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.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Betsey Johnson Released Three Looks On Animal Cros

Designer Betsey Johnson Has Advice For Young Women

Biker Fashion Is In — Here’s How To Dress The Part

Put on your helmet and hold on tight: This spring, biker fashion is one of 2022’s biggest trends. But while moto essentials, like leather jackets and graphic T-shirts, have long inspired designers, recent collections have unveiled pieces that look straight out of a biking shop, rather than a luxury department store.

Earlier this month, i-D broke down the elements of biker style, suggesting that it stems from the “vintage and nostalgia-driven trends” currently fueling the fashion world (also see: the Y2K fashion comeback); is “a side effect to our pandemic-powered need for escapism and freewheeling;” or “a recontextualization of the biker chick as a soft butch femme” as designers continue to blur gender norms on the runways. 

Whatever the reason may be, fall 2022 collections delivered biker-chic looks with plenty of moto jackets, head-to-toe denim, and chunky zipper details. But there were also elements that propelled the trend to more fashion-forward territory, including bodices that resembled motocross protective gear at Balmain and Dior, as well as opera gloves that looked more ready to take on the X Games than a night at the theater. Throughout the fall 2022 runways, the on-the-run spirit was exhibited through a contrast of edgy and soft: delicate black mini dresses paired with utilitarian gloves at Dior, a leather jacket that opened into a ballgown skirt at Junya Watanabe, and cropped moto jackets paired with flowy skirts at Alexander McQueen. 

Perhaps the biggest evidence of this trend comes in the form of Rosalía’s long-awaited and critically-acclaimed album Motomami (which translates to Moto-Chick), a celebration of the contrasting energies inside a woman — the fierce and the vulnerable. Stylist Jill Jacobs, who worked with Rosalía throughout the release of the sophomore album, says that the singer’s aesthetic was heavily inspired by biker culture in Los Angeles, where the Spanish artist recorded many of the songs in the project. “I really love the juxtaposition of something hard and edgy, mixed with something really soft,” says Jacobs. 

In order to achieve this contrast, Jacobs styled Rosalía in outfits like a silk lavender dress and distressed knit boots by Acne, paired with a sheer black turtleneck by Samiro Vintage; and an electric blue velvet mini dress by Off-White with matching boots, paired with a menswear-inspired trucker hat in the same color palette. “It was just a constant layering session, so we would just constantly try different materials together,” she says “And fortunately, she loves to layer just as much as I do,” Jacobs says.

In more literal bikercore fashion, Rosalía wore a custom bike helmet with devil-like horns and protective gear over sweet, asymmetrical dresses by Pepa Salazar. “The idea was to create looks that included different moods in one,” says the Spanish designer who launched her namesake brand in 2013. “I liked the idea of deconstructing motorcycles in pieces, and treating this otherwise edgy trend as precious objects you can take with you anywhere.”

Both Jacobs and Salazar agree that the biker fashion trend is one that can be easily worn in our everyday lives, even if you don’t ride a motorcycle. “It really is all about texture and mixing materials,” says Jacobs. “A distressed knit over silk or a moto jacket over literally anything.”

From leather jackets to biker helmets (yes, really!) and highway-ready sunglasses, here’s how to channel the bikercore trend, on and off the road. 

An On-The-Run Handbag

Earlier this year, when Rosalía emerged from her three-year hiatus in-between albums, she started carrying an unusual “handbag”: a biker helmet. Salazar says that it’s a fun and clever way to look like you’ve just stepped off your bike, even if you’ve never ridden one before: “You can even wear it on your arm as an accessory.” If that doesn’t sound like a wearable (or financially wise) option, you can always go for a bag that channels the rebellious energy, like Balenciaga’s “Motorcycle” bag. 

Head-To-Toe Leather

From strapless dresses for cocktail hour to motocross-ready pants and jackets, biker fashion’s must-have material is leather (whether real, fake, or even mushroom-based!). Even when the style fades from the trend cycle, a motorcycle leather jacket will remain a classic staple. 

Sweet Frocks

To contrast the toughness of leather, Jacobs suggests adding feminine silhouettes and textures, or colors that exude softness and sensuality, like lilac and red. Think: a silk slip dress or a sheer frock (with some fancy lingerie underneath!) styled with a leather trench coat. 

Dust-Kicking Boots

For Jacobs, oversized boots are the easiest way to channel the biker chic look. “Just get a cool, chunky boot and then keep adding materials to your outfit,” she says. In lieu of flat boots, opt for a pair of uber-high platform boots, a la Bratz dolls, that are trending right now. 

Speed-Proof Sunglasses

To complete the look, and battle the wind if you do actually own a motorcycle, grab a pair of sporty black sunglasses. Even better if they come from a gas station on the road.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Rihanna Savage X Fenty Show Is Returning To Amazon

17 Faux Leather Jackets That Look Real

How Bratz Dolls Became 2021’s Biggest Style Muses

Target Just Expanded Its Selection of Levi’s — & We’re Reaping All The Benefits

Is there anything that Target doesn’t sell? From fan-favorite sexual wellness products to innovative collaborations, Target is ALWAYS up to something. You can now add an expanded selection of Levi’s Red Tab jeansto the list of never-ending brands sold at Target because the big-box retailer has expanded their inventory of denim retailer’s ware into over 300+ stores, with 60+ new styles of the all-American brand’s options. Since you can never go wrong with jeans (or carting up anything at Target), we’ve dug through the new offerings and hand-picked a few pairs of jeans you need in your closet for spring.

While getting lost down the red-dot boutique’s digital aisles is loads of fun, we know that time is precious, so we’ve made sure to include fits from across the spectrum in the list below — we’re talking about all the baggy, cropped, bootcut, flare, or skinny jeans out there. From the darkest wash to the palest faded blue, we’ve got you covered on all things Levi’s — and you can shop all of these dungarees right here on our website.

Levi’s High-Rise Wedgie Straight Jeans, $69.99

Baby got back — or you will after you wear these cheeky jeans. If you want a pair of jeans that lift and accentuate your backside, then these might just be perfect for you. This pair features a supportive high-rise waistline and comes in this luscious black color, “caviar.”

Levi’s 711 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, $59.99

While skinny jeans aren’t for everyone, they still maintain a loyal fanbase. The Levi’s 711’s are a solid go-to classic pair that checks all the boxes for skinny jean lovers. The tapered-off look, universal wash, and enough stretch for them to maintain comfort are a few reasons why they’d be perfect to snatch up ASAP. This pair in particular has over 700 reviews on Target’s website with one reviewer claiming, “bought these 2 weeks ago and already worn four times.”

Levi’s 725 High-Rise Bootcut Jeans, $59.99

If you have “boots made for walking”, this pair of bootcut denim might be just the pair of jeans to wear with them. One reviewer claims to have gotten “so many compliments” while sporting these.

Levi’s Plus-Size Mid-Rise Classic Bootcut Jeans, $34.23

These classic plus-size boot-cut jeans were made with a luxe dark wash that allows for versatility when styling. These can easily be worn more casually or in a more sophisticated setting. Reviewers rave about how “they fit great [and are] so comfortable.”

Levi’s 501 High-Rise Straight Cropped Jeans, $69.99

Lo and behold: the 501s. These babies are the quintessential pair of Levis. They’re the blueprint for the perfect vintage-style jeans. They’re made of 100% cotton which means they can be a little polarizing for anyone who loves the comfiness that a bit of stretch adds. However, you can be sure that these will NEVER go out of style.

Levi’s Mid-Rise Low Pro Straight Jeans,$59.99

With over 180 reviews, it’s clear these Y2 K-influenced straight-leg jeans are building up quite the fanbase. Reviewers are clearly enthralled with the looser-fitting silhouette claiming that they are a “chef’s kiss” and “so comfortable”, too. One reviewer claims to “wear these jeans practically every day.”

DENIZEN from Levi’s Women’s Plus Size Mid-Rise 5″ Jean Shorts

Ok, hear us out. Yes, winter is lingering around a little longer than is ideal. We think that if you buy clothes for the warmer weather maybe it’ll help in manifesting higher temps. Either way, it’s better to be prepared than not, and these shorts from Levi’s exclusive Target brand Denizen are the perfect companion for the hotter days ahead. These cutie shorts are available in three different lovely washes, so there’s something for everyone.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Skinny Jeans Are Out, Baggy Pants Are In

I Tried On Plus-Size Jeans From 9 Popular Brands

A Guide To Urban Outfitters’ Biggest Denim