Greetings Gentle Readers, Sartorially Savvy here with this week’s way to “Keep Up…” stylishly. Alright, alright, the moment of truth is here, no more delays; here it is ladies, just for you… We’re talking bags this week. From Juicy to Jacobs, Koors to Kooba, Guess to Gucci, Dolce to Dior, Saint Laurent to St. John, Bottega Veneta to Balenciaga, and everything in between, we’ve got it covered this week. Whether you’re a classic Coach girl or switch up your bags like Lil’ Kim switches her weave, you know the importance of the bag. The ultimate icing on the cake, the bag is quintessential. We have very fashionable friends who are known to build their entire outfits around their bag, and other just as chic companions who let their bags complement their over all ensemble, either way is fine; bags like most other accessories are an expression of ones own individual style, an accent to your own personality and personal style. So, whether you have a favorite bag a la Kimora and her Hermés Birkin bags in every color, or you’re like Bey and have to have every bag of the minute (Vuitton Limited Edition Tribute anyone?), or are you a fan of a certain designer, like our very own Socialite and her affinity towards Marc Jacobs, there’s a bag for you. Because bags are such an expansive topic, we’re going to break down some popular shapes and silhouettes and proper occasions for use, and let you all rock out to your own beats. It’s simply what’s best.
Before we get into that, we have just a few caveats… Over the past decade or so, a trend regarding bags has emerged: The “it” bag, is a bag that essentially skyrockets into the stratosphere of popularity as if overnight, is carried by celebrities and fashionistas alike, but soon then fades into another forgotten memory, think the Dior Saddle, Balenciaga Motorcycle, and the Gucci Indy. These bags, and their knock-offs were seen EVERYWHERE. For the fortunate few who could afford to purchase them, we’re sure it’s nothing to go out and get next season’s “it” bag, but if you aren’t of those means, and had saved, or worked tirelessly to afford one of these, your once prized possession is now an ignored piece of iconography. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t still carry something you paid that much for (Lord knows we would if we had paid that much…), it is just our advice, that unless you have some secret hook up and you’re getting bomb discounts, or someone other than you is paying for these bags, that you avoid the “bag of the moment” trends and stick with something that’ll better endure the test of time.
And without further ado…
THE CLUTCH: Whether you copped yours from Judith Lieber or Forever 21, the clutch is the go-to bag for evening. Usually rectangular in shape, the classic clutch silhouette usually falls within the parameters of being 12in long and about half as high. Of course there are variations on this, but the purpose of the clutch is to be a bag you clutch (ha ha, get it!?!) either with your hand or to your body by placing it underneath your arm and holding it there. Clutches are for those days and occasions when you don’t have too much to carry, maybe a little lip gloss, cash, cards, phone and keys. An overstuffed clutch is not cute, you don’t want muffin tops on your pants, the same is true with your clutches, plus it defeats the purpose. Carry a bigger bag if you’ve got all that to tote around. Play with shape, texture and color in your clutches. For example, how hot would a purple python, triangular clutch be? Instantly you’ve got a bag that pops for all the right reasons. Make sure that your bag is a complementary contrast to your ensemble: Wearing navy? Try a candy apple red clutch. Rockin’ purple? Holla at the neon green clutch. And so on… This means, that no, your bag and shoes don’t have to MATCH, they should, however, be complementary. Make your bag selection fun, unique, make it YOU.
THE HANDBAG: Once again, varying in shape and size like the clutch, but sharing the common thread of being designed to be carried a certain way. Handbags (obviously) have handles for carrying either with the hands or in the nape of the arm. The hand bag is perfect for almost any occasion, its versatility lends itself to being the perfect day bag as well as being able (depending on size and design) to transition to some less formal evening functions. This is the bag to throw almost everything in; phone, keys, makeup, wallet, whatever else you may need that day. Some of our favorite shapes of handbags are the Fendi Spy, Louis Vuitton Speedy, and Hermés Kelly all of which have been translated by various other designers into different shapes, sizes and silhouettes. Our recommendation with your hand bags is that you keep them classic, coppin’ ‘em in leathers, and nice canvas’, thus ensuring that you’ll get more wear out of them, and they’ll last longer. This doesn’t mean you can’t play with color or pattern; you just might want to stick with colors and patterns that are generally neutral. For example, a that bangin’ red Chloe bag you saw at Bergdorf’s the other day, or the vintage tan Chanel you happened upon in that 2nd hand store, both of these options will most likely go with everything in your closet. A good handbag is a solid investment piece, some even look better as they age (Vuitton is a brand that ages spectacularly), will never go out of style, and will serve you well. Vary your shapes, sizes, and colors to make sure you’ve always got the RIGHT bag, even if it’s not the “it” bag.
THE SHOULDER BAG: Classic shapes like the hobo (think an enlarged crescent moon), are staples of the shoulder bag. Which is named as such, just like our other two selections, for the way it’s carried (over the shoulder! Who’da thunk?!!?) True enough, a lot of hand bags can be converted into shoulder bags by simply pulling out that handy dandy shoulder strap that sometimes comes with the bags, but that’s not what we’re talking about here. The topic at hand is bags that are designed to be carried over the shoulder. They’re usually bigger in proportion, and can carry almost everything. For those of you who are, for lack of a better term, “bag ladies” this is your bag. You live out of your purse; your entire life is contained into one big bag… Yep, that’s you right here. With these bags, play with color and texture as well, but avoid too much color variation. Realistically, how often are you going to carry the lime green leather hobo? Whereas if you have a brown leather hobo with some studded embellishment or a snakeskin shoulder bag, the likelihood of it being a bit more versatile is a bit higher. Use these bags if you have a day in which you have to carry a bit more than usual, or you just like to carry around the entire world. Like with the handbag, invest in a higher quality shoulder bag, as you are carrying more, you want something sturdy to hold your belongings, as well as a piece that will wear will and stand the test of time.
Ladies, we know there are plenty of other types of bags, but these 3 shapes/silhouettes should give you a good jumping off point for what should have in your closet, as well as what’s going to be the most versatile and give you more bang for your buck. We’ve put you well on your way to being in the front of the waiting list for the penultimate bag of all bags, The Birkin… Until next time…
Stylishly Yours,
Sartorially Savvy
“Fashions Fade, but style is eternal” ~ Yves Saint Laurent
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