Meet The Colorful, Petite Handbag I’ll Be Wearing All Spring

I’m no Brooklyn expert, but in my two long years of traversing Jay-Z’s former stomping grounds, I’m certain of one thing: it’s bags of the tote, canvas, and even IKEA variety that really run the streets of this stylish borough. Now, 48 months into my New York residency, I’m familiar with all the Bushwick fashion jokes and my collection of cheap cotton sacks is abundant — and multiple seasons of stuffing these non-ergonomic totes with heavy cargo have left my upper body pretty tired. So when a petite, pastel yellow Italian leather purse arrived in my life to lift those $15 canvas weights off my shoulders, I embraced the pared-down handbag lifestyle — and suddenly, tons of unfamiliar compliments were flowing in.

Trust, you’ll still catch me on any given Sunday sporting a frayed shopper chock-full of non-essentials, but thanks to the top-handled tote from luxury handbag brand Behno, I now understand the beauty of smaller, higher-quality bags: they elevate outfits with their sophisticated charm. The accessory that I’ve come to rely on — the Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag — holds a healthy amount of necessities (wallets, IDs, lip glosses, my iPhone, etc.) and is a certified “I love that bag!” magnet whenever I take her out on the town. But, of course, nothing is perfect. Read on for my pros and cons list of this bright geometric gem, and learn why, after one month of wear, I’m submitting this bag for “It” status for spring of 2022.

Behno Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag, $575 $375

The Pros

A scroll through Behno’s inventory quickly reveals that color is one of the brand’s strongest suits. Mood-boosting bubblegum pinks, decadent mocha browns, bright daring reds, of course, trendy pastel-yellows (“buttercream,” in the brand’s parlance), and more rare hues saturate its offerings — which, as the owner of a colorful wardrobe, is a major plus. (While my sunshine-hued top-handle is currently sold out, the accordion silhouette is still available in a rich neutral brown that’s suited for year-round wear.)

Pigments aside, the quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design are equally major selling points. My specific purse features supple Italian pebble leather; cotton twill lining; an impressive amount of internal pockets thanks to the accordion construction; external drop pockets on both sides (ideal for face masks, punch cards, credit cards if you’re brave, and more slim trinkets); and a magnetic snap flap closure at top for easy securing. I may or may not have had a few drunken nights where that quick-locking magnet saved my precious belongings.

Behno Lex Accordion Shoulder Bag, $575 $375

The Cons

Nothing is perfect, and although this bag is my springtime partner in crime, it’s my job to unearth some (very minor) concerns. First, the durability — blame it on the pale yellow hue or my possible rough-housing, but my bag has an odd scrape of color near the bottom that I deduced came from rubbing up against my clothing. Although avoidable, I would hope that this would not happen for the price. The only other annoyance is the outer strap that has a mind of its own and takes pride in flying off my shoulder when I’m in a rush. (However, my canvas bags have been known to engage in the same type of slippage). Another (previously mentioned) con is the buttercream color’s sold-out status — but, if you’re dying for a tote in this spring-y tone, Behno’s “Elizabeth” baguette offers a similar vibe.)

Behno Elizabeth Baguette in Pebble Buttercream, $490

The Verdict

The Lex Accordion is beauty and brains, chic yet functional, and a bright but easily-styled statement accessory. Needless to say, I’ve found my ride-or-die handbag for spring — I think anyone in the market for a vibrant warm-weather accessory couldn’t go wrong with a Behno buy.

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Betsey Johnson’s Collab With Knix Includes Y2K Butterflies & Archival Prints

Legendary fashion designer Betsey Johnson, responsible for many prom and Sweet Sixteen dresses, knows a thing or two about what girls want. And, according to her (just as the popular song goes), it’s to have fun. Which is why, on Thursday, the designer — who’s known for her whimsical prints, over-the-top designs, and her cartwheel skills! — announced a collaboration with underwear company Knix.

“It’s all about having a little fun with underwear,” Johnson tells Refinery29 of the collection, arriving on April 12. “When they asked me to work with them, it was more using my prints and getting kind of a personality into the garments.” 

For the collection — which includes 21 items across sleepwear, underwear, and loungewear — Johnson tapped into some of her brand’s most memorable archive prints, including leopard, Y2K-inspired butterflies, and blossoming roses. “If I wear underwear, it’d never be boring,” Johnson says of the design process. 

While taking the call in her house, Johnson is dressed head-to-toe in pieces from the new collection, including a butterfly-printed white nightgown, which she calls “the best version of a Betsey slip dress” as she walks me through the lineup. This is the first time some of these prints have seen the light of day in years, according to Johnson, highlighting how special the collection is for both brands. 

For Knix, which has cemented a reputation for size-inclusive intimates — ranging from an A to H cup in bras and XS to 4X in sleepwear — that prioritize comfort, the partnership is a way to connect their audience with Johnson’s decades-long legacy. Last year, the brand unveiled its first designer collaboration that similarly tapped into Anna Sui’s memorable career with mod-inspired prints and pastel colors. 

The collaboration features some of the brand’s signature pieces like Knix’s leakproof underwear, period intimates that allow menstruating individuals to forgo traditional pads and tampons, and the “Wingwoman” bra, a wireless model that contours the breasts without the pain of constricting bras.

“Knix knows their business,” says Johnson. “They are able to touch any customer, no matter what size, shape, and that they just wanted girls to have a little fun with the underwear.”

As Johnson approaches 80 years young this month, she’s an example to her customers — who she says range from four years old to 70-plus — that muted colors and monochrome looks are not a staple of aging. Instead, she plans to live in her butterfly-printed nightgown “all summer long.” 

“It’s underwear but it’s also outerwear,” she says. “I mean, this is a great summer dress!”

Available on April 12, the collection — retailing from $18 to $60 — will be available on Knix.com. 

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