Classics won't let you down, whether it be clothing, literature, movies, cars, music, the list goes on, there's a reason why certain items stand the test of time. They are designed well, they function as they are supposed to, the materials that are used to make them stand up to repeated use, they are shaped well, and they are simple enough to appeal to a large number of people. Clothing and accessories are the focus of this series on classics, and I will begin with handbags.
Women and handbags are like mac and cheese, a winning combination every time. And within the last 10 years or so, it seems the more expensive your handbag, the better. We are a society that loves labels without shame, and I'll be the first to admit that designer bags are the cherry on top of ones wardrobe, next to the other cherry that is footwear. A handbag always fits even if it's a fat day, a handbag gets noticed as it is perched on top of a table, desk, chair, or arm. A handbag is a detail, but a huge detail that so many of us women pay attention to, and therefore something that women love to spend money on.
There are some handbags that are considered classics, whether it be due to the material that is used, the shape of the bag its' self, or the manner in which it is carried, and I will attempt to run down a list of those classics for you, with a designer option, and a less expensive option to choose from.
When purchasing a bag, there are a few things to consider before shelling out hundreds, or thousands, yes thousands, of dollars. First: Why are you buying this bag? Do you love it and appreciate it or are you buying it because other chicks will be jealous of you? Former: go ahead; latter: you have problems a bag can't fix. Second: How are you paying for this? Anyone can whip out their plastic to buy something, but trust me, when you save up your hard earned money and actually pay cash for that soft leather gold hardware'd beauty, you'll be so proud you bought it yourself that it's worth the wait. (It's a feeling I know, and yes it's a good one.) Third: Have you done your research? Make sure you're aware of the materials used, the weight of the bag, if the design is one that will work for you in the long haul. And, Fourth: Have you shopped around and considered if this style of bag is for you? If you are a professional, then that fringed hobo at $2000 probably isn't the best style of bag to splurge on as your everyday workhorse. If you are a mom, you may want to consider a cross body, which have come so far from the frumpy versions of years ago, or something small that can be tossed into a diaper bag. How you're going to use your bag should greatly dictate what style you choose.
Now, for the lovelies as I see it.
The Duffel
A duffel bag, which may also be referred to as a 'Bowler' bag because it's shape is very similar to bag used to carry bowling balls, has a rectangular shape to it from the front and the back, with a rounded top and a flat bottom, which may or may not come with 'feet' to protect the bottom material when the bag is put down on any surface. The sides are more square with the same rounded top and flat bottom. Typically a duffel bag had top handles on it, in the shape of an upside down 'U', and their size will vary from bag to bag. A duffle may also come with a longer strap, often removable, so the bag can be carried on a shoulder or in a cross-body manner. Duffles close with a single zipper and the interior is usually just one large compartment with a small inner pocket on one side. The term Duffle can also refer to a 'Weekender' bag or an 'Overnight' bag which is a larger bag used for packing essentials for short trips, carry-ons, and even gym/exercise essentials. Two designer examples of a duffle bag/bowler bag are the Givenchy Antigona and Louis Vuitton Speedy 30. A more reasonably priced alternative to these two bags is Kate Spade Gramercy Drive Deena and Cobble Hill Sami. (Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 old)
The Satchel
A satchel is similar to a duffle in that from the front it looks square to rectangular shaped but that is where the similarities end. A satchel has more variety to it design wise and can range from sleek and polished to having embellishments or designs. A satchel can have one or two top handles used to carry it, and may or may not come with a longer, often removable strap. The closeur of this style handbag can be zippered or with a fold-over top flap, similar to an envelope. Another difference between a satchel and a duffel bag is the width as viewed from the side; a satchel is much more narrow which is another design feature that lends it's self more towards a feminine, structured, formal appearance when compared to the duffle. The interior of a satchel may be divided into two or more compartments which makes keeping your things organized easier. The satchel may carry less than the duffel which makes it ideal as a Monday-Friday work handbag, especially if you work in a more conservative environment, due to it's more sleek and polished appearance. Some designer examples of a satchel are Hermes Birkin, Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, and Prada Medium Saffiano. For a more reasonably priced alternative Coach Gramercy, Tory Burch Robinson Open Dome, and Ralph Lauren Newbury . Photo courtesy of Coach
The Hobo
One of my personal favourites, even though the inside turns into a vortex that sucks your belongings into a place that makes them almost impossible to retrieve, especially when in a hurry, is the hobo. A hobo bag is usually worn over the shoulder and has a slouchy, casual vibe to it that makes it perfect for weekends, vacations, and summer time. A hobo in entirety is generally more circular shaped thusly without any firm structure, and can have one top handle or two used to carry it. If the handles are on the shorter side, the bag may come with a longer, perhaps removable strap, that can be used to carry it over the shoulder. A hobo is usually carried on the shoulder, handheld, or perched on a wrist or forearm. The inside of a hobo, like previously stated, is usually one large compartment where all of your belongings can be tossed, and there is typically a smaller pocket sewn onto one of the sides making this style of handbag's interior very similar to the duffle. To me, a designer bag that has no one better in this category is Bottega Veneta. They make several styles of hobo's, such as the Veneta Maxi. Other designer options include Saint Laurent Suede Hobo and The Row Sling. More affordable versions are Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Hobo and Too Hot to Handle Hobo. (Michael Kors hobo old)
The Cross-Body
A cross-body bag is carried just in that manner, worn on one shoulder with the strap across the body and the bag resting against the opposite hip or side of the body. These bags are made by just about every designer and brand from premium to absolutely affordable. They come in a variety of materials, shapes, styles, and colours, and are a smaller, more wearable version of a messenger bag. A cross-body is invaluable in situations where the wearer needs to be hands free; mothers, people travelling, a day of shopping and/or errand-running, at a sporting event, or at an amusement park. The interior of the bag is typically one compartment with a smaller pocket sewn onto the interior of the back side of the purse. Cross-body bags range in size but they don't typically become as large as some hobos and duffels as that would make them more of a messenger bag rather than an actual handbag. The term 'cross-body' can be used in conjunction with other styles as designers are often now including longer straps with their bags when they didn't in the past. A perfect example is the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandouliere 30; LV took an iconic bag and made it cross-body. Genius. The occasions when this type of bag comes in handy is basically endless, provided the use is on a casual side. A cross body bag is not a formal style of bag, therefore it should not replace a clutch or a satchel for formal events or when one's employment is in a conservative environment. Also, owing to the smaller size of cross-body bags, they aren't typically an every day bag, unless you travel very lightly. A few designer examples of a cross body are Saint Laurent Monogramme Small Crossbody, Louis Vuitton Alma BB, and Chanel 2.55. More affordable options include Michael Michael Kors Riley Crossbody, Kate Spade Cobble Hill Little Harris and Cedar Street Monday. Photo courtesy of Coach.
The Tote
The tote, or alternatively called a shopper, quite possibly is the absolute most simply designed handbag there is. Some are literally two rectangles of textile sewn together at the bottom and sides with two handles for carrying. You have to love a tote for it's simplicity and it's practicality. Tote bags began being used as an alternative to luggage, much thanks to L.L. Bean's introduction of the tote in 1944, and from there became main stream due to the lovely Kate Spade and her everyday use of this style bag. The textile a tote can be made of ranges from canvas to leather; very strong materials and made for carrying a lot of stuff. The interior may or may not have a small pocket sewn inside; other than that possible feature the tote is very simplistic. Some designer examples of a tote are Balenciaga Paper A4 Tote, Givenchy Easy Tote, and Gucci Swing Tote. More affordable are Coach Taxi Zip Top Tote, Kate Spade Lita Street Andrea, and L.L. Bean Boat and Tote (a true workhorse bag). (Burberry Tote old)
The Clutch
As most of us know, there are several more styles of handbags aside from the ones mentioned, but these styles will not fail you on most every occasion. From day-to-day handbags, ones for travelling, or for a night out, a combination of these styles will make up a collection that will suit basically any need that may arise in which you need to carry your belongings. Most of the styles here are minimalist in their appearance, solid colours and mostly neutrals, as those features also lend themselves to a classic piece because their simplicity makes them very useful. If you are the more adventurous type or love to use colour in your accessories, try buying a classic style of bag in a vibrant colour or print, and also you can never go wrong with leopard.
Hope you enjoyed!
Toodles :)
Jessica
Hope you enjoyed!
Toodles :)
Jessica
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