Signature Style Fall Handbag Edit

It’s that time again for Signature Style with my brilliant pal Cindy.. For October we are talking about handbags! There are so many pretty ones out for fall..

Let’s talk about ‘designer’

Lately the saturation of these bags has hit a peak and I welcome the cooling off of this and the ‘quiet luxury’ trend of less logos, and more elegant and simple looks.

Designer used to mean exclusive and be synonymous with luxury.

People now line up in the mall at for Louis Vuitton and Dior and Prada. Anyone with a credit card can go into debt for the bag they want. Last weekend I walked past the Dior store and across from it was Gucci.. Their lines didn’t look exclusive, but rather Disneylike with red velvet ropes and people eating while attending the stroller trapped kids…It did not make me wish I was in those lines.

I’m not saying I don’t appreciate a nice handbag. Some of them are made beautifully, but you can get just as nice a bag without the logo, or the cost. In today’s world, a logo no longer is synonymous with style.

I recently had close friend ask me what designer bag she should buy. She does not own one, but always had very cool and fashionable bags. I told her, if you want one, look for a classic and one that doesn’t scream I am wearing ‘brand.’ You don’t need that validation.

There used to be a great advertisement in the 80’s by Bottega Veneta, the original logo-less bags and I never forgot it..

I’m a bag lover

I have bought a few designer bags over the years and still use them. I have also bought many non-designer bags and use them as well. I am mostly attracted to the look and the function of a bag and sometimes a pricey bag has something I really like. Sometimes it’s just a cute inexpensive bag that catches my eye and is appealing.

I do think it’s worth saving for a nice bag. I have never regretted and bag purchases. My expensive ones I usually have gotten as a gift I asked for, or I have treated myself, which I try to do once a year.

If you want a pricier bag you can look on the Real Real , ReBag, Fashionphile, and Vestiaire other places for them. Sometimes they are less money than new- and sometimes they are not. If you are looking for something from past seasons- which I usually prefer, you can get some cool pieces! If it still has appeal and the design is good, it’ll look chic way beyond the current season and even cooler.

Current bag trends..

The trends are all over and you can’t go wrong doing your own thing. A bag is a chance to stamp your own little punctuation mark on your look… So besides being a practicality, you can use your handbag as way to add flair. Try and gravitate towards usual colors and shapes..

Trending now... should you be interested… Red bags, half moon and 90’s style satchel bags, faux exotic skins like croc, puffy and slouchy bags, silver bags, fluffy shearling looks, top handle bags, sling bags, and the bucket bag… Have I left anything out? So you see, it’s really up to the individual, so find what make you happy and feels good.

Bags we need..

Let’s talk about the bags we use most..

The belt bag

This bag morphed to from a fanny pack to a crossbody/sling bag and is now almost an essential and a good one for travel, day hikes, walks and anytime you really want to be hands free and you need more than your pockets..If you’re going on a trip you need this.

Lululemon has some of the best..They were the first and are the perfect size for a phone, keys and possibly a wallet. I can do all three in mine.

Anthro has a more fashion forward version and my friend Jill gave me the olive color for my birthday and it has become my daily grab and go and I’m taking it on my next trip. ( My linen shorts look terrible, but this was after a warm day out..)

Use these bags when you travel. Great for keeping my passport and ID easily accessible and safe as I go through security. You can also wear it under a jacket and change it up to a fanny pack for a hike. If you’re going for a modern look, pair it with a simple dress and loafers for a youthful feel.

Find the most comfortable way to wear it across. I need mine adjusted to longer than most, as I don’t want mine sitting on, but just under my chest.

The Tote

You likely have a tote in your closet. The tote is one you need for a day with many errands, or a day out with kids, or as a work bag/laptop holder. I love having a canyon size tote when I have to make many stops and it keeps me from taking paper bags.. I added this Chloe tote last spring to my collection. I have always wanted a classic black tote and I love the hardware and handles on this..

Many women have the Louis Vuitton Neverfull for travel. I have a dark brown checked one I’ve had for years. One thing about these totes are they are a good carry-on and have straps that are nearly indestructible. They are open through, and the straps can be painful…so if you are flying across the world, you may want something more secure and less conspicuous. Many can be found pre-loved here in amazing shape.

Cuyana makes wonderful bags and worth noting.. They have an organizer that can be bought and dropped in.. I particularly love their System Tote.. The price is fair for the quality and if organization is your things you’ll love all the options..

For the tote girl these are some options that caught my eye..Click on photo for link.

The Megan Tote by Rebecca Minkoff is best seller with a back slip pocket, as well as a hidden zip under it, a dog clip to attach something to as well as a snap closure. It comes in so many colors and fabrics and it’s a good investment. I like the black, dark gold with gunmetal, tan and jade versions..

Tory Burch has created the Perry tote for women who want streamlined, no flashy logo, and want organization.. The nice thing about this well designed tote is it has a little color flair with contrasting charm (removable) and interior on some colors. It’s in 7 colors and now is 20% off at the fall event.

The Crossbody

Everyone needs one of these. When I need to feel unencumbered and that is most days, I reach for the crossbody. I have a few sizes, a tiny LV wallet with a chain I use for nights and when I want to be minimal, a Tory Burch that has two zip compartments and weighs nothing and is so practical and cute, and a fancier YSL in a dark green, that is a little larger. I use that rarely, but is nice for a fancier look.

This is the Tory I have had for years and still one of my most worn bags, the YSL bag comes in some nice colors..

More options..

The evening bag or clutch

When you go out for the evening, or to a special event like a wedding, you do not want to bring your day bag… Most people opt for a clutch and I have a few that have lasted decades and still look pretty.

Clutches have come back, especially the softer looking ones, and so have the shorter shoulder bag that falls right below your armpit.. Staud has some very popular ones. You can also go for a longer chain strapped envelope sort of clutch or fun shaped minaudière, which is a decorative or jewel like bag.

Brands I love…

Longchamp is a stealth status tote bag that doesn’t scream with a label or logo. The only thing that gives them away is the bamboo toggle they often have to the little circle with the horse. I love the quality leather and the stitching. Their Roseau totes are light and not oversized with straps that work with a coat. If you’re looking for a nicer handbag of quality, these bags are not outrageous and will be worth the money. I like the selection that the Rack has now in some pretty blues, and cream from a prior season and so pretty. I am tempted to get a blue..

Claire V. The coolest little brand. It has the feel of early days Kate Spade before it was commercial with unique designs and colors with a very French twist. I linked to a few above in the crossbodies, but anything you buy will become a treasured piece and you will get comments on them! I own a leopard tote and I love it. Get to a store if you can to see all the adorable strap options, scarves, and so much else. . The first Saturday of every month you get a free monogram painted on your bag if you spend more than $150. The San Francisco Hayes Valley outpost is a great one..My pal Jeanne and did some damage there..

Madewell. Madewell has done a super job with their bags and shoes and the bags have a organic quality to them and fill that niche of the cool girl who doesn’t need designer bags to validate that. I just think they are all appealing as well as smart designs..

DeMellier bags are beautiful and sustainably made bags that are committed to not only being made ethically in every step, they also use the profits to fund childhood vaccines. I think the bags are gorgeous. I particularly like the Tokyo bag and their shearling bags.

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I feel like it was difficult on this post to cover all the brands I wanted to.. and yet was it too much? I hope it was some inspiration and fun if you like bags…

Let’s hear in comments what bags you like, use, wear often and are great. Are you a designer bag person or over all that? I’d love to hear..

Last month’s Signature Style was our Fall Wish Lists if you missed it.

Thanks for being here!

Kim

Please stop by and check out Cindy’s post which is always so good…

Cindy Hattersley Design

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