9.03.2014

foundations: chic handbags under $500


shopping for luxury style at contemporary prices has never been easier.

my kryptonite is the well-made leather bag. while i do save up and plan for the occasional big splurge, many of my favorites are vintage, or pieces by younger designers.

i don't believe in buying something just because it's a 'luxury brand'. instead, go with what you love, what suits your budget, lifestyle, and needs. if something checks those boxes, chances are it will transcend trends and become a wardrobe essential. 

these are my best bets to start with if you're looking to build an edited and functionally chic handbag collection:

1. the minimalist slouchy tote // soft leather, lightweight, roomy enough for work and weekend. (another excellent option: see my review of Everlane's leather tote.)
2. the quilted flap bag // can't go wrong with the timeless quilted leather + chain strap combo. 
3. the trio crossbody // this topped my year-end favorites last year, and is still one of my best wardrobe purchases of all time. after 1.5 years, it still looks new.
4. the structured medium satchel // sleek silhouette, clean lines, work appropriate.
5. the sportif duffel // the well-rounded sporty classic, perfect for travel too.

what's your go-to bag these days?

11 comments:

  1. My go-to bag is a Diesel "Mallory" tote bag that The Boyfriend bought for me in Greece. It is black and slouchy and fits everything but the kitchen sink. I love that it's lightweight - while I love a substantial leather bag, they can often be heavy on their own, and with all that added stuff.. ouch!

    I bought the Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair (studded version) on eBay earlier this summer and I love it to death. Super classic, and perfect for those of us who have resigned to the fact that we will live a life without a Chanel classic flap ;)

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    1. maja - i saw yours and it looks great on you :) i think it's great that there's an affordable Chanel-esque option, and it's also handy if you're 'testing out' the style and don't want to commit to such a huge splurge...

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  2. I was looking for a smaller handbag that would be my go-to for special events, but also add instant polish to a casual outfit. Chanel would have fit the bill if they took off a zero from the price, especially given how infrequently I planned to use it. Anyhow, enter the Furla Metropolis! It has sturdy saffiano-like leather that is still pliable, along with lovely pale gold hardware that feels luxe and well made. Since the chain isn't adjustable, I stick a bobby pin through the chain to make it stop at the length I want. Voila! A hand clutch + shoulder bag + crossbody in one!

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    1. i love the idea of adapting an accessory to suit your own needs :)

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  3. I am using a Marni tote at the moment, but am starting to get sick of having to dig around for my stuff - I got it on major sale on the Outnet last year, but now wish I had gone for an East-West tote instead...maybe something along the lines of the Mansur Gavriel tote.

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  4. I have the big black Everlane leather tote....had my cobbler add a magnetic snap to the top of it so I could shut it closed. It really is a great all-purpose bag with that small addition.

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    1. what a clever add-on! :) now that it's cooling down i'm using mine a ton again.

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  5. Thanks for the link! This is amazing.

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  6. the rennes "gretel tote" has been a go-to lately. it's sturdy with nice, soft bullhide leather. the hanging pocket inside is super helpful for keys and cellphone--no digging!

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  7. i also have to put erin templeton out there--ecofriendly, sturdy bags with fun shapes. i love her harvest moon bag, which is a great, circle-shaped tote. it can also be folded in half and used as a clutch!

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  8. i wonder when the price hikes will stop. :P oh, the days of (vintage) Chanel!

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