… because who isn’t on the seemingly infinite prowl for the perfect, small, black, everyday bag? Preferably of the cross-body variety to keep the hands free to clutch onto other essentials (e.g., two searing hot, soy lattes with an extra shot of espresso, and no, the other one isn’t for my boss, but for myself).
“… I’m after a small black bag for weekend/relatively casual wear, something that I can use when I’m tired of carrying a big bag…something that isn’t going to weigh me down. I’m thinking a cross-body bag so that it frees up my hands (I already have a small hand held, an LV speedy), and no more than $300 if I can help it. Am trying to decide which I like, so far I was thinking something like this.
But am open to suggestions and hoping you might have some ideas – I don’t know what styles are still going to be around for a while – I don’t want something that’s going to date. Please please please do you have any ideas, or what small bag would you be buying right now, if you needed to…?”
. . .
The ABC’s (ha!) of shopping for any handbag, regardless of occasion or type, are the same. It’s quite a simple yet effective criterion of the quintessential bag whore: it must be affordable, of utmost quality, and of indisputable timelessness (classic by your standard, not by the style books – though those have potential to be helpful). Here’s what I found, all under $300:
Zara “Sequinned Clutch Bag,” $89.90. I’m not opposed to sequins during the day as it adds dimension to an otherwise flat or monochromatic outfit (or perhaps I was a magpie in my first life). Sequins, in moderation and balance, can be an unusual yet elegant twist on the rectangular handbag. Its simple shape renders itself a canvas for those unique touches that can take your everyday handbag to the next level.
And yes, that last cliché was totally necessary.
Whiting & Davis “Metal Mesh Cross-body bag,” $108. I’m one of those people (also known as bag whores) who believe a handbag is more telling of who you are than anything else – and on that factor alone, it should be one that is meaningful to you in one way or another. Founded in 1878, Whiting & Davis has since been renowned worldwide for its signature metal mesh handbags, whose inspiration ranges from Victorian to Art Deco (!) influences.
There’s no question I adore this one (as it’s on my personal “yes please!” list) for its contemporary take on a classic silhouette. The mesh gives the bag edge and just enough subtle shine for a little something – it’d be beautiful with a le smoking, a fluttery dress, or slung around the shoulder over a little leather jacket worthy of a Harley Davidson. The versatility of pairings and vibes it has potential to exude are endless.
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Classic Q Percy,” $198. Marc by Marc Jacobs always has a fantastic collection of contemporary and deliciously leather bags. It’s a surefire classic, discreet and unoffensive for day. And while I’m usually not a fan of logos of any kind, the gold plate lends the perfect amount of industrial detailing.
Here’s the catch: there’s not the slightest doubt that I adore black (it’s a color in my book, regardless of the scientific research). But for this particular bag, black is a bit too classic. Predicable. Boring. Blah. You get the gist. The leather in “Dirty Martini” is absolutely lush (the name helps as well), and the gold version is sexxxy with a triple X. Saw the gold in real life, and I can attest to it’s beauty. It’s neither flashy nor tacky at all. Just glorious.
Marc by Marc Jacobs “Classic Q Karlie,” $258. Pebbled leather makes me swoon, and bags of this silhouette make my heart palpitate. It’s just the right amount of deconstruction and slouch paired with structure. And while similar in shape and style to the Percy above, it’s the slightest changes in shape, pleating and hardware detailing that make it just about perfect in any color. I love that the pleating and curved shape makes it more feminine.
And for the obligatory “but” clause: There’s no denying or skiring around the issue of how beautiful this bag is in a rich Bordeaux with silver hardware. There’s nothing like a wine red accessory in an everyday outfit, be it a swipe of lipstick, a vampy nail polish, or a handbag.
Rebecca Minkoff “M.A.C.,” $295. This bag has become ubiquitous in its own right, and for good reason: it’s simple with just enough edge and versatile, making it a practical everyday handbag. I suppose it’d only be fair to disclose that I also so happen to like this bag more for its acronym: this, my lovelies, is the “Morning-After Clutch.”
Even with the countless variations Rebecca Minkoff has available, I’ll always prefer the black with silver hardware (the shiny gold looks too tacky for my liking). The size is ideal for everyday – roomy enough for the essentials and a few extra bits and bobs, yet compact so there’s no overwhelm. Throw it over the shoulders for day, and tuck in or remove the chain strap for a clutch on a night out.
(An aside: She has a holiday exclusive where you can gift (for yourself, too) a monogrammed handbag from her core collection! It’s like L.L. Bean for the urban American girl, only far more luxurious!)
Be&D “Karsten,” $398. So what if I love Be&D because a girlfriend of mine landed her first internship for the designers a few summers back? It’s only fair I attribute my soft spot for the brand to her – if not for her, I wouldn’t have found out about this brand
before it became more mainstream (I’m quite proud, if you can’t tell.) But enough of that. It’s lambskin, for one (there’s nothing like a buttery leather bag…). There’s no skirting around its 1950s tribute with such ladylike silhouette and design – for that, I
adore. It’s a bit reminiscent of the classic Chanel silhouette, but more so as an ode than a blatant re-branding (another thing for which I adore). The long chain strap makes it versatile for wear across the body, on the shoulders or tucked in for a feminine clutch.
Yes, it’s not black (I’m aware), but I couldn’t help but include this baby in a list of perfect, everyday handbags. The colorblocking of a nude-taupe with a navy, petrol-blue is a stunning combination; it’d contrast yet tie in beautifully with denim.
. . .
And there you have it, a post of +1,000 words waxing poetic over handbags. Don’t you poke fun: I know you feel the same way about them, too.
But let’s talk handbags for a bit, here (as if you haven’t had enough already). What are personal favorites (ideal or in I.R.L., both are perfectly valid!) for a small, everyday bag? Do me a favor and keep the self-professed bag whore in the loop.
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Questions and whatever else vaguely relevant, send it here: abitcoquettish@gmail.com. I don’t bite, promise.
