the sunday brief | 10 best handbags
today’s sunday brief is THE most requested blog post bar none. can you guess what it is? that’s right. everyone has been asking about handbags. since i am a big believer that style doesn’t have budget barriers we will take a look at handbag shapes instead of specific luxury handbags. once you have a good sense of the iconic handbag styles you will be able to pick a handbag that fits your lifestyle and price point. and maybe put on your wishlist as the holiday season is almost upon us.
are you ready to take a look? let’s go!
backpack – ideal for travel a backpack similar here, here, and here is secured with two straps that go over your shoulders. sometimes, i just slip one strap over and call it a day.
bowler – this rounded design is also called a dr. bag similar here, here, and here. but it is inspired by the shape of bags used to carry bowling balls.
bucket bag – typically has a long strap with a round or oval bottom. drawstring or zipper. can be carried to work or on the weekend. similar here, here, and here.
clutch – a small handheld bag that glams up any outfit. similar here, here, and here.
crossbody – long strap that hangs off your shoulder and crosses your body. similar here, here, and here. perfect for hands-free activities.
hobo – perfect casual daytime handbag with a crescent shape that’s slouchy. similar here, here, and here.
minaudiere – small metal evening bag adorned with jewels or beads. the most elegant of evening bags that come with a high price tag. similar here, here, and here.
pouch – a simple handbag that closes with a zipper. similar here, here, and here.
saddle – design based on the bags attached to the saddle of a horse similar. typically a casual handbag that’s perfect for the weekend. similar here, here, and here.
tote –large open-topped bag with two handles. perfect for travel or a shopping expedition. similar here, here, and here.
wristlet – love this little handbag that has a strap that can be worn around the wrist. similar here, here, and here. love this one for cocktail parties.
statement – structured handbag with a short strap and long removable strap. dress this handbag up for the work week or down for the weekend. but it is the quintessential office handbag. similar here, here, and here.
Loved your video on handbag styles! Here’s an idea for your mid-week show sometime: Caring for shoes and handbags. Dust bag? Polish? Leather care? Suede? What do you stuff inside for shaping during storage? Thank you!
hi shirely! thanks so much for the idea. love it.
xo
Great post! I just subscribed to your U-Tube channel so I will be able to comment there as well. Just wanted to thank you for this much awaited video. As always, you did a terrific job with showing all the different handbags and I think, as you said, that they can be bought at any budget level with the shapes in mind.
that’s fabulous, rebecca! it’s a lot of fun over on YouTube. completely different than the other social media channels. isn’t it great that style isn’t limited to budget? and it certainly doesn’t have an expiration date!
xo
Excellent post. So many handbags so little time! LOL. I like these types of posts where you discuss particular styles and then it’s up to us on what we want to (or will) pay.
And I LOVED that outfit with the plaid or maybe tartan scarf? Beautiful fall color!
love those fall colors too! nothing like burnt orange and camel. now all i need is a pumpkin latte to go.
xo
Handbags really can change the look of an outfit. I need to store my clutch bags somewhere other than the drawers I usually keep them in, because when I don’t see them, I forget I have them, and I have some nice ones that I really like! These are all great.
i’m laughing my heart out because i am the same way. out of sight out of mind as they say…
xo
Handbags….don’t care. LOL. (Ihave one great black MK tote) but ALL YOUR SHOES here. I know these are ones you have had overtime…and THEY make the outfits for me. PS. Love that outfit with the blue cardigan…sigh. That’s it for me.
i always say shoes and handbags make or break an outfit. but handbags last years longer than shoes so are great investment pieces.
xo
Hi Beth, I like the plaid jacket with the yellow collar. Can you tell me where you purchased it?
hi heather! the plaid jacket is by Merona and purchased at Target around 2014ish.
xo
What a great post Beth! I ma not a native speaker so I always had problems with proper names of handbags regarding their shapes and sizes. Now I know:))) Thx a lot! Renata
it’s always good to learn the basic names and shapes. then there’s always a reference point! always love to hear from you.
xo
Looking for an affordable black satchel or structured handbag. Very informative post. Thank you
I love all of these! Would you share where you got the pink ruffle front shirt? Love your blog–have gotten many great ideas from you.