiss lock closure. Satin interior and interior slide pocket. Strap drop of 5".
5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5"
Violet, Red, Ivory, Black, Khaki
$25.60/Available at Ebags.com