One of the hardest working pieces in our wardrobe is our handbag, and if we choose well, care for it thoughtfully, then it really can be with us for our lifetime.

Granted, our ‘lifetime’ purchase may happen later in our life rather than when we are young because, well, budget and it takes time to learn what we really need and what suits our style and taste best. But the truth remains that when we do purchase a handbag, when it is well constructed, and it is to our preference and lifestyle, it can go the distance.

Over the past nearly three decades, beginning in my early twenties, I have been trying to figure out which type of handbag worked best for me. Along the way, I purchased what fit my budget and suited my needs and style, and I’ve learned a lot. And more than ever before, I know that quality matters. Sometimes, it is attached to a trusted luxury name, but it need not always be the case. The key is knowing what to look for – the type of materials that will last, and that is what we’ll talk about today along with exploring the many different styles and options available.

What I have learned and what is a guiding ethos of simply luxurious living is that quality does matters, and so does our peace of mind. So it may take time to purchase the handbag we come to learn will be best suited to us, but the wait and our patience is well worth it.

But before we dive into all of that, let’s take a look back on the previous Part in this 12-part series, Part Dix/Ten.

Part Dix Wardrobe Task

* Determine what type of scarves you would like to wear

*When would you wear the scarves? What fabric would be best?
—Seasonally
—Outdoors
—Indoors

*What colors work well with your wardrobe and your skin and hair color?

*How simple or complex do you want scarf tying to be?

*Then start to identify the brands that sell the scarves you love.

*Save your favorite scarves to KarmaNow if working within your budget, and purchase when you are able.

Now, let’s find you that lifetime handbag that you’ve dreamed about. It’s out there, and in good time, you will be able to welcome it into your lifetime wardrobe.

Part Onze: A Handbag to Love (and Use) for a Lifetime

Types of Handbags:

There are many different types of bags to choose from. For our purpuses in this post, we’re looking for a day handbag. Something that we gravitate to choosing and needing for our daily life. It should be large enough to hold key essentials, but it need not be a tote. However, it can be a tote-like handbag (large enough for a tablet or laptop or/and a book). It will need to be versatile and work well with our work and day to day wardrobe.

As I will share below when showing my own handbag journey and what I have decided upon for my lifetime handbag, my canvas Longchamp tote isn’t my daily handbag, but I do use it a lot, and it has quality construction that can last a liftime if I care for it. However, I consider this a tote, an additional bag I might bring with me along with my handbag.

Let’s take a look at potential handbag styles to consider as being utilitarian, yet stylish enough for pairing with your work and ready-to-wear attire.

• Shoulder Bag:

Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag, many colors (mid-luxury)

Givenchy’s Voyou Medium Shoulder Bag, many colors (luxury)

Mulberry’s East West Bayswater, many colors, (mid-luxury)

• Top Handle Bag:

La Parmentier’s Ladyfinger Hammered Leather handbag, many colors (mid-luxury)

Balenciaga Rodeo small top handle bag, many colors (luxury)

• Crossbody:

RSVP (French brand)’s Duo crossbody bag, many colors (mid-luxury)

• Satchel:

Toteme’s T-Lock Satchel Handbag (luxury)

• Doctor’s Bag:

DeMellier’s Stockholm small and large doctor’s bags, many colors (mid-luxury), shop the large size here.

Victoria Beckham’s Small Doctor Bag, three colors available (luxury)

• Messenger’s Bag:

Mulberry’s Picadilly Messenger, three colors, (luxury)

WP Standard Vintage Postal Messenger Bag, three colors (mid-luxury)

• Saddle Bag:

Polo Ralph Lauren’s ID Leather shoulder/saddle bag, small, two colors (mid-luxury)

Chloé’s Marcie Medium Saddle Crossbody Bag in Patchwork Leather, (luxury)

• Hobo:

Strathberry’s Kite Hobo Max, many colors (mid-luxury)

TOD’s Timeless Shopping Bag, many colors (luxury)

• Bucket:

Parker Thatch’s James Bucket Bag, three colors (mid-luxury)

Loewe’s Pebble leather bucket bag, (luxury)

• Tote:

Cuyana’s Double Loop Satchel (technically a tote), mid-luxury, many colors

Saint Laurent Shopping Tote, many colors (luxury)

Elleme Paris’s Dimple Tote, many colors (mid-luxury)

Léo et Violette’s Le Maxi Gina tote, many colors (mid-luxury)

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Construction Details of Importance

Types of leather:

• Full-Grain leather versus Top Grain, never ‘Genuine Leather’:
  • Full Grain leather is the highest grade because it retains its natural grains variations, unlike Top Grain which is slightly sanded or corrected to create a uniform look, but that will ultimately reduce its ability to age well not providing as much depth or the desired patina look that Full-Grain will take. Full-Grain leather will develop a rich patina over time as it ages.
  • Genuine leather: Are low quality, often scraps of leather bonded or glued together and coated to look like one piece. The term ‘genuine leather’ is deceptive, so look closely at what type of leather the handbag uses.
• Use the touch test:
  • High quality leather will feel supple, will be malleable and have a natural texture. If there is any scent, it willl be natural and not the scent of glue or chemicals.
• Craftsmanship:
  • The stitches: they should be straight, uniform in their spacing and have no gaps or loose threads.
  • Look closely at ‘stress points’ where multiple pieces come together, where there will be movement (where straps are attached or buckles, especially the bottom corners of the bag, etc.). Make sure these points have either double or reinforced stitching that would otherwise more likely come loose with regularly use.
  • Pieces of the leather, edges, etc. Are they folded neatly? Are all the pieces where they should be without frayed edges or uneven trim?
• Hardware:
  • Each design or style will have different hardware, but essentially, it is anything that isn’t the fabric or leather. The hinges, buckles, feet (on the bottom of the purse), latches, and especially the zippers.
  • Solid metal pieces: Because this is a lifetime investment, you want a handbag with either solid brass or stainless steel. You want something that feels weighty, of substance and isn’t just coated to look like brass or silver. It will then retain its color (polishing may be required after a long period of time), and won’t chip, or bend or break.
  • Zippers: Make sure that they open and close with ease and that no fabric or leather impedes their movement.
  • Bag Feet: If your handbag has a flat bottom, is designed to sit upright or is more structured and stiff in design, it will likely have feet. Check and make sure these are securely attached. You will want this hardware detail to protect your bag whenever you set it down to prevent scuffing and from picking up any dirt off the surface. (A good rule of thumb is to never put your handbag on the ground or floor surface. Hanging is best.
• Holding its shape:
  • If a bag is intended to have a certain shape, it should be able to hold it without sagging or collapsing even when empty. Also, the handles or straps, with their weight should be designed and placed in such a way to not cause the bag to open or flop in an undesired way.
  • A lifetime handbag is in many ways a piece of art, and it should look, on its own, as beautiful as it was designed to. Not just a theory, but in practice.
• Lining:
  • If lined, the fabric should be natural and of good quality (the French handbag company, Brontibay lines many of their wallets with Liberty fabrics, and this detail immediately increased my interest in their designs because I trust Liberty’s quality cotton construction (and love their fabrics)).
  • Avoid synthetic products

The reason to know what to look for in a bag is that while top tier or luxury brands, while they have earned their name, because they produce so many, even occasionally, there are flaws. So look at the details to make sure you one particular bag is put together as it should.

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What to consider when deciding on the handbag for you:

• What do you need your handbag to carry on a regular basis?
  • Small items
  • Work items: laptop, planner, phone, any other tech devices, chargers, etc.
  • Leisure items: book, sunglasses, any clothing or accessories
  • Personal care items: this is entirely dependent on each of us.
  • In my own experience, as I love my current crossbody bag (I will share it below), I have realized, I need a bit bigger handbag because I want to have enough room for my 8×11 planner, a book and potentially my laptop. I realize this could fit in a tote with ease, but I want to be able to bring at least two of these with me in my handbag if I want to without having to lug my tote with me too.
  • It took time for me to realize what I wanted and needed, but that time has been clarifying, and given me confidence that I will purchase a bag, an investment and feel good about it because it will carry what I need.
• How do you prefer to wear or carry a handbag?
  • This will immediately help you narrow down styles.
  • If you are comfortable with only holding it in your hand, then your options do expand, but remember the size of the bag and how heavy it may become when full. A lot of top-handle bags now come with a shoulder strap attachment, so that will give you more options.
  • If you are always moving and walking throughout your day, then a crossbody bag might be an option to consider. No longer are they always small, but instead come in a wide array of sizes.
• The dimensions of the shoulder strap drop.
  • This is the distance between between the top of the shoulder strap and the top of the handbag. Essentially, it is the distance you have to fit your forearm through and then sling the bag up and over your shoulder. As someone who has long arms, I need an 11″ drop, and some/most bags have 9″ or thereabouts, which is still very uncomfortable to throw over my shoulder with ease if I want a shoulder strop.
• Color:
  • Often one of the more difficult choices, and while it would be great to be able to buy two different colors, often due to the expense, this isn’t possible. This makes it even more important that you really love the bag you choose, so take your time.
  • Assess what color would complement, not compete or be the focus, of your capsule/lifetime wardrobe.
  • Black is fairly safe, and then you can choose varying textures. For me, I like to default to a brown, but there too lies oodles of different shades, so again, take your time.
  • Choose a color away from the obvious neutrals sometimes works in our favor because it isn’t meant to complement, but if we choose the right undertone that works with our frequent wardrobe’s palette, then it does work. Similar to choosing various fabrics for our home decor. The soft green hobo tote from TOD’s shared above is a perfect example. It is a warm tone and will work well with just about anything in that family of colors without trying to shine too brightly (why I love the muted tone). Be brave, but again, take your time.
• Finish on the hardware
  • Similar to color, choose brass or silver according to what you typically wear in your outfits.
  • Also, be thoughtful about too much hardware. Erring on the side of restraint usually bodes well for a timeless design that will look great for years to come.
• Thoughts about blatant brand labels on the bag
  • Of course, this is each of our decisions, and while having a handbag with an unmissable logo was on trend in the late 90s and early aughts, that has waned. So this decision is one that help to ensure you have a lifetime handbag.
  • Let the design of the bag do the talking rather than the label. We are buying a bag for its construction and how it functions in our daily life.

The Handbag I Am Looking to Purchase (and what I currently am using)

As I shared in November’s A Cuppa Moments, I haven’t yet purchased my lifetime handbag, but over the past two years, I have narrowed it down to two options, each at different price points. I am patiently waiting to have the ability in my budget to purchase this lifetime bag.

Currently, the bags I use are the following:

• Crossbody Bag: Bleu de Chauffe’s Pastis Crossbody Bag, navy (more colors), and they have similar designs in larger designs too.
• Tote: Longchamp’s Canvas Large tote, navy (purchased on consignment because this is an old design with a 11″ drop)

One of the two handbags below will be what I am going to buy in the coming months:

When I began this exploratory process of figuring out what I needed, wanted and suited my style, I quickly settled on the Mulberry Bayswater. The classic tote with satchel top flap and brass details. I have always loved that tote, and the price comparatively to other luxury handbags is far less ($1700 as opposed to what a Birken would be, easily 5-10x that). Still very expensive, but something I could save up for – the Bayswater.

I then also when on TheRealReal and Vestaire Collective, and found many Mulberry Bayswater totes that were in great condition and were a bit less. I still have those saved. Now many of those are not in the States, so I would likely have to pay extra taxes and shipping, but if that weren’t the case, those would be my first choice for when I purchase.

However, following my checklist that I shared above about what to consider when choosing a handbag, the Bayswater doesn’t have a comfortable strap that I could put over my shoulder. This gave me pause.

I then poked around a bit more, and found that I like the design of Balenciaga’s Rodeo small tote, and its dimensions for the shoulder drop were spot on, but I didn’t want to pay that price. So when I found the French brand Léo et Violette’s Le Soft Laurence, I put it on the top of my list. Here’s why:

• Mid-luxury price ($695)
• Shoulder drop can be 11″ (adjustable)
• Full Grain Leather – the best leather available
• Enough interior room for a small laptop or planner
• Enough room for a book
• Capable of standing up on its own, and has four feet to protect the bottom
• Simple, understated
• An easy to use, and secure latch that isn’t a magnet (magnets have not worked well for me in the past and often come loose)
• The only drawbacks:
  • lined with microsuede (not top quality)
  • no interior divider like Balenciaga’s Rodeo
  • Not as spacious interiorly

Léo et Violette’s Le Soft Laurence

My original choice, and one I am still seriously considering, Mulberry’s Bayswater, (many colors).

This handbag came into style in the 1990s, and while it isn’t as ‘stylish’ as other luxury brands, it is a heritage or iconic design. To my eye, for my taste, it is a classic. Why I like this bag:

• made with Legacy NVT leather, a renewed take on Mulberry’s most classic leather
  • it will patina well with time
  • responsibly sourced
  • from Italy
• All brass hardware, complete with the postman’s lock
• Unlined, so no worry of tearing the fabric
• Four sturdy feet on the bottom to protect the handbag
• The price, for a luxury, well-known and retains its value handbag, is very reasonable, $1700 (o compare, Balenciaga’s Rodeo runs just under $4000)
• drawbacks:
  • the handle drop is only 6″

Let’s Go Shopping for Handbags!

Handbags are everywhere, offered by nearly every clothing brand, but also there are brands that are known for their quality handbag craftsmanship. I shared many well-known as well as lesser known brands above in the first section of this post, so be sure to explore those. I have also included those brands below, along with others. Of course, my list is not exhaustive and there are many more worthwhile to look into.

As has been shared throughout this series, and it is especially true with purchasing a handbag, consignment is a great option. It will not only save you money, but be a sustainable choice as well. If a bag is made well, and is well cared for, then you are usually get a great deal. I recommend shopping on TheRealReal and Vestaire Collective, but there are other sites as well as local consignment shops. Run through the checklist shared above, and if everything is to your preference, then you have found a treasure.

Luxury:

• Saint Laurent
• Chanel
• TODs
• Balenciaga
• Chloé
• Celine
• Hermes
• Birkin
• Louis Vuitton
• Goyard
• Gucci
• Dior
• Prada
• Bottega Veneta
• The Row
• Toteme
• Loewe

Mid-Luxury:

• Mulberry
• Léo et Violette
• Coach
• La Parmentier
• DeMellier
• RSVP (French brand)
• Elleme Paris
• Strathberry
• Aspinal of London
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• Tammy & Benjamin (Paris brand)
• Polène

Budget and worthwhile:

• Cuyana
• Madewell

The Series Continues! And A Task for You!

With all of the sales that have already begun for November and Black Friday, now is a great time to purchase that handbag you’ve been eyeing, but if you aren’t quite sure yet which one it will be, here is a task for you to complete before the final part in this 12-part series is shared on Tuesday, December 8th where we will talk about accessories and finishing outfit details worth having.

• Go through the above checklist and clearly answer the questions for yourself (I have included them in their simple form below, but be sure to scroll back for the detailed list of questions to ask):
  • What do you need your handbag to carry on a regular basis?
  • How do you prefer to wear or carry a handbag?
  • What shoulder strap drop dimensions do you need?
  • What color and hardware finish do you prefer?
• Reflect on your past and the handbags you used and what you liked or didn’t like about them. Be clear so that you avoid similar designs or experiences.
• Now, begin to go through the brands and designs that are speaking to you and save them on KarmaNow. They may or may not go on sale, but at least you know the price point, so you know what to save for. And when you are ready, you will purchase with confidence.

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