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I wrote a little bit about this recently, but I’m in the mood for a new handbag this fall, and am contemplating making a designer purchase. I keep losing the plot when I dig into whether I should be buying a tote or crossbody — I think I’d get more daily use out of a tote, as I’m still in that phase of life where I might need snacks and distractions for the children, and am routinely schlepping items around — but my heart always wants something less practical.
Below, all my favorite bags for the upcoming season…
01. Bottega vanity bag. I absolutely love this shape. There are lots of vanity-style bags for less — love this inexpensive one from Aqua and this Amazon steal.
02. Similar in size and vibe, Longchamp’s cosmetics bag has been trending. Very chic, and reasonable at $100.
03. This Parker Thatch (seen above) is unlike anything else I’ve seen carried in DC recently. Bound to generate lots of “where’d you get that?” inquiries. Available in other great color combos. This is high on my list as an under-$1K contender for an everyday bag. I think it would fit everything you’d need but not be too big? I love the way it was styled here.
04. Another top contender (currently sitting in my cart; I might just order it!): this woven Elleme. It reminds me of the Bottega Sardine bags I saw and swooned over in Aspen! I love the hardware handle (have been noticing a lot of heavy gold hardware in jewelry, footwear, and handbags lately) and think it would be such a fabulous exclamation point for any outfit. I like that it could be worn for daytime (think jeans and a blazer) with the crossbody, and then worn with a cocktail dress in the evening, too, sans strap. I love all the styling notes / overall vibe of the brand’s Instagram account — it really makes the bag look much higher end (could it be Bottega?!)
05. Drafting off the woven trend paved by Bottega, I’m loving this under-$200 Madewell tote. It reminds me of Dragon Diffusion.
06. Little Liffner is a new name to know — gorgeous details and interesting shapes. I included their mini bucket bag amongst my chocolate brown favorites this season.
07. Savette’s East-West pochette has been on my radar for two seasons now. Uber-elegant, and spectacular in that navy suede. I can’t decide if I think the shape is absurdly impractical for me — but it would be a perfect date night bag…
08. I spotted Toteme’s T-Lock on so many chic peas last fall and winter — a better price point than many other designers. Also love their tote — but is it too summery as a fall investment?
09. While talking totes, this Bottega is divine. Nicole Cassidy always looks so chic with hers.
10. For something a little more under the radar in a similar shape, Metier’s Cabas is droolworthy. I love the ones with the linen on top and leather on bottom.
11. Tod’s slouchy shopping bag also turned my head. On sale for nearly 50% off in select colors. This looks like a highly practical everyday bag — as does Cuyana’s understate chic “system” bag, which is a fraction of the price. I’ve seen this IRL and she’s gorgeous and practical. More similar in shape to the Tod’s, check out this gorgeous Banana Republic bag — love the surprise braiding on the handle.
12. Rue de Verneuil’s new denim options are beyond chic. Imagine with a gorgeous brown suede coat.
13. This Altuzarra bucket is highly chic!
14. Goyard’s Petit Flot has been on my mind ever since Emese Gormley returned from Paris with hers. Love it in the green.
15. Get The Row vibes with this.
16. In the under $200 range, extremely practical vibes with this Madewell bag. Reminds me of Khaite.
What brands and styles are you noticing and/or contemplating?
P.S. What a day in my life looks like!
P.P.S. Pops of red.
P.P.P.S. On befriending your body, from the archives.